Matador Network's Blog, page 657
May 6, 2021
All pie lovers need to visit Indiana for Hoosier sugar cream pie
Life-changing culinary experiences don’t tend to top traveler itineraries in Indiana like they do in places like New York or California. Indeed, unless you plan to hunker down over the casarecce at Bluebeard or submit to reframe your entire perception of a grilled cheese sandwich at Milktooth, the state’s dining reputation tends to fall somewhere between southern hoodwink and coastal castaway.
But then there’s the Hoosier sugar cream pie (also known simply as sugar cream pie), which is arguably the most genius use of sugar, salt, heavy cream, and vanilla to ever grace an oven. There’s even a hefty dose of crunch around the edges, just for good measure. One bite of this sugary, creamy, foam-in-your-mouth masterpiece is nearly enough to uproot even the hardiest Possum Pie loyalists that Arkansas has to offer.
So how was something so pure, and so perfect, created in Indiana? Where is the best Hoosier sugar cream pie? Are Hoosiers really all that sweet? All the answers are here, but be warned — the bakery case at your local Village Inn won’t satisfy the craving that comes with this newfound knowledge.
First thing’s first: How did anyone come up with this masterpiece?
Photo: Alexander Prokopenko/Shutterstock
There are two groups who usually get credit for creating the Hoosier sugar cream pie. The first theory is that it all started with a group called the Shakers. If you’ve never heard of them, you’re not alone. Forbes puts America’s remaining Shaker population at two, and despite the fact that one is a man and the other a woman, the group maintains a steeped loyalty to celibacy, which inherently makes it tough for their movement to thrive. The Shakers are a Christian sect originally from Britain who are adamant that the second appearance of Christ will happen, and who earned their name because of their tendency to succumb to ungoverned and erratic dancing during worship service. They crossed into Indiana and settled West Union in Knox County in 1811. Though they abandoned the settlement in 1827, this origin story posits that the Shakers’ sweet mark on the Hoosier state’s culinary legacy is as strong as ever.
Others claim it was actually Quakers who came to Indiana from North Carolina who invented the sugar cream pie. Regardless of which religious group gets official credit, the first known sugar cream pie recipe, which is today published in The Hoosier Cookbook, came from eastern Indiana in 1816. It was a regional staple by the time the Great Depression struck more than a century later. With supplies and budgets tightened, the sweet pie exploded in popularity throughout Indiana thanks to its cheap and basic ingredients and its mass appeal (who doesn’t love sweet and crunchy, especially when times are tough?).
The appeal continued long after the 1930s through good and bad economic times. In 2009, the state officially named the Sugar Cream Pie its unofficial state pie.
So what exactly is in this epic Hoosier sugar cream pie?Photo: Alexander Prokopenko/Shutterstock
The ingredient list is rather straightforward. The filling is made of both granulated and brown sugar, salt, a heavy pour of heavy cream, and vanilla paste or extract. There’s a traditional pie crust, of course, and the whole shebang is dusted with confectioner’s sugar just in case all that other sugar and cream didn’t do the trick. While most purveyors in Indiana bake their own pie crusts, if you were to try baking this pie at home, you could use a frozen crust from the grocery store.
The best thing about the Hoosier sugar cream pie, other than the pie itself, is that this is one dish that has stayed true to tradition. Any tendency toward innovation is unequivocally bashed into submission by the pie’s legions of loyal noshers (see, for example, how the original 1816 recipe is still circulated). Maybe — MAYBE — someone will dash a bit of cinnamon on top. But one thing the sugar cream pie is not is a custard pie. There are no eggs in a traditional Hoosier sugar cream pie.
Where to find the best Hoosier sugar cream pie
Photo: Wick’s Pies, Inc./Facebook
For the true diehard, Indiana Food Byways developed a Hoosier Pie Trail, which takes you to 24 cafes across the state that are known for their sugar cream pie (among other varieties). That’s a lot of driving and a lot of pie, yet you can’t go wrong by making a stop at the two places below. But hey, if you do decide to go to the full 24, your slice of pie will inevitably be served with a smile each time in grand Hoosier tradition — proving that yes, Hoosiers are indeed that sweet.
Grindstone Charley’s: Most airborne arrivals to Indiana will touch down in Indianapolis, where a Hoosier sugar cream pie is never far away. Google Maps puts Grindstone Charley’s, a modern restaurant and bar with everything from the subject at hand to the city’s best chicken sandwich, at 14 minutes from the airport. So assuming you don’t have a checked bag and there’s a cab waiting for you outside the terminal, you could dig into a slice of pie within a half-hour of deplaning. Grindstone Charley’s imports its sweet pie from My Sugar Pie, which isn’t a bad thing because its known as one of the best Hoosier sugar cream pie makers in Indiana. Shapiro’s, on the Old Southside, and Ralph’s Great Divide at Lockerbie Square also serve excellent sugar pies.
Where: Two locations, one at 3830 S Lafountain St, Kokomo, IN 46902; and another at 5383 Rockville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46224
Wick’s Pies: Here you’ll find one pie you absolutely must try. It’s located in Winchester and produces more than 750,000 sugar cream pies each year — so you know the spot has the recipe down pat. The shop was started by Duane “Wick” Wickersham in the 1940s and has since become the standard-bearer of the Hoosier sugar cream pie. You can also take a tour of the factory and see for yourself how such a simple list of ingredients can be turned into such perfection. As a hack for out-of-staters, you can order Wick’s Pies for national delivery.
Where: 217 SE Greenville Ave, Winchester, IN 47394 
The post All pie lovers need to visit Indiana for Hoosier sugar cream pie appeared first on Matador Network.
Alaska Airlines replaces single-use plastic bottles with Boxed Water
Alaska Airlines and Boxed Water have partnered up to create a new sustainable way to give you water on your next flight.
