Tag Archives: adventure

Kangaroo Island: Where the Wild Things Are

Though it’s minutes from mainland South Australia, Kangaroo Island feels a million miles away. Uninhabited when the French arrived in the 19th century, it still has a population of just 4,417 people. Even with its Victorian lighthouses and bee farms, this “Australian Galápagos” feels frozen in time. Half of it is nature reserves, conservation parks, and wilderness trails. A sanctuary for wildlife, including tammar wallabies, glossy black cockatoos, and more than 60,000 western grey kangaroos, and natural, rugged beauty, Kangaroo Island is where the wild things are.

 

Cape Du Couedic Lighthouse


The third largest isle off the coast of Australia, Kangaroo Island is surrounded by notoriously treacherous waters and boat-smashing cliffs. While European explorer Matthew Flinders safely landed on the island and began hunting small Kangaroo in 1802,  Kangaroo Island became infamous for its shipwrecks, “a sea of ghosts”. During the 1900s, up to 85 ships sunk to a watery grave. So, at the beginning of the 20th century, the South Australian Marine Board constructed a lighthouse at Cape du Couedic. Built from 2,000 pieces of local stone, it originally ran on kerosene. Because of its remote location, it was unmanned and electrically wired in the 1970s. While no tours are currently conducted at the lighthouse, it has a paved wooden walkway, surrounded by dramatic, jutting cliffs that are decorated with colorful moss and kooky, weather-worn rocks.

 

Remarkable Rocks


Nature is a patient artist. It took more than 500 million years for rain, wind, and waves to create the Remarkable Rocks in Flinders Chase National Park: a cluster of hefty, granite boulders covered in golden-orange lichen sitting atop a giant dome of lava. One of Kangaroo Island’s signature landmarks, these flat “sculptures” are most impressive in the early morning and early evening when their black mica, blue quartz, and pink feldspar give off an ethereal glow.

 

Admirals Arch


The remnant of an ancient cave that’s been broken open by ocean waves and turned into a natural bridge, Admirals Arch has a smooth bottom and stalactites dangling from its rocky ceiling.  The starting point of several hikes throughout Flinders Chase National Park, it has a viewing platform, where you can see southern right whales, dolphins, sea eagles, and New Zealand fur seals.

These grey-brown seals mainly eat squid and small mid-water fish. Occasionally, they’ll dive more than 780 feet to feast on conger eels, barracuda, jack mackerel, and hoki. Using their whiskers to locate their meals, New Zealand fur seals forage mostly at night, so visit Admirals Arch before sunset.  And, you’ll see the colony lazing around in the sun and splashing in rocky pools beneath the arch.

 

Seal Bay Conservation Park


A government-protected area located on Kangaroo Island’s southern coast, Seal Bay has the third largest colony of Australian Sea Lions—these non-migratory mammals are only native to the Land Down Under. One of the most endangered pinnipeds, there are less than 15,000 Australian Sea Lions left in the wild, so Sea Bay Conservation Park is the only place in the world where you can see them at close range without cages or enclosures. When you visit, a guide will take you into the heart of the colony, where you can watch males duke it out for supremacy, females nurse their newborns, and pups roughhouse. Though, you also can take a self-guided tour using a wheelchair accessible 2,952-foot boardwalk, which runs over untouched dunes to a number of viewing platforms.

 

Kelly Hill Caves


Discovered after a horse named Kelly fell into one of its caves, the Kelly Hill Caves have very steep steps, making them unsuitable for frail or disabled visitors. While the caves offer narrow crawl spaces, they’re not claustrophobic.  One of the few dry limestone cave networks in Australia, they have an impressive array of stalactites, stalagmites, straws, and the more unusual helictites that twist and defy gravity. After attending a 40-minute seminar, you’ll be able to go adventure caving, where you strap on a hard hat, use a flashlight, crawl through rocky tunnels, and view the fossils of plants and bones from the 1920s. With zero humidity, the Kelly Hill Caves also are a constant 60.8 degrees.

