Category Archives: WEEKEND TRAVEL

5 Music Festivals That Will Make You Fall In Love with Country

If you don’t love your red solo cup or think tractors are sexy, you’re not alone. Maybe, you feel that the “country” has been ripped out of country music.  That the magical sounds of the fiddle and banjo have been replaced with pop beats and the casual guest appearance of guitars, meaning that every song sounds the same. Or, maybe, you’re a suburbanite, and the word “country” conjures images of overalls, line dancing, and bare feet. If you aren’t already in love with country music, we’re okay with that  —  those of us who are will hopefully convince you to change your mind.  Because let’s face it, the genre is an emotional punch. It’s a mixed bag of lyin’, cheatin’ exes, of epic loves and lusts, of unbearable losses.  It’s for the perfectly imperfect, people willing to flirt with situational shades of grey. There are more than 30 country music festivals in the US. So, cowgirl, grab your spurred boots – we’ve rustled up five of the best country music festivals.

Flambeau Fest 2017 – Gonzales, Louisana

Flambeau Fest
Blackberry Smoke headlines the first Flambeau Festival | Photo: Rob Blackman

After floodwaters breached a levee along the Amite River,  submerging nearly a third of all the homes in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, and the Bayou Country Superfest was booted from Tiger Stadium, Mark Adam Miller, the CEO of Pi Entertainment, felt that “the Child of the Mississippi” was healthy and deserved a win.  So, he launched Flambeau Fest, a 2-day country and rock ‘n’ roll event that’s like “capturing lightning in a bottle.”  “The flambeau is…[the] torch families carried up and down the bayou,” Miller said. “We wanted to be that torchbearer to bring new music experiences here.” 2017 headliners include Hank Williams, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Parish County Line, and Crystal Day, who’ll debut her new single “Karma Like Flowers”, a girl-power anthem about bouncing back after a breakup.  Starting at noon, three stages will simultaneously be set on fire: the main stage, the torch stage, and the songwriter in the round stage. At the food promenade, you’ll also be able to grab traditional Louisiana fare: jambalaya, crawfish pasta, fried catfish, and gator-on-a-stick.

 

Country Summer – Santa Rosa, California

Darius Rucker at Country Summer 2017 Photo Credit - Will Bucquoy
Darius Rucker jams out on Day 2 at Country Summer 2017 | Photo: Will Bucquoy

A collaboration between Impact Entertainment, Sports & Event Marketing, and Sonoma Media Group, the local owner of Froggy 92.9 , Country Summer is Northern California’s largest country music festival and Sonoma County’s biggest bash, attracting more than 30,000 fans from 35 states and four foreign countries. Since launching in 2014, every year, 14 top country artists, including Thomas Rhett, Darius Rucker, Justin Moore, and Randy Houser, crank up the party on the Chevy Silverado Stage. Between the main acts, local bands like American Honey, The Scotty Mac Band, and Ryan Scripps, keep the party pumping.  Darlin’, we also reckon that you’ll love the mechanical bulls, the pit (standing room only tickets that are up close to the stage), and an ice-cold Budweiser — especially since California’s summers are hotter than a billy goat with a blowtorch.

 

Country Thunder Arizona  – Florence, Arizona

Friday, July 15, 20152:30 PM Petric4:00 PM Drake White5:30 PM Marty Stuart7:00 PM Kacey Musgraves9:00 PM Zac Brown Band
Kacey Musgraves sings “Follow Your Arrow” at Country Thunder Arizona 2017 | Photo: Samara Koenning

In 1993, Country Thunder Arizona tumbled into southwest Wisconsin and central Arizona. Twenty-four years later: 10,000 people descend in their RVs and campers, turning a dusty field into a makeshift city. It’s packed with pop-up clothing stores, tattoo parlors, and restaurants that serve Southern specialties (think corn dogs and fried Oreos). Country Thunder Arizona even has its own Rewards Program, where you can win free stuff like tickets, upgraded experiences, merch gift cards, and partner freebies. From beer pong to the Beer Olympics to a beer bong, a female mannequin that has a funnel for a head, Country Thunder Arizona has a drink-’til-you-drop culture — it even offers a $60 IV that’ll help you sober up. And, while the festival is known for its booze and its headliners (Blake Shelton, Frankie Ballard, Chris Young, and The Oak Ridge Boys), the four-day extravaganza boasts a fully-functioning pirate ship and a “Cowboy Church” that mixes traditional scriptures and horseback demonstrations.

 

CMA Music Festival  – Nashville, Tennessee

CMA_Lady Antebellum
Lady Antebellum at the 2017 CMA Music Festival | Photo: John Russell

There’s little doubt that Nashville is the heart of country music.  It’s hosted the CMA Music Festival, formerly Fan Fair, for almost half a century. A four-day festival, it features 11 stages, seven of which are free of charge to the public, and 167 hours of music from more than 350 artists. From Nissan Stadium, where the best labels in the country show off their twang and trills, to the Hard Rock Cafe, where up-and-coming musicians vie for recording contracts, the CMA Music Festival has a little something for everyone, whether or not country is in your musical wheelhouse.  Aside from autographs, meet and greets, and endless photo opportunities, country music’s brightest lights also take a swing at cancer during the City of Hope’s Celebrity Baseball Game.

