Matador Network's Blog, page 674
April 6, 2021
Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Colorado
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Colorado Springs has been closed since 2017, but it’s finally poised to reopen in May. The railway underwent a three-year renovation and now will once again bring visitors to the top of Pikes Peak, where “America the Beautiful” was famously written. The railway was originally built in 1891 and is the highest railroad in the country.
Photo: The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Guests will start and end their journey at the new Manitou Depot, which will feature a big new platform, viewing deck, and retail stores with snacks and drinks. At the top, you’ll find a new environmentally sustainable visitor center and an elevated pathway and overlook.
Photo: The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Ted Johnston, the assistant general manager of the Railway, said in a press release, “The Cog is an important part of Colorado and the West’s heritage. We’re excited to re-open the railway for the public to experience and enjoy this scenic American adventure that has such a rich history. We’ve been working on this project for three years, and we are very excited to take our first trains and passengers up the mountain.”
Tickets are available for purchase online for dates and times this spring and summer. General admission costs $58 for adults and $48 for children under 12. The railway will celebrate its 130th anniversary on June 30, 2021, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the historic site. 
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The most epic road trip through America’s heartland
Snide jokes about “flyover states” be damned — America’s heartland is not to be left out of travelers’ road trip plans. The region is home to many quirky, vibrant, and woefully underrated cities — urban centers with world-class BBQ, rich musical history, and art museums rivaling the best in Washington DC. Not to mention world-class breweries that alone make this trip worthwhile.
This road-trip itinerary — starting in Fort Worth, Texas, and making stops in Oklahoma City, Wichita, Kansas City, and Arkansas — is the ideal route to get acquainted with some of the major cities of America’s heartland. And with a playlist of Oklahoma Red Dirt music or Kansas City jazz coupled with views of sunsets over the prairies, this road trip will pass as pleasantly as the breeze over a Kansas wheat field.
Fort Worth, TX
Photo: Ceri Breeze/Shutterstock
Considered the entryway to West Texas, CowTown, as it’s affectionately dubbed, is steeped in the mythology of the frontier and the cowboy, two of the most enduring and cherished symbols of the West and America’s spirit writ large. Dallas, notorious for glitz and glam and raucous nightlife, is about 45 minutes east of Fort Worth, and the two cities together — an area referred to as the Metroplex — represent the most heavily populated region of Texas.
For food, libations, and people-watching in Fort Worth, head down to Magnolia Avenue, a strip of stores and restaurants with hipster vibes that’s also an ideal place to find an affordable, centrally located Airbnb. Heim BBQ, on Magnolia, slings some of Fort Worth’s finest smoked meats, but be prepared to brave long lines. Brisket and jalapeño pork sausage are Texas classics, doled out on trays covered with butcher paper and paired with white bread, pickles, and jalapeños. Heim executes the classics superbly well, but don’t sleep on its more unorthodox plates — like brisket and mac and cheese sandwiches or baked potatoes heaped with BBQ and chives. Once you can safely rouse yourself from your BBQ-induced food coma, check out Fort Worth’s fantastic breweries; Windmills and Panther Island are particular stand-outs.
Fort Worth hits heavy with excellent museums and cultural monuments. Check out the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the more traditional Kimbell Art Museum. Finally, Fort Worth would not be Cowtown without the famous Stockyards, an area that doubles as actual cattle stockyards and something of a Western-themed amusement park. Two-step your way over to the iconic Billy Bob’s to throw back some Lonestars (the state beer) and listen to live country-western music.
On the roadShortly after crossing the Oklahoma-Texas state line, the Winstar Casino, “The Official Casino of the Dallas Cowboys,” looms large on the horizon. The Winstar casino has craps, slots, poker, roulette and all the other classic games to separate gamblers from their money, and if you get sick of the tables, there are concert venues and fine dining on site.
Photo: Travel_with_me/Shutterstock
Norman, Oklahoma, the town built around the University of Oklahoma, promises all the rip-roaring good times of a town containing 32,000+ college students. In homage to the German influence in Oklahoma, Das Boot Camp in Norman brews up exquisite German-style beers that pair deliciously with plates of Bavarian fare.
Oklahoma City, OK
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Oklahoma City is about three hours north of Fort Worth. OKC is a small state capital that punches well above its weight in terms of nightlife, culture, and memorable breweries and restaurants. Two to three days should be enough time to get a feel for OKC, and the Midtown neighborhood — located close to both downtown and historic Bricktown — has plenty of affordable Airbnbs.
OKC takes craft beer seriously, and Prairie Brewery, one of the most innovative breweries in the country, is a must-visit. Prairie’s off-the-wall brews — like Bomb!, a stout brewed with chocolate, ancho chile, and coffee, or Rainbow Sherbet, a sour infused with a panoply of fruits — are not only creative but flawlessly crafted and delicious.
Bricktown — a former manufacturing district whose weathered red-brick mills have been converted to bars, restaurants, and shops — keeps the party buzzing until the small hours. Similar to the Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX, a walkable canal runs through Bricktown, with multi-story bars and restaurants overlooking the water.
If all that beer puts you in the mood for a cheesy pie, Halls Pizza and Empire Slice are local favorites. Hall’s brisket and potato pizza makes for an unlikely flavor combo that somehow works perfectly. Waffle Champions, located in downtown OKC, offers scrumptious variations of chicken and waffles as well as sweet, doughy creations. For classic cocktails, live music, great food, and a beautiful ambiance check out Jones Assembly, not far from downtown.
After a memorable night in Bricktown, shake the cobwebs off with a well-crafted espresso beverage at Prelude Coffee or Coffee Slingers. Then spend the afternoon at the Oklahoma Museum of Art, Cowboy Museum, or the soon-to-open First Americans Museum. The Cowboy Museum has a superb collection of art and photography focused on the culture and nature of the Great Plains, as well as outdoor exhibits with replicas of traditional dwellings of Great Plains Native American Tribes.
