
Gerrish Lopez
Time Out Contributor
Gerrish Lopez is a world traveler and travel guide editor based in New Orleans. She specialises in food and dining and travel, and can be found in USA Today and Time Out.
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Gerrish Lopez is a world traveler and travel guide editor based in New Orleans. She specialises in food and dining and travel, and can be found in USA Today and Time Out.
Thereâs tons to do in Atlanta. This city has that perfect mix of Southern Charm and a fresh, lively culture scene, as well as a heap of great restaurants, bars and more. But with the kids in tow, your trip is going to look a little different, and youâre going to need to keep them entertained with new things every single day. Well, parents, luckily for you, Atlanta is the place to be for kiddos, whether youâre a local on school holidays or visiting for the first time. This marvelous city has family-friendly activities by the bucketload, from kid-friendly museums to outdoor attractions. Fancy renting bikes and pedaling the Beltline? Get on board. Kids obsessed with sea life? The Georgia Aquarium will keep them hooked for hours. From incredible science exhibits to wide open parks, here are the best things to do with kids in Atlanta. RECOMMENDED:đ The best things to do in Atlantađ¨ The best attractions in Atlantađď¸ The best museums in Atlantađ˝ď¸ The best restaurants in Atlantađď¸ The best Airbnbs in Atlanta with pools
One of the most sought-after treats in New Orleans (and one of the cityâs most iconic foods) is fairly simple in preparation, but it packs a satisfying punch that stands up to any intricately baked pastry. It will leave a mark tooâno one is safe from the pile of powdered sugar that tops the sweet fried dough that is the beloved beignet. The best beignets in New Orleans can be found in neighborhoods throughout the city and are served at festivals throughout the year. Purveyors of these puffy, square, deep-fried doughnuts attract loyal followings among local fans, and innovative versions have sprung up to offer stiff competition. While Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter is at the top of the list for most visitors to the city, itâs worth the effort to try some other beignets on offer. Versions range from classic to stuffed to savory. A sweet beignet can be a great start to the day or a perfect end to a delicious meal at a top New Orleans restaurant. Go for it and try them all, but be sure to pair them with a hot cup of cafe au lait.
As the home of jazz, New Orleans nightlife is second to none. This is the place to tune into live music at 7pm and dance the night away until 3am, and still have room for poutine afterwards. So when you wake up the next morning, with a bit of a headache and a full day of itinerary ahead of you, thereâs only one thing thatâs gonna save you. Yep, itâs brunch. Not breakfast, nor lunch. Just a perfect in-between, ready to cure any hangover and set you up for any day-time activity (or simply another night on the town). And New Orleans does brunch very, very well. From crawfish omelets and French toast burritos to buttermilk waffles and crab-avo toast. Read on for the best spots for brunch in New Orleans. RECOMMENDED:đ´ The best restaurants in New Orleansđť The best bars in New Orleansđ The best things to do in New Orleansđˇ The best spots to see jazz in New Orleansđď¸ The best neighborhoods in New Orleans
Looking to party in Canada? Vancouver is the place. Locals know it, and those nearby flock to it to eat, drink and dance the night away. This great city has it all, from thumping DJ sets and all-night bars to trendy cocktail spots and small plates. Spend a long day at the beach or indulging in some culture, and come evening, get ready to see all the fun the city has to offer. This is the place to boogie on down at a local club, or try your hand at some wild karaoke. If that isnât your scene, how about a late-night Asian food market, serving up gyoza, pho and more alongside live music? Thatâs right â Vancouver has it all. And if youâre here for a good time not a long time, weâve got you covered. Read on for our ultimate guide to Vancouver night life. RECOMMENDED:đ¸ The best bars in Vancouver𪊠The best clubs in VancouverđĽ The best cinemas in Vancouverđ The best things to do in Vancouverđ´ The best restaurants in Vancouver
If youâre headed to Las Vegas, chances are youâre here for the casinos, clubs and bright lights of The Strip and to party the night away. And we donât blame you. Vegas is a city to get lost in, where you never know what will happen next. But weâll let you in on a little secret â thereâs much, much more to this city than meets the eye. Thatâs right. Vegas isnât just worth a trip for its infamous Strip, or for its many extravagant buffets, casinos and clubs. The city is actually home to a whole host of hidden gems, from state parks to an underground museum to a one-of-a-kind outdoor art installation. For a treat, weâve let you in on the cityâs most well kept secrets. Read on for the best hidden gems in Vegas. RECOMMENDED:đ The best things to do in Vegasđ˝ď¸ The best restaurants in Las Vegasđ¤ The best buffets in Vegasđˇ The best bars in Vegasđ¨ The best Las Vegas hotelsđď¸ The best Airbnbs in Vegas
If youâre in the city of jazz, we can bet that the French Quarter is at the top of your list. The French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans, and every step feels steeped in New Orleans history. Itâs all walkable on foot, and you can spend whole days dipping in and out of the many cafĂŠs, bars and restaurants on offer. And trust us, the restaurants are worth it. The French Quarter is home to everything from Creole fine dining classics to family-run Italians and fresh seafood, and more. There are cocktails a-plenty and huge courtyards to dine at, and when youâre full to the brim, youâre in a prime area to check out New Orleansâ best jazz clubs. Here are the best places to eat in the French Quarter. RECOMMENDED:đ´ The best restaurants in New Orleansđˇ The best spots to see jazz in New Orleansđť The best bars in New Orleansđ The best things to do in New Orleansđď¸ The best neighborhoods in New Orleans
