Matador Network's Blog, page 673
April 8, 2021
5 ways RVing unlocks family dreams
Our family units and personal pods have been hunkered together at home since the pandemic started over a year ago. It was cozy at first, but the novelty has worn off, right? Instead of really being together, we’re just sharing space. Sometimes in the same room, sometimes not. It’s quantity time — not quality time.
Dinner table talk is about what you miss, what you’re dreaming about doing again someday soon. Come to find out, the things we miss most aren’t grand events but simple affairs: shopping, dining, socializing, traveling. You miss these things so much, you wax on with specifics.
“Road trips,” your oldest son says as he swirls spaghetti with his fork. “I miss road trips.”
He doesn’t say trips. He says road trips. No hotels, no flights, no long lines at theme parks, public pools, and other crowded places. What if you could make it happen? What if you could take your home — and your family — safely on the road?
Well, you can, for less than $5 a day.
Wondering how to unlock your family travel dreams? Learn how you can travel differently in an RV.
1. You can liberate yourselves from itinerary fatigue.
Photo: Tyler Cave
Planning a road trip takes so much energy — you might spend hours plotting a route connecting tourist attractions, rest areas, and hotels. But with an RV, you can push pause on that planning.
Choose a spot to spend the night, and then let the day unfold — or the week. Let everyone wake up when they want. Play chess with the kids, build castles in the sand, explore trails around camp, and see where the day takes you. Wherever it goes, you’ll have time for it.
Without a strict itinerary, you’re free to find the joy in what’s around you. RV adventures need not be distant to be fruitful. That roadside farmers market along the scenic byway sells delicious local harvest. Now you have time to shop, cook, and enjoy a meal by the fire with the fam.
2. You can be intentional with food.
Photo: Tyler Cave
You’re going to need food on the road, and you can have it cheaper, better, and faster with an RV. You are, after all, traveling with your kitchen. Use it to your benefit!
A little cooking prep before you leave allows more time for exploring the unexpected, and leaves more free time for the family chef. Prepare dinners ahead so all you have to do is heat them when it’s chow time. Prep all the ingredients for soup or chili and drop it in a slow-cooker. Head out on your day’s adventures and come home to a fragrant RV filled with the smell of homemade soup.
To mix things up, designate one night on the road for cooking from scratch. Go overboard with a multi-course meal on the beach, including a dutch-oven dessert made with cherries from the local farmers market. Turn the making and baking into the activity for the day. You have the time because your plans are light. Cooking under the stars gives “dining out” a whole new meaning.
3. You can be wise with play.
Photo: Tyler Cave
Checking out of school when you’re road-tripping doesn’t mean checking out on education. There are unobtrusive ways to integrate education into your family’s RV adventure. Polish up on geology by rockhounding. Score an astronomy lesson by stargazing. Tackle orienteering by map reading. Plus, there’s all that time for reading, and all that time away from screens.
Many national parks offer Junior Ranger programs, which cover natural resource awareness. The Forest Service appreciates anyone volunteering for trash duty. Make a game of it: Carry extra garbage bags in your RV, and see who can collect the most plastic water bottles or find the oldest, coolest piece of junk — winner gets the chair by the fire!
Lessons on the road are more like field trips — don’t you remember those more than your textbooks?
4. You can find a spot to call your own, even if just for a night.
Photo: Tyler Cave
Campgrounds can get crowded — try a more undeveloped spot, perhaps one without hookups. Your house is designed to go anywhere, so don’t be afraid to try boondocking, where you don’t plug into power and water provided by someone else.
America is fortunate to have so much public land — land owned by all of us. State and federal agencies manage it on behalf of the people, and it’s ours to enjoy. There are patches of public land everywhere, coast to coast and in between, and most public land is suitable for RV camping.
Maybe it’s a federally managed campground in a national forest, or perhaps simply an unmarked flat spot off a dirt road on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Boondocking here will be quiet and remote — just remember to “leave no trace” when you move on.
Even one night of open space provides you the opportunity to hear the river, the woods, the wild. Those yellow orbs in the dark aren’t lights over the campground bathrooms — those are the eyes of a boreal owl.
5. You can celebrate simplicity, together.
Photo: Tyler Cave
At some point during your RV trip, your family — your pod — will break free from the routine and connect over the new surroundings. When? Maybe it’ll be on the day you go nowhere, when the driver has a day off and everyone else can unwind. Maybe it’ll be halfway across a lonely highway, as you pull over for a bathroom break and linger to admire the silhouette of mountain peaks in the distance.
The reconnect will happen somewhere between camp coffee and campfire, between skipping rocks, swimming lakes, staying up late, and rising early. No one is glued to a screen, but everyone is heads down — you’re rockhounding in the desert, combing for shells at the beach, or scrambling up a tricky mountain trail. You’re banded together, bonded over your newfound curiosities. You’re somewhere far from home and feeling right at home, together. 
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April 7, 2021
5 US cities where you can celebrate Pride 2021 in person
Pride season is only a couple of months away, which usually means type-A trip planners are busy making travel arrangements to celebrate Queer Christmas in style. But planning for June’s festivities during the ongoing health crisis feels like prepping for an M. Night Shyamalan plot twist: we all know it’s going to happen; we’re just not sure when or how it will pan out.
Regardless of what happens in the coming months, events commemorating the 1969 Stonewall Uprising are essential traditions for LGBTQ communities. Pride festivals create visibility for marginalized folx, offer young people a shame-free opportunity to express themselves, and improve the mental health of LGBTQ individuals. But pride isn’t just about partying — it’s also about profit. Chicago and San Francisco regularly attract around one million participants to their celebrations. In 2019, an estimated five million people attended World Pride in NYC. Pride can pump millions of dollars into cities, with LGBTQ businesses often reaping big rewards.
Because of these benefits, organizations across the United States are doing their best to produce Pride events that meet the pandemic’s challenges. For cities that usually celebrate in June, that means postponing the party until it’s safe to gather in person. Washington DC, for example, has its hopes set on October 2021. For other cities, that means protecting locals by sticking to virtual ceremonies. Both Denver and Seattle are planning digital “marches” scheduled for June. Only a handful of major metropoles in the US have organizations currently planning in-person events for Pride month. All of them come with their own sets of safety protocols and ever-changing details.
Hopeful travelers should evaluate their options before making elaborate plans. Pride will be a colorful new experience with partially virtual parties, vaccine passports, and last-minute changes. The trip you plan today may not be the trip you end up taking this summer, but if you’re willing to remain flexible, 2021 may be an exciting time to cash in on cheap travel deals and experience once-in-a-lifetime Pride celebrations. If you’re still uncertain about travel, don’t worry: there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate safely from home, too.