On the road
Photo: Ken Wolter/Shutterstock
Outside of the city limits of OKC, you’ll find yourself deep in the open prairie. The road here is quiet and pleasant. Stillwater, OK, home to Oklahoma State University, is about an hour north of OKC. The OSU campus houses the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, a museum of the ancient sport and homage to the greatest Americans to ever take the mat.
Wichita, KS
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
After two and a half hours driving north from OKC, you’ll get to Wichita, KS. Twenty-four hours is enough time to see the charms of the Sunflower State’s largest city. If OKC feels like a small city, Wichita hardly feels larger than a town; nonetheless, here’s a burg full of good beer, Midwestern charm, and some good food.
For an unforgettable burger and local beer, check out Dempsey’s Burger Pub, but be ready to wait around 30 minutes for a table during popular times. Their wagyu burger with duck fat fries will leave you very satisfied. Dempsey’s is located in a leafy retail park with an assortment of restaurants, artsy stores, and ice cream parlors nearby.
If you’re a cocktail aficionado, Dockum, a speakeasy in the basement of the Ambassador Hotel, will be the highlight of your sojourn in Wichita. The subterranean tavern, accessible only through a maintenance closet in the hotel’s basement, was, in fact, an actual clandestine bar from the Prohibition era. The speakeasy’s aged wooden tables, ancient bank vault full of bottles, and magnificent multi-tiered mirrored bar attest to its outlaw history. Dockum specializes in infusing its potions with aromatic smoke from blow-torched wood chips, and the barside showmanship is guaranteed to garner likes from even the most jaded of your Instagram followers.
The next morning will call for a good cup of joe at Reverie Coffee, located in the Delano neighborhood, an area of Wichita on Kansas’s historical registry. After a delicious pick-me-up from Reverie, take a stroll through Delano’s handsome streets, lined with old red-brick and wrought iron buildings.
On the way out of Wichita, be sure to visit the Keeper of the Plains, a memorial and small outdoor museum to the Native American tribes of the Great Plains. Located on the banks of the Arkansas River, the Keeper of the Plains stands on the place where Native American tribal leaders from various Great Plains nations met in pre-Columbian times to maintain peace.
On the road
Photo: Ken Wolter/Shutterstock
Traveling through Tornado Alley, it’s a three-hour drive to Kansas City, that Midwestern metropolis situated partially in Kansas and partially in Missouri. En route to KC, you’ll pass Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, one of the nation’s best-preserved sections of the eponymous grassland ecosystem. Here is one the last places where the American buffalo still roams, and where the sky, clouds, and land extend into an inconceivably expansive horizon.
Kansas City, KS/MO
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Immortalized in the lyrics of Muddy Waters, Charlie Parker, and countless other giants of jazz and the blues, KC’s culture — a melting pot of African-American, Italian, Mexican, Irish, and many others — is as rich and delicious as the apricot- and honey-based BBQ sauce at the fabled Q39. It also has the unique honor of being one of the only major cities to straddle state lines — Kansas and Missouri.
Two must-see museums in KC are the Nelson Atkins Art Museum and the Jazz Museum. From its architecture to the exhibits themselves, the Nelson Atkins is stunning, rivaling the National Gallery in Washington, DC. Even better, tickets are free, so you can save that money for the museum’s cafe or impressive gift shop. We recommend two to three hours to enjoy the museum, although you could easily spend an entire day marveling at the exhibits. Make sure to save time for the museum’s outdoor sculpture gallery as well.
The Jazz Museum, located in the historic 18th and Vine neighborhood, is small but mighty. The museum is packed with interactive exhibits, audio samples of jazz classics, and memorabilia from the legends of the genre. As the saying goes, jazz was born in New Orleans but went to college in Kansas City. This is the town, after all, that raised Charlie Parker and created the complex and seductive genre of bebop.
To get your fix for live jazz, the Green Lady Lounge and the Blue Room are classic venues to sip cocktails and stand (or sit) in awe at KC’s jazz virtuosos.
No trip to Kansas City would be complete without BBQ. Anthony Bourdain, proclaimed that Joe’s Kansas City (formally known as Oklahoma Joe’s) was the best BBQ joint in the US. Located on the outskirts of town and connected to a gas station, Joe’s opens at 11 AM, and long lines form even before opening. If you want to eat inside, you have to wait out the line, but we suggest the time-saving pro-tip of ordering your BBQ over the phone, picking up curbside, and eating at Joe’s outdoor tables. Everything at Joe’s — from the mac and cheese, beans, and world-famous sauce, to the white oak-smoked meats — is delicious, but the “Z-man” sandwich — brisket topped with cheese, onion rings, and pickles on a kaiser roll — is the stuff of dreams. Q39 opened more recently but has already made a name for itself as one of KC’s finest. It’s more expensive than Joes, but the waiting time is shorter.
On the roadThe Arkansas state line is about three hours from Kansas City, and the terrain changes from prairie to rolling hills, winding roads, and forests the closer you get to the Natural State. Driving south through Arkansas will take you back to North Texas, but there is plenty of natural beauty, adventure, and detour-worthy food along the way as you come back full circle to Fort Worth.
Driving through Arkansas
Photo: shuttersv/Shutterstock
Fayetteville, a brick and stone hamlet home to the University of Arkansas, is about four hours from Kansas City and has all the charm, good food, and rowdy good times of a proper college town. Airbnbs abound in Fayetteville, and you can find decent lodging for as cheap as $20/night.