 

Moondance Jammin Country  – Walker, Minnesota

Billy Currington performs at Moondance
Billy Currington, performing on Day 3 at the 2017 Moondance Jammin Country Fest | Photo: Garrett Matteson on Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

You’ve probably heard this part of the United States Postal Service’s unofficial creed: “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night…” It’s a motto that the performers at the Moondance Jammin Country Music Festival take to heart  — showstoppers like Maiden Dixie to Parmalee and regional bands are willing to belt it out in the aftermath of tropical storms. However, the musicians aren’t the only ones with country grit: in bad weather, festivalgoers have been known to huddle up, where they’re so close to the stage they can “see Jake Owen’s…toes while he’s singing ‘Barefoot Blue Jean Night.’ ”  With rolling hills and picturesque wooded sites, “glamping” is a major part of the twenty-six-year-old festival. Well-lit with 24-hour security, owner Kathy Bieloh supplies festivalgoers with firewood, showers, fresh water, and even ice. Just a heads-up, though: the majority of on-site vendors only accept “Moondance Bucks”.

6 Adventure Bloggers Who Quit Their Day Jobs to Wander

Do you find yourself daydreaming about the world beyond the four walls of your office? Are there days you wish you could drop what you’re doing and hop on the next plane to Europe? Over the years, more and more young professionals have quit their day jobs to pursue adventure 24/7; and for many of them, they have used their passion for travel to become full-time adventure bloggers or photographers.

Now that the world is so connected, who says you can’t bring your laptop to the beach or work from a charming coffee shop in London? Whether you’ve caught a case of wanderlust or you’re seriously considering quitting your job to travel the world, check out these adventure bloggers for inspiration.

1.Bearfoot Theory


Kristen Bor is the adventure travel blogger behind Barefoot Theory. After quitting her job in Washington, D.C. as a conservation policy advocate in 2014, she decided to pack up her camping gear and embark on a new journey. Currently living out of a 4×4 Mercedes Sprinter Van, she has spent the last year on the road going on adventures and blogging about how to travel on a budget. If you’re curious about where to find the right gear or tips for planning your next wilderness adventure, Kristen is your gal.

2. Helene In Between


Helene Sula is a travel blogger who left her marketing career behind in the United States in 2016 to live in Germany with her husband and two dogs. Thanks to her successful blog, Helene in Between, that she started in 2014, she was able to save up enough money to quit her job and make the move to Germany. She now blogs about how to save money on traveling and also helps bloggers grow and expand their online presence. Most recently, she and her husband were featured on House Hunters International — you never know where travel blogging might take you.

3. O Christine


Olivia Christine is a blogger and yoga instructor who left her successful corporate job in New York City to travel the world on a search for happiness and purpose. What makes her journey so inspiring is that she was diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis at 16 years old. Through her blog, Olivia talks about overcoming obstacles with her health while also following her dreams to see the world.

4. The Blonde Abroad

{ANNOUNCEMENT} I’m hosting my first ever #TBAEscapes Photography Tour in South Africa this November! AND GUESS WHAT — our special guest photographer will be none other than @TravisBurkePhotography! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Along with my local #CapeTown friends, we have created a luxurious 9-day, action-packed tour that shows off the brightest highlights that #SouthAfrica has to offer. We’ll be taking a scenic helicopter flight over Cape Town, staying in a luxury villa in Camps Bay, meeting African penguins at Boulders Beach, experiencing the magic of a “Big 5” African Safari, and sipping our way through the Cape winelands! (Swipe left to preview destinations) •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• SIGN UP NOW! (Space is limited to 12 girls) 🇿🇦 LINK IN BIO 🇿🇦

A post shared by Kiki • The Blonde Abroad (@theblondeabroad) on


Kiersten was taught that her plan for life was to go to college, get a job, get married, have kids, and live happily every after. However, after landing a job at a leading financial agency in Los Angeles, she realized that picture of success wasn’t for her. She decided to leave her career behind to travel the world and volunteer in developing countries. Now she’s a successful travel blogger who will inspire you to follow your dreams.

5. Polkadot Passport

Staring out at His creation in all of its glory… It is moments like this where I simply cannot deny the existence of God 💫🏔

A post shared by Nicola Easterby 🇦🇺✈️ (@polkadotpassport) on


When Nicola graduated from high school in 2011, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do after graduation. After developing a passion for photography, she decided to go to college to pursue a photography degree. A year into her program, she started to question why she was working toward a degree in photography when she could be gaining valuable experience and building her portfolio by traveling the world. Nicola decided to pack her bags and begin her adventure. She is now a travel photographer exploring the world for work.

6. The Bold Brunette


Once a public relations professional working a nine to five job, Christina Galbato is now a self-made luxury and adventure blogger, photographer, and “serial wanderluster.” She first got a taste for travel when she was just seven months old on a family vacation and has had a passion for travel ever since. Over the years, Christina has developed a curiosity for the world that she captures through The Bold Brunette, sharing her passion for travel and how she has turned going on exotic getaways into a full-time job.

 

Are you itching to travel the world? Who are some of your favorite adventure bloggers to follow?

 Find Unique and New Experiences at These 6 Indie Music Festivals

There are over 800 music festivals in the United States―in fact, in 2014, 32 million people attended at least one, according to Billboard. Flamethrowers, fog walls, confetti cannons: indie music festivals pulsate with an electric energy, uniting every single concertgoer.  Their atmospheres forge the unlikeliest of friendships, the liveliest of water cooler stories, and the happiest of memories.

In the 1970s, indie was the buzzword for a DIY attitude, a small-scene subculture, and the heartfelt territory of music. However, with the rise of mainstream indie bands like Vampire Weekend, Coldplay, and Snow Patrol, the term has become a titled watercolor painting, dripping in some places and swirling together in others. That’s fine with us. In our minds, indie music is for grab-it-by-the-horn people who want to share experiences that are a little bit ugly, a little bit kooky, and a little bit out of the lines. With that in mind, here are six indie music festivals that’ll help you seize the moment.