 

Clifford’s Honey Farm


It’s almost worth swimming across the Pacific Ocean for the honey ice cream, which is sourced from a rare colony of Ligurian bees, at this quaint family farm.  A bit off the beaten path, Clifford’s Honey Farm has over 300 honey producing hives. It sells honey beer, beeswax polishes, beeswax candles, honey lip glosses, and even bee-shaped honey drizzlers. At the back of the farm, there’s also a Honey Education Center. You can learn about the social structure of bees and how honey is manufactured—if you’re really lucky, you’ll even be able to spot the queen inside of a glass beehive. Have kids? There’s a sandpit and picnic tables outside. Heads up: because bees gather pollen from blooming plants and beekeepers harvest raw honey every three weeks, flavors vary by season.

 

Little Sahara


Everyone knows that Australia has swaths of wide-open desert: eighteen percent of the entire continent is covered in sand. Though, Kangaroo Island’s “Little Sahara” has the most impressive sand dunes. Naturally occuring, wind-sculpted dunes and shifting white ridgelines stretch out for a full square mile. Its tallest dune is 229 feet above sea level.  While it’s a little too small to feel like a real desert, the fun lies in the thrills and spills of sandboarding and tobogganing. It’s one of the most expensive activities on the island—one board costs $29 per hour.  After you rent your board and rub it with Ligurian beeswax, you’ll need to lug it up the sandy slopes. After you reach the top, you can surf the sea of white sand while standing, which provides an adrenaline rush similar to snowboarding, without the icy-hard landing. If you want to get down the dune in one piece, however, you’ll definitely want to choose the toboggan and glide down on your stomach or derriere.

5 Warm Weather Winter Destinations

The holiday lights are packed away. The mistletoe has long been discarded. The December cheer is quickly fading into the bitter winter months offering little anticipation for things to come. Are you feeling the post-holiday blues like many other Americans do come January? A quick winter getaway to thaw your spirit may be just what you need to pull yourself out of a torpid rut. Whether you live east, west, or somewhere in the middle, there are dozens of affordable warm weather winter destinations available to you.

Flights to popular winter destinations like Cancun and Honolulu are pricey and require months of planning. But these sunny spots are within driving distance for many of us and supply piña coladas just the same.

If driving isn’t an option, airfare is the lowest to your favorite winter destinations that it’ll be all year during January and February. Take some time to yourself following the holiday chaos, catch your breath, and settle into the new year right at these winter destinations.

 

New Mexico’s Hot Springs

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Iron Pool at Ojo Caliente Spa in Taos | Image courtesy of Ojo Caliente Spa

Tranquil pools at Riverbend Hot Springs overlooking the Rio Grande and Turtleback Mountain. The ebullient private thermal pools at La Paloma Hot Springs and Sierra Grande Lodge & Spa. New Mexico’s natural hot springs are mineral hotbeds that are sure to replenish your skin after weeks in the harsh winter elements. One of the state’s most charming cities, Truth or Consequences, features quirky shopping, dining, and sightseeing opportunities. Plus, it’s got a number of mineral spas.

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Taos Pueblo, New Mexico

 

Big Bend National Park

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Big Bend National Park, Texas

For dark skies and warm toes, head down to Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas. Limestone Canyons and rigid, solitary mountains foster a feeling of isolation difficult to achieve anywhere else in the country. Get outside in the southwestern sun and explore hikes like Chimneys Trail, Devil’s Den, and Emory Peak. All of them offer physical challenges and rewarding views.

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Santa Elena Canyon and Rio Grande river at Big Bend National Park, Texas

 

Florida Keys

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Aerial view of the Florida Keys

Flights to Miami are notoriously affordable from major airports during winter, and just a short drive from the airport are the Florida Keys, a white sand archipelago off the mainland coast teeming with activities and opportunities for a relaxing oceanside vacation. Winter temperatures in the Keys average mid-70s, making the islands an ideal location to defrost this season. Activities such as snorkeling, sunbathing, swimming, and wildlife watching are sure to keep you busy during your stay. Grab a drink at one of the many restaurants and bars available in the island’s luxury resort towns.