Arsaga’s and Puritan Coffee are great places to start your morning. For lunch, tuck into the outrageously good burgers and local beer at the quintessential college-town pub Hugos.
Bentonville, home of Walmart, has become a hotspot for mountain biking, and the mountains and rivers around the town are full of trails. There are some beautiful murals in the town’s alleyways honoring Albert King and other benefactors to the rich blues and jazz history of Northwest Arkansas.
For those curious about the history of the world’s largest retailer, check out the Walmart Museum. But even more impressive is the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, one of the most beautiful collections of American and Native American art in the world. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the exterior of Crystal Bridges Museum is as impressive as the art works within.
Deeper yet into the Ozarks, Eureka Springs, a centuries-old resort town whose sulfur- and mineral-filled waters continue to beckon the health-conscious, is about two hours from Bentonville. Eureka Springs no longer has outdoor hot springs open to the public (however, Hot Springs, another Arkansas town about two hours from Eureka Springs, does), but you can reap the benefits of the restorative waters pumped into a bathtub or steambath at Palace Bath House. A nice long soak in a private tub costs about $20, and you can add treatments like a steam-soak in a wooden barrel or a massage. The Palace Hotel is allegedly one of the most haunted hotels in the country, and employees affirm that the hotel’s ghost frequently makes her presence known in the nocturnal hours. Brews, a coffee shop cum Irish pub, is a great place to grab coffee or sample Arkansan brews. Arkansas-Mexican cuisine — Ark-Mex — is a legitimate cuisine there, and Amigos whips up comforting plates of enchiladas to be washed down with frozen margaritas or a well-mixed michelada.
Completing the circuitFrom Eureka Springs back to your starting point of Fort Worth, the drive is about seven hours. It’s a picturesque route that cuts right through the heart of the Ozarks and the formidable forests of Choctaw Nation in Eastern Oklahoma, and we suggest driving during the daylight to take in the views. If you want to break up the long drive, stop in Hochatown, OK, a vacation town constructed around the lakes of Eastern Oklahoma. Cabins rent in Hochatown for around $100/night, but prices vary by season. Hochatown is a great place to listen to live honky-tonk music, learn about Choctaw culture, and soak up some rays lakeside.
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Best vanlife states in the US
Driving through the fiery foliage of New England, under the gray granite spires of the North Cascades and all the wide-open spaces in-between, I came to understand the mass appeal of vanlife. I’d followed a string of single-lane highways and country backroads threading together dramatic national parks and iconic cultural hotspots. I’d never felt so free or more connected to my home country. My partner and I explored 40 states in five months, and all were magnificent in their own right. But a few states stood out from the rest.
We quickly learned to differentiate between a terrific vanlife destination and states more suited to alternative methods of travel. For example, navigating the narrow alleyways of Boston and tight-knit communities of Cape Cod put Massachusetts low on our list while serene upstate New York almost made up for the headache of the Big Apple. As we traversed the United States seeking out scenic vistas, intrepid outdoor activities, and communities accepting of our alternative lifestyle, we were surprised which states came out on top. But although these destinations were clear winners, where we could spend months exploring at our leisure, the entire US is, overall, a van-friendly, road-trip-worthy destination.
So, what makes for a van-friendly destination?
Photo: Brandon J Hale/Shutterstock
It’s not just raw natural beauty and dramatic landscapes that appeal to vanlifers. We need BLM land and state parks for free camping. When you’re spending every sunset looking for a scenic place to sleep and often have to settle for grocery store parking lots, the romance of life on the road wears off quickly.
States with frigid or unpredictable weather don’t exactly generate enthusiasm for driving or exploring, either. After spending nearly a week trapped inside our van during hail, sleet, and snow at Glacier National Park in Montana, we concluded that retaining feeling in our fingers and toes can sometimes trump breathtaking beauty. Of course, opinions differ. If you’re on a mission to ski powder every morning and are equipped to handle frigid overnights in order to do so, Montana in winter may be your ideal spot.
And avoiding the dreaded middle-of-the-night knock (albeit a carefully learned skill) is downright impossible in areas unaccustomed to or unwelcoming of van-dwellers.
Our favorite states were packed full of worthwhile road trips, peppered with free scenic overnight parking, enjoyed tolerable weather year-round, and had a general attitude of acceptance toward the vanlife community. They were enjoyable and easy to traverse with our home on wheels.
If you’re looking to hit the open road in a van this summer, follow our route through these five impressive states.
1. California
Photo: Gary C. Tognoni/Shutterstock
The state that “created” vanlife is home to the single most beautiful stretch of seaside highway (Highway 1) in the United States, a whopping nine national parks, and a temperate climate year-round. California is the perfect state for vanlife.
Cruise the 900-plus miles of rugged coastline (if you can afford the gas prices) and spend a few days parked beneath the towering trees of Redwood National Forest before passing through salt-stained beach towns on your way to the scenic vistas at Big Sur. When you’ve had your fill of beaches, steer clear of the chaotic Los Angeles streets and head for the wilderness. On the topic of national parks, decide whether the dramatic glacier-sculpted landscapes of Yosemite or the desolate, wide-open deserts of Joshua Tree and Death Valley are more your style. No matter your choice, California has top-notch camping amenities. I recommend driving the California coast from North to South for the best views.
2. Florida
Photo: Mia2you/Shutterstock
Vanlife in Florida is like California but with more bugs and no mountains. Every seaside town we passed through was equipped for surfers, which means unregulated parking lots and plenty of beach showers. This was a welcome change of pace for someone who had been showering sporadically from a solar-“heated” bag out the side doors of the van for months on end.