Before making a choice, here are the major cities with in-person Pride celebrations worth considering this year.
1. New York City
Photo: lazyllama/Shutterstock
NYC is the most versatile destination in the US for Pride in 2021. A hybrid of in-person and virtual events will occur throughout June, making activities accessible to international communities and safe for locals.
Noteworthy online events include Pride Presents, an annual LGBTQ film festival that starts streaming on June 18. A series of speakers will gather for the Human Rights Conference from June 21-23, taking a sociopolitical look at international LGBTQ rights. The Rally, which lifts the voices from marginalized LGBTQ communities to inspire education and activism, will kick off the official Pride weekend on Friday, June 25. The June 27 Pride March will likely take place online as well.
The city’s current list of in-person events will allow LGBTQ folx and allies to celebrate in healthy, responsible ways. Visitors should remember that these events are subject to the ever-changing landscape of COVID regulations and may be canceled, postponed, or altered between now and June.
Brooklyn Pride and Front Runners New York have joined forces to heat things up on June 12 with a 5K run through Prospect Park. Pride Island, a concert and festival usually held on a Hudson River pier, is set for Sunday, June 27. While no definitive plans have been announced for Pride Island, the possibility of a ticketed, limited-capacity party is likely. New York’s Excelsior Pass — a free app allowing New Yorkers to share their COVID-19-related health data — was recently released to give businesses and performance venues a fast track to reopening. This pass, or one like it, may be needed to gain entry to the event.
NYC Pride’s most innovative developing COVID-era idea is to pair local businesses with artists and create Pride march pop-ups. An interactive map will lead people to participating locations, giving both businesses and creatives a much-needed boost following this past year’s many trials. Companies interested in participating can sign up here.
For the antidote to corporate, mainstream Pride celebrations, consider attending the in-person Queer Liberation March hosted by the Reclaim Pride Coalition (RPC), scheduled for June 27. Unlike the city-sponsored events, RPC’s march honors the gritty origins of Pride. Walking may feel like a party, but at its heart, it’s still a protest.
2. San Francisco
The Golden Gate City will serve a limited menu of events for Pride that follow current safety protocols.
Frameline and the San Francisco Giants will team up to present Pride Movie Night at Oracle Park — a ticketed event that serves as part of the San Francisco LGBTQ+ film festival. On the eve of Juneteenth (Friday, June 18), the African American Art and Culture Complex will host the Black Liberation Event — a rally celebrating Black LGBTQ culture. Other local celebrations, including the annual Trans March and Dyke March, have yet to announce plans.
The most exciting event planned for June will be Pride Expo — an event produced in place of the boisterous annual celebration at Civic Center Plaza. The queer-oriented expo will act as a resource fair, giving LGBTQ businesses and organizations a place to connect with customers and engage with community members in a safe space. Prospective participants should check the SF Pride website for more information.
3. Chicago
Photo: Pride in the Park
While nothing official has been announced for Chicago’s annual Pride celebration, parade organizer Tim Frye recently told Block Club Chicago> that he’s “cautiously optimistic” about an in-person event, even if it happens later than usual this year.
Meanwhile, Pride in the Park (a two-day ticketed festival held at the Petrillo Bandshell in downtown Chicago) is poised to announce in-person gatherings on June 26 and 27. The festival — which usually features food, drinks, and a star-studded line-up of performers — has outlined COVID-19 safety protocols on its website in preparation for the event. Organizers will post final entry requirements two weeks before the gathering, but ticket holders can expect to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for entry. Pride in the Park is partnering with Health Pass by CLEAR — a free mobile app that stores health-related requirements — to provide attendees friction-free entrance to the festival. Attendees should feel safe knowing that the event is taking safety protocols seriously: anyone not following guidelines will be asked to leave without a refund.
4. Minneapolis and Saint Paul
Photo: Twin Cities Pride/Facebook
Minneapolis and neighboring Saint Paul couple up every year to throw one of the Midwest’s biggest LGBTQ celebrations averaging around 400,000 participants. This year will undoubtedly look different, but the dynamic duo isn’t throwing out their queer baby with the bathwater — they’re just doing things a little bit differently.
Event organizers are currently considering a “drive-through reverse parade” so participants can remain physically distanced for Pride’s biggest annual event. A Grand Marshal Gala with both in-person and virtual components is also in the works.
Como Park, located in Saint Paul, plans to host Family Fun Day on June 20; households can bring picnics and celebrate outside. The Rainbow Run 5K will give participants two options: run with the crowd at 9:00 AM on Sunday, June 27, or choose your own time and location to complete the race during the week prior.
As of early April, Pride’s culminating festival – usually held at Loring Park in Minneapolis — has no definitive plan. Organizers are working to create a safe, limited-capacity event for June and expect to announce their intentions later this month.
5. Dallas
Photo: Dallas Pride
/Facebook
In early June, Dallas Pride will be one of the country’s first major LGBTQ celebrations to bring crowds together again. “Pride is such a meaningful and galvanizing event for our region,” said Jaron Turnbow, the organization’s executive director, in a recent statement, “and it is wonderful that we are now in a place where we can plan for some in-person activities.”
The festival will take place outdoors at Dallas’s Fair Park on June 4 and 5. Guests can expect performances from local celebrities like Kennedy Davenport (a pageant queen who danced her way to the top of RuPaul’s Drag Race) and Sister Helen Holy (a drag comedian from the “First Southern Fried Self-Satisfied Baptist Church”). Those feeling cautious about large groups don’t need to join the crowd to join the fun: the event will stream online, giving everyone a chance to participate safely from wherever they choose.
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Why you should visit what was once known as ‘bad land to travel’
When someone recommends a trip to a place literally called “bad lands to travel across,” it’s understandable to be skeptical. Geographically, “badlands” isn’t a misnomer. The badlands in parts of North and South Dakota were nearly impassable in the 18th century thanks to the rugged terrain, but lucky for us, we don’t rely on horses for our family vacations anymore. And the very geography that made the badlands so troublesome for pioneers and Native Americans is exactly what makes it worth visiting today.
“Badlands” is a term used to describe a landscape filled with distinct and beautiful geological features, like buttes, ravines, canyons, and mesas shaped by erodible lands. The slippery clay soil and steep canyons made the land incredibly difficult to traverse. This proved challenging for Native Americans and French pioneers in the 18th and 19th centuries — hence the name, which has a similar theme in a number of different languages.