The two have teamed up to focus on the ongoing issue of plastic waste pollution. Beginning this month, Alaska Airlines is going to provide First Class passengers with Boxed Water instead of the usual plastic water bottles.
Boxed Water’s cartons are 92 percent plant-based and “According to independent life cycle analyses, Boxed Water also has a 36% lower carbon footprint and 43% less fossil fuel use than their plastic counterparts,” the press release explained.
The partnership between the airline and Boxed Water will help remove a staggering 7.2 million plastic bottles a year.
Alaska Airlines is the first airline to use this type of method to reduce the usage of single-use plastic bottles on their flights.
The serving of Boxed Water has launched on Alaska’s Horizon Air operated flights and will now begin to come out in phases and eventually be provided on all Alaska flights throughout the summer and will begin with first class.
“We are proud to partner with Alaska Airlines to decrease the impact of the travel industry on the environment,” said Daryn Kuipers, CEO and co-founder of Boxed Water. “Recycling efforts are essential, but they are not enough. People are starting to travel again, and we’re thrilled to offer Alaska flyers a less impactful alternative to plastic bottles.”
In 2018 Alaska Airlines was the first airline to eliminate plastic straws and stir sticks and by 2040, the airline hopes to achieve a net-zero carbon emissions.
The post Alaska Airlines replaces single-use plastic bottles with Boxed Water appeared first on Matador Network.
There are two types of travelers when it comes to taking PTO. Which one are you?
First thing’s first: we want you to take your paid time off (PTO). Not just some of it. Not just when work is slow. All of it. Every year. Balancing work with leisure time — whatever form that might take — is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. So however you take your PTO, for God’s sake, take it.
Alright, now down to business. PTO is a valuable commodity. If there’s ever going to be a currency that replaces money as legal US tender, it won’t be Bitcoin — it’ll be PTO days. While two weeks might be the standard, it’s increasingly common for employers to offer three or four weeks, or even have an unlimited time-off policy in the interest of promoting employee happiness. Evolving attitudes toward more flexible PTO beg the question — what do people do with all that PTO? There are generally two schools of thought: save up your PTO and take an epic two-week vacation to Bali, or use it in smaller spurts, for individual mental health days and occasional long weekends.
There is no right or wrong way to take time off — unless you don’t take it at all — but that hardly stops people from fiercely defending their preference. Two members of our Matador team approach PTO in completely opposite ways: senior staff writer Eben Diskin prefers to take off time in large chunks, while food and drink editor Nickolaus Hines opts for smaller microcations. Attempting to keep it as civilized as possible, here’s a glimpse into how two people who work for the same company — and who both value travel immensely — have wildly different views on paid time off.
Eben: More time = more freedomI tend to view PTO like winning the lottery. You can take the lump sum or the smaller payouts. The lump sum allows you to enjoy the full effect of your winnings, and invest in memorable experiences right away. The smaller payouts are safer, don’t require quite as much immediate planning, and ensure you’ll have a little left over in case of emergency. Unlike the lottery, however, taking PTO in one lump sum doesn’t have diminishing returns.
Taking your PTO all at once — or in one or two-week increments — gives you the most freedom to actually plan a fun vacation. Whether it’s a Caribbean cruise, cross-country road trip, or flying out to spend time with distant family, taking a full week off gives you immense flexibility. Taking five days at once — with two weekends on either end — means you could have around nine days of total freedom that you can mold however you wish. Even if your ideal vacation consists of waking up at 11:00 AM, ordering pizza, and sitting poolside with a mimosa, giving yourself a full week to decompress can go a long way toward helping you recharge.
Nickolaus: Last minute microcations are accessible and don’t break the bank
Photo: Vera Petrunina/Shutterstock
On February 21, 2020, I optimistically wrote about how “we’re living in a golden age of travel” and that the 20s would “be the decade of microcations.” It was clear less than a month later that things weren’t off to a great start for that first prediction, but the second has never been more true.
International travel was effectively canceled for most of 2020, and people found a renewed love for road trips, though the experience was a bit different. People were forced into these shorter trips to places close to home. It was a proof of concept of sorts that there are still many wonders to be seen in a smaller radius from your home, as cross-country photography trips showed. These trips are accessible to more people since they can use their own car or rent one with a group for cheaper than it would cost for each person to book travel to a destination farther out. They’re also cheaper because of the fact that you can camp or stay in inexpensive (but still appealing) digs along your journey. Then there’s the fact that you’re less reliant on transportation apps like Uber or Lyft when you arrive like you would be if you flew.
So no, this isn’t shaping up to be the golden age of travel that I was expecting. It is, however, the golden age of realizing how much there is to see on a quick vacation close to home — and how you don’t have to spend weeks or months planning the perfect long distance trip to have a good time.
Eben: Give yourself something to look forward toNothing breaks up the monotonous 9-5 grind like having something exciting to look forward to. We’re all familiar with that sinking feeling when the holidays end, and the winter months are staring us down. It’s a long, long road to Memorial Day Weekend and July 4, and sometimes it seems like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. Luckily, there’s a pretty easy antidote. Pick a week in the middle of no man’s land and plan a trip. Between the excitement of figuring out the details and anticipation of the trip’s arrival, you’ll find your mood quickly lifted out of the doldrums.
Nickolaus: It’s easier to take off smaller blocks of timeIt’s impossible to deny that the majority of Americans work too much and don’t take advantage of the (very limited) vacation days allotted to them. That’s been the case for years, and it only got worse in 2020 — Expedia’s annual “Vacation Deprivation” study found that US employees took an average of only eight days of vacation in 2020 out of the 13 average days offered, and more than half of the respondents said they skipped a vacation because they’re too busy working.