 

Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival

Okeechobee, Florida

Okeechobee Music Festival
Okeechobee Music Festival | Photo: Andrew Jorgensen

Carpets of wildflowers, groves of cabbage palms, and the sparkling waters of Okeechobee, Florida’s largest freshwater lake: it’s easy to see why every year 35,000 people flock to the Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival, the Bonnaroo of the Southeast. A four-day “retreat from reality”, it presents 100, multi-genre DJs, artists, and bands. Headliners include the Kings Of Leon, Usher & The Roots, Bassnectar, The Lumineers, and Mumford & Sons. Hit up Aquachobee, an all-day beach stage with live music, Chobeewobee Village, where “there will be a lot of art installations, intimate performances, and comedy…just a little vibey area to hang and relax,”  according to co-founder Paul Peck. “And then there’s Yogachobee, where we’ll have yoga, meditation, spirituality workshops, massages, healing, and a tea sanctuary.”  This “big waters” festival also features some seriously good eats, from Vietnamese noodles to vegan corn dogs.

 

The Voodoo Music +Art  Experience

New Orleans, Louisiana

Voodoo_The_Pretty_Reckless_Zack_Smith_7911
The Pretty Reckless at the Voodoo Music + Art Experience | Photo: Lindsey Moringy

New Orleans is a city of “bons temps rouler” second lines—street parades thrown, sometimes on a whim, by smaller, funkier, more ragtag versions of marching bands— that has a dark undercurrent of cynicism and violence, making it America’s most haunted city. On Halloween-weekend, the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience attracts “mystics, madmen, femme fatales, gods, goddesses, and music lovers of all kinds under one collective consciousness.”  Only second to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival,  it’s a musical gumbo stirring together 2,000 acts (including Kendrick Lamar, the Foo Fighters, and The Killers), interactive art installations, macabre costumes, and local cuisine like gator sausage po’boys, fried duck quesadillas, and of course, beignets.

 

Noise Pop

San Francisco, California

Noise Pop 2 - The Family Crest by Jon Bauer
The Family Crest at Noise Pop | Photo: Jon Bauer

A quarter of a century old, Noise Pop is a musical grab bag. It’s catapulted the careers of multi-genre bands like The White Stripes, The Flaming Lips, The Shins, Bright Eyes, and more. Stretching over 11 days, the Fog City festival offers an appetizer of mini-films like My Buddha is Punk and Stronger than Bullets and a buffet of monoprints, which are often “accented by dirt, bent corners, footprints, beer spills, and sundry other accidental imperfections”. On Sundays at the Swedish American Hall, Noise Pop hosts a Smörgåsbord of free events, from the 1-2-3-4 GO! Pop-Up Vinyl Store to Litquake: I Thought It Sucked—where Bay Area musicians, writers, and performers trash talk the world’s most acclaimed albums, music legends, and even historic venues.

 

Austin City Limits

Austin, Texas

Austin City Limits_Marketing Beauty by Julian Bajsel_2969
Austin City Limits | Photo: Julian Bajsel

Welcome to the “Live Music Capital of the World”, Austin, Texas, where the beats are hot and the weather is even hotter. Who’s cranking up the “music-o’-meter”? Why it’s Austin City Limits. The 16-year-old festival has a lineup of modern music power players: Jay-Z, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The XX, Gorillaz, and more. Here’s another reason to drop that bass. Austin City Limits offers a place for Mama and Papa bears to kick back: Austin Kiddie Limits. From noise-canceling teepees to punk-hairdo stands to hip-hop workshops, kids will be turning up their trebles. Festivalgoers can also swing by a cowboy boot-toting art market, large-scale sculptures (Our favorite? A giant picture frame for upping your selfie game!), and Tex-Mex food carts—proving everything really is bigger in Texas.

 

The Meadows Music & Art Festival

Queens, New York

zella day meadows festival nyc
Zella Day, performing on Day 2 of The Meadows Arts & Music Festival | Photo: DeShaun Craddock on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

The Meadow Music & Art Festival might only be in its sophomore year, but it’s drawn in a billboard billing:  Run the Jewels, Future, Big Wild, Blood Orange, etc.  Between the pyrotechnics and the confetti storm reminiscent of New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, you’ll be able to throw up hand-horns for over 60 artists. Aside from the golden lineups, you’ll want to taste the yummy nosh of Queens. There’s Colombian Arepas, Indian Pani Poori Duo, and Chinese Dumplings—it’s basically a gastronomic globe-trek. We recommend rounding out this four-day, musical tour-de-force by viewing local street art, snapping usies in Bosco’s GIF photo booth, and visiting the Unisphere and the State Pavilion.

 

Big Ears Festival

Knoxville, Tennessee

BigEars©EliJohnsonphotography_XiuXiu-3
Xiu Xiu at Big Ears | Photo: Eli Johnson

K-Town’s Big Ears Festival features the heroes of the 60’s and 70’s underground, modern boundary-pushing art-rockers, and renowned classical performers.  Debuting in 2009, this genre-spanning, four-day festival rounds up over 60 artists each year. Past line-ups have included Blonde Redhead, Wilco, Stephin Merritt & The Magnetic Fields, and Henry Threadgill, a composer who clinched the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Music. Declared “one of the most quietly earth-shattering, subtly luminous festivals the world over”, it’s a fine arts hotbed, sponsoring free poetry expos, literary pub crawls, music Q&As, secret concerts, indie films, and art exhibits.

*Featured image: Bully at The Voodoo Music + Art Experience; Photo: Charles Reagan Hackleman 

The Wanderer’s TV Guide: 6 Best Travel Shows

Is there anything more satisfying than a good travel show to sink your teeth (and wanderlust) in when you’re a restless roamer on a tight dime? These top travel shows are a favorite amongst travel enthusiasts alike, and they don’t disappoint. Whether it’s big or lesser known cities you’re dying to explore, different cultures you seek to understand, exotic foods you dare to try, or sweeping views of uncharted land on this big, beautiful planet you want to see, look no further. Here are six favorite travel shows amongst travel bugs everywhere.