“The Lakota (Sioux) were pushed westward by American expansion,” Mike Jensen, outdoor promotions manager for North Dakota Tourism, tells Matador Network. “Settlement and their way of life revolved around the North American Bison. The people were often led to and were made to pursue the bison herds into and across the badlands — the area called mako sica, meaning ‘bad or eroded lands.’ French fur traders, who were also prominent in the area in the 1700 and 1800s, called the area, ‘les mauvaises terres à traverser’ (bad lands to travel across).”
Badlands are formed by thousands of years of rock and mineral deposits being eroded by wind and water. In the Dakotas, the badlands are hundreds of thousands of years old, and the Little Missouri River and its surrounding valleys are the source of erosion. Where boulders once sat thousands of years ago, now we see mushroom-like “hoodoos” — pillars of sandstone holding up a cap of hard rock — and other geological elements that have formed over time.
Why you should visit the North Dakota badlands
Photo: Andrew Tuttle/Shutterstock
It’s important to note that North Dakota doesn’t have a monopoly on badlands. Similar landscapes are found across the western United States, though the badlands in North Dakota and South Dakota’s Badlands National Park are undoubtedly the most well-known. What makes North Dakota’s landscape unique is its abundance of scoria rock — a red-orange terra cotta-like rock baked by underground burning coal veins. These veins, a common badlands feature, are exposed layers of coal several feet underground, and had been smoldering when first discovered by early settlers.
North Dakota’s many exposed coal veins have caught fire over the years from lightning and wildfires, baking the clay into the pottery-like rock formations we see today. The badlands here also provide natural cover and habitat for thousands of plant and animal species in the area, making it a prime destination for viewing wildlife like bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and several bird species.
Photo: Brian A Wolf/Shutterstock
Fifteen miles from the small town of Amidon, the Burning Coal Vein is one of the coolest landscapes in the North Dakota badlands. First ignited by lightning or a prairie fire, this burning vein of coal several feet below the ground was first discovered by the area’s settlers in the 1880s. The vein continued burning and smoldering until the late 20th century, and visitors could even feel the heat from the cracks in the ground. The vein is no longer active, but it’s left an indelible mark on the landscape. Now part of the Little Missouri National Grasslands natural area, you can view it on the Coal Vein Nature Trail, which takes you on an educational tour of the rock layers and the 60-million-year-old history of the area.
Badlands aren’t exactly known for trees, but the Coal Vein Nature Trail has a unique feature: red Rocky Mountain cedar trees growing in columns along the hillsides. Their peculiar shape is thought to be due to gases released from the burning coal that causes the trees to grow abnormally, though it’s not known for certain. Growing in clusters along the hillside, Rocky Mountain cedar is a rare example of lush and verdant growth in an otherwise barren landscape.
There’s also a small campground adjacent to the area with around ten campsites, including picnic tables, fire rings, and parking.
How to explore the badlands
Photo: Nagel Photography/Shutterstock
In western North Dakota, Little Missouri State Park has over 45 miles of trails running through the badlands. The trails are perfect for hiking and horseback riding, especially the state park loop. This five-mile loop trail is moderately difficult, and features some of the area’s most beautiful wildflowers. The trail really takes you into the heart of the rugged badlands, requiring some technical ability and even bushwhacking in the overgrowth. The I trail, starting at the campground, is also perfect for hikers. It curls around rock formations and along ridges, offering some of the best views of the badlands in the entire area.
To get the full effect of the badlands, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is another must-visit park in North Dakota. While guided hikes and full-moon walks are offered by the park, there’s plenty to explore on your own — particularly when it comes to wildlife. In the South Unit of the park, you’ll find plenty of mule, buson, deer, prairie dogs, and horses without even leaving your car. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some pronghorn, bald and golden eagles, and elk. Also in the South Unit is the Painted Canyon Overlook, a view exactly as impressive as the name suggests. The park’s North Unit, however, has the most stunning scenery. Take the 14-mile scenic drive through the bottom of the badlands, then up out of the canyon to River Bend Overlook — the best view in the park.
The North Unit also has some incredible backcountry trails, including the Buckhorn, Caprock Coulee, and Achenbach trails. When backcountry hiking, you’ll probably want to spend the night. There’s two campgrounds and one group site for camping with horses. Camping in the backcountry requires a free permit, while the North Unit’s Juniper Campground is accessible on a first-come, first-served basis.
While you’re in the park, make sure to visit Elkhorn Ranch, also known as the “cradle of conservation.” According to Jensen, this is “the very place where a young Theodore Roosevelt traveled to experience the strenuous life and mend a broken heart. It is the very spot he looked out upon his Dakota cattle ranch and formed his strong belief that there are places in the country that needed to be set aside for future generations. Very few visitors make the 90 minute drive to the Elkhorn unit of the park between the North Unit and South Unit.”
Teddy Roosevelt chose Elkhorn Ranch to be his “home ranch” after the deaths of his wife and mother. Only the stone foundations of the cabin remain, but you can still visit educational exhibits featuring passages written by Roosevelt about his experiences at the ranch. There are no marked trails, visitor centers, or facilities, but it’s one of the best places in the park for pure peace and quiet.
Bodies of water in the badlands
Photo: Life Atlas Photography/Shutterstock
Lakes might be the last geographical element that comes to mind when you think of badlands. “Visitors don’t often connect our prairie reservoir, Lake Sakakawea, with the badlands,” Jensen says. “But they should.” Surrounded by miles of lakeshore with views of the badlands, the Lake Sakakawea State Park has opportunities for camping under the trees, hiking the adjacent trails, taking a boat out on the water, or simply relaxing on the beach.
One of the area’s most popular trails is the North Country National Scenic Trail, which stretches 4,600 miles over seven states from North Dakota to Vermont. Lake Sakakawea State Park is the trail’s westerrn terminus. It’s fine if you’re not quite ready for a 4,600-mile trek. You can do a much shorter hike beginning at the Visitor Center, which stretches just under two miles through the shortgrass prairie. There’s also the Shoreline Trail, which traverses the entire North-South length of the park, leading through scoria formations, petrified tree trunks, and coal veins. For the best views, check out the short Overlook Trail, leading from the Visitor Center toward the lake. At the overlook, you’ll have a view of the untouched prairie and the Garrison Dam.
Since the lake itself is particularly known for its fishing, even amateur fishermen are encouraged to bring their poles. It’s home to walleye, northern pike, and chinook salmon. Fishermen even have the convenience of a full-service marina and fish cleaning station to make their lake adventure even easier.