There needs to be a cultural shift to make Americans appreciate the mental health benefits of vacation and travel. One solution is to disrupt your overbearing workload as little as possible by strategically choosing your days off. Taking two weeks may feel like it sets you back a full month in terms of work tasks, but taking two days for an extended weekend — a Monday and Tuesday, for example — is more than manageable. Plus, in many jobs it’s much easier to take off a couple days here and there than it is to escape for weeks on end. Best of all: You can do this multiple times throughout the year to give yourself as many breaks as it takes to avoid burnout.
Eben: The pitfalls of clinging to PTO days
Photo: FS Stock/Shutterstock
There is, of course, something to be said for spreading out your vacation time. It allows you to take the occasional long weekend, and can serve as a cushion if you’ve used up all your sick days. While you might consider saving one or two days a year for these reasons, spreading out much of your PTO just isn’t an effective way of maximizing your leisure time. Mental health days are great (and necessary), but it might take a full day just to shake off the stresses of work and get your mind into relaxation mode. By the time you feel like your “time off” has begun, the day is over and it’s time to go back to work.
Spreading out your days could result in a series of much-needed long weekends, or it could result in leaving PTO days on the table. According to research by the US Travel Association in 2019, Americans had 789 million unused PTO days in 2018. When you keep PTO in your back pocket, saving up for that perfect weekend or for when work “slows down,”, you run a higher risk of forgetting about and forfeiting them altogether. And that’s the greatest tragedy of all.
Nickolaus: The environmental case for microcationsSustainability in travel was a major focus as industry leaders worked on ways they could build back better after 2020. Still, the same things that give people access to more parts of the world than ever before are also destroying the planet. Someone’s choice to go to a sustainability minded hotel in the Costa Rican rainforest for two weeks still has to acknowledge that the flight to get there led to more emissions than any destination could reasonably be expected to offset. According to The New York Times, every seat on a flight from New York to Los Angeles — including those not sold — is responsible for the equivalent of a month of normal human-generated emissions.
Admittedly, no form of travel is perfect. Restricting your vacation to a shorter number of days, however, usually leads to choosing destinations closer to home. A road trip to somewhere within a half day’s drive is perfect for a microcation, while a train ride is both more sustainable and allows you to relax on the journey. So rather than jet off for the week (or weeks), choose a closer destination and make the travel part of the experience for a more sustainable quick trip. This also has the added benefit of showing that viewing certain places as “fly over country” means missing out on a lot of quirky culture that makes a country special.
The post There are two types of travelers when it comes to taking PTO. Which one are you? appeared first on Matador Network.
The best Airbnbs in Kyiv, views of Dnieper River and pianos included
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. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Kyiv is over 1,500 years old and has a rich history and culture. The Ukrainian capital is filled with monuments and landmarks that tell the city’s story from its origins as home to a Slavik tribe, through the years of being the Christian capital for pilgrims in the Russian Empire, to being occupied by Germans during World War II. Our selection of Airbnbs will put you in the city’s heart where you will be able to explore most of Kyiv’s landmarks and parks on foot and have easy access to the abundant nightlife, shopping, and dining options. Many of the apartments are located in stunning historical buildings that have been newly renovated. Our picks will help you to experience the best of European living without breaking the bank.
Three-bedroom apartment in Obolon with panoramic view of the DnieperPhoto: Airbnb
If you’re a nature lover who likes to stay close to the city, you will love this luxurious rental in the Obolon area with views over the Dnieper River. Bay windows throughout the apartment, large kitchen and dining areas, a two-person jacuzzi, and a piano make this an ideal space to entertain a larger group. The developed waterfront next to the apartment has beaches and lots of green space, most notably Park Natalka and Obolonska Quay. The area is a short Uber or taxi ride away from the center of Kyiv.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $144 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Watch the fountain light show on Maidan Nezalezhnosti (the Independence Square) in the summer months from the balcony of this two-bedroom rental. Maidan is the central gathering place of Kyiv where numerous festivals and celebrations take place throughout the year. The beautiful square is filled with architectural landmarks and historical monuments. Below the square is the Globus Shopping center with Ukrainian and international retailers and numerous dining options. A short walk away is St. Sophia’s Cathedral and St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $77 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This cozy studio apartment has everything that you will need for a comfortable short stay on your own or as a couple. The rental is located on a quiet street, but only steps away from Besarabsky Market, Tsum, and Arena City. If you want to explore Kyiv’s metro, you can walk to Ploscha Lva Tolstoho, Palats Sportu, and Teatralna stations in under 10 minutes.
Two guests, studio
Price: $35 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Just around the block is an updated, modern apartment that comes with a jacuzzi tub and its own sauna. This one-bedroom apartment can accommodate up to four people — but note that one couple would have to be okay with sleeping on a sofa bed. Sofa beds are a common feature of apartments in Kyiv and you can expect them to be as comfortable as sleeping in your own bed. You will find that the living room is often separated from the rest of the apartment and can make a comfortable additional bedroom for travelers. The apartment is centrally located but faces the inner courtyard of the building, so you can expect it to be very quiet.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $49 per night
Photo: Airbnb
If you visit Kyiv to explore Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, take a look at this one-bedroom Airbnb — ideal for a single traveler or a couple. The spot would be great for a longer stay: it is newly renovated and comes equipped with a full-size kitchen and a washing machine. Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is only an 11-minute walk from the apartment. This is a great part of Kyiv that puts you in close proximity to Mariinsky Park, Park of Eternal Glory, and the outdoor National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War with the Motherland Monument.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $26 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Here you will enjoy a stay on a quiet street close to architectural landmarks like Gorodetsky House, Chocolate House, and “Crying Widow.” You will share the neighborhood with the residence and the office of the Ukraine president and a number of international embassies, so don’t be alarmed if you see heightened security. The bright and colorful apartment is up the hill from Khreschatyk Street — the central vein of Kyiv — so there is easy access to the city’s nightlife.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $64 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This unique rental with three micro-apartments in the center of Kyiv can accommodate up to 13 people. The Airbnb comes with three two-level loft-style micro-units, each complete with a main sleeping space (king, queen, or sofa bed), a kitchenette, and a full bathroom. Two of the units have a balcony and a washing machine and one of the units has a large tub (the other two come with stand-up showers). The upper level of each has additional sleeping areas with mattresses on the floor. The rental is located in a historical building overlooking a cobblestone street. Here you will be steps away from the stunning National Opera of Ukraine, St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral, and the Golden Gate.