Granted, living in a van in Florida is easiest if you’re a beach bum at heart. You can pull directly up to the waves and spend the night parked in the pale sand on Sanibel Island. Or drive the 150 miles off the tip of Florida to the Keys. I recommend Largo or Big Pine instead of the more popular and crowded Key West. Round out your Florida road trip by kayaking through the thick mangroves, snorkeling with manatees at Silver Glen Springs State Park, and hiking through dense jungle vegetation in one of Florida’s nearly 200 state parks.
3. Washington
Photo: Chelsey Kent/Shutterstock
The emerald green canopy of western Washington and snow-capped mountain peaks provided a scenic start to our journey through our home sweet home. Although Washington’s dreary overcast skies can make long drives drag on, it’s one of the best states for vanlife because of the raw natural beauty and huge van-dwelling community that resides there all year. Two of our very favorite national parks, Olympic and Mount Rainier, are just outside the edgy, rainy, metropolitan center of Seattle, a city where vanlifers will feel right at home in its quirky neighborhoods.
If you’re looking for the perfect morning wake-up, visit Chuckanut Drive on the way to Bellingham (another van-friendly outdoorsy city near-ish to the Canadia border) and North Cascades National Park. With stunning stealth camping spots overlooking the electric blue Diablo Lake, at the base of a glacier at Cascade Pass, and staring straight at the snowy summit of Mount Baker at Artist Point, Washington is the most underrated vanlife destination.
4. South Dakota
Photo: Gary C. Tognoni/Shutterstock
Before we roamed the road in our converted Ram van, we would daydream of driving through the Wild West, sleeping under the stars surrounded by herds of bison and bighorn sheep. This overly romanticized view of America’s heartland wasn’t far from the truth in South Dakota. With enough space to feel immersed in the wilderness, we drove through the Badlands, the cowboy town of Deadwood, and past manmade wonders like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.
But the real highlights of South Dakota are the Black Hills and Custer State Park. Drive through the winding Needles Highway (Highway 87) filled with granite spires and set up camp at Sylvan Lake before hiking to the highest point in South Dakota, Black Elk Peak.
5. Utah
Photo: GROGL/Shutterstock
If seclusion is what you seek, you’ll find it in Utah. Between the burnt-orange iconic arches of its five national parks, you’ll find plenty of BLM camping far from the routes of traditional road trippers. With lower fuel prices than the popular West Coast states, Utah is a much more affordable vanlife destination if you’re looking to hang around long-term.
Starting in Zion National Park, you’ll hike epic peaks like Angel’s Landing before continuing to Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (if you have a 4×4 vehicle), Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and finally Arches National Park. The Moab and Valley of the Gods region, in particular, offer welcoming communities of fellow van-dwellers.
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Canada’s highest suspension bridge
Canada is getting an epic new suspension bridge, which will be the highest in the whole country. The new Golden Skybridge will consist of the two highest suspension bridges in the country, connecting forest trails in British Columbia’s Columbia and Rocky Mountain ranges.
[image error]Photo: Golden Skybridge by Pursuit
The two bridges, built in the town of Golden, will sit on top of each other and offer 360-degree views of alpine vista, including a thundering 200-foot waterfall and the deep canyon below.
One bridge will be 426 feet high while the other will be 262 feet, and both will be part of a two-mile nature walk. Guests will be able to enjoy the serene landscape on viewing platforms, and for a less serene experience, a tandem bungee swing and zipline spanning the canyon will be installed later this summer. An outdoor courtyard and cafe will also be available for visitors at the base.
Photo: Golden Skybridge by Pursuit
Golden is located in southeast British Columbia, 90 minutes from Banff, and is surrounded by six Canadian national mountain parks.
The bridge is scheduled to open in May 2021. When the travel restrictions in Canada are finally relaxed, make sure this spot is on your list.
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Arab American Heritage Month
The US State Department announced that April will be Arab American Heritage Month in the United States to celebrate and acknowledge all the contributions made by Arab Americans throughout history.
“This month, the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs will highlight Arab Americans in our bureau advancing U.S. foreign policy and national security efforts in the United States and across Europe. This effort is a part of a broader campaign celebrating diversity and inclusion as core American values,” the State Department shared.
In the past, several states including Arkansas, Hawaii, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, and Virginia had independently acknowledged April as the month to celebrate Arab American heritage, but the State Department hadn’t recognized it until now.
“The United States is home to more than 3.5 million Arab Americans representing a diverse array of cultures and traditions. Like their fellow citizens, Americans of Arab heritage are very much a part of the fabric of this nation,” Ned Price, a spokesperson for the State Department, said in a video statement.
While this is a big step toward encouraging diversity and equality, Arab American Heritage month still needs to be recognized by the entire US government. Representative Rashida Talib is a strong driving force behind changing this; she introduced a bill to Congress in 2019 that is still pending. Talib aims to solidify April as the month of Arab American recognition, which would foster a higher degree of cultural acceptance and understanding.
According to the Arab American National Museum, Arab Americans trace their origins to 22 countries across the Middle East and North Africa: Algeria, Bahrain, the Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
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Deepest wreck dive ever explores lost WWII ship
An American exploration team has just completed a landmark dive exploring deeper than any human or submersible has before to gather footage of one of history’s most notable shipwrecks.
The Texas-based undersea technology company Caladan Oceanic surveyed the remains of the USS Johnston — a US Navy Destroyer from World War II that lies over 21,325 feet underwater off Samar Island in the Philippines. The mission, which included two eight-hour dives in a submersible, was completed at the end of last month and captured unique video and photographic footage of the vessel.