 

No Reservations


In this Emmy Award winning travel and food series from 2005, Anthony Bourdain, world-renowned chef and television personality, travels off the beaten path to discover unique surprises that await in lesser-known locations of big cities around the globe. Introducing viewers to people and players far beyond the realm of just food, he seeks to find the local hot spots, places unbeknownst to the mere tourist. Bourdain carries the show with his charm, wit, and fearless attitude that makes his conversations with the locals the real star of the show. What’s refreshing about this travel series, is that It authentically captures cultures and places like you’ve never seen before. Viewers can gain an appreciation for unsuspecting places with the insight of Bourdain’s time spent with locals.

 

An Idiot Abroad


In the hilarious brainchild of The Office creators Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, this travel series features their cynical best friend, Karl Pilkington, who is lovingly sent around the world to have his boundaries tested in often ridiculous and uncomfortable cultural and travel situations. The result? Pure comedy and an itch to explore and go big. What’s more, the viewer is able to relate to the kind of traveler we can all be sometimes, and how overcoming your fear of the unknown can leave you better than you came. You can enjoy three laughter-filled seasons of this gem.

 

Departures


In this refreshingly honest travel documentary, two unlikely high school friends from Canada embark on a year-long journey to explore the world. What makes this three-season series different from other travel shows is that it highlights the realities of traveling –the good, the bad, the ugly– while also featuring an endearing struggle between two travelers with very different personalities and approaches.

It defines the difference between a cookie cutter vacation with the bells and whistles included, and traveling, but in an authentic and relatable way. These two twenty-something guys don’t let up on the fun though, and you can follow them along on their physical adventures, as they soak up the nightlife, and goof off across the globe.

 

Planet Earth

Five years in the making. Over 200 locations. Shot entirely in high definition by 40 different camera men. This is just part of the magic that makes this stunning BBC television experience stand in a nature-based cinematography league of its own. It touches on each geographic corner of the planet–think vast mountain ranges, the shallow seas, and frozen wastelands–presenting impossible locations and intimate moments of Earth’s most beloved wildlife and elusive creatures.

The rare action shots captured in these remote areas don’t exactly make for the common traveler’s budget-friendly trip, but you could argue that that’s all the more reason to catch this breathtaking travel series on the screen where you have the chance to see the true natural, undisturbed soul of this planet for yourself.

 

Bizarre Foods

Cuisine and travel, they go hand-in-hand, right? For Andrew Zimmern, he takes the notion of trying new foods when you travel to a-whole-nother level with Bizarre Foods. Not for the faint of heart, this travel and food series follows Zimmern as he wanders the globe in search of the strangest, most unusual native delicacies each destination has to offer. No, these aren’t your normal tourist foods that you’ve been told you ought to try. And just so you’re not missing out, Zimmern makes sure to describe the taste, texture, and history of the food he unflinchingly takes down. For Zimmern, a culture’s food speaks to what’s unique and magical about it, and his raw enthusiasm, curiosity, not to mention impressive digestive system, make him a fun host to watch. Don’t sign us up to be his eating buddy, though.

 

House Hunters International

In the same way that food says a lot about a culture, so does their real estate. You can learn a lot about a culture simply in the way they live, and what they can live without. Whether you fell in love in your travels abroad and plan on making a permanent move, or simply daydream of retiring across the pond, this travel show is the one to watch. It explores the various architectural styles common to the region, and just what your buck is worth for a home halfway around the world with the help of local real estate agents. It proves that home buying is no less of an emotional experience whether it’s done on your home turf or a brand-new country, and what you’re willing to sacrifice for a change of scenery, pace, and culture.

 

Sometimes, you don’t have to venture far to experience new sights and cultures, when you can experience the world from the comfort of your own living room. Here’s to easy couch-surfing country-searchin’!

5 Beginner Tips for Car Camping

Cheap. Easy. Fun. Does this sound like your idea of camping? It can be, with just a smidgen of research and prep time. Of course, it’s easy to quickly turn the prospect of your first car camping trip into an epic time-suck project with a free side of extra stress. In the non-stop whirlwind lives we live today, our free time is precious and should be kept as stress-free as possible. On that note, we put together a handy guide to help make sure your very first car camping trip goes off without a hitch!

First things first, despite what it probably sounds like, “car camping” does not mean you are going to spend your vacation sleeping in your car (whew!). Rather, you can think of it like car-assisted camping. You’ll sleep in a tent out under the stars like a pro, but very nearby you will have practically anything you could ever need. As a first-time camper, you definitely want to camp with a car. Your car can get you out of harm’s way ASAP in the event of a sudden weather shift. Plus, your car can come in handy to store all the extra “just in case” stuff you packed. But best of all, if you do forget something essential, or you have an accident and need first aid or medical care, you’ll get there much faster if you can jump in the car and drive rather than first having to hike it back out again on foot. Here are five failsafe beginners’ car camping tips to keep in mind before your adventure.

Keep your first camping trip quick and local

Road tripping is always going to be a favorite. But if your goal is to camp successfully for the first time, don’t spend all your time putting miles on your wheels. Flip open your road atlas, note where you are on the map, and then locate the closest state or national park and star it. This is your destination.

Book your campsite reservation early

Unless you are planning to camp in Texas in February, you need to get your campsite reservations squared away PRONTO. Do this first, or run the risk of completing lots of legwork only to discover all the campsites are taken or the park is closed down during the off-season dates you’ve selected.