Thirteen guests, three micro-units (two to five sleeping spaces in each)
Price: $114 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Have you ever dreamt of an overnight stay in an art gallery? Then this boutique space might be for you. This rental offers a private bedroom but you will share the bathroom with another room. The kitchen space is also shared by multiple guests. The lower floors of the building feature a modern art gallery and can be rented out as a workspace. The location is a short walk to Kyiv’s Montmartre — Andriivs’kyi descent — where outdoor stands with art, collectibles, and souvenirs await you.
Two guests, one bedroom with shared facilities (kitchen and bathroom)
Price: $35 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Explore one of Kyiv’s oldest neighborhoods, Podil, while staying in this recently renovated apartment in a historical building. The charming rental comes with window shutters, a decorative fireplace, a balcony overlooking the street, and a piano. The closest metro station is Kontraktova Ploshcha, from where you can get to the center of Kyiv in minutes. Alternatively, explore Podil and its numerous landmarks on foot: Kontraktova Square, St. Andrew’s Church, Ukrainian National Chornobyl Museum, and beautiful old mansions on every street. Podil is packed with coffee shops and restaurants from fast food joints like Puzata Hata to fine dining such as Kanapa.
Three guests, one bedroom — *no kids younger than 12*
Price: $45 per night
Photo: Airbnb
For a more luxurious stay, consider this modern unit on the top floor of a historical building. The spacious rental is equipped with a full kitchen and has an outdoor terrace that overlooks St. Andrew’s Church. The Airbnb is on a quiet street within walking distance from Podil and Pechersk — two of the oldest neighborhoods in Kyiv. The street runs between St. Andrew’s Church and St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery, some of Kyiv’s most significant landmarks. A short walk away is Volodymyrska Hill which has sweeping views over the Dnieper River and the Kyiv funicular.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $88 per night
Photo: Airbnb
True luxury comes at an accessible price point in Kyiv. Four people can comfortably stay in this spacious bright penthouse in central Kyiv which has its own rooftop terrace and city views. The property features ample living space with skylights and a fireplace. There is a large kitchen and dining area, two bedrooms, and even two bathrooms — a very rare feature in a Ukrainian home. The penthouse is steps away from Ploshcha Lva Tolstoho in central Kyiv.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $180 per night
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Antarctica’s new flag hopes to bring attention to this fragile continent
Antarctica doesn’t belong to any one country and the continent does not have a permanent population. Instead, Antarctica is filled with researchers and staff (a maximum of 10,000 of them live there in the summer) from dozens of countries around the world, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hold significance on the world stage — it is, after all, one of the places that is the most affected by the climate crisis. That’s why American journalist Evan Townsend created True South, the new flag to represent the continent and its eclectic community.
“It’s a symbol that should be chosen collectively, with input from the community and with the best intentions for Antarctica in mind. And True South is the first flag to be created, supported and adopted by members of the global Antarctic community,” Townsend told Dezeen.
The new flag of Antarctica is now recognized by National Antarctic programs, nonprofits, expedition teams, and individuals from countries across the globe.
Photo: True South
Townsend created the flag when they were working at one of the research stations during the winter of 2018. They sewed the first version of the flag using scraps of tents and canvas field bags.
Because Antarctica is governed by a treaty system made up of 54 countries, the flag had to be nonpolitical in nature. The shade of dark blue featured on the flag is not represented on any country’s flag. Townsend also chose blue and white for the flag to reflect the colors so characteristic of the continent.
Photo: True South
According to the press release, the flag is composed of two stripes, one blue and one white, which represent the long nights and long days in Antarctica. The white diamond in the center represents mountains and icebergs, and below, like a mirror image of the peak, is a compass arrow pointing south.
Photo: True South
Everything about True South has been carefully thought out. For example, the flag utilizes a unique ratio. Typically flags opt for a 2:3 ratio, but the Antarctica flag uses a longer 3:5 ratio because it helps preserve the center emblem of the flag from the strong Antarctic winds while the edges will eventually fray.
“The conservation of Antarctica is our collective responsibility, but it’s hard to get people to care about something so distant and remote,” said Townsend. “My hope is that this flag helps people feel connected and brings some of the wonder of Antarctica a little closer.”
The post Antarctica’s new flag hopes to bring attention to this fragile continent appeared first on Matador Network.
Make your RV an adventure basecamp
My family and I thought we had the travel routine locked down: book a cabin in the mountains, spend hundreds of dollars, and pack the car to the brim.
Then, when our boys were 11 and 14 — the perfect age for camping, skiing, boarding, biking, or whatever activity the terrain and season allowed — we rented an RV for two weeks.
We were hooked.
After that trip, we ran to buy a mid-priced travel trailer and never looked back. Everyone and everything had its own space. We got to travel more often and stay longer for the same spend. We hauled bikes, kayaks, and boards around mountain parks and river valleys. We fished, skied, biked, hiked, and snowboarded — wherever the boys wanted to go. We upgraded to a four-season-capable trailer, pushing our camping season into the frosty days on both ends of the calendar.
Yes, backwoods cabins are great, but RVs are simply better for pursuing adventure sports year-round. They’re the ultimate rolling launch pad — a home stocked with all your favorite gear and a cozy respite at the base of your favorite mountain. Rain or shine, sun or snow, all you need to do is outfit your RV and go. Here’s how.
