All posts by Christina Suttles

Chrissy is a writer and reporter from Detroit currently telling stories in Wyoming and Colorado’s Front Range.

Affordable (and Unexpected) Weekend Cabin Getaways for Two

Whether you’re into camping or glamping, cabin getaways offer luxury and relaxation. Much like these winter escapes, cabin getaways are ideal for bitter, glacial conditions. If you’re looking for something simple and no-frills, a log cabin with basic amenities will be quintessential to your weekend escape. If, however, you’re interested in adding an extra kick to your vacation, these billets are sure to do the trick. Even better, use these tips to avoid traffic on the way. Whatever your fancy, make time to cozy up beside the fire and watch the sun set over some of our country’s most inspiring features. Here are some of our favorite cabin getaways.

A Cabin Up North

Silver City, Michigan

winter cabin
Image courtesy of A Cabin Up North

$225 to $325 per night

Located just five miles east of Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains, this rental offers 3.4 acres of coastal living. The three-bedroom, two-story log cabin sleeps up to eight guests and includes all the amenities of a luxury hotel, but with a rustic touch. Spend the day hiking through Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula, and cozy up with a good book from the comfort of your bed as the air begins to crisp.

Eagles Perch

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

smoky mountains tennessee

$89 to $335 per night (and pet-friendly)

On the helm of the Great Smoky Mountains lies Hidden Springs Resort in southeast Tennessee. Eagles Perch is one of many cabins offered at the resort, but its affordability and panoramic mountain views make it ideal for a weekend getaway. Basic amenities, including a jacuzzi and hot tub, are included in your stay, making it a romantic, low-effort vacation.

Sunflower Cabin

Twin Peaks, California

Lake Arrowhead, CA cabin getaways
Lake Arrowhead, CA

$159 to $179 per night (and pet-friendly)

Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins, located in the heart of San Bernardino National Forest, offer a variety of accommodations on Lake Arrowhead, but Sunflower Cabin is one of the most jocular. Mantled in sportive decor and homey furniture, this cabin features an antique wedgewood stove and breakfast nook. If you’re looking for a mountain retreat in southern California, Sunflower Cabin is your best bet.

The Modern Ranch

Manzanita, Oregon

Coast Cabins hot tub
Private outdoor hot tub at The Modern Ranch | Image courtesy of Coast Cabins
fireplace
Sculptural firepit at The South Tower | Image courtesy of Coast Cabins
windows beach
Windward at Coast Cabins | Image courtesy of Coast Cabins

$130 to $155 per night (and pet-friendly with fee)

Coast Cabins in western Oregon offer a number of cabins on the pacific, but none compare to the Modern Ranch. With its quiet luxury, this cabin includes in-floor heat, full kitchen, wrap-around mahogany decking, wood stove, and private hot tub. Thanks to the eclectic nature of the pacific northwest, numerous opportunities exist for hiking and other recreational activities.

Sunrise Vista

Ripton, Vermont

sunrise vista cabin
Image courtesy of Robert Frost Mountain Cabins
sunrise vista cabin getaways
Image courtesy of Robert Frost Mountain Cabins

$189 per night (pet-friendly with fee)

Robert Frost Mountain Cabins, adjacent to Green Mountain, host Sunrise Vista, a perfect accommodation for two with views of the Bread Loaf mountain range. Complete with a screened-in porch, patio furniture, and Swedish nook, it’s a great way to reconnect with nature.

Treetop Hideaway Treehouse Cabin

Dora, Missouri

treehouse cabin
Image courtesy of Treehouse Cabins

$259 per night

One of Missouri’s most underrated attractions is a treehouse-style cottage high up in the Ozark wilderness. The house features a ceiling skylight above a one-of-a-kind queen bed for stargazing after hours. Views of distant mountain ranges can be seen from the balcony complete with patio furniture. Whether you’re interested in an original romantic surprise, or a getaway fit for social media, treehouses are paragon.

Glass House

Richland Center, WI

$125 per night

The Glass House, part of Candlewood Cabins in southwest Wisconsin, books nearly a year in advance because of the exclusivity and dynamic 360-degree views of lush, iridescent landscapes and wildlife. The cabin is exactly what its name suggests, with transparent, glass walls lining the exterior of the home. It comes complete with a full kitchen, bathroom, air conditioning, and stone patio. Undoubtedly one of the best cabin getaways!