Itâs no secret that New Orleans is the city for jazz. This is the birthplace of the jazz genre itself, and you can feel it on every street you walk down. Visitors might be here for the annual Jazz Fest, for the French Quarter Festival or for Mardi Gras, but whatever time of year youâre in New Orleans, thereâs going to be something musical happening, guaranteed. So whether youâre here to discover hidden live jazz spots in the city, go wild at a jazz brunch or get tickets for a full-blown concert, youâll find what youâre looking for, and then some. Here, weâve ranked all the best places to hear jazz music in New Orleans, from intimate sessions to swinging dance spots to cozy clubs and more. Here are the best places to experience New Orleans music right now. RECOMMENDED:đ The best things to do in New Orleansđť The best bars in New Orleansđ´ The best restaurants in New Orleansđď¸ The best neighbourhoods in New Orleansđ¨ The best hotels in New Orleans
The best hotels in New Orleans range from high-end national brands to quirky, boutique properties, with plenty of options in between. There's something out there to suit everyone, even if you've got a very acquired and niche taste. These New Orleans hotels offer everything you need for a comfortable stay plus service and attention that will make your visit to the city memorable. A new crop of independent hoteliers has transformed unique spaces into posh retreats, while a handful of historic hotels have stood the test of time and have become attractions in their own right. Plus, many of these hotels even have on-site bars and restaurants that have earned accolades on their own. Whether youâre a business traveler, party animal or trend-seeking influencer, these hotels have it all. Deciding which New Orleans neighborhood to be based in is always a tough decision â maybe youâre looking to blow off some steam with a French Quarter fiesta, or perhaps youâre more in the mood to decamp to a trendy hideaway in the Marigny â but wherever you decide to stay, youâll have a perfect spot to rest your head after exploring all the best restaurants, best bars and all the best things to do in New Orleans. RECOMMENDED: The best neighborhoods in New OrleansRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in New Orleans
Savannah ainât all shrimp and grits, you know? Though there is a fair bit of shrimp and grits on offer, and theyâre all very delicious. But youâd be doing yourself a disservice not to explore the culinary delights of Savannah in all its glory, from casual to fine dining. Youâll find some of the best food in the south in this Georgian city, so donât miss out. And whether youâre in the city for its Antebellum architecture, its museums or to wonder its glorious parks, we can bet youâve got restaurants on your itinerary too. No Savannah guide is complete without its food offerings, so weâve rounded up the very best of Savannahâs cuisine, making sure to include some of the classics alongside new, innovative restaurants. Here, youâll find seven-course tasting menus, vegan mezze, Memphis barbecue and that all-important avocado brunch, along with the freshest of lobster, crab cakes and steaks. Happy dining! RECOMMENDED: đď¸Â The best things to do in SavannahÂ
Vancouver is a goldmine of great things to do, from fantastic beaches to whale spotting and great restaurants to serene botanical gardens. But the diversity of this city also lends itself to a fantastic food scene, with everything from Chinese and Thai noodles to vegetarian spots and high-end tasting menus. So whether youâre looking for an elegant splash-out meal or some side-of-the-road sushi, Vancouver definitely has something for you. Big, warming bowls of comfort food await you (yes, weâre talking about ramen and pasta) in this fantastic city, and youâre likely to get a great view while you dine. Read on for the best restaurants in Vancouver right now. RECOMMENDED:đĽ The best spots to eat brunch in Vancouverđ The best Italian restaurants in Vancouverđť The best bars in Vancouverđď¸ The best Vancouver attractionsđ¨ The best hotels in Vancouverđď¸ The best Airbnbs in Vancouver
Atlanta used to be known as a place of business. But somewhere along the way it lost its serious reputation, as more and more travellers have caught onto its ever-expanding food, drink and culture scene. Now, the city has a soul, and as the largest city in the South, there is plenty to explore. And if youâre headed to Atlanta for Music Midtown, Dragon Con or for the golf championships, why not fill up your trip with all the best the city has to offer? From excellent theatre to beautiful parks and museums to food markets, here are the best things to do in Atlanta right now. RECOMMENDED:đ˝ď¸ The best restaurants in Atlanta đˇ The best bars in Atlanta đ The best things to do with kids in Atlantađď¸ The best attractions in Atlanta đł The best treehouse Airbnbs in Atlanta
Atlanta conjures up images of Southern charm, hot nights, great food, hip-hop, history, and more. With all the things to do in this sprawling city, itâs no wonder Atlanta is one of the best cities in America to visit. And you canât visit Atlanta without eating your way through the best BBQ joints or diving into hearty plates of biscuits or fried chicken at a breakfast spot â work it all off by touring theme parks, museums, and other great attractions that the city has to offer. Whether youâre a local or a visitor, be sure to check out the best Atlanta attractions â weâve got them all right here for you. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in AtlantaRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Atlanta This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.
at the helm, you know this Central Texas-style barbecue joint will be good. Located inside the Quickie Pickie (a big upgrade from former food truck park digs) with indoor and outdoor seating, La Barbecue serves up brisket, pork ribs, and house-made sausage. Sandwiches are tasty too, both straightforward options and over-the-top ones like La Frito Loco (pulled pork, chopped beef, chipotle slaw, fritos, cheese, and jalapeĂąos).
Tinned fish, charcuterie, and other luxurious small plates set the stage for unique wines at this Downtown Crossing wine bar. Small producers, especially female winemakers, are the stars of the list of primarily natural wines. If youâre not familiar with natural wines, the friendly staff is willing to help. Sample from the list of wines by the glass, orâif you commit to two glassesâtheyâll open any available bottle for you. For your non-wine-drinking friends, thereâs also a solid