Get your rig right.
Photo: Andrew Peters
First tip: Hit up the folks at your nearest Camping World. They’ll help you choose the right RV for your situation and will walk you through the dealer-installed options you’ll want to add to your new mobile basecamp. You can get all kinds of add-ons — think solar prep for silent off-grid camping, off-road tires for backroad driving, roof racks and rear racks to haul all your gear, etc. Simply put, don’t leave the dealer without getting your basecamp kitted out for your adventures.
Everyone has different needs, but here’s what we did to set up our RV for all seasons. We switched out the standard RV battery for two 6-volt truck batteries hooked up in series, which gives us up to seven days of off-grid power on a single charge. We also added a decent solar panel to the roof — it charges the batteries to 100% by mid-afternoon during the long summer days.
Knowing we wanted winter capabilities as well, the trailer we selected is designed with enhanced insulation in the walls, ceiling, floors, and windows. The wastewater and freshwater tanks are wired for optional heating, and the hot air from the forced-air furnace circulates around the tanks. We regularly dry camp comfortably in a few degrees of frost — if you opt to install these features, you can too.
Regardless of whether you go the towable or motorhome route, keep your RV outfitted with season-appropriate tires with lots of tread, suitable for wherever your travels may take you. And with that, you’re almost ready to go wherever, whenever. Next up?
Get your setup right.
Photo: Andrew Peters
Some of the best, most scenic campsites have no power. While our solar panel charges our batteries just fine, we need power to run the hairdryer and the toaster, so we bring along a generator to supplement as needed. Our Honda generator is 20 years old — proof you don’t always need the newest model! — and I chose it for its bulletproof reputation as the quietest gen on the market. (Quiet becomes more important the longer you run it, and it’s a requirement in national parks that have decibel restrictions.)
A dealer-installed rack or carrier for the trailer was critical for us. We haul mountain bikes, and I can move the rack to the truck for local day trips. My ancient Thule cartop carrier rides above the cab and holds additional gear like bike helmets, fly fishing tackle, skis, and snowboards.
After a day of pounding trails or rafting whitewater, relaxing in my favorite chair by the fire feels like my own personal spa. Don’t scrimp on this one — get a chair that pampers you. Mine is zero-gravity, well-padded, and reclines to just the right position. I keep a closed-cell foam sleeping pad as a liner to reflect my body heat when it’s chilly, making it extra comfy. And while everyone prefers a real crackling and roaring fire, portable fires are the only option when there’s a fire ban.
When you’re nowhere near civilization — or even when you are — take this spot by the fire and turn it into your own après surf/ski/downhill hangout with patio lanterns, the right canopy, and all the decorative accoutrements you can think of. This is your home, watering hole, and personal refuge on wheels after all.
Be prepared, smart, and a bit fearless.
Photo: Andrew Peters
Driving, backing up, and parking your RV are crucial skills only developed by doing. Empty school parking lots are great places to practice that maneuvering — which should include working out your hand-signal communication with your spotter. There’s nothing as impressive as a big shiny rig rolling up to the campsite and the driver and spotter quietly and efficiently getting it parked.
Once you’re finally on the road, it’s all about thinking ahead. Remember you’ll need extra time to get up to cruising speed, and passing other vehicles often won’t be an option. You’ll need to be dialed into the weather for today and tomorrow. Make your favorite weather app your trusty sidekick, and always combine Google Maps with an old-school atlas. Large broadsheet maps will help you envision the space you’re traveling through better than your tiny mobile phone screen, and they never require wifi or cell service.
Thinking ahead goes double for winter RVing, as you need to protect against the specter of frozen waterlines. If there’s a week-long cold snap coming during a trip, we’ll drain the tanks and winterize. I carry the tools I need with me, and in 30 minutes, all my water and wastewater is drained; the waterlines, taps, and sink drain all have antifreeze in them. But that doesn’t mean we have to head home! We fearlessly dry camp even in temperatures well below zero with nothing but a five-gallon water jug and a plastic bucket that fits in the sink for washing dishes and collecting water. You can almost always make it work.
Ask your dealer to walk you through how to winterize your particular model. In addition to providing any additional gear you’ll need, they’ll show you just how simple the process can be.
Find the right spot for your adventures.
Photo: Andrew Peters
A good camping spot gives you what you want in addition to what you need. Some folks look for full hookups and easy access to civilization. Others prefer wide-open spaces and come prepared for solitude with solar power, stored water, and a generator to boondock. Whatever your camping style, here are a few spots I’ve found that are hard to beat in terms of their opportunities for adventure nearby:
Whistler-Blackcomb is one of the few places in North America where you can summer snowboard in the morning and downhill bike in the afternoon. The local Riverside Camping & Resort is set up for properly heated hookups for winter camping, so you can extend your season to full year-round.Rock climbing in Idaho is world-class. Boise RV Park is a great place to call home for a few days while you explore the granite playgrounds outside the capital.Central Oregon mountain biking trails run for some 900 miles. There are plenty of regional campgrounds with all the amenities you’re looking for — head to the Bend area and you can’t go wrong.Lake Shasta, just north of Redding, California, is an excellent spot to wakeboard, and Durango RV Resorts will make your basecamp an extra comfortable one.Honestly, it doesn’t matter where you go — just that you do. Once you commit to RVing, the freedom to roam will hook you. With your own backcountry cabin on wheels along for the adventure, you’ll do more of what you want with access to more places and more fun. See you out there on the road, or under those patio lanterns.
The post How to turn your RV into the perfect adventure sports basecamp appeared first on Matador Network.