The more you explore the badlands, the more the “bad lands to travel” moniker starts sounding like a misnomer. Landscapes that once challenged the pioneers present a rugged adventure for the 21st century traveler. These days, a more appropriate name for the area might be “bad lands you shouldn’t skip on your travels.”
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The most crowded cities in the US
Everyone living in a major city tends to think their city is the most crowded — and most hectic. Well, now there’s actual data to prove which cities win the unenviable distinction of being the most and the least crowded in the US. Rent.com analyzed the population density (number of people per square mile) of the largest cities in the US and determined, once and for all, which cities in the US are the most and least crowded, using population.
To qualify for the list, cities had to cover at least 10 square miles and have at least 50,000 residents. While the usual suspects certainly appear, like New York and Boston, there are also some surprises like Berkley, California, and Jersey City, New Jersey.
These are the top 10 most crowded cities in the country by population density (people per square mile):
New York City, New York: 27,547San Francisco, California: 18,808Jersey City, New Jersey: 17,720Boston, Massachusetts: 14,345Miami, Florida: 13,046Santa Ana, California: 12,186Chicago, Illinois: 11,835Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 11,812Newark, New Jersey: 11,658Berkeley, California: 11,592The cities with the lowest population density (people per square mile) might not have as much name recognition, but they should probably be on your radar for your next vacation — or even to relocate.
Anchorage, Alaska: 169Buckeye, Arizona: 212Suffolk, Virginia: 230Carson City, Nevada: 386Goodyear, Arizona: 453Casa Grande, Arizona: 535Augusta, Georgia: 654Norman, Oklahoma: 698Port Arthur, Texas: 706North Port, Florida: 710More like thisTravelThe 25 coolest towns in America to visit in 2021The post The 10 most and least crowded cities in the US appeared first on Matador Network.
This treasure hunt around France and England leads to a $900,000 gold masterpiece
People have turned to puzzles more than ever this past year for socially-distanced entertainment, and now it’s time to put those skills to good use. Artist Michel Becker just launched a contest asking participants to solve the clues in his new treasure hunt book, The Golden Treasure of the Entente Cordiale.
There is a French and English version of the book, with each containing different clues leading to two separate treasure locations. The books include nine puzzles with illustrations by Becker and secret text hidden in the story written by Pauline Deysson. If readers crack the hidden code in the illustration to find the missing text, they will be able to find the location of two geode crystal keys — one buried in the UK and one in France. The key opens the cabinet where the golden treasure is kept.
Photo: The Golden Treasure of the Entente Cordiale/Facebook
The prize is as unique as the hunt itself. It’s a golden casket that was given to France by England before the signing of a diplomatic agreement in 1904. The casket was made by Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company in London, and contains a scroll celebrating the two countries’ friendship. It’s valued at $892,000.
Vincenzo Bianca, who created the books’ puzzles, told The Guardian, “It was Michel Becker’s idea. He found the golden case, bought it, and learned everything that you can know about the Entente Cordiale [Anglo-French diplomatic agreement]. He fell in love with this story between France and England, which existed thanks to the will of the two men [King Edward VII and Loubet]. He wanted to bring this story to the world with this treasure hunt.”
Bianca and Becker wrote in the book, “A paper and a pencil will be enough to discover some solutions. For others, you will need to do additional research … the internet will be a valuable ally in finding the information you need without leaving your chair. This is not an easy treasure hunt. In order to conquer it, you will need tenacity: a treasure is accessible only to the brave.”
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9 of the most breathtaking Airbnbs on Maui
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.
Long beach days and hot lanai nights are what you come to Maui for. To get the most from your time here, a beachside rental that’s near to dining, Haleakala National Park, and the island’s best wave breaks is essential — whether you prefer the bustling scene of Kihei or Lahaina or the tranquility of Hana. Maui is among the most beautiful spots on Earth, and these nine Airbnbs perfectly capture the island’s natural wonder.
Cliff House with stunning pool, spa, ocean, and waterfall view
Photo: Airbnb
This epic cliff house, 300 feet above the ocean, encapsulates everything great about a stay on Maui. The ocean is right there, you have a private pool and hot tub, and you can relax over cocktails while gazing at Hanehoe Falls. Hana is visible from the home, as is the north coast of Maui. Relax over a book next to the 10-foot marble fireplace, though focusing on the pages may prove to be a struggle with the scenery of paradise in the background. You’ll never have a better view from a hot tub, this we can guarantee.
Price: $481 per night
Sunrise Hana Surf Loft
Photo: Airbnb
The surf loft is a staple of surf culture worldwide. This property puts you steps from the waves in the heart of Hana — with two beds, a comfortable living room and kitchen, and a plenty of outdoor chilling space. The apartment is airy and spacious, highlighting the “outdoor living” culture of island life, surrounded by fruit trees and a flowing creek carved by lava. The unit comes with beach towels and equipment to use, and coffee/tea to fuel up on beforehand. Enjoy the sunroom on the lanai after catching waves.
Price: $271 per night
Maalaea Oceanfront Island Sands
Photo: Airbnb
A bright, airy oceanside apartment is the Maui dream, and you’ll live it in this unit at Island Sands. Located in central Maui and with easy access to everywhere from Kihei to Lahaina to Haleakala, the unit has a balcony that offers unobstructed ocean views out over Maalaea Bay. Take advantage of the oceanfront pool, but don’t let it keep you from actually exploring the oceanfront itself, which you can do with the calm waves of the bay as your host. You’ll also be right by the Maui Ocean Center Aquarium, a great place to spend an afternoon.
Price: $175 per night
Maui Dream Place at Maui KamaolePhoto: Airbnb
This two-story condo has an epic lanai looking out across palms, sand, ocean, and mountains. Because the unit is part of a vacation rental community, you’ll have access to two pools, hot tubs, fitness amenities, and many spots from which to take in the legendary sunsets of Kihei. With two bedrooms, the unit can sleep up to six guests, placing you in the center of Maui’s cultural action at an affordable rate.
Price: $395 per night
Waterfall House
Photo: Airbnb
The name says it all. Located at A’apali Ocean Outlook, Waterfall House is the perfect spot to post up with views of Hanehoi Falls and the entire northern coast of Maui. If you plan to catch sunrise atop Haleakala, this rental is in an ideal location to give you a headstart on the drive up, and a place from which to look back at your memory after you’ve lived it — kind of like taking a 360-degree photo. The home’s cliffside lanais look out over the ocean, and you’ll also have access to an emerald tile pool and outdoor shower.