The Best Places in the US to See Holiday Lights

The nostalgic holiday season is in full swing, welcoming chunky scarves, peppermint mochas, gift-giving anxieties, and an endless loop of agonizingly cheerful Christmas songs on every radio station. Whether your tree has been up since November, or you’re already looking forward to spring weather, a silver lining of the season for anyone should be the dazzling light displays in cities throughout the country. You don’t have to celebrate Christmas to enjoy these charming exhibits, a labor of love extended to visitors who sometimes travel hundreds of miles to revel in their glow. Nearly every major U.S. city has its own cultural take on holiday decorations, from New Orleans’ Cajun-inspired decor to Alaska’s North Pole celebration. If you’re looking for a little something extra to put you in the spirit this year, consider checking out these famously well-received light shows.

ZooLights

Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Washington, D.C.


There’s no better place to celebrate the holiday season than in our nation’s bustling capital. This free event, located in the heart of the National Zoo, features more than 500,000 colorful and environmentally friendly LED lights. The long-running demonstration takes place through the new year and includes live music, warm winter food, and holiday shopping opportunities. Check out the zoo’s European artisan market in mid-December, offering handmade clothing, jewelry, home accessories, and art.

Blossoms of Light

Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver, Colorado

Happy #Hanukkah. 📸: @the_starving_vegan

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This affordable annual event is a longtime tradition in Denver, attracting families from all over the country. Featuring an interactive light display built with sound-reactive, animated LED lights that are sure to warm the psyche, organizers of the Blossom of Lights festival have something for all ages, including holiday foods, drinks, and souvenirs. Roughly an hour from Denver are an array of world-famous ski-resorts, making northern Colorado your premier holiday destination this, and every, year.

Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland

Frankenmuth, Michigan

Considered the largest Christmas store in Michigan since 1945, this warehouse-style Christmas mecca is your one-stop-shop for everything holiday related. Featuring ornaments for all professionals, animal-lovers, and quirky relatives, it’s easy to lose an entire day in Bronner’s. After you’re done shopping, you’re treated to a drive-thru display of thousands of lights and decorations. The larger city of Frankenmuth is a classic Bavarian vacation destination, starring traditional lodging and German architecture. Don’t leave before grabbing a slice of the city’s aperitive chocolate fudge.

Glittering Lights

Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, Nevada

On display for more than 20 years, Las Vegas’ Glittering Lights is Nevada’s largest drive-thru light show, offering millions of brilliant lights packed into a two-and-a-half-mile course. Ranked one of the country’s best holiday spectacle by a number of travel and news organizations, Glittering Lights is just another reason to cheat the winter chill in Las Vegas this season.

Enchanted: Forest of Lights

Los Angeles, California

This mile-long walking tour includes interactive light displays you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in southern California, or beyond. Located in the heart of the beloved Descanso Gardens, an internationally-renowned collection of rare and seasonal horticulture, this festival is a holiday staple for both tourists and locals.

Celebration in the Oaks

New Orleans, Louisiana

The New Orleans’ City Park is celebrating its 31st year hosting the Celebration in the Oaks, a cultural anomaly among Christmas light shows. Each of the park’s lush oaks are blanketed in hundreds of thousands of impressive light displays, covering more than 25 acres of the park, including its botanical garden and amusement park. Many of the displays feature a Cajun twist, with bayou-inspired Night Before Christmas renditions and crocodile arrangements.

Reykjavik: Icelandic Paradise

The dreamy Nordic island nation of Iceland is celebrating a swell in international tourism, so much so that the recent snowball in yearly visitors is credited with saving its national economy. Traveling to Iceland comes highly recommended by celebrities such as Aidy Bryant and Seth Meyers, who regularly boast about its arcane magnetism on social media. From its Geothermal pots and hot springs with well-documented healing properties, to its preserved culture and customs, Iceland provides visitors the opportunity for revolutionary vacation anecdotes. Its capital and largest city, Reykjavik, is the pivot on which the country’s time-honored and contemporary mores converge. Featuring a collection of both idiosyncratic and traditional activities, restaurants, and attractions, Reykjavik, is dressed to impress. Located in coastal Southwest Iceland, the rugged landscape of the region was shaped by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, some just a few thousands of years ago. If you’re looking for an ocean getaway with fewer palm trees and more heart, Reykjavik’s low-maintenance character has it.

Art and Culture

Immerse yourself in Iceland’s art and architecture in one of Reykjavik’s many museums. The country’s most influential and recognized artist, Jóhannes S. Kjarval, is honored with the Reykjavik Art Museum, home to contemporary paintings, sculptures, and mixed media by established local artists.

graffiti reykjavik iceland

The Living Art Museum, or Nylo, houses contemporary works for local and international artists. Nylo is non-profit, artist-run organization, so your visit goes directly to the country’s makers. Film connoisseurs will appreciate Iceland’s National Film Archive, a complete history of film under one roof, as well as the National Theatre, Reykjavik’s primary theatre scene.