State and national parks are particularly reliable about providing cleared and well-maintained campsites with lots of amenities, like toilets, showers, or grills.

camp view from tent

Campsites range in price from around $10 a night to around $30 a night. The earlier you put in your reservation request, the more different types of campsites you will have to choose from.

Bring only the budget basics

If you are someone who tends to over pack, you may struggle a bit with this one. But once you arrive and your campsite setup is a breeze, you will know the struggle was worth it. However, if you lose the struggle this first time, don’t despair! Just pay attention to how much of what you brought you actually use. This can help streamline your packing list for future camping adventures. Here’s a list of items you’ll want to bring with you.

friends camping

Ease up on the food

Keep your food plans simple and quick. Items you can expect to be able to pick up locally at reasonable prices include bagged ice, some fresh produce (bananas, apples, etc.), beverages, and pre-packaged soup or cereal where you can just add hot water and mix.

Arrive during daylight hours

Finally, there is nothing quite so stress-relieving as arriving at your destination during the day when you can see everything. This way, you can scope out your campsite, set up your tent, get the lay of the land, nab a few items you may need for cooking dinner, and even take a short hike or swim if time and geography permits.

night camping under the stars

Of course there are a million things that could go awry that get no mention here. But most of those things won’t happen, and the few that do will most likely be easily fixable with a little help from friendly locals and your handy vehicle. Once you get the general hang of camping itself and start to notice your personal campsite preferences, you can ramp up the difficulty level, from choosing a hike-in/hike-out campsite where your car is now parked a short distance away from your tent, to going off-the-grid backcountry for real.

When you set yourself up for camping success by starting off small and simple, you will have lots more smiles and adventures to look forward to on future camping trips together!

7 US Destinations for Art Lovers

Whether you want to see the exhibit everyone is talking about, discover emerging artists who just might be on their way to become internationally known, or quietly explore little-known art gems, we’re lucky to live in a time when art is so accessible, (thank you, Virtual Reality and Instagram). Yet, there’s nothing like experiencing art up close and personal.  From the big names like New York City and San Francisco to tiny towns in Wyoming and Texas, these are the seven places art lovers will want to put on their travel lists.

 

Cody, Wyoming

Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Buffalo Bill Center of the West | Photo: m01229 on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Tucked in northwest Wyoming, the town of Cody doesn’t even have a population of 10,000, but it does have plenty of charm, and lots of art. Home to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which has five museums including the Whitney Western Art Museum, Cody is a gateway to learning about and exploring Western art. The quaint town is also home to numerous art galleries near the Eastern Gate of Yellowstone making it an ideal stop on a larger trip.

 

New York, New York

It’s hard to go more than a couple of blocks in the Big Apple without stumbling upon a museum, art gallery, or even street art. If you want to hit as many museums as possible plan to head to Museum Mile, a mile-long walk full of museums including the MET, the Guggenheim (*featured image at top), the Museum of the City of New York, and more along Fifth Avenue. After you’re done perusing the art, don’t forget to take a walk through Central Park.

 

Marfa, Texas

Prada store in Marfa, tx
Prada store in Marfa, Texas

This one-stoplight town in the middle of Texas is an art oasis that needs to be on every minimalist art lover’s bucket list. It started in the 1970s,  when a New York expat came to Marfa and built a series of concrete exhibits. Since then, museums and more installations have popped up all over the area, beautifully incorporating art into the landscape, and the town now has a bit of a Brooklyn vibe.

 

Chicago, Illinois

Cloud Gate and Chicago skyline in Millennium Park, Chicago, Illinois
Cloud Gate and Chicago skyline in Millennium Park, Chicago, Illinois

From the Chicago Art Museum to the Mexican Art Museum to the galleries, there is art galore in the Windy City. There’s also great food and drinks, making Chicago a perfect spot for a weekend art lovers’ getaway. And, while it may be touristy, no visit to Chicago is complete without a visit to Cloud Gate, aka the bean.

 

Santa Fe

Meow Wolf art collective in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Meow Wolf art collective in Santa Fe, New Mexico

The art scene in Santa Fe has always been quietly top notch. You have the Georgia O’Keeffe museum with its rotating more than 400 paintings, three museums dedicated to Native American art. and much much more. But in the past few years it’s the emerging art scene that makes this city a must- visit. Head to the commercial district for galleries featuring new artists.

 

San Francisco

Terracotta Warriors statues and mural on a building on Grant Street in Chinatown in San Francisco.
Terracotta Warriors statues and mural on a building on Grant Street in Chinatown in San Francisco.

It’s easy for art lovers to leave their heart in San Francisco. From the vibrant murals in the Mission district to the San Francisco Museum of Art to the open studio weekends when the city’s resident artists throw open their doors, there’s almost too much art. While it’s impossible to see everything you’ll want to see during a short stay, the city is basically sure to have the type of art you’re fascinated by.

 

Bellevue, Washington

I know, you’re thinking tech right now, but Bellevue, Washington is also home to one of the country’s largest running art fairs. While it takes place every July, even if you don’t make it out for that, you’ll find public art displays throughout the city and a surprising number of galleries.

Tips For Planning The Perfect Girls’ Getaway

Planning a girls’ trip can be a lot of hard work and effort, which can deter many from taking trips in the first place. In the spirit of having more vacations and more fun, we’ve put together a list of trip-planning essentials to use the next time you’re desperately needing a little getaway with the girls.

 

Pinterest it


Every great trip begins with Pinterest- heck, every great day begins with Pinterest if you’re a real addict (guilty). The app is an abundant resource for just about everything you need to know about anything, be it crafts, fashion, food, and – yes –  travel. I like to reference Pinterest before a trip for travel guides, packing tips, organizational hacks, and outfit ideas.