Price: $485 per night
Beautiful Puamana Oceanfront Getaway
Photo: Airbnb
Whales. That’s right — you can spot whales from the lanai at this luxurious home rental for eight, depending on the season of course. No matter when you visit, this remodeled pad is set to make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a surf film from the future, with tile and granite finishing on the inside and 180-degree views of the deep blue ocean on the outside. With three bedrooms, this spot is perfect for family getaways and reunions of groups of friends.
Price: $695 per nighty
Luxury Mahana 1 bedroom/2 bath
Photo: Airbnb
This spacious one-bedroom condo is among the nicest in Mahana. Fifty feet from the ocean with a lanai and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow the entire unit to be overtaken by the ocean breeze. If renting a car for your stay, this is a great apartment because not only do you enjoy free parking but the complex has administrative assistance that can set you up with tours and provide maps and directions to activities across the island. Though with the oceanside pool and perfect waves, you may be tempted to stay on site.
Price: $515 per night
Hula Hideaway 303
Photo: Airbnb
If you’ve never seen a rainbow over the ocean, this apartment needs to be on the top of your list. From the lanai, the passing currents and swells often cause this surreal phenomenon, complementing the bright and colorful internal decor for an amalgamation of colors like you’ve never seen. The sunsets over the ocean here offer an equally stirring experience. And once you actually leave the apartment, you’ll find the Pacific just below the cafes and dining of the island’s northwest coast right nearby.
Price:$318 per night
Elegant oceanfront townhome in Puamana
Photo: Airbnb
Should you prefer an expansive oceanside townhome with room for six and the sounds of waves crashing near your deck beckoning your crew back home for a tranquil happy hour after a day spent exploring the nearby coast, this is your spot. The trimmings of luxury outfit the interior, with a modern kitchen designed for preparing large meals and quiet bedrooms sealing a true escape from life back on the mainland. Surfing, paddle boarding, beach activities, and the dining of Puamana are all within a stroll from the lanai.
Price: $787 per night
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The most popular Filipino desserts
The Philippines may be known for its pristine beaches and lush tropical landscapes, but the country’s cuisine — and its desserts in particular — are worth a visit alone. Rich and creamy Filipino desserts incorporate tropical fruits and local ingredients like jackfruit, coconut, and pandan. You can learn a lot about the Philippines just by trying out its food.
For instance, plenty of recipes call for malagkit, or glutinous rice. There’s no doubt that rice is a staple food in the Philippines, and it’s a well-known fact that a Filipino meal is incomplete without it. Rice is not only eaten with savory dishes but is also found in local desserts.
As an archipelagic country made up of many islands, the Philippines is also culturally and gastronomically diverse. People in many regions and towns have developed their own variant of popular desserts by adding a local twist to an otherwise common dish. You may eat the same dessert twice in different parts of the country and have completely different experiences.
Local cuisine recounts the history of a country just from its ingredients and methods of preparation, and Filipino food plays a huge role in showcasing the country’s rich culture. Even if you don’t have a sweet tooth, you’re bound to find something that will surprise and excite your palate.
1. Ice scrambleIce scramble (or iskrambol) is an iconic Filipino street food that’s often sold outside of schools in a small six-ounce plastic cup. It became popular in the 1970s as a cold, pink slushie dessert made with crushed ice, evaporated milk, banana extract, sugar, and few drops of red food coloring. Much to the delight of kids, ice scramble vendors started adding various toppings like mini marshmallows, powdered milk, chocolate syrup, wafer sticks, and colored sprinkles. Ice scramble tends to make Filipinos very nostalgic for their childhood whenever they make it at home.
2. Buko pandan
Photo: HARMOKO SHOOT/Shutterstock
Buko Pandan is a must at every Filipino celebration and gathering. It makes an appearance at birthdays, fiestas, major holidays, and even casual family get-togethers. It is a sweet, creamy, and refreshing dessert that is perfect for a hot day. The name tells you the two main ingredients: buko (coconut) and pandan leaves. Also included are sago pearls (small balls of starch similar to tapioca), evaporated milk, gulaman (agar-agar), and condensed milk.
The traditional way of preparing this dessert is by boiling pandan leaves to extract the flavor and then cooking gulaman over that same water. However, since pandan leaves and gulaman aren’t always easily available, people often use powdered gulaman and buko pandan flavoring instead. The emerald green cooked gulaman cools and solidifies in a flat container before it’s cut into cubes, which are then combined with the rest of the ingredients in a bowl so that the final dessert, served cold, resembles a Midwestern Jell-O salad.
3. Suman
Photo: richardernestyap/Shutterstock
When glutinous rice is cooked in coconut milk with sugar and salt, wrapped in banana leaves, and then boiled in water, what you’ll end up with is a Filipino delicacy called suman. This pre-colonial dessert is essentially a rice cake shaped like a log and served with your topping of choice. Common options are coconut jam, condensed milk, grated coconut, brown sugar, or latik (solidified residue of reduced coconut cream). For additional flavor, you can even include cubed ripe mangoes in the mixture before cooking it further.
4. Bananacue
Photo: Neng etta/Shutterstock
In the Philippines, barbecue refers to marinated grilled pork pieces that are sold skewered on bamboo sticks, similar to Southeast Asian satay. Think of this dessert as a mix of local fruit, sugar, and the barbecue tradition in the Philippines. Bananacue is what you get when deep-fried bananas coated in caramelized brown sugar are sold on bamboo skewers at street food stalls. They are good for an afternoon snack or as a dessert, depending on the mood you’re in.
5. Puto bumbong
Photo: Dolly MJ/Shutterstock
One sure sign Christmas is approaching is that puto bumbong vendors begin to pop up all over the Philippines. They’re often found hawking their treats near churches to appeal to churchgoers, especially those who regularly attend the simbang gabi, which is the nine-day series of dawn Christmas masses.
Although puto bumbong is just one of the many rice cake desserts of the Philippines, its method of preparation and signature color differentiate it from the others on this list. This purple rice cake is cooked by steaming sticky purple rice (pirurutong) and glutinous rice inside a bamboo tube (bumbong). To cook it, you need a lansungan, which is a special tin or stainless steel steamer with metal cylinders that can hold bamboo tubes that are made for preparing puto bumbong.
Puto bumbong is served on a banana leaf and topped with margarine, grated coconut, condensed milk, cheese, and muscovado sugar. The rice cake and grated coconut give the puto bumbong its distinctive texture, while the toppings deliver a dynamic sweet and salty flavor. Puto bumbong is not very easy to make, so this dessert is one of the things Filipinos always look forward to during the Christmas season.