Lennon-Ono Imagine Peace Tower

Fans of The Beatles and history buffs alike will geek out over the Imagine Peace Tower, erected by Yoko Ono in honor of John Lennon’s birthday in 2007.

imagine peace tower reykjavik iceland
Imagine Peace Tower in Reykjavik, Iceland

It’s lit yearly from Oct. 9, Lennon’s birthday, until Dec. 8, the day of his death. The blue-lit tower stands as a beacon of world peace. Just a seven-minute boat ride from mainland Reykjavik on Viðey Island, it’s easily accessible and open to visitors.

Wild Reykjavik

Geysers, volcanoes, and dazzling starlit nights are just a slice of the available recreation and sightseeing near the city. Iceland is home to some of the most exotic wildlife species on the planet, including Puffins, Humpback Whales, and Dolphins. As one of the country’s premier tourist attractions, dozens of private companies offer an array of viewing tours. The Puffin Express Cruise, for example, takes travelers on a one-hour, educational boat tour to see native seabirds in their natural habitat from a safe, sustainable distance.

blue lagoon reykjavik iceland
The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa located a short drive from Reykjavik in Iceland

Just a short drive from Reykjavik are a collection of spas and mineral baths, including the famous Blue Lagoon. Considered one of the top natural wonders of the world, the geothermal spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. The spa’s warm mineral waters are rumored to help visitors struggling with acne and skin diseases such as psoriasis. Its man-made lagoon is heated using geothermal technology, or vented water near a lava flow used to generate electricity.

Hallgrímskirkja church reykjavik iceland
The Northern Lights as seen over the Hallgrímskirkja Church in Reykjavik, iceland

Once you’ve immersed your body in the healing powers of minerals such as sulfur and silica, it’s time to engage your psyche under Iceland’s first-rate northern lights. Your chances of catching a glimpse, or hours-long spectacle, greatly increases the further north you travel, but the Northern Lights Center in Reykjavik will serve as your light-chasing guide.

Food and Nightlife

Long, cold nights and locally made schnapps are a regular vista in Reykjavik’s nightlife scene. Considered a top up-and-coming place to party in the world, the metro region features dozens of distinct bars, restaurants, and live music venues.

reykjavik iceland city

Trendy hangouts like B5 offer Philippe Starck lampshades, massive white leather sofas, and sizable drinks lists, whereas more traditional pubs like Bar 11 offer a local flair and ingenuity. Due to its relatively small size, mingling with locals and travelers from all over the world awards the opportunity to swap stories with the truly riveting among us.

*Featured image: Sun Voyage sculpture in Reykjavik, Iceland

Best Supplements for Before and After Your Workout

Fitness enthusiasts often look for new ways to optimize their workouts, both before and after the gym. The most successful workout begins outside of the gym with clear goals, a strict diet, and regular supplementation. Studies show that a high intake of caffeine before the gym, and protein after, can maximize your energy, metabolism speed, and overall recovery. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle, or just maintain a healthy, active lifestyle, there are dozens of different types of pre- and post-workout supplements on the market, but most are a medley of similar vitamins and ingredients that you should seek out independently to find what’s best for your body. Supplements make it easier to get vital nutrients to build muscle and enhance your training when combined with a good diet.

These supplements are proven to give your workout and recovery the edge they need to stay in top performance, pushing yourself to new limits.

 

Best Pre-Workout Supplements

sporty woman drinking coffee in fall

Caffeine

Caffeine converts fat cells to energy instead of the usual glycogen, as well as giving you an extra kick on the dreaded Stairmaster. Eight ounces of black coffee, in particular, will increase your metabolism, allowing you to burn more calories at the gym and throughout the day.

Beta-Alanine

Beta-alanine is comprised of carnosine, a molecule that helps build muscle, increasing physical performance, aiding in lean-mass gain, and enhancing muscular endurance. Carnosine is also a popular antioxidant and anti-aging agent, commonly found in an assortment of commercial pre-workout powders.

BCAAs

Branched-Chain Amino Acid, or BCAAs, are considered especially helpful for maintaining muscle mass on a lower-calorie diet. BCAAs stimulate the rate of your body’s protein synthesis and reduce the rate of protein breakdown, allowing you to maintain muscle mass while losing weight. They’re also known to reduce serotonin-related fatigue during workouts, allowing you to power through longer.

 

Best Post-Workout Supplements

whey protein

Whey Protein

Whey Protein is known for its weight-loss properties, but studies suggest the dairy-based supplement can also fight cancer, lower cholesterol, and maintain a healthy blood pressure. As a workout supplement, it replenishes and recovers fatigued muscles.