 

Do some Instagram research

WynWood Walls 😍 #miami #wynwood #tutuewellviajam

A post shared by Youtube: Tuilla Barros (@barrostuilla) on

Instagram is full of Influencers with stunning feeds, perfect outfits, delicious meals, and some seriously enviable lives. Influencers utilize geotags to attract more followers from their area, but geotags can be used the opposite way, to research the best places to eat, shop, stay, and take pictures! Simply search your location (ex. Miami Beach) and tap ‘Places’ and all sorts of pictures will come up that have been taken in that location. If you do some scrolling you’ll come across beautiful photos in all of the best places around your destination. Another thing I like to do on Instagram for trip-planning is look up specific restaurants to see pictures from real people of the food and atmosphere.

 

Use Travefy

The first time I used Travefy it took me a few minutes to navigate the site and play around with the features, but I could immediately tell it’s probably one of the most useful and comprehensive travel-planning sites on the internet! On Travefy you can culminate info for your flights, bookings, excursions, and travel documents. You can invite members to view and edit your plans, manage RSVP’s, and have group discussions and polls. There’s also a feature to discover places to stay, things to eat, and activities to do; all you have to do is enter a location and voila! Travefy also works to document expenses (which you can list and itemize so everyone knows where their share of the costs are going) and it can even split and collect money from trip-goers via PayPal.

 

Book an AirBnB

can u tell I’m excited 🙃☺️ #savannah #airbnb

A post shared by @ellennbaileyy on

While some people like the idea of staying in hotels, I enjoy living like a local in the places I travel to, and that starts with staying in an Airbnb. Airbnb’s are perfect for girl’s getaways because everyone can stay in one place, rather than potentially having to split up in separate hotel rooms across separate floors. Airbnb’s are also generally less expensive than staying in hotels! I also like that there’s the option to cook in an Airbnb, which can save money and actually be a fun thing to do as a group!

 

Opt for a Staycation

wherever you go, whatever you do, i’ll always meet you there for a drink (or a vanilla iced coffee) 👯

A post shared by tiffany wood (@tiffanywoodxo) on

Cost can be a major roadblock in frequently having amazing times with your girlfriends, so keeping the budget manageable for all is key. The best way to keep expenses down is by having a staycation instead of going out of town. If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t explore your hometown or the places surrounding it often enough. It can be super fun to try restaurants and experiences around where you live that you might pass by daily but never step into. Choose to stay at one of your girls’ houses or spring for a hotel or Airbnb! A staycation will instantly save money since you won’t need flights, currency exchange, and so much more.

 

Swipe with Friends on Tinder

Tinder isn’t just for hookups or reconnecting with a hometown fling anymore; there’s now an option to swipe with friends and connect with other groups! You can create a group on Tinder, post what you’d like to do (whether that be drinks, coffee, skydiving) and connect with other groups that would like to do the same. A giant group-chat and adventure ensues, making this the perfect app to use on a girls’ trip if you’re looking to get some fun recommendations from locals or connect with other travelers!

 

Download the OurCam App

Keep calm and have a shoefie! #OurCam #NightOut

A post shared by OurCam (@ourcam) on


OurCam is a collaborative app where the pictures you take are instantly uploaded to a group. Say goodbye to texting your friend a million times for that super cute photo of you on the beach and say hello to instant memories all in one place. People in your group also have the option to comment on individual photos – so everyone in the group is clear on what’s OK to post or not when you leave comments like ‘If anyone uploads this picture I’ll murder you.’ 🙂

 

The Five Best Spots for Salsa Dancing in the US

Salsa dancing —  it’s hot, saucy, and spicy! With roots in Cuba and sound bites from Africa, Central America, and Spain, the six-step dance found its way to the Cheetah Club on Broadway in the 70s, becoming “the birthplace of salsa”, according to urban legend. Less than two decades later, salsa joints began popping up all over the U.S. And it’s easy to see why. Apart from the “fun factor”, salsa dancing burns more than 420 calories per hour, working all of your major muscle groups. So, stop dragging yourself to the gym and spin like a top in one of these five best salsa clubs in the US.

Hoy Como Ayer

Miami, Florida

Señoritas, welcome to the heart of Little Havana: Hoy Como Ayer, where salsa holds sway. A throwback to the days when musicians waltzed into clubs unannounced and began jamming, it has a low ceiling, small stage, and tiny tables, that couples salsa between without turning, living up to the meaning of its name, “today as yesterday”. For two hours on any given night, its musical jambalaya pounds at a breakneck pace, vibrating the portraits of icons from Cuba’s musical heyday like tiny gongs. Regular acts include Murk’s Oscar Gaetan and The Spam Allstars: the house band that blends techno and turntables with Latin, funk, hip-hop, and dub, creating what fans call an electronic descarga. The curtain lifts after midnight in Magic City. So, pick your vice: explore the brief menu of Latin bites, down a perfectly mixed Mojito, puff on an authentic Cuban cigar, habla Español with the bar keep, or scan the dark lounge — where if you’re lucky, you might even spot a Latin legend from salsa’s golden age, the 50s and 60s.

Guantanamera

Manhattan, New York


Originally known as Azucar, “sugar”, Guantanamera is a sweet escape from Midtown Manhattan. Its dining room exudes colonial Havana chic: candle-lit tables, rattan-covered ceiling fans, and exposed bricks. Worn yellow walls decked with patriotic murals of palm trees, bananas, farmers, and musicians seal the illusion: you’ll even find a man hand-rolling complimentary cigars on weekends. Patrons, some in evening gowns, others in t-shirts and shorts, sip mango mojitos with crushed lime, fresh mint, and sugar cane splinters.  Guantanamera’s primarily Cuban cuisine has Caribbean and Spanish influences, so it might not impress your traditional Abuelita. Mouth-watering nosh alert:  try the tostones rellenos— fried, green plantains shaped into a crown that’s

topped with tomato-dipped shrimp. Then listen to Ibború, the house band that specializes in Timba, a blend of salsa, American funk, R&B, and Afro-Cuban folkloric music, rattle the walls with high-decibel beats. And, though there’s no dance floor, we’re sure, Señora, that you’ll want to shake your body line.