6. Ginataang bilo-bilo
Photo: Mark Liwanag/Shutterstock
For a rich dessert, you can’t go wrong with ginataang bilo-bilo, a dessert soup that originated in Cagayan, a city located in the Philippines’ northern island, Luzon. You make ginataang bilo-bilo by cooking glutinous rice balls, sweet potatoes, sago pearls, and sweetened plantains in coconut milk, which are common ingredients in many other Filipino desserts. For additional flavor, you can also add jackfruit, coconut shavings, or ube to the coconut milk alongside the rice balls.
7. Halo-halo
Photo: Kim David/Shutterstock
One of the best-known Filipino desserts is halo-halo, which literally translates to “mix-mix.” It has crushed ice and evaporated milk as the base and is topped with a colorful variety of Filipino ingredients. There’s no rigid set of toppings, but it generally includes sweet potato, minatamis na saging (plantain bananas in caramel syrup), sago pearls, nata de coco, sweetened beans, macapuno (coconut sport), kaong (sugar palm fruit), jackfruit, gulaman (agar agar), pinipig (pounded rice flakes), ice cream, and leche flan.
Some people are very particular with the position of the ingredients, placing the fruits and beans at the bottom, crushed ice in the middle, and ice cream and leche flan at the top. However, you ultimately mix them all together anyway (hence the name), so it doesn’t matter in the end.
8. Kutsinta
Photo: NicholasGeraldinePhotos/Shutterstock
Kutsinta (also spelled cuchinta) is one of the most popular rice cake desserts in the Philippines. Some people theorize that the name was derived from the Chinese term “kueh tsin tao,” which refers to a small steamed cake that is often eaten as a snack. Kutsinta’s jelly-like texture sets it apart from other rice cakes, and they are fairly easy to make.
All-purpose flour, rice flour, brown sugar, and water are mixed in a bowl and then combined with lye water and achuete powder. Lye water makes the kutsinta chewy and sticky while the brown sugar combined with achuete powder gives it a rich, brown color. It’s left to steam and then it’s served with grated or shaved coconut on top.
9. Taho
Photo: Michael D Edwards/Shutterstock
In the Philippines, you can always hear a street vendor calling out “Tahoooo!” every morning. The taho peddler walks down the street carrying two large aluminum buckets, one with the soft tofu base and the other containing arnibal (brown sugar syrup) and sago pearls. You wait for them to pass by your house so you can buy a serving of this warm, chewy, and sweet concoction. It’s a popular comfort food that comes in many different flavors, including strawberry, pandan, and melon taho. Nowadays, you can also find taho in hotels and restaurants, but nothing replaces the experience of frantically going out on the street with a mug in your hand when you hear the taho peddler come by.
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This interactive tool calculates how much your home is worth on Airbnb
If you’ve ever thought of renting your home out on Airbnb and hitting the road, you can now calculate exactly how much to charge for a stay.
A new interactive tool called “What’s My Place Worth” computes how much you should be charging guests per night or longer based on your location, space, amenities, and other key factors. The tool was developed by Airbnb in an effort to encourage people to become hosts as the pent-up demand for travel continues to build.
Christopher Nulty, head of global public affairs at Airbnb, teamed up with the social media video portal YourUpdateTV to discuss the new tool and current trends in the travel and hospitality industry.
“We’ve heard from so many prospective Airbnb hosts who are interested in listing their homes and really want to understand how much money can I earn renting my space and so that’s why we created the Airbnb ‘What’s My Place Worth’ tool,” Nulty said.
According to research conducted by Airbnb, travel is the number one activity Americans have missed most in 2020. The research also indicates that the first trips respondents plan to go on will be to connect with loved ones and create meaningful memories, with 53 percent claiming that they feel less connected to their extended family. Airbnb believes that mass travel won’t return to normal in 2021 but we will see small, personal trips instead. The research also shows that over half of the respondents have already booked or are planning their next trip.
“Once people feel safe to travel, they will. But it will look different than before the pandemic. Travel will be viewed as an antidote to isolation and disconnection. People don’t generally miss landmarks, crowded shuttles, and lines and lobbies packed with tourists. Mass travel is really just a different form of isolation — you are anonymous, herded around with other travelers, never really experiencing the people and culture of a community. What people want from travel now is what they’ve been deprived of — spending meaningful time with their family and friends,” Brian Chesky, the CEO of Airbnb, wrote in a report.
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8 secluded spots in SW Florida
We all have different feelings about traveling right now. When you’re ready, we hope you feel safe, inspired, and excited to join us on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel.Those glancing at a map of Florida in search of the state’s most secluded spots know to steer clear of the South Beach clubs and tourist-stuffed theme parks. But where do you go from there? Shift your gaze southwest. Florida most brilliantly reveals its natural side over on its less-trafficked Gulf Coast, particularly near The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel.
With so much nature to explore — from pristine white-sand beaches to wildlife-packed nature preserves — you won’t have a problem social distancing, but you may need a little guidance. Here’s where to start your search for that true secluded Florida getaway.
1. Lovers Key State Park
Photo: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
Most visitors to the expansive Lovers Key State Park never make it past the beach. And there’s nothing wrong with that — it’s easy to maintain six feet of space along the two-mile stretch of sand. But for more serious solitude, an excursion into the park’s mangrove forests should be at the top of your list. With five miles of trails, Lovers Key is one of the only destinations where a calm meander through butterfly gardens and heron-filled ponds can culminate in a fiery sunset on the beach. Which, admittedly, is pretty tough to beat.
To get on your own trail, though, kayak or canoe over to Mound Key Archaeological State Park to experience a prehistoric site of the Calusa Indian empire, one perennially overlooked by visitors to the area. Never heard of it? That’s kind of the point.
Where to stayClinging to the edge of Lovers Key State Park, Lovers Key Resort lies just across the bridge from Fort Myers Beach proper but inhabits its own serene, slower-paced world. The 100-room property offers relaxed and intimate apartment-style suites with excellent views of the surrounding bay. With a lagoon-style pool and waterfront restaurant, it’s about as chill a resort as they come.
2. Bunche Beach
Photo: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
Fronting the wide-open waters of San Carlos Bay, Bunche Beach is something of a local’s secret. Drive south on John Morris Road from Fort Myers until the road ends and you wind up (with little fanfare) at the beach. Founded as a racially segregated “Blacks only” beach in 1949 and named after the first African American to win the Nobel Peace Prize, this natural “Old Florida”-style spot offers few amenities and even less glitz and glamor. Just how nature should be.