Vitamin D & Calcium

Calcium and Vitamin D work together to repair and build bones. Calcium is best known for its role in maintaining healthy bones, but it also contributes to muscular functioning and circulation in the body. Vitamin D supports the absorption of calcium in the digestive system, and regulates the levels of calcium in the body. Deficiency in calcium or vitamin D are a leading cause of stress fractures in athletes. Even a glass of milk with a Vitamin D supplement can reduce the risk of injury at the gym and during high-endurance sports.

 

Creatine

Creatine is widely used by performance-based athletes throughout the world, although evidence of its effectiveness is mixed in the scientific community. The mineral is thought to improve strength, increase lean muscle mass, and help muscles recover quickly during exercise, allowing athletes to increase speed and energy during high-intensity activities. It’s known to improve performance during short periods of athletic activity, although there’s little evidence it assists with endurance sports. For those who do see benefit, though, the difference is striking.

Using MDMA for PTSD: What You Need to Know

In a challenging and demanding world, mental health awareness is increasingly imperative to maintain a strong global identity. In fact, 1 in 25 American adults experiences a serious mental illness in any given year that substantially interferes with his or her daily life. With more than 200 classified forms of mental illness, the most common being clinical depression and anxiety disorders, there’s a clear need for further research, treatment and destigmatization to help those struggling. Anxiety disorders, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), affect more than 18 percent of Americans every year, and lack of proper treatment forces many into desperate situations. PTSD develops in individuals who have survived a shocking or terrifying event, although not everyone who experiences terror will develop the illness. Common triggers include war, assault, childhood trauma, car accidents, and other frightening situations. Common symptoms are flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, and negative mood changes. While current treatment for PTSD is a combination of talk therapy and medication, the Food and Drug Administration’s most recent breakthrough treatment designation includes the use of low dose MDMA in patients not responding to traditional medication. The drug is most commonly known as the main component in “Molly” and “Ecstasy,” but these street drugs often involve other, more harmful chemical additions. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) recently held a government-approved clinical trial that suggests MDMA offers significant help for those suffering from anxiety disorders such as PTSD. The study leaves a lot to unpack, but here are the basics.

 

What is MDMA-assisted psychotherapy?

The combination of low doses of MDMA alongside regular talk therapy. The goal is to allow the euphoric elements of the drug to help catalyze the therapeutic process and confront harmful thoughts and memories.

 

How does it treat PTSD?

The drug is a synthetic compound that decreases fear and defensiveness in patients, while increasing trust, allowing those struggling with severe anxiety to cope during periods of terror. It also increases the release of oxytocin and prolactin, chemicals that encourage feelings of relaxation and peace, fostering a candid discussion of frightening memories with a therapist. In essence, patients who were administered the MDMA felt more confident working through their fears than those given a placebo.

 

How helpful is it?

According to the most recent study, very helpful. Patients were given doses of MDMA during two eight-hour sessions three to five weeks apart, along with weekly non-psychotherapy sessions. The results showed that 80 percent were no longer diagnosed with PTSD after two months. Among the 780 human subjects administered the drug, only one had adverse effects. All other subjects reported at least some benefit from the study, with little to no negative cognitive effects.

 

What are the risks?

The use of MDMA alongside therapy is relatively new, and although it’s considered a breakthrough treatment by the FDA, there are always risks when perfecting new treatments. MDMA as a recreational drug is considered addictive and known to induce paranoia, memory problems, and more serious adverse effects in higher doses. MDMA is considered an illegal controlled substance under U.S. law.

 

Will I have access to this treatment?

The treatment has yet to be streamlined, but some alternative therapists have been known to use it. Because of the drug’s recreational stigma, there could be potential blocks on the road to mainstream use. MAPS is working to make the treatment available to those struggling as soon as possible.

5 Simple, Healthy Recipes for One

The crisp, gelid winter months extort many of us into the comfort of our heated blankets, fireplaces, and, if you’re anything like me, refrigerators. For those of us who seek refuge in the solace of salty, gluttonous recipes, here are some simple and healthy recipes for one. Each offers its own medley of flavor and wellness factor.

Toasted Bruschetta

bruschetta
Toasted bruschetta

What you’ll need:

1 large roma or beef tomato

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 fresh basil leaves, sliced or chopped

2 slices of Italian or French bread

How it’s done:

  1. Thinly slice tomato into 4 parts; discard both ends.
  2. Gently toast two slices of your choice of bread 1 minute in conventional toaster, or 2-3 in toaster oven.
  3. Thinly chop fresh basil until it can be shredded on top of tomatoes.
  4. Place tomato slices atop bread.
  5. Top with basil, salt, pepper and olive oil for taste.