Firefly

Las Vegas, Nevada

Firefly is a never-ending party where hips swing and minds meld — Vulcan-style. A sprawling, glass bar, crimson-colored booths surrounded by black curtains for private parties, and low-hanging chandeliers create a romantic, sensual atmosphere. The tapas-style restaurant, run by chef John Simmons, also offers some seriously good eats: bacon-wrapped olives in red-wine sauce, chicken and chorizo stuffed mushrooms, and manchego macaroni and cheese; none priced over $10. You’ll also want to grab a glass of Firefly’s famous, house-made red, white, or sparkling sangria. And, if you’re looking for a place to shine  — that’s the salsa term for setting the ballroom on fire with your solo footwork — hit this club on Latin Night, on Fridays starting at 10:30 p.m., for an ever-revolving circuit of DJs and live music.

The Granada

Los Angeles, California

Here’s a little peek at Salsa 2 with Hector and Brigitte on Fridays @ 8:30!

A post shared by The Granada LA (@thegranadala) on


Flying fringe dresses, fire engine red stilettos, and a hot, hot, hot beat to match: walk into the Granada on Fridays or Saturdays and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a bygone era, where couples twirl in sync to the rhythm of the night. Sure, it may be intimidating to first-timers, but the club offers one-hour classes at the beginning of each month. Single ladies and gents, it’s completely okay to come here alone. Ninety-five percent of each class is single and partners are swapped after every song.

La La Land’s hottest nightclub has three stories. The first floor is salsa central — packed with professional dancers that’ll keep you stepping until the morning light. (Heads-up: dancing in heels should count as a superpower, so don’t forget to wear a pair of comfy kicks.) The second story is a restaurant.  Its menu is somewhat limited. But, we recommend recharging with a Granada Burger: 100% Angus beef topped with 1000 island dressing, mozzarella, arugula, tomatoes, and onions. Afterward, head to the open patio on the third floor for a mix of hip-hop, reggae, and bachata, a dance that’s essentially salsa’s sensual sister.

Gloria’s

Multiple locations, Texas

Gloria’s, a chain of family and pet-friendly cantinas that draws raves for its Tex-Mex and Salvadorian dishes, isn’t necessarily a nightclub, per se.  But, nonetheless, twice per week, every Friday and Saturday night, you’ll be transported south of the border, thanks to The Havana NRG Orchestra and an ever-growing crowd of experienced salsa dancers, sporting business-casual threads. The 25-year-old nightclub’s decor will also blow you away.  Its roof is a giant yellow and black pinwheel, and its color-changing chandeliers resemble floating jellyfish. If you’re looking for “juice” to help you become foot-loose, hit this hot-spot during Happy Hours for a Strawberry Mojito or Spicy Pineapple Margarita.

6 Can’t-Miss Whitewater Rafting Destinations on the West Coast

Some vacations are about total relaxation, while others are about stepping outside your comfort zone. Yeah, sure, it’s nice to sit on a beach — but it’s even more rewarding to get yourself into the mountains and experience nature on full blast. You’ll feel like you challenged yourself, did a little work, and got a little dirty.

If you’re headed west this summer, get yourself to the nearest river and spend a day going whitewater rafting. You’ll feel like the ultimate adventurer, and maybe get some cool PFD tan lines while you’re at it.

Salmon River’s Middle Fork, Idaho 

whitewater rafting destinations

To experience a full back-country experience, wander into the 2.3 million-acre Frank Church Wilderness via the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Also known as the “River of No Return” Wilderness, this 104-mile branch of the Salmon is windy and skinny, tapering off to a dead end in north-central Idaho. Since it’s a five- to six-day endeavor, it’s a bit of an investment; but go with a reputable company and it’ll be one of the best weeks of your life. 

Rogue River, Oregon

whitewater rafting destinations

Take a day trip on the recreation-approved stretch of the Rogue River near Merlin, Oregon, or get even dirtier with a multi-day trip into the wild and scenic section. The river flows from Crater Lake — a crater left by the volcanic Mt. Mazama — and passes through the younger Cascade Mountain range as well as Western Cascades, arriving at the Pacific Ocean. An intermediate stretch, it’s known for rugged, Northwestern scenery.

Lochsa River, Idaho 

whitewater rafting destinations

With a Nez Perce name that translates to “Rough Water,” the Lochsa river is unregulated, which means that it’s free of dams. It also contains a steep elevation drop, about 2,000 feet. As a high-elevation river, the Lochsa has an early season of late April to early June and is known for being a wild ride, featuring Class III-IV rapids — medium to difficult.

Colorado River, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona

whitewater rafting destinations

It’d be a mistake to not include one of the most obvious choices for this list: the Grand Canyon. If you want to raft the Grand (who doesn’t?!), it’s pretty easy to hook up with one of the private companies leading trips year-round and take one of the one- to 17-day trips with a little planning.

But it would also be a mistake to overlook the other amazing runs on the mighty Colorado: Westwater Canyon over the state lines of Utah and Colorado, and Cataract Canyon through Canyonlands National Park. These shorter runs feature breathtaking scenery and powerful rapids on one of the most epic rivers in the country; and since they’re a little more niche, they even have a bit more cool factor.