May 5, 2021
How to get outdoors on the lakes, rivers, and shores of Central Florida
Most internet searches of top sights in Central Florida inevitably result in six Disney-related attractions. But dig a little further, and you’ll learn that Ocala is the horse capital of the United States, Tampa is now an ideal place for an urban staycation, and Kissimmee has a variety of outdoor activities with more affordable accommodations than neighboring Orlando. So if kayaking through mangroves and hiking in state parks sounds more interesting to you than a crowded theme park, give Mickey and Minnie a much-needed vacation and stay clear of Clearwater Beach. Instead, explore these top outdoor activities in the heart of the Sunshine State.
Zoom on an airboat across Cypress Lake
Photo: Brian Cicioni
Wild Florida has a drive-thru safari park near the eastern shore of Cypress Lake. Most visits to the park start with a one-hour airboat ride across the Headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Here, you’ll see partially submerged cows grazing, often just a few yards from large gators. Although alligators love meat, don’t expect to see any gators feasting on raw beef. They don’t attack anything that they can’t swallow whole. But the boat ride is a surreal experience, especially when the captain stops to narrate with unusual details about the local ecosystem.
We suggest doing the drive-thru safari last. Between the boat ride and safari, check out Alligator Park, where you can meet Guy (the resident sloth) and watch Crusher (the largest Wild Florida gator) feast on raw chicken without getting salmonella poisoning. Tampa’s Busch Gardens has a safari park as well. Those tours are guided, whereas Wild Florida’s are self-guided.
Paddle alongside swamps or skyscrapersPhoto: Brian Cicioni
You can get outdoors in Central Florida within a few minutes of the urban bustle. Located off the busy Highway 192 in Kissimmee is The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek. You’ll be less than two miles from a local airport and a seemingly endless row of resorts, souvenir shops, and chain restaurants, but you will feel a world away. This three-mile round trip journey through this serene location will have the most urbanized among us in awe at the near-perfect reflection of the cypress trees and other leafy greenery on the glass-like water. If you’re looking for mirror shots, try to get ahead of the group so their waves don’t upset the natural reflection.
In Tampa, Urban Kai’s guided tours start near Water Works Park and flow south along the Hillsborough River, climaxing with views of the still-developing downtown and cranes hovering among modern skyscrapers. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment when you’re still vertical after the water taxis pass by and send some waves your way. If you’re not comfortable with paddleboarding, kayaks are available for rent as well. While paddleboarding is a better workout, it’s easier to snap Instagram pics from a kayak.
Enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride at Silver Springs State Park
Photo: Brian Cicioni
Glass bottom boat rides at Silver Springs State Park are a fun activity for all fitness levels and another way to get outdoors in Central Florida. You’ll also see Native American artifacts and a row bow from early Spanish settlers. And, unexpectedly, leftover props from the film I Spy rest at the bottom of the Silver River. The rides are narrated by the captain, who stops at the key finds and usually gives everyone a warning when it’s time to snap a pic. If you’re looking for more of a workout and want to spend more time, you can also rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards at the park. The park also has easy hiking trails with names like Swamp Trail and Sinkhole Trail that are all under five miles in length — where you might spot armadillos, gopher turtles, or even turkeys. Hard to spot, but in the park, there are also bobcats and Florida bears.
Play equestrian for a day in America’s horse capital
Photo: Kurt Wehde
The horse industry in Marion County generates more than $2 billion in annual revenue. The county’s main airport is private and handles more horses than people. Ocala is the county seat and largest city in Marion. It’s also home to the largest equestrian center in the country, including a hotel and most of the amenities you’d expect in a casino, without the poker tables and slot machines. You can also tour one of the more than 900 horse farms in the county.
If you want to spend more than a day in this area, the Hilton Ocala is a more comfortable lodging option. Here, you’ll get to meet Buddy, the resident Clydesdale. Buddy greets many guests outside the main lobby, and everyone will get a snack bag to feed him.
Zip Line over lime rock quarries in Ocala
Photo: The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park
At Canyons, you can try some of Florida’s fastest and highest zip lines. Tours range from one to three hours and can take you as high as 155 feet in the air. The Big Cliff Canyon Tour is the most popular. This one is guided and takes thrill-seekers across nine different lines over the course of a few hours. Practice zips included.
If you don’t need an adrenaline rush but still want to get outdoors in Central Florida, you’ll also have the option to rent a kayak, where you can watch the zip liners at a safe distance from Lost Spring Lake. And it wouldn’t be Ocala without a horseback riding tour, which takes aspiring equestrians through Big Cliff Canyon at sunset and ends with fireside wine and s’mores along the lakefront.
Pick your own berries at Starkey Farms
Photo: PauloAlmeidaPhotography/Shutterstock
If you’re visiting Central Florida between March and June, check out Starkey Farms. While most go there to pick blueberries between late March and early May, they also have an acre of strawberries and blackberries in season before and after the blueberries. Everyone gets their own small bag or bucket and heads off into the sun to look for the darker berries. If you’ve never picked your own berries before, don’t worry. The team at Starkey will give you a crash course on how to get the sweetest ones.
There’s also a market one mile north of the farm, where you can get homemade seasonal ice cream, fresh vegetables, and some of the quirkiest pasta you’ve ever seen. Ever tried dark chocolate linguine? Or sweet potato pappardelle? The Barn next door has a small bar and kitchen where you can get light appetizers, craft beers, wines, and ciders.
Get fit at Sparkman Wharf then zip along the river
Photo: Brian Cicioni
Tampa’s waterfront has recently undergone an extreme makeover. There are now indoor European-style food halls and the outdoor Sparkman Wharf, which is a combination of food stalls housed in modified shipping containers, retail stores, and outdoor fitness classes. You can do F45 classes on the lawn that overlooks the Garrison Channel. After class, you can head to Fit Bowl and cool off with a post-workout acai bowl.
After your açai bowl, grab a scooter and get your bearings along the 2.6 mile Tampa Riverwalk, which abuts the eastern shore of the Hillsborough River, before winding around along the Garrison Channel. In Tampa, Bird, Lime, and Spin scooters are all available. For those who want a more traditional cycling experience, Coast Bike Share is also available in Tampa and St. Petersburg.