Just completed the deepest wreck dive in history, to find the main wreckage of the destroyer USS Johnston. We located the front 2/3 of the ship, upright and intact, at a depth of 6456 meters. Three of us across two dives surveyed the vessel and gave respects to her brave crew. pic.twitter.com/N1AuzHIi0b
— Victor Vescovo (@VictorVescovo) April 1, 2021
“Just completed the deepest wreck dive in history, to find the main wreckage of the destroyer USS Johnston. We located the front 2/3 of the ship, upright and intact, at a depth of 6,456 meters. Three of us across two dives surveyed the vessel and gave respects to her brave crew,” Caladan Oceanic’s founder Victor Vescovo said on Twitter. Vescovo piloted the submersible with the help of his team.
US Navy records from World War II state that only 141 of 327 of the ship’s crew survived. The expedition team found two intact five-inch gun turrets, many gun mounts, and torpedo racks.
The vessel was originally explored in 2019 during an expedition and later became an object of interest to Caledon Oceanic. Thanks to new cutting-edge submersible technology, Caledon Oceanic were able to observe the USS Johnston during the recent dive, delivering us the first-ever images of the wreck.
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Disneyland Resort reveals potential expansion plans with new rides and restaurants
Not only is California’s Disneyland Resort reopening at the end of April, it’s also eyeing a major expansion. A “multiyear public planning effort” has recently been announced as part of the DisneylandForward initiative, which aims to bring new restaurants, rides, themed worlds, and other unique experiences to the park.
The expansion will be inspired by other Disney properties around the world. These may include an area dedicated to the village of Arendelle from Frozen, as well as another area inspired by Tangled. The expansion may also take cues from Shanghai Disneyland’s Zootopia and Tron Lightcycle Run roller coaster.
Photo: Disney
While renderings of the potential expansion have been released online, nothing is set in stone. All plans are tentative as Disneyland continues to work with the city of Anaheim to update development approvals and determine what could be feasible for the park expansion.
Photo: Disney
Ken Potrock, Disneyland Resort president, wrote in a letter to the Anaheim community, “To be clear, Disneyland Resort is not seeking any public funding in this effort, nor are we seeking to develop any additional square footage or hotel rooms beyond what is already allowed. We are simply working with the city and community to update existing approvals to allow for integrated, immersive experiences to be appropriately placed and built throughout Disney properties.”
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Adventure guide to The Outer Banks
The Outer Banks of North Carolina — a chain of beach-lined barrier islands stretching for over 100 miles — might as well be called the “Adventure Capital of the Atlantic.” It’s here that high sand dunes roll and whip in the wind, wild horses roam, inland forests hide rare birds and wildlife, and kites and kayaks are common modes of transportation.
Made up of small, historic towns and villages — all of the OBX has only 50,000-some residents — no season is crowded or rushed. But the outdoor adventures? Those can be as fast-paced as you can handle. When you’re ready to take to the sea, the sand, or the skies, here’s how to satisfy your appetite for adventure.
Hit the water — and fly.
Photo: The Outer Banks of North Carolina
There are as many methods of getting on the water in the Outer Banks as there are environments. In creeks and estuaries, from surfside to soundside, you can ply the waters with a kayak, canoe, standup paddleboard (SUP), kiteboard, pontoon, catamaran — or, in some cases, you could just hop in.
But say you want to go fast. This is the spot to try out kiteboarding and windsurfing — the combination of colliding ocean currents and their breezes creates the ideal environment for harnessing the wind and taking flight. There’s a reason, after all, that the Wright Brothers tested out their contraptions right here.
If you’re on the fence about taking a lesson — outfitters abound and know to expect true beginners — the annual OBX-Wind Competition will either serve as serious inspiration or convince you spectating is your thing. Over the course of a week in November, the pros gather on the open water to freestyle, slalom, and race to the finish line.
Hit the water — with a paddle stroke.
Photo: Charles Collard/Shutterstock
But back to slowing down. While the Outer Banks itself is a maze of waterways worth a paddle, there are a few spots that bubble up to the top of the list again and again:
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge has over 15 miles of paddling trails. They’re color-coded on the map, so all you have to do is choose what suits you and head out. Keep your eyes peeled, as the area is home to black bears, bald eagles, rare woodpeckers, and, yes, the ancient, leathery creatures that give the refuge its name.Cape Hatteras National Seashore runs all the way from Bodie Island to Ocracoke, and put-ins can be found up and down the Roanoke and Pamlico sounds. The area around Bodie Island is particularly special, as you have a smattering of islands and marshes hiding abundant local flora and fauna.Kitty Hawk Woods is one of the most pristine stretches of maritime forest left in the country, if not the world. SUPing along the four-mile High Bridge Creek and the marshes and estuaries — watching for turtles, salamanders, hawks, ospreys, grey foxes, and muskrats — feels like a private wildlife tour on your own time.Tour the country’s best lighthouses.
Photo: The Outer Banks of North Carolina
Some of the most iconic lighthouses in the United States rise high above the North Carolina coast, with the greatest concentration in the Outer Banks. Picture a lighthouse, and you might be picturing one that’s right here.
Let’s start with a fan favorite: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, adorned with distinctive black and white barber-pole stripes. It may not be the oldest in the state, but it is the tallest brick lighthouse — on the continent. Though it dates back to the 18th century, it was moved to its present location in 1999.
Meanwhile, horizontal black and white stripes — these bold color patterns enable mariners to spot the lights easily — cover Bodie Island Lighthouse, just south of Nags Head. Watching over the treacherous stretch of open water known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” it’s tucked into marsh and pine, giving it a uniquely OBX feel.
Both lighthouses are climbable seasonally — at least, most years — usually beginning in April. Check their respective websites for details on openings, but know that simply walking in the shadow of these sentinels can leave any visitor in awe.
Hang-glide off the sand.
Photo: The Outer Banks of North Carolina
Imagine experiencing the same exhilaration the Wright Brothers must have felt when they took to the skies for the first time. You can get a taste of that exact sensation hang-gliding at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, catching some air right off the immense dunes.