Green River, Utah

whitewater rafting destinations

On the Green River in Utah, Desolation Canyon is a slice of historical wilderness that’s even deeper than the Grand Canyon in several places and said to be one of the most remote places in the lower 48. The scenery features more open space than the Grand as well, and more relaxed Class II and III rapids. Located near Moab, Utah, it’s a perfect destination for a family vacation. 

Tuolumne River, California

whitewater rafting destinations

For world-class rafting, try the Tuolumne River originating from Yosemite National Park in California —  if you dare. Commercial and recreational trips frequent the 18-mile stretch from Cherry Creek to Lake Don Pedro and cover Class III-IV rapids; but the main Tuolumne is known for offering some of the most difficult rafting in the country.

Relax and Unwind in One of America’s Most Luxurious Pools

Summer has well and truly landed, so what better way to soak up the rays and enjoy a piña colada than to relax and unwind in one of America’s most luxurious pools? It’s well known that if you want to destress, recuperate, and recover from the madness that is life, you need to take yourself away from it all and chill. Whether you’re looking for the perfect pool to laze in and top up your tan, or if it’s the party atmosphere that you’re after, we’ve got you covered.

 

5 of America’s Most Luxurious Pools

1.Mondrian Sky Pool, Los Angeles, California


If your idea of bliss is peace and relaxation during the day and glitz and glamor at night, then look no further than this designer luxurious pool by the Mondrian Hotel. Situated in the heart of West Hollywood on the Sunset Boulevard, the pool at Mondrian offers panoramic views, stylish decor, and access to LA’s legendary nightlife.

Aside from the incredible surrounding scenery of the lush green Hollywood Hills, the pool offers fragrant flowers, blooming vines, huge trees, and classy teak and wicker furniture.

At night, the pool really comes to life as hundreds of flickering lanterns, placed on the deck and hung from the trees, transform this outdoor living room into a magical hideaway. One thing I really love about this pool that makes it particularly unique is the inclusion of majestic underwater music. Plunge under the surface and delight your eardrums before you head over to the stylish Sky Bar where you can enjoy some eclectic tunes.

 

2. Caesar’s Palace, Garden Of The God’s Oasis, Las Vegas, Nevada


Have a bachelorette party coming up? Then head over to Las Vegas’s world renowned Caesar’s Palace for the perfect combination of luxury and debauchery.

Las Vegas is known for incredible nightlife, outstanding entertainment, and of course, splashing out. What some of you might not realize is that it is also home to some of the most spectacular pools North America has to offer. Situated between Roman columns, granite mosaics, and elaborate marble, the wide selection of pools and day passes available at Caesar’s will suit every taste.

Thankfully, it’s not necessary to stay at the hotel (although you can!) to take advantage of the pools. By purchasing a lounger for as little as $15 to indulging in a cabana (complete with TV and refrigerator), you will be able to enjoy the luxury of a modern Greek Goddess.

 

3.The Omni Grove Park Spa, Asheville, North Carolina

We LOVE this capture of our relaxation pool in The Spa. Photo by @romanticasheville #AtTheOmni

A post shared by The Omni Grove Park Inn (@omnigrovepark) on

Sometimes the perfect weekend break is one that is adorned with complete relaxation and comfort. With this is mind, you will be hard pushed to find a more magical atmosphere than this offering from the Omni Grove Park Spa.

Venture down into the colorfully illuminated depths of the majestic subterranean spa pools, mineral baths, and waterfalls. This 18,000-square foot underground oasis, with cavernous architecture, boasts over 20 water features, relaxation pools, exhilarating contact pools, a lap pool, inhalation room, sauna, and eucalyptus-infused steam room.

If you really want to pamper yourself, then take a break from sipping on an herbal tea and reward yourself with one of the many treatment offerings available.

Go on, spoil yourself and friends with the ultimate luxury experience from Omni Grove Park Spa by calling to check for day pass availability, and rejuvenate your senses as the fiber-optic star-filled ceiling sends you into a healing deep sleep.

4. Hyde Beach, Miami, Florida

Another gorgeous day in the M I A ☀️ #HydeWithUs #Miami #worldofsbe

A post shared by Hyde Beach (@hydebeachmiami) on

Created by architect and designer Philippe Starck, Miami’s Hyde Beach situated on the iconic South Beach is the place to be seen if you want to kick back in your bikini and Ray Bans while listening to the latest beats.

With an 8,000-square foot indoor/outdoor space, which includes a gorgeous pool, garden, covered cabana area, and beach access, you’ll feel like a celebrity as food, cocktails, and even champagne are delivered to your sun lounger.

Perfect for a weekend trip away, Hyde Beach is the place to be as Miami’s hip-chic crowd gathers to throw lavish parties and sample the hottest DJs in town.

It’s a good idea to book ahead because this place is smoking and ready to party.

5. Palm Grove Pool, Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai, Hawaii

Tag who you’d be with! Happy #AlohaFriday from our Ohana to yours! 📸@euni_ce

A post shared by Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (@fshualalai) on

So you’re getting married and this might be the last time you get to fully let loose with the girls and splash out on something spectacularly luxurious. Or maybe you just want to spend a weekend living like a queen? Either way, you won’t get much more exclusive and exquisite than this adults-only, 50-foot, ocean facing offering from Four Seasons Hualalai.

Situated along the stunning Kona-Kohala Coast and surrounded by fragrant gardenia and plumeria, the Palm Grove Ocean Pool — built within the coast’s lava rock — offers a generous whirlpool, swim-up bar, chaise loungers, hammocks, day beds, and semi-private areas.

Tired of soaking up the sun and signature nature-inspired shaved ice cocktails? Then explore the resort’s 1.8-million gallon aquarium pool, King’s Pond, home to more than 4,000 tropical fish.

You can even rent some snorkel gear and really get to know the resident sea life as your worries are washed away. You will return from your trip rejuvenated and ready to rock.