For those looking for a quiet day on the sand, Bunche Beach has everything you need. Cast a line from the shore, drop in a kayak from the boat launch, or just kick back with a good book.
Where to stayLocated on the quiet northern tip of Fort Myers Beach directly across from Bunche Beach, Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina has the essentials (plus more than a few luxuries) for a classic Southwest Florida vacation. There’s a private beach and full-service marina, in addition to beachside yoga classes and brightly colored villas, but the pièce de résistance of this four-star property might be the opportunity to dine directly on the sand. Which you definitely should do.
3. Buck Key Preserve
Photo: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
Many visitors to Captiva Island have no idea that a smaller island sits directly to its east. And, accessible only by canoe or kayak, it’s totally devoid of human inhabitants. Rent a kayak and traverse the preserve’s four-mile Buck Key Paddle Trail, a standout local adventure exploring the thick mangroves and dense forest of the island, with opportunities to glimpse the abundant wildlife that surrounds it — including bald eagles, manatees, pelicans, and dolphins. The paddling route should take around two hours to complete, but you’ll almost certainly choose to linger longer.
Where to stayMaking the drive across Blind Pass from Sanibel to Captiva Island, almost every traveler invariably asks: “What are these cute, colorful little cottages lining the beach?” The answer: Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts, which operates four local properties across the two isles. The one- to three-bedroom pastel-colored seaside cottages are an ideal spot for a romantic getaway, complete with bike and beach chair rentals, and of course glowing sunsets right out your window.
4. Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Photo: Elena Pressprich
Part of the South Florida Birding Trail, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary holds what’s known as the “Western Everglades.” The largest old-growth bald cypress forest on the continent, a smattering of lakes and ponds, dense marshes and wet prairie, and groves of pine flatwoods connect via a 2.5-mile boardwalk that snakes through the reserve. Naturally, you’ll be listening for birdsong, turtles rippling the water, raptors screeching, and otters doing their cute otter thing. And that rainbow bird flying around? That’s the painted bunting. You’ll want your camera for that one.
At the time of writing, visits to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary require reservations, which can easily be made online. Note that the boardwalk closes at 3pm — the wildlife will be most active early in the morning anyway, so make this place your day’s first stop.
Don’t missAfter a long day of hiking and bird-spotting, a rejuvenating reset at Shangri-La Springs is just what the doctor ordered — if the doctor was prone to prescribing luxury organic spa treatments in a historic estate brimming with lush botanical gardens and a natural spring. Bringing a touch of Southern California chic to Southwest Florida, Shangri-La’s decadent spa treatments will leave you ready to tackle another 12-mile hike.
5. Cayo Costa State Park
Photo: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
One of the most unique experiences in the region is hopping the ferry from Captiva Island to Cayo Costa State Park, a jaw-dropping nine-mile expanse of pristine white-sand beach that unquestionably makes it one of the most gorgeous state parks in America. Hitch a ride to the island (only accessible by boat) from Captiva Cruises and spot dolphins along the way before you carve a footpath in the sand past the windswept trees along the beach. You can explore a few rugged trails in the interior, but you probably won’t ever leave the Castaway-esque beach. And fortunately, you don’t really have to — camping is allowed in tents and primitive cabins just steps from the sand.
Where to stayAnother iconic local excursion offered by Captiva Cruises is a day trip to the small island of Cabbage Key, where you’ll discover the thoroughly one-of-a-kind Cabbage Key Inn, Cottages & Restaurant. While a cruise will let you grab lunch at the inn’s beloved restaurant — dollar bills plastering the walls — a longer stay allows you to experience the best of Old Florida. From the romantic, sunlit rooms in the historic inn to the cabin-esque digs that dot the vegetation-rich property, you’ll want to have your Instagram handy for this trip.
6. J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Photo: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
Sanibel Island derives much of its reputation as a natural paradise from the presence of the massive J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which protects the country’s largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem across a sprawling 6,400-acre expanse. Many visitors opt to traverse the refuge via the popular tram system, but you can also explore the serene mangroves and bird habitats by car, bike, or — better yet — your own two feet.
Where to stayAs the only all-suite beachfront resort on Sanibel Island, Casa Ybel Beach Resort offers some of the area’s most luxurious digs. Stretching across 23 acres along the island’s iconic white-sand beach (opposite the refuge), Casa Ybel features exemplary one- and two-bedroom suites with an Olympic-sized pool and a range of activities from fishing to pickleball. What else do you need? An elegant historic restaurant called Thistle Lodge once frequented by Henry Ford and Thomas Edison? Yeah, they have that too.
7. Bailey’s Beach Park
Photo: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
While many visitors to Sanibel Island’s east end get their beach time in at the popular Lighthouse Beach Park, a lesser-known alternative can be found a quick drive to the west at the cozy Bailey’s Beach Park. A rare Sanibel beach located on the bay side of the island as opposed to facing the open Gulf, this small-but-secretive little spot has excellent fishing as well as a laid-back atmosphere.
Note: Parking at Bailey’s Beach Park is very limited and requires a permit. Most visitors simply arrive by bike, on foot, or by boat.
Where to staySundial Beach Resort & Spa has long been one of the most in-demand resorts on Sanibel Island, and it’s not hard to see why. The fully equipped condo-style rooms have everything you need, and their onsite restaurants are some of the best on the island. Carve into twin lobster tails overlooking the water at Sea Breeze Café or go full teppanyaki-style at Shima Japanese Steakhouse between rounds of tennis or sunny days posted up on the beach. In short, you’ll never have to leave the resort.
8. North Captiva IslandPhoto: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
Continuing the general trend of things becoming more remote as you travel farther north, enter: North Captiva Island. It was once part of the main Captiva Island until a hurricane unceremoniously cleaved the two in 1921. Today, the charming little island is only accessible by boat, and the main mode of transport once you’re there is by golf cart — so it’s no surprise that its four miles of beach comprise some of the most low-key real estate in the area. If you’re looking to get away from it all but still have access to modern amenities, you can’t do much better than right here.
Where to stayTell anyone familiar with the area that you’re going to Captiva Island, and you’ll inevitably be asked if you’re staying at South Seas Island Resort. This legendary vacation destination has been converting occasional guests into lifelong fans for generations, thanks to its primo location and unmatched suite of offerings, including its own 330-acre nature preserve with 2.5 miles of stunning beaches. With multiple marinas, restaurants, a golf course, and so much room to wander, it’s okay if you get a little lost — they have a free trolley that will happily pick you up and take you back to your room.