A lesson with Kitty Hawk Kites is around three hours long: You’ll start strapped in, knees in the sand, until you’re ready for your running start, the guides helping you gain speed and take off. If you don’t land on your feet the first few times, know that’s totally normal — and the sand is cushion-soft.
Spend dawn and dusk with rare and endangered birds.
Photo: The Outer Banks of North Carolina
While North Carolina touts itself as “First in Flight,” more than 400 species of the original aviators call this region home, from backyard faves to rare and endangered. Bring your binoculars to these wild spots:
Thousands of greater snow geese, along with a myriad of other migratory waterfowl, flock to Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge for the winter — across the seasons, Pea Island sees the vast majority of the Outer Banks’ 400+ species. Keep your eyes peeled for rare ones likes the piping plover, peregrine falcon, American oystercatcher, and least tern.Nags Head Woods Preserve is one of the largest remaining tracts of maritime forests on the East Coast, its towering sand dunes allowing massive oak, hickory, and beech trees to thrive, creating a rare ecosystem. Throughout the year, birders have the opportunity to spot 150+ species — during the summer, look for brightly colored migratory birds from Central and South America, like prothonotary warblers and blue grosbeaks.Located just across the bridge on the mainland, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge provides habitats for 250+ bird species, including rare and endangered woodpeckers, short-eared owls, bald eagles, and tundra swans. Bonus: One of the largest concentrations of black bears in the southeastern United States can be found here, too.On the north end of Roanoke Island, a bounty of cardinals, finches, and chickadees flit through the forests of Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. The 1.25-mile Freedom Trail honors one of the first Freedmen’s Colonies of African Americans — where runaway and emancipated former slaves were able to live free — established nearby in the early days of the American Civil War. At the trailhead, the William B. Umstead Bridge is the summer home to millions of purple martins, a popular evening sight as they return home to roost at dusk.Sit deep in the saddle.
Photo: OCollins/Shutterstock
Perhaps you’ve ridden horseback in the mountains, across meadows or vineyards, but there’s something wild and free about riding on the open sand, into the salty breeze. Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve and Cape Hatteras National Seashore — America’s first, by the way — provide that rare combination of both dense maritime forest and beach, and outfitters offer rides through it all.
Tours typically last around two hours, and while most operators have age and weight restrictions (both for the safety of the rider and the health of the horses), experience isn’t essential. Of course, if one member of your crew has the skills to ride and carry a camera, that doesn’t hurt.
Hike from forests and dunes to marshes and open beaches.
Photo: The Outer Banks of North Carolina
You’ve just spent the past five minutes reading up on sand dunes, maritime forests, wildlife preserves, marshes, estuaries, and rivers — hopefully it’s clear by now that nature runs amok on The Outer Banks of North Carolina. Hiking trails run amok, too, and here are some spots you’ll want to hit with your own two feet:
At Nags Head Woods Preserve, you get history and wildlife alongside the sand dunes, ponds, and marshes. The two-mile Sweetgum Swamp Trail is a decent cardio workout.At Cape Hatteras National Seashore, you could simply walk the beach until your feet give way, but the 4.5-mile Open Ponds Trail mixes up your terrain, bringing interdune ponds and maritime forest into your sights.The Sea Breeze Trail through Hatteras Village Park and the Duck Boardwalk are both kid- and stroller-friendly, with playgrounds, marsh and forest views, and shops (and donuts!) to hold tiny ones’ attentions.Angle away the afternoon.
Photo: The Outer Banks of North Carolina
Walk out onto the 1,000-foot-long Jennette’s Pier, and it should become clear pretty quickly that the angling here is top-drawer. And not just from the piers! There’s fly fishing, brackish fishing, charter fishing (offshore and inshore), sound fishing, surf fishing, and a few others — but to keep it simple, know that piers often offer rentals and are covered under a blanket license, and the season starts in March with sea bass, bluefish, tuna, and snapper the standard catches. (Otherwise, you’ll need a fishing license to go out on your own.)
What you want to do will determine where you should go, but so too will the wind and weather. If you’ve got your own gear and license, your best bet is to book an outing with a guide and let them show you the treasures just below the water’s surface. Expect to see trout, sea bass, striped bass, bluefish, tuna, white marlin, blue marlin, wahoo, cobia, king mackerel, flounder, snapper, grouper, crab, shrimp, bay scallops, and oysters.
Tip: Speaking of scallops and oysters, if it’s fresh seafood you’re after, consider attending Taste of the Beach. It’s three April days of endless cracking, slurping, and sampling the freshest seafood from the area’s favorite restaurants.
Bike the nature preserves, forests, and beaches.
Photo: Ryszard Filipowicz/Shutterstock
From Duck to Hatteras Island, there are just as many miles of bike paths as there are beaches. Nearly every town or village is marked with multi-use paths, and the open back roads of farm country and wildlife preserves naturally lend themselves to two-wheeled exploration.
With the exception of a few bridges, the Outer Banks are flat and family-friendly. But the experience is hardly uniform, as you pedal from the sand to the sound, from the forest to backwater marshes, from boardwalks to the beach and back again. That being said, there might be one thing that always follows you, wherever you go: the sea breeze.
The post The adventure travel guide to North Carolina’s Outer Banks appeared first on Matador Network.
April 5, 2021
Best Airbnbs in Barcelona
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.
Barcelona is among the most coveted destinations in Europe, and it’s easy to see why — legendary nightlife, world-class dining and cafe culture, and an architectural style that is as well-preserved as the city’s vibrant culture. For the easiest access to all Barcelona has to offer, book an Airbnb in the heart of the city. These are nine of the best to put you close to the action, in style.