The post How to get outdoors on the lakes, rivers, and shores of Central Florida appeared first on Matador Network.
Everything you need to know about buying travel with bitcoin and other cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrencies are officially mainstream, and you can now buy travel with bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Once a thought experiment belonging to the geekier corners of the internet, bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are now being bought and traded by major banks, endorsed by celebrities, and are making headlines daily. The most ardent supporters even argue that cryptocurrency could completely revolutionize the global financial system, and while we’re not weighing in on that debate here, cryptocurrencies and the blockchain technology they’re built on are revolutionizing the way we make financial transactions and do things online.
As a traveler, it’s at least worth understanding how cryptocurrency works and how you can and cannot use it to travel, and then making a decision on whether or not to participate. Part of this revolution is that now you can buy pretty much anything with cryptocurrency — including your next vacation. But getting into the crypto game can be confusing at first. Here, we break down what cryptocurrency is, how to get it, and everything you need to know to use it for travel.
What is crypto and where do you get it?
Photo: ARTYOORAN/Shutterstock
You’ve almost certainly heard of crypto by now, but you might still have questions on what exactly it is, how it works, and where you can buy it. Simply put, cryptocurrencies are a form of digital money that exists on the blockchain, a type of non-regulated digital database that keeps track of transactions. Cryptocurrencies are decentralized, which means that they are not controlled by a government or a bank. This makes them borderless — one reason they are attractive to many international travelers.
There are many ways to obtain cryptocurrencies, but for beginners, well-known exchanges like Coinbase offer the safest and most user-friendly crypto buying experience. Once you’ve purchased crypto, to store and use it safely, it’s best to transfer your crypto out of your account on the exchange and into a wallet. There are many different wallet options, from digital wallet apps like Mycelium to external hardware wallets you can plug in, like Trezor. Whatever your preference, what’s important is that you store your crypto in a place that is safe, secure, and gives you access to your private keys — the cryptographic bits that prove your ownership of your crypto and keep your funds safe from theft.
Let’s pause here to explain a bit further. Terms like “theft” and a bunch of intimidating jargon probably have you feeling more confused than confident at this point. But buying and holding onto crypto is actually quite easy. On Coinbase, you can select the specific cryptocurrency you want to buy (bitcoin and ethereum are the most popular right now), and purchase as much or as little of it as you like — similar to how you’d buy shares of stock on the stock market. You are buying a percentage of what’s called a “coin” — for example, as of the time of this writing one bitcoin costs just under $58,000. If you were to buy $100 worth, you’d have a fraction of one bitcoin in your wallet, much like you own a fraction of a company when you buy stock in it.
Again, to go back to the stock market analogy, the value of a bitcoin goes up and down on a daily basis, so while the value of your fraction changes, the size of that fraction remains the same.
How to use cryptocurrency to buy travel, and where you can use it
Photo: CheapAir
Once you have a wallet full of crypto, you’ll find that there are endless ways to spend it. As bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have become more mainstream, crypto-friendly travel companies have sprung up to help people pay for travel arrangements with their wallets.
No matter how you like to travel or where you want to go, there is a way to pay for it with crypto. CheapAir has been accepting bitcoin for domestic and international flights since 2013, and we’ll use them as our breakdown example. You’re ready to buy travel with bitcoin, have $500 worth of bitcoin in your crypto wallet, and want to take a flight from Los Angeles to Chicago. A search on CheapAir lists the available flight options on your travel date, and you select your preferred flight. After working through the options to choose your flight, seats, and add-ons, you arrive at the payment screen. Here, you’ll see the option to pay with “Bitcoin & Alt Coins” (see above photo). Select this option, and the site will lead you through connecting your crypto wallet to complete a secure payment. This part is similar to paying for a product or service via PayPal or another online payment processor.
Crypto-curious travelers can also search for hotels and experiences from scuba diving excursions in Cyprus to walking tours of Tokyo on Travala, a crypto-friendly travel booking platform. If road-tripping is more your speed, you can even buy an RV with crypto at Camping World. The site Bitcoin Travel works as an online travel agency (OTA) for hotels, flights, and ground transportation options that you can pay for with bitcoin, effectively meaning the basic logistics of travel can almost entirely be paid for via crypto.
Even travel staples like Airbnb and Uber, which don’t officially accept cryptocurrencies as a payment method, can be often paid for in crypto. Applications like Fold work by turning bitcoin into gift cards that can be used to pay for Uber rides, coffee from Starbucks, or Airbnb stays. However, this option isn’t available everywhere you go. Governments around the world regulate cryptocurrencies differently, so what might be an option in one country isn’t always an option in the next.
What are crypto ATMs and how do they work?Paying for travel expenses directly with crypto is getting easier, but there might be times when it makes more sense to pay with cash. For the crypto-committed traveler, crypto ATMs are one way to trade cryptocurrencies for local fiat (a.k.a. government-issued) denominations.
Crypto ATMs, many of which are bitcoin-only, work similarly to traditional ATMs. Users can either input cash and get bitcoin, or input their wallet information to trade their crypto for cash. There were over 12,000 bitcoin ATMs across the world at the end of 2020 — and that number is only growing as crypto becomes more mainstream.
Finding them can be a little tricky. User-populated map applications like CoinMap.org and CoinATMRadar.com can help travelers find crypto ATMs, as well as local businesses that accept crypto payments. However, the data can be sparse and occasionally unreliable, so travelers might want to budget time for the possibility of a wild goose chase. It’s part of the adventure.