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April 6, 2021
Long weekend in Portland, Maine
Situated on the southern third of Maine’s nearly 3,500 miles of coastline, Portland’s history and culture are deeply rooted in the sea. For centuries, the region of DownEast Maine that’s now home to the state’s largest city served as an important hub for fishing on the East Coast, drawing the Wabanaki Peoples during the summers before Europeans settled in the area. Once Europeans immigrated to Maine, the region’s fishing industry came to be one of the earliest successful European economic pursuits in the region.
But over the years, as the city grew in size and population, so did its offerings. Today, the fishing industry continues to thrive, with boats coming and going from the area’s ports in search of lobster, cod, haddock, and mackerel daily. But Portland is also home to a wide variety of arts, quiet residential streets lined with Victorian houses, and a number of world-class breweries — more per capita than in any other US city. And being just one hour by air from New York City, it’s a great place to explore during a long weekend.
Day one: Unplug and watch the world go by
Photo: The Press Hotel
While Portland’s small size makes it a fairly walkable city, it is beneficial to have a car. From the Portland International Jetport, head to the Press Hotel, which is located in the Old Port District, to check-in and drop off your things for the weekend. As its name implies, the hotel was once home to the state’s largest newspaper — the Portland Press Herald — until 2010. The building retains a historic theme, with all of its architectural details and many artifacts, such as a scale used to weigh rolls of newsprint and the lettering on the building’s exterior, having been preserved.
Once settled, take the mile walk to Tandem Coffee Roasters on Congress Street for a cup of coffee and some baked goods. You won’t find people silently sitting around on their Macbooks at this gas station turned cafe — there hasn’t been WiFi since 2014. Instead, the cafe embodies the city’s sense of community, encouraging its patrons to enjoy conversation over their beverage.
Photo: Albert Pego/Shutterstock
From there, slowly work your way through the historic Old Port District, whose cobblestone streets are lined with shops, cafes, seafood restaurants, and cocktail bars, and from where you can watch lobstermen unload their catch from the day. There are a number of self-guided walking tours, including one entitled “Walk the Working Waterfront,” which are perfect for those looking to dive a bit deeper into the area’s history.
For dinner, choose from one of the many restaurants overlooking the harbor, such as Liquid Riot or Dimillos, or head back to the hotel for a local and sustainably harvested meal at the Union Restaurant.
Day two: It’s all about the ocean
Photo: Allan Wood Photography/Shutterstock
A trip to Portland wouldn’t be complete without getting out on the water. After a quick bite at the iconic Holy Donut, head back to the harbor for a sailing tour with the Portland Schooner Company. The cruise company operates three historic Windjammers, all of which were crafted and built in Maine between 1912 and 1931 and are on the National Register of Historic Places. During a two-hour public tour, guests will take in the sights and sounds of Maine’s craggy coastline, lighthouses, bustling ports, and wildlife.
Photo: Dan Hanscom/Shutterstock
In the Munjoy Hill neighborhood, just north of the Old Port, stands the over-two-century-old, 86-foot tall Portland Observatory Tower. This octagonal structure was intended to serve as a communication tower for ships coming into the harbor. Today, the tower is the only remaining historic maritime signal station in the country. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places, is an official National Historic Landmark, and has been named a National Civil Engineering Landmark. While it can be viewed from outside, guided tours of the tower are available.
Before leaving Munjoy Hill, stop by to see the Stone Dragon — a granite sculpture of a dragon designed and carved by local artist Carole Hanson — in the Eastern Promenade. The original sculpture, which was commissioned in 1996 to be part of a new outdoor plaza dedicated to art and music in Congress Square Park, was designed to be a temporary installment that served as seating, as well as an artistic representation of a sea serpent. But the piece remained for 12 years and was a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. In 2008, the city transferred ownership to the East End Community School, and it was moved to its current location. In 2013, additional stone carvings were added to the sculpture to transform it into a dragon, with support from the original sculptor. Today, this piece of public art lives on as part of a larger landscaped garden, with locals and tourists visiting to enjoy the green space and spectacular views of Casco Bay.
Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock
It’s probably no surprise that eating seafood is at the heart of Portland’s culture. At the Portland Lobster Company, which is the obvious dinner choice, visitors sit outdoors overlooking the harbor while enjoying lobster, steamed clams, and other local seafood. It’s not uncommon to see lobstermen hauling their catch for the day. For those who might be slightly less excited about seafood, the restaurant also has a selection of burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
If you’re not too tired after a day of exploring and eating lobster, the city’s nightlife has plenty to offer. The State Theater is the city’s go-to indoor music venue, hosting a variety of bands and artists from around the world. During the summer months, Maine State Pier, which has spectacular views of the water and skyline, also hosts music events.
Day three: Local culture and beer make for a great day
Photo: Felix Lipov/Shutterstock
Before leaving the hotel, the Inkwell is a convenient spot to caffeinate and grab a small bite before your final day of exploration. In addition to drinks and pastries, the hotel cafe serves breakfast sandwiches, oatmeal, and even a blueberry waffle.
After breakfast, head to the Victorian Mansion, or Morse-Libby House, which was built in the mid-19th century. The Italian Villa-style architecture, designed by Connecticut-based architect Henry Austin, is said to be one of the finest examples of this type of architecture in the country. While the interior is currently closed to tours due to the pandemic, it’s still worth stopping by to admire from the outside.
Photo: luisa2506/Shutterstock
The Portland Head Light is arguably the most iconic and most photographed destination in the city. The original lighthouse, which was situated on the rocky shores of what is now Fort Williams Park, was first lit in 1791, making it the oldest in the country. Over the years, the building was modified and updated, including the addition of a keeper’s headquarters. While the lighthouse is still in operation today, there is also a museum that tells the light’s history through a number of artifacts and exhibits.
The remainder of your time in Portland can be spent in two ways — by visiting the Portland Museum of Art or by experiencing the city’s modern-day culture through a beer tour.
The nearly century-and-a-half-old museum features permanent and rotating exhibits across three buildings — all notable architectural achievements. Exhibits range from local to international artists, such as Winslow Homer and Andy Warhol, and are composed of over 18,000 pieces. The museum even features a free outdoor sculpture park as well as a variety of in-person and digital events.
Photo: Bissell Brothers Brewing Three Rivers/Facebook
If you decide to opt for the beer-drinking route, there are a number of world-class breweries to choose from. With Bissel Brothers, Foundation, Allagash, Oxbow, and Austin Street, to name a few, it’s easy to go on your own brewery tour, or you can hop on an organized tour.
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