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Islamorada, Florida Keys, Florida

 

Tucson, Arizona

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Sunset in Saguaro National Park near Tucson, Arizona

Metropolitan Tucson, located in the Sonoran desert of southern Arizona, is well known as a cultural and recreational hub in the state. Home to the Old Tucson Studios, an old west movie studio turned theme park, and ornate church architects, the city sits on the edge of Saguaro National Park, one of the most remote desert locations in the country and home to the greatest population of hundred-year-old Saguaro cacti. Winter is peak time in Tucson, while the temperatures are moderate and tourism is high.

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Saguaro National Park near Tucson, Arizona

 

Louisiana’s Bayou

louisiana bayou for winter destinations
Louisiana Bayou

Traveling to New Orleans and Louisiana swamplands may seem daunting if you’re from the north, but a road trip through America’s heartland, and many music cities, may introduce you to a side of our country you haven’t experienced. Catch up on your podcasts and take the trip south to immerse yourself in untapped bayou culture in Louisiana and Mississippi. The balmy temperatures and lively nightlife in the region will inspire you enough for the rest of the year.

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The French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana, in January 2016.

Lost and Found in Popoyo, Nicaragua

In the center of Central America lies Nicaragua, and down several long, rutted, twisty, dusty dirt roads lies a surfer’s paradise called Popoyo. Honk at a few cows wandering through the road, stop to take pictures of the pigs wallowing in the ditch and ask a local how to get to Popoyo.

Nicaragua Cows   Nica22

With almost no street signs, most directions include things like, “Take a left at the green tire shop, then a right at the fruit stand that has colorful hammocks for sale.” It can be unnerving at first, but the people are kind and always happy to help.

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You’ll find yourself – literally and figuratively – in a place like Popoyo. Typical creature comforts of high speed internet, ubiquitous air conditioning and the ability to upload selfies quickly, give way to a slower pace of life filled with laissez faire attitudes, self-reflection and untouched nature seldom found in most parts.

It’s a place of azure waters, white sand beaches, bikinis, Sex-Wax surf wax and heavy beach breaks that barrel over shallow reefs. You’ll find salt-knotted dreadlocks and the salutation, “Buenos dias,” and the unspoken sentiment, “How did you find this place?” and “don’t tell anyone else…” Popoyo provides the feeling of stepping back in time to a simpler era, when life’s needs were a little more basic: food, water, shelter and fun. Oh, and fruit smoothies.

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The surf at Popoyo is usually best in the morning. Offshore winds blow back the faces of waves on a point break that is overlooked by a small restaurant on a campground called The Ranch.

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On a day with particularly epic waves, I find that twelve-time world champion Kelly Slater and bohemian surf master Rob Machado have signed in to The Ranch parking lot before me.

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If you’re not a world champ surfer (or even much of an ocean swimmer), there are plenty of hammocks and Adirondacks to watch the waves come in while you have a fresh fruit smoothie or a cold cerveza.

Looking to the eastern horizon from the water, Mombacho rises in the distance. Mombacho is a 1344 meter high stratovolcano near the city of Granada. As the last eruption occurred more than 400 years ago, today the Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve is one of 78 protected areas in Nicaragua, and a great place to hike through rainforest while listening for howler monkeys. Walking in literal clouds, one can peer directly into the crater of the volcano and imagine the lava exploding skywards. Those who reach the top are rewarded with a view that would normally be reserved for those seated on an airplane.

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After hiking Mombacho, it’s a sometimes steep, mostly bumpy drive over to Granada where you’ll find a city that seems part Havana, part New Orleans and exactly the kind of place where you’d expect to see Hemingway smoking a cigarillo and writing his next novel. Cafes and restaurants where occupants dine in open-air courtyards among palm trees and vines are hidden behind large wooden doors. Fresh ceviche, wrought iron balconies, and a deep sense of Catholic and familial pride abound in this old, yet unexpectedly cosmopolitan town.

If you can’t get enough of the beach, travel south down the cost to Santa Cruz, where you’ll find a tranquil bay lined with fishing boats and restaurants.

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Local men and women stroll by, selling vases with hand-etched sea turtles and brightly painted wooden birds that double as whistling instruments. They’re the kind of beach trinkets that don’t feel like trinkets. The handmade works of art are authentic and inexpensive. You support the artisans and the local economy when you buy a few pieces.