Optional: Place entire dish in toaster oven for 30 seconds for warmth; top with parmesan cheese.

 

Eggplant Rosemary Focaccia

foccaccia bread recipe
Eggplant rosemary foccaccia bread

What you’ll need:

7 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1 package dry yeast

1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

5 thin eggplant slices

1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

1 teaspoon sea salt

Equipment: electric mixer with paddle attachment, dough hook

How it’s done:

  1. Stir 1 2/3 cups water and yeast in bowl of mixer and let stand about 5 minutes. Add 5 cups flour, 1/4 cup olive oil, and 2 1/2 teaspoons salt and beat with paddle attachment at medium speed until a dough forms.
  2. Replace paddle with dough hook and knead dough 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead 1 to 2 tablespoons flour in. Knead dough 1 minute, place in a lightly oiled bowl and turn dough to coat with oil.
  4. Let rise, covered with plastic wrap, at warm room temperature 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  5. Preheat oven to 425°F and stir together rosemary and remaining 3 tablespoons oil. Sprinkle sea salt evenly over focaccia. Top with thinly sliced eggplant and bake until golden for 20 to 25 minutes.

 

Homemade Vegetable Soup

vegetables for soup recipe
Chopped fresh vegetables for soup

What you’ll need:

12 oz low sodium vegetable broth

2 cups chopped large or baby carrots

2 cups chopped broccoli

4 cups sliced white or portabella mushrooms

3 cups diced green beans

1 diced tomato

1 teaspoon lemon juice

4 fresh basil leaves

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Optional: 3 cups diced chicken

How it’s done:

  1. Combine carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, green beans, tomato, chopped basil, and lemon juice in a large pot with vegetable broth. Optional: Add chicken, or other lean proteins.
  2. Bring to a boil for and continue for 3-5 minutes, then let simmer for up to 45 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
  3. Let cool for 15 minutes; serve with sea salt and black pepper.

 

Baked Lemon Zest Tilapia

baked tilapia recipe
Baked lemon zest tilapia

What you’ll need:

1 filet fresh tilapia

2 tablespoons melted butter

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 lemon slice

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

1/8 teaspoon paprika

1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1/8 teaspoon chili pepper

3 crushed fresh basil leaves

How it’s done:

  1. Place tilapia in a lightly greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine butter, lemon juice and sea salt, and pour over fillet.
  3. Top uncooked fillet with lemon slice for flavor.
  4. Bake uncovered at 425 degrees for 20 minutes or until fillet flakes easily.
  5. Top with paprika, chili powder, red pepper and basil.

 

 

Quinoa Fruit Salad

quinoa with berries and fruit
Quinoa with berries and fruit

What you’ll need:

2 cups cooked quinoa

1 mango, peeled and diced

1 cup strawberries, quartered

1/2 cup blueberries, raspberries or blackberries

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup olive oil

1 lemon

1 tablespoon sugar or sweetener

3 tablespoons lemon juice

How it’s done:

  1. Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon zest/juice and sugar in a small bowl; set aside.
  2. Combine quinoa, mango and berries of your choice.  Stir in lemon vinaigrette. Serve. Simple!

Zanzibar Island: East African Magic

The romantic Indian Ocean tropics have long been an attractive destination for both leisure and recreation enthusiasts the world over. The historic Zanzibar islands, just off the coast of Tanzania, feature an archipelago consisting of more than 50 islands, most of which have a colorful history and a cultural diversity. The major island, Zanzibar, or Unguja, is a large, fertile landmass featuring spice farms, pearly sand, lush coconut palms, and radiant reefs. The island is home to a myriad of endangered and rare species, including the Red Colobus, Sykes’ monkey, and Zanzibar Suni. This autumn, explore the ephemeral sights and sounds of Zanzibar’s big island.

 

Stone Town

stone town zanzibar
Stone Town, Zanzibar

Each end of Unguja offers its own particular charm. Stone Town, for example, is the pedestrian-friendly heart of the big island, plaited with stoic ancient mosques, flea markets selling tinga-tinga paintings and fresh spices, and Zanzibari artwork. The birthplace of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, this bustling region and world heritage site introduces visitors to prepossessing Tanzanian authenticity.

STONE TOWN, ZANZIBAR
Local people on a street in Stone Town, Zanzibar City, Tanzania

Local food and drink is easy to come by in Stone Town, establishments such as Zanzibar Coffee House, with coffee that comes directly from the owner’s plantation in southern Tanzania, or Emerson Spice, offering fresh seafood and vegetarian options, have a strong sense of place and ingenuity. Local delicacies include lobster, kingfish, prawns, octopus, and coconut dishes. Multiple museums in town, including an emotional memorial to victims of the slave trade, encourage reflection and understanding.