1. Penthouse with roomy terrace near Paseo de Gracia
Photo: Airbnb
This spot is perfect for relaxing on the terrace and taking in the sun over a glass of wine. And that’s just the outside. Inside this penthouse unit you’ll find a modern kitchen, vaulted ceilings, and plenty of space to spread out and be productive (or just lounge in front of the television). Located in the heart of the city and not too far from the beach, you’ll find this penthouse apartment to be convenient and charming, with a touch of local flare.
Price: $176 per night
2. Batllo luxury in prime location
Photo: Airbnb
A short walk from Plaza Catalunya and the Paseo de Gracia metro station, this spacious apartment sleeps up to seven in three full bedrooms, with a bathroom to match each. Despite being in the center of one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, the unit itself is secluded and quiet, a peaceful respite from the beaches, cafes, and museums likely to occupy your daily itinerary while in Barcelona. If you decide to spend a night in, take advantage of the well-equipped kitchen and prepare your own Escalivada.
Price: $228 per night
3. Vintage concept flat in chic neighborhood
Photo: Airbnb
The owner of this vintage flat clearly has a taste for colorful art. In classic Barcelona style, the unit is defined by vaulted brick ceilings, but the yellows, greens, and blues of the adornments and decor give the unit a unique vibe. Nearby to trendy cafes, nightlife spots, and dining, this flat is also priced appropriately for a longer stay in the city, especially if you are traveling as a couple, family, or small group of up to five.
Price: $117 per night
4. Barcelona villa in peaceful setting
Photo: Airbnb
Set a short drive out of the city, this peaceful lodge comes complete with a pool and lots of space to lounge. Serenity is the vibe here, with nature taking a front seat and defining the stay as much as the well-adorned insides of this three-bedroom home. With large windows and fast internet, this house is perfect for a family or group of friends to set up basecamp for exploring Catalunya, whether that means a week in the city or a dash of escapes out to the countryside.
Price: $351 per night
5. Chic, sophisticated gem in Eixample
Photo: Airbnb
This sophisticated apartment in the trendy Eixample area is best described as minimalist meets artistic modern. Chill over the city views from the balcony, spoil yourself in the bathroom’s spa vibes, and walk to nearby tourist attractions, restaurants, and bars — this apartment literally could not be more centrally located in Barcelona. There are two bedrooms, each bright and vibrant, setting the mood for exciting days exploring this historic city.
Price: $100 per night
6. Amazing penthouse in Ramblas
Photo: Airbnb
Spacious and with three bedrooms and a large outdoor dining and relaxing space, this Ciutat Vella penthouse apartment is centrally located and gives you a top-down view on the city. Walk to Ramblas and Plaza Catalunya for your shopping and sightseeing needs, or tour the nearby Contemporary Art Museum and Plaza Universidad for a taste of Barcelona’s living history. Spend mornings strolling the Joaquin Costa, a pedestrian thoroughfare accessing the best of the city’s cafe culture, and evenings sipping Cava on the veranda.
Price: $181 per night
7. Unique property in Old Barcelona
Photo: Airbnb
One thing that is as true in Barcelona as elsewhere in Europe is the value of the efficient use of space. This flat is uniquely designed to optimize what is already a spacious unit. Here, in a wood-paneled apartment in the center of Ciutat Vella and greater Old Barcelona, you’re a moment’s walk from Palau de la Música Catalana, Plaça de Catalunya, and the cathedral, as well as all of the vibrant social settings that surround them. Of course, take advantage of the luxurious living space, as well.
Price: $151 per night
8. Attic duplex in Ramblas, Gothic Quarter
Photo: Airbnb
Barcelona’s best balcony is yours in this upscale penthouse in the Gothic Quarter. You’ll look out over the city in style, with the Music Center and El Luceo down below. Walk everywhere in the city center, with some of Barcelona’s best chefs cooking paella and patatas bravas just up the street, and should you elect to participate in the late-late-late-night partying Barcelona is known for, you’ll arrive home to a bright and welcoming spot without having to worry about traversing across the city.
Price: $298 per night
9. Luxury apartment in Paseo de GraciaPhoto: Airbnb
Gaudi’s famous work, Casa Batllo, is literally right out the window of this apartment, one of the nicest penthouses in the city and certainly a treat considering it’s right near Paseo de Gracia. It’s known as the Godo Luxury apartment, and you’ll see why immediately upon entering — five bedrooms, five baths, two living rooms, and a spacious kitchen, just above the city’s beating heart and of course, there’s the unbeatable view of Casa Batllo, it’s impossible not to be wowed by this flat. With room for 10 guests, a group can go in together to cover the cost.
Price: $546 per night
A version of this article was previously published on December 14, 2014, and was updated on April 5, 2021, with more information.
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Rooftop bars in Austin, Texas
Austin is often known as the coolest city in Texas for good reason. It’s home to the University of Texas, thus home to a healthy population of young people, and with tech companies flocking to build headquarters in and around downtown, it’s also being inundated with a modern yuppie crowd (that can be a good or a bad thing, depending on who you ask). The indisputable upshot of all this, though, is that Austin nurtures a world-class live music scene, mouth-watering cuisine, and more affordable costs of living and playing compared to some other large cities. Unsurprisingly, Austin has become a hot spot for transplants and travelers alike.
This hot spot is hot year-round, by the way, in terms of both temperature and culture. The winters are patio perfect — the last few Christmases have been warm enough for bubbles out on the terrace. Spring and fall are blessed with almost zero humidity (sorry, Houston), and while summers may not be for the faint-hearted, there’s nothing an icy beverage and a cooling dip can’t fix. That’s where Austin’s rooftop pool bars come into play.