The sun is likely nearing the horizon again and as the air cools, the waves take shape once again. Head over to Magnific Rock where you can get in another surf or simply take in the sunset from the restaurant and lodge overlooking the beach. Play an available board game or swing in a hammock with a Toña, the national beer of choice.

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Walking on the beach at night, there are no discotecas, but you’re likely to find ex-pats lounging around candle-lit driftwood tables, eating freshly baked clay oven pizza and listening to other expats practicing their guitars or Ukuleles.

This is a place that few people know of and even fewer dare to go. Those who have been hope it stays that way forever.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

The Chocolate Lover’s Guide To US Travel

Will travel for chocolate. Whether you’re a fan of biting into a piece of wonderfully nuanced, single-origin dark chocolate or prefer your chocolate milky, steaming in a cup, chocolate lovers know good chocolate is worth traveling for. These days, just as you would plan a trip around wine, beer or coffee you can plan a weekend away around chocolate. Here are 7 U.S. destinations made for a chocolate getaway where you can learn more about the production process, indulge, and see some sights. Think of it as your sweet tooth guiding your plans.

 

New York, New York

The city that never sleeps has a chocolate habit. Indulge in touristy favorites like Serendipity or Max Brenner but then plan on seeing how chocolate is actually made by taking a tour of Raaka Chocolate’s Red Hook factory where they turn beans into delicious bars. And for those that want to see as much of the city as possible while sampling as much chocolate as possible, there’s nothing better than a chocolate walking tour.

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Godiva Chocolate Store on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, NYC.

 

San Francisco, California

From chocolate beer to old-school classic chocolate, San Francisco has something for every type of chocolate lover. Iconic Ghirardelli Chocolate Company opened here in 1852 and today the square that bares its name and is home to its flagship location offers chocolate tastings as well as numerous other shops to explore. But after you’ve gotten a taste of the historic make sure to check out the up and coming small batch chocolate producers, such as Dandelion or, for those who want to drink their chocolate, Speakeasy Ales & Lagers’  chocolate milk stout is a must-try.

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Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco, CA

 

Burlington, Vermont

Tucked into northwestern Vermont, Burlington is a foodie paradise, especially for those that love chocolate. Head to the Lake Champlain Chocolates Factory Store for a free behind-the-scenes look at how chocolates are made. If you’re there on a Saturday, you can even join the free chocolate tasting seminar. Afterwards the small city is really your oyster, full of outdoor activities, lots of shopping, and delicious food; you’ll find it hard to return home from your weekend getaway.

 

Las Vegas, Nevada

Sin City may not be an obvious place for chocolate but Las Vegas is full of places for chocolate. Since 1981 people from around the globe have been coming to Ethel M for a taste of their liqueur-filled chocolates and almond butter crisps. Jean-Marie Auboine Chocolatier is a must-visit. The famous chocolatier produces dozens of chocolates in the French fashion. You want the Quessan, a caramel ganache with dark chocolate. Then there is Jean Philippe’s floor-to-ceiling cascading chocolate fountain at the Bellagio. Also in Las Vegas is the Sugar Factory Chocolate Lounge where you’ll feel like you’re in a real-life Willy Wonka factory.

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Worlds Largest Chocolate Fountain (3 meters tall, circulating 2 tons of chocolate) in the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas

 

Seattle, Washington

The Pacific Northwest city is so much more than coffee. Start your chocolate weekend getaway in Seattle, at where else but Pike Place Market. The famous market is home to The Chocolate Box where you can learn how cacao beans are grown, and The Confectional, with its sweet and spicy hot chocolate and the bean-to-bar shop, Indi Chocolate. If after all that you’re still hungering for more chocolate, Theo Chocolate in the Fremont section of Seattle is worth a visit. The neighborhood spot was one of the first bean-to-bar chocolate companies to open in the U.S., and today offers 1-hour tours of its factory.