 

East Zanzibar

east zanzibar tanzania nangwa beach
Fish traps arranged at Fisherman village, Nungwi beach in east Zanzibar.

Small fishing villages and tranquil waters are just a taste of what the eastside of Zanzibar’s largest island has to offer. The coast permits fishing, paddling, snorkeling, and sunbathing along its dusty, white sand beaches and barrier reefs. Its most popular beach is on Mnemba Island, about three miles off Zanzibar’s east coast. While waters are rough here, tour guides will take you out paddling and swimming for the best views of the reefs. While you’re there, Shooting Star Lodge is a perfect place to sleep for younger visitors. Built by a well-known Tanzanian-English couple and perched atop a coral cliff, the small inn features a bungalow-style bar and communal social scene.

 

North Region

zanzibar aerial shot
Aerial view of Zanzibar

A general rule in Zanzibar is the further north you go, the less crowded and more serene your experience will be. Being less affected by the tidal range, the north coast beaches are ideal for water sports. Recently, north Zanzibar’s tourism has grown exponentially, but its beaches and nightlife is still quaint compared to its east side and Stone Town. Featuring breezy villas and a heartwarming turtle sanctuary, you’re sure to feel relaxed following a few days in the north.

 

Southwest Zanzibar

red colobus monkey zanzibar
Red Colobus monkey

Wildlife enthusiasts will want to visit the Fumba Peninsula on the islands southwest corner. To see dolphins in the southern fishing town of Kizimkazi or the Red Colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest and wildlife reserve, treat yourself to eco and culture tours local guides offer. A few miles offshore on Chumbe Island, you can explore the most elaborate coral gardens in the world.

 

Other tips

zanzibar iron doors
Iron doors on a Zanzibar city street

Zanzibar is a culturally, economically, and ecologically sensitive island. Being a muslim-dominated autonomous nation, be sure to respect local customs. Dress modestly, don’t flaunt wealth, and ask permission before entering holy places such a mosques and memorials. When exploring the island’s national park, forests, or reefs, leave no trace as you would in your native country’s public lands.

What You Need to Know to Hike Colorado’s Highest Peaks

“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.” – Sir Edmund Hillary

Experienced hikers regularly rely on trails to quench their thirst for the sensation that only true isolation in nature can provide. The rush of pushing one’s body to its physical and mental limits, and then further, is what keeps hikers, mountaineers, and climbers on the rocks. Most mountain sports offer something for all skill levels, and in a quintessential public landscape like Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, anyone can find appreciation for the elements and their place within them. Those familiar with The Centennial State know its magnum opus is the 53 peaks climbing above 14,000 feet, also known as “Fourteeners.” Home to the most fourteeners in any U.S. state, Colorado’s summit hikes range from walk-ups to strenuous technical climbs, and while some are considered “easy” compared to others, most require hitting the trail before sunrise with headlamps and a strong will in hand. For those of average fitness, hikes can take anywhere from 6 to 15 or more hours. Reaching the summit is rewarded with striking views in the company of like-minded, motivated peers, their heads literally in the clouds.

estes cone colorado
Estes Cone, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

For first time fourteener hikers, most experts suggest mid-summer walk-ups like Mount Bierstadt, Lincoln, Democrat, and Grays peak. If you’re feeling strong, bagging more than one peak in a day, using interconnecting craggy saddles, is a great way to check some of these bucket listers off in a short period of time. Altitude environments are a wildlife photographer’s fantasy – rare mountain species such as marmots, pikas, and quails are quite common. The tundra up high is precious and fragile, so staying on trail and minimizing footprints is crucial. When planning your first fourteener, there are a number of safety and fitness goals to reach first.

Here are some invaluable tips and resources to get you rock-ready with a healthy respect for high altitude hikes and the otherworldly atmosphere it fosters.

hiker woman mountain peak

What to bring

For summer hiking plans, the gear list is substantially shorter than autumn and winter excursions, so always keep in mind the season and weather. Primary gear includes a reliable hiking daypack, several liters of water (more than you think you’ll need), high protein and fatty foods, such as energy bars, chews, and salty snacks for replenishment. I’d suggest brands such as Gu and Powerbar. Jerky, trail mix, and avocados also taste sensational at the summit. Other staples are warm weather clothes for the blistery summit, as temperatures will drop drastically above treeline around 11,000 feet. A synthetic shirt, waterproof jacket, hiking pants, boots, socks, and ponchos are also necessary to keep dry and warm on all day outings, as afternoon thunderstorms happen often. Other non-negotiable gear includes a headlamp, multi-tool, map, whistle, lighter, sunscreen, toilet paper, small shovel, first aid kit, and trekking poles. Those living at low altitudes or who haven’t acclimatized should consider taking a small can of supplemental oxygen to protect against altitude sickness.