Bars like these are starting to pop up more and more as the city grows and demand increases. Though they range from party spots to date spots and after-work spots, most of the rooftop pool bars are generally casual chic. In Austin, nobody ever wears a gown or a suit. The vibe is smart but not stuffy — even in five-star hotels. So pack summer gear and swimwear (if you actually want to get in the water) and soak up the rays on one of Austin’s best rooftop pool bars.
1. La Piscina
Photo: Austin Proper Hotel
The atmosphere is always buzzing up on La Piscina, on the fifth floor of the trendy Austin Proper Hotel. The restaurant and bar serve Texas-inspired Mexican cuisine alongside frozen margaritas, small-batch tequila, and mezcal. The large outdoor seating area overlooks the pool and the west downtown area, and heat lamps or blankets are available in the evening for cozy hangouts with lovers or loved ones. Look out for the seasonal Sundown Swim sessions on Saturday nights with funky live DJ sets.
Where: 600 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701
2. WET Deck
Photo: W Austin
Nobody combines pool and party better than the W. The WET Deck on W Austin’s fourth floor is where to celebrate big — dancing optional. It’s open to both guests and non-guests who purchase a day pass on the website, and cabanas and daybeds can be reserved for a rental fee plus a minimum spend. WET Deck is also LGBTQ+ friendly, so if you love drag parties, mimosas, and rainbow walls, you’re in for a treat.
Where: 200 Lavaca St, Austin, Texas 78701
3. Edge Rooftop
Photo: JW Marriott
The Edge Rooftop is stylish and laid-back with a fire-pit-dotted lounge area while across the rooftop by the pool, the vibe is more casual and fun. For those visiting between March and November, sit facing the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset. Underneath it is the largest urban bat colony in North America, and if you’re lucky you’ll enjoy a glimpse of the action as millions of Mexican free-tailed bats soar over Lady Bird Lake to feed at twilight. The bar does a delicious piña colada to accompany the spectacle.
Where: 110 East 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701
4. Rules & Regs
Photo: Fairmont Hotel Austin
Texas isn’t all cacti and cowboys — there are palm trees and beach vibes too. Rules & Regs brings Miami breeze to downtown Austin, with resort-style amenities (including automated contactless sunscreen kiosk) and skyline backdrop. The pool is huge, and there are plenty of sun loungers and cabanas available, even on weekends. The restaurant and bar serve fresh flavors with a taste of the tropics, plus plenty of summer-inspired cocktails. The whirlpool is the best spot to people-watch.
Where: 101 Red River Street, Austin, Texas 78701
5. Geraldine’s
Photo: Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
Geraldine’s should already be on every foodie’s bucket list, and what makes it even more special is that it sits adjacent to Hotel Van Zandt’s rooftop pool. Ask to be seated outside on the Pool Deck in order to take advantage of the live music, traditional Texas cuisine, cocktails, beers, and drink specials (check out Whiskey Wednesdays). Geraldine’s is upscale luxe blended with local studio charm. Summer pool parties featuring DJs are frequent.
Where: 605 Davis Street, Austin, Texas 78701
6. Azul Rooftop
Photo: Westin Hotels
The Westin Austin Downtown’s rooftop pool bar, Azul, has a fun and playful vibe — and offers a big selection of colorful cocktails to toast the weekend with. The large space is similar to that of the Edge Rooftop, with fire pits, cabanas, and downtown views, so bar-hoppers could choose one or the other without missing out on much.
Where: 310 East 5th Street, Austin, Texas 78701
7. Group TherapyPhoto: Hotel ZaZa Austin
Hotel ZaZa Austin’s sky bar and restaurant is like medicine after a long day in the office or sightseeing, and it’s aptly named Group Therapy. Up on the seventh floor, overlooking the pool, downtown, and Republic Square Park, the venue offers all-day inside dining, plus bites and drinks outside on the canvas-covered terrace Cabana Bar. The pitchers are large enough for four people to share, and the frozen cocktails of the day can be anything from frosé to frozen cherry limeade. This is more of a classy evening hang-out or a date spot by the glittering pool.
Where: 400 Lavaca Street Austin, Texas 78701
8. Zanzibar
Photo: Zanzibar: Austin Rooftop Terrace
Zanzibar is a world away from the busy streets down below. Concrete jungle transforms into tropical jungle as you ascend seven stories up onto the rooftop terrace and pool. The bar menu features very photogenic modern tiki cocktails and island-inspired small plates such as sushi burritos and duck egg rolls. Many of their concoctions are influenced by spices grown on the island of Zanzibar, which was once the largest exporter of spices in the world. So expect helpings of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and clove.
Where: 304 E Cesar Chavez St Unit 700, Austin, Texas 78701
9. South Congress Hotel Rooftop Pool & Bar
Photo: South Congress Hotel
For those exploring outside of downtown, head to the South Congress neighborhood for a hidden oasis up on South Congress Hotel’s rooftop. The pool and bar are surrounded by a flourishing garden, with food and drink provided by the on-site restaurant, Café No Sé. The perfect spot for a catch-up with pals. Non-hotel guests can purchase day passes Monday through Thursday.
Where: 1603 South Congress, Austin, Texas 78704
10. Otopia
Photo: Otopia/Facebook
One for college kids and the younger crowd, Otopia is the only rooftop bar in the Campus District. Golden Hour is its version of happy hour, held Wednesday through Friday 30 minutes before and after sunset. Cocktails are affordable and summer-inspired, and day passes to enjoy the pool with or without cabanas are available. DJ events are usually announced before summer begins, and the parties are legendary.
Where: 1901 San Antonio Street, Unit 1100, Austin, Texas 78705
The post The 10 best rooftop pool bars to soak up the sun in Austin, Texas appeared first on Matador Network.
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