If there aren’t a lot of crypto ATMs where you’re headed, don’t fret. Bitcoin was created to be peer-to-peer, meaning that people can trade with each other without the help of banks or other intermediaries. For the particularly intrepid and crypto-committed traveler, websites like Localbitcoins offer peer-to-peer, in-person exchanges where users can swap crypto for cash. And crypto groups on platforms like Meetup or Couchsurfing can help travelers find like-minded and knowledgeable locals that are more likely to have insight on their city’s crypto-friendly businesses and restaurants.
What are the potential downsides of paying for travel with crypto?
Photo: PixieMe/Shutterstock
While paying for travel with crypto is certainly possible, it won’t always be easy depending on your destination. And in some countries, it might be outright illegal or impossible. A handful of countries including Algeria, Bolivia, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, and Vietnam have completely banned all activities involving cryptocurrencies. Others, like Turkey and India, are currently in the midst of regulatory crackdowns on crypto.
Crypto is a volatile asset, both financially and legally, and travelers should be aware of the risks involved before deciding to plan a trip that revolves around crypto. A backup credit card or cold, hard cash is never a bad idea to have on hand in emergency situations.
Volatility can also lead to price swings that could make your travel plans much more — or, if you’re lucky — much less expensive. This is characteristic of the crypto market and travelers familiar with cryptocurrencies will not be surprised by price swings, but newcomers should prepare themselves for the possibility of price whiplash.
Crypto users should also take cautions to protect their wallets and other personal information while traveling by using two-factor authentication, encryption, and good digital hygiene.
What are the benefits of paying for travel with crypto?More and more crypto companies are entering the travel industry, but there are still gaps that require a bit of creativity to bridge. It would certainly be easier to whip out your Mastercard and move on, so why pay for travel with crypto?
If you’re a crypto enthusiast and a believer in bitcoin, paying for things with cryptocurrencies helps further mainstream adoption by creating a demand for global crypto merchant solutions. Additionally, spending crypto in places where many people are unbanked and the currency is subject to hyperinflation can be beneficial to the local economy because it inputs consumption without adding more cash to mix.
Aside from the idealistic and altruistic reasons to spend crypto when traveling, it can also help travelers avoid foreign transaction fees (although you’ll still have to deal with pesky crypto transaction fees which can, admittedly, sometimes be worse) and unfavorable foreign exchange rates. Traveling without cash also makes some people feel safer from theft, although crypto travelers should still be wary of losing their phones or hardware wallets. Ultimately, paying for travel with crypto is an adventure that can make your travels more meaningful, enjoyable, and exciting. It’s a perfect option for tech-savvy travelers that are up for a bit of a challenge, and who see that challenge as part of the fun.
The post Everything you need to know about buying travel with bitcoin and other cryptocurrency appeared first on Matador Network.
Nervous about flying again? Joe Jonas wants to lend you his hand.
Expedia and Joe Jonas have partnered up to lend travelers a helping hand — literally.
Expedia released its Travels Companion Report 2021 this week, which found that 80 percent of Americans feel anxious about booking international trips while 60 percent admitted to needing a helping hand because of COVID-19 guidelines. In response, Expedia decided that the best way to show its customers that it’s committed to providing the extra help Americans need is by partnering up with Joe Jonas and creating 3D-printed copies of the Jonas Brothers superstar’s hand.
Each hand was created using a 3D printer and “stereolithography technology” and has been individually painted with custom artwork, then numbered and signed by Jonas himself. But the artwork is limited edition; only 250 of them will be sent out to customers while supplies last.
Photo: Expedia
“I’ve spent so much of my life on the road — touring the world and playing in virtually every major city,” Jonas said in a press statement. “Traveling has always been a personal passion for me, but after more than a year spent at home, I am eager to get back out there.”
“I’m excited to team up with [Expedia] to help people feel confident about traveling the world again, whenever they’re ready, by lending a helping hand: one that supports travelers at every step of the way,” Jonas continued. “Because let’s face it — it matters who you travel with.”
View this post on InstagramA post shared by J O E J O N A S (@joejonas)
With the Helping Hand campaign, Expedia is pledging to help customers find flexible travel plans, check to see if properties follow their COVID-19 travel smart checklist, create a more comprehensive and easy-to-read platform, and provide more straightforward ways to earn Expedia Rewards.
Expedia is also donating $100,000 to Mercy Corps, a charity providing emergency supplies, food, clean water and support to communities most affected by the pandemic.
The post Nervous about flying again? Joe Jonas wants to lend you his hand. appeared first on Matador Network.
Say goodbye to fee-free changes and cancellations for summer flights
Just when we were starting to think about summer travel, encouraged by the leniency airlines have been showing regarding itinerary changes and flight cancellations due to pandemic unpredictability, those frustrating fees are making a comeback.
According to Travel Pulse, Alaska, Delta, and United airlines all reinstated “non-changeable and non-refundable fares” on basic economy tickets at the beginning of the month. American Airlines is also walking back its fare flexibility for basic economy passengers, exempting change fees for international flights departing anywhere outside of North and South America except Asia. This courtesy will be revoked at the end of May. And while it’s still showing leniency for the time being, JetBlue is similarly slated to rescind its accommodating policies on May 31.
Airlines restoring their money-making fees is unlikely to stop travelers from taking their long overdue summer trips this year. But it does make the prospect of flying during the pandemic more stressful. The good news is that travelers can still find fully refundable vacation deals through services like Travelzoo, whether that means cruising around Croatia or escaping to a spa in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The better news is that many of these trips not only offer cancellation flexibility but also unreal discounts, like the chance to stay at a luxurious beach resort in Koh Phangan, Thailand, for almost 50 percent off.
As summer travel rebounds with restrictions lessening and more Americans getting vaccinated by the day, there’s no reason to let fees we were already accustomed to put a damper on our trip planning. Just be sure to triple-check the fine print before booking your next flight.
The post Say goodbye to fee-free changes and cancellations for summer flights appeared first on Matador Network.
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