bear peak colorado
Little Bear Peak, Rocky Mountains, Colorado

Safety

Altitude does strange and unpredictable things to the weather, and checking multiple forecasts, including the weather channel’s summit predictions, can help you avoid a disorienting white out above treeline. Just this year,  nearly a dozen people have died on Colorado’s peaks, and many more have been injured as a result of poor timing, inexperience, and/or freak accidents. Knowing what you’re in for, and never biting off more than you can chew is key to a successful and safe hike. Test your gear beforehand, hit the gym religiously to make sure your cardio and upper body strength is in “peak” shape, and watch the sky as you ascend. Dark, anvil-shaped clouds should mean an immediate turnaround. Lightning risk increases drastically on mountain hikes. Starting early, sometimes even 1 a.m., and camping at or near the trailhead will guarantee you’re down before thunderstorms usually arrive. The Rockies are bear country, and knowing what to do in the event of a bear encounter can save your life.

chasm lake colorado
Chasm Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Learn the jargon

When reading trail specs, understanding the terminology can assist in deciding whether or not a hike is right for your skill and athletic level. A hike’s class signals its difficulty and technicality. For beginners, Class 1 means a clearly marked trail and little-to-no scrambling, or using your hands and feet to climb up or over rough or steep ground. Anything higher than a Class 2 may require special climbing gear. Talus and scree indicates small, loose rock that is difficult to navigate. Elevation gain is the sum of all the uphill segments along the trail, or how much you’ll rise in total. Treeline is where vegetation and trees stop growing, usually between 11,000 and 12,000 feet in Colorado.

dream lake and hallett peak colorado
Dream Lake and Hallett Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Colorado hikes to try first

Easing yourself into fourteeners is the best way to prevent burnout and ensure you can finish your first few attempts. Many strenuous hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park can assist with this, but any long hike with a lot of vertical gain will do. Options include Chasm Lake, Hallett Peak, Estes Cone, Bear Peak and dozens of 13ers.

Restore Balance in Kyoto, Japan

Japan is considered one of the world’s most elegant cultural, historical, and creative hubs. Known for everything from its debonair cherry blossoms and culinary ingenuity to an embattled, complicated history, its magnetic allure makes for an easygoing but educational trip.

The country’s seventh-largest city, Kyoto, is Japan’s entertainment and lifestyle playground. Located on Japan’s island of Honshu and with a population close to 1.5 million, Kyoto’s resilience is world-renowned. Throughout the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by dozens of natural and manmade disasters, from brutal fires to debilitating wars. Due to its historic value, the city was even spared from the atomic bomb during World War II. It’s now home to preserved temples, shrines, and priceless Asian structures found nowhere else in the world, being dubbed the “city of a thousand temples.” It’s also considered a premier fall foliage location, touting beautiful crimson and orange forests that divinely shroud constructed holy sites. While anyone could get lost in all Kyoto has to offer, first-time visitors should take time to check out some of the city’s most memorable sites.

 

Nijo Castle

nijo castle kyoto

Built in 1603 and used as an imperial palace for hundreds of years, Nijo Castle was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994. This flatland castle is considered Japan’s best example of Feudal Era architecture. It was constructed for Japan’s militant shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and used as his Kyoto office and residence until the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867. Castle grounds are surrounded by stone walls and deep moats, which served as a defense during the city’s most tumultuous years . Home to more than 400 cherry trees and a modish plum orchard typically used for traditional tea ceremonies, the castle and surrounding palace estate features Kyoto’s most pacific views.

 

Nishiki Market

nishiki market kyoto japan
Illuminated paper lanterns hanging above the entrance of Nishiki Market in Kyoto, Japan

Located in the heart of downtown and colloquially known as “Kyoto’s pantry,” Nishiki Market is unrivaled in the city’s traditional food market. Being Kyoto’s largest open-air market, the variety of fresh Japanese cuisine and ingredients are omnipresent. From fresh tofu, fish, and vegetables to wagashi (sweets) and tea, Nishiki caters to all palettes. The market’s breezy aesthetic welcomes both tourists looking grab a bite at one of many sit-down restaurants, or locals picking up a few homegrown basics for an evening dish.