 

Boston, Massachusetts 

Check yourself into the Langham Hotel and you’ll find it hard to leave long enough to explore the city. The hotel is home to the Chocolate Bar, which has been whipping up every imaginable chocolate dish and then some, for more than 20 years. You don’t have to be a guest at the hotel to dine at the Chocolate Bar, but reservations, especially on the weekend, are recommended.

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Modern Pastry in Boston, Massachusetts

 

Orlando, Florida

The Florida city has a surprising number of chocolate spots. Universal Orlando Resort is now home to every Harry Potter fan’s dream: a Hogsmeade’s candy hotspot Honeydukes. After you’ve caught and had that chocolate frog, head over the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium where those that like their chocolate in liquid form can order decadent milkshakes. Outside of Universal, the  World Chocolate Museum is worth a visit. Iit’s impossible to not be impressed by the museum’s  chocolate replicas of landmarks such as the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower, and more. No, you can’t eat them, but there is a gift shop full of chocolate to purchase.

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The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at the Universal CityWalk in Orlando, Florida

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

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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

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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

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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.

 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

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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

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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

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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 

See Northern Ireland through Ancient Eyes in Belfast

Ireland’s low, viridescent plains and astronomical coastal mountains are cherished by locals and regular visitors of the peculiar island nation. While the largest island is well-known for landmarks such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Cliffs of Moher, and the Blarney Stone, the lesser known Northern Ireland offers an experience beyond a typical study abroad excursion. Just a short drive from the main island, Northern Ireland offers a candid European getaway.

Belfast, the county’s capital, is now an impressive cosmopolitan destination with a growing population and enigmatic allure. You’ll find culturally conscious, award-winning restaurants, art, and theaters. It’s the birthplace of the famously destitute Titanic, and Jonathan Swift’s inspiration for Gulliver’s Travels. If you’re looking to escape the summer heat, Belfast is cool year round, with temperatures rarely reaching 80 degrees during its hottest months. It’s also home to Titanic Studios, where Game of Thrones is shot. Treat yourself to authentic Irish countryside and cuisine in Belfast for truly unparalleled stories.

 

Titanic Memorial Garden

Titanic Memorial Garden

This two-tier grassy terrace pays tribute to the 1,512 men, women, and children who lost their lives during the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. Featuring fifteen bronze plaques, this collection of names is the first time in history all who perished are memorialized in one place, including crew members, postal workers, and musicians. The garden features a collection of whites, silvers, and blues, the colors of ice and water, to encourage reflection and healing.

 

Belfast Castle Estate

Belfast Castle and Gardens

No trip to Northern Ireland is complete without a tour of traditional architecture. Built in the 12th century and recently remodeled, Belfast Castle and the region surrounding it, locally known as Cave Hill, are thought to be the inspiration for Gulliver’s Travels. Cave Hill Visitor Centre gives visitors a historical look at the castle and its contributions to Belfast throughout the years.

 

The Belfast Baking Company

Need to bring something to the office? Visiting a friend? We’ve got you covered, grab a box of 4 for £6!

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When traveling abroad, supporting local businesses, rather than international chains, is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture. With more than 100 years of baking expertise, Belfast Baking Company offers freshly made baked goods for on the go. Just a short walk from the Titanic Memorial Gardens, the smell of rosemary and potato bread permeate the block with mouthwatering buttery aromas.

 

Cafe Conor

For both modern and traditional European and Asian cuisine, Cafe Conor is open seven days a week with handmade ingredients and aesthetic. The restaurant, refurbished from a 1940s art gallery, features everything from pasta to Satay chicken and remains one of Belfast‘s most popular eateries.

 

Apartment Bar

City views 🏙🌆

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Capturing sleek, modern ambience in the city’s center, Apartment and Zak’s Restaurant is Belfast’s Little Manhattan. Overlooking Belfast City Hall and a parade of city lights, the bar offers award-winning cocktails with a splash of sophistication and classic dishes for doing dinner in style.

Window on Wildlife

Nature lovers will have a field day at Belfast’s coveted wildlife reserve. Home to more than a hundred species of birds and other wildlife in the heart of the Belfast Harbour Estate, the reserve offers trained staff to help guide your viewing experience.

 

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’!