 

Nanzenji Temple

nanzenji temple kyoto japan
Sanmon gate at Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto, Japan

On the helm of the prolific Higashiyama mountains is one of Japan’s most coveted and respected temples. It is the leading school within the Rinzai sect of Buddhism. The grounds were once home to an emperor’s self-commissioned retirement chateau in the 13th century, all of which were leveled during the Muromachi Period’s civil wars. Although most of the active lecture halls in Nanzenji are off limits to the public, visitors are welcome to explore the temple’s famous brick aqueduct, as well as the many sub-temples including Nanzen-in Temple, where you’ll find the mausoleum of Emperor Kameyama and a memorial garden in his honor.

 

Fushimi Sake District

fushimi inari torii gates kyoto japan
Torii Gates Path of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto’s premier Sake distribution center offers dozens of elaborate brewery buildings and stunning tree-plaited canals — and don’t forget fresh sake from the source. Fushimi, or “underground water,” is most famous for its mellow, delicate springs ideal for sake production. Believed to be a particularly delicious complement to traditional Kyoto dishes, the Japanese rice wine made in Fushimi is famed not only for its undiluted taste, but its support of local business and the Kyoto way of life. After trying it for yourself,  head over to the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine, a tribute to, fittingly, the god of rice. The walk to the shrine’s peak yields unparalleled views of Kyoto and its neighboring mountain regions.

America’s Finest East Coast Foliage

Midwestern and Mountain West towns garner much of the foliage acclaim each autumn, with places like Aspen, Colorado, and Michigan’s Great Lakes region lighting up in a crimson and gold blaze each year. The eastern United States reliably offers the authentic fall experience as well, featuring the comfort of chestnut-tinted maple forests with a cup of hot cider and apple spice donut. The coast’s many cider mills and apple orchards flourish in the extended crisp weather. Early October is usually peak foliage season east of the Mississippi River, and taking a tour of the color on foot, or by car, is sure to invoke that familiar nostalgia. Whether you’re a Halloween junkie, or an enthusiastic hiker looking for ways to extend the activities into a new season, these hot spots have it all. Grab your coziest sweater and check out these renowned destinations for foliage viewing on the East Coast.

Catskills, New York

When to go: mid-October
Best foliage hike: Catskill Scenic Trail

catskills new york
View of the Catskills from Giant Ledge Trail

This 6,000 square miles of birch, maple, and oak forest makes for staggering views of rolling hills in the jarring southeastern New York. Viewing options are as simple as driving along one of the forests many scenic roads, or hiking into the leafy blaze yourself on the Catskill Scenic Trail, a flat, 26-mile out and back trail perfect for all skill levels. Many of the local villages host seasonal festivals in September and October, so be sure to check in and see what the weekends have to offer.

Green Mountain Byway, Vermont

When to go: early October
Best foliage hike: Cady Hill Trail near Stowe, Vt.

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Fall foliage in Stowe, Vermont

The state of Vermont has the most maple trees in all of New England, imparting it with universal fall appeal. The vermillion forests are hard to miss in this charming East Coast state, which offers visitors quaint Bed and Breakfasts and family-owned diners in nearly every town. For the best foliage views, drive the 11-mile stretch of Vermont’s Route 100 between the towns of Waterbury and Stowe, and if you’re looking for time spent in the trees, the easily traversed Cady Hill Trail near Stowe is quintessential for both mountain and forest views.

Lower Connecticut River Valley

When to go: early November
Best foliage hike: Gillette Castle Trail

gillette castle connecticut
Gillette Castle, Connecticut

This historic region of Connecticut is at the juncture of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. To see the state’s impressive peak foliage in a truly New England fashion, take a riverboat excursion in Essex, or view foliage from Gillette Castle high above the river in Gillette Castle State Park. The Gillette Castle Trail, a 2-mile loop near the town of East Haddam, is great for history buffs and leaf-peepers alike.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

When to go: mid-October
Best foliage hike: Brooks Trail

portsmouth new hampshire
Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Portsmouth is the first stop on New Hampshire’s scenic foliage driving tour, State Road 1A to Seabrook Beach. It’s a great place to stop and grab dinner, or organize a romantic night in after a day spent in the autumn air. After taking a walk on the Urban Forestry Center’s Brooks Trail, check out Thirsty Moose Taphouse and grab some fresh seafood at Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Cafe.

Acadia National Park, Maine

When to go: mid to late October
Best foliage hike: The Beehive Loop Trail

east coast foliage
Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia is considered one of the first places to see sunrise in America. During peak foliage season, the park can be understandably busy. Each season, its thousands of maples, poplars, and aspens irradiate in a plume of color, and given the park’s many high vantage hikes, it makes for a dazzling spectacle. The 1.3-mile Beehive Loop Trail is one of the best places to see the forest from above, kindled by the country’s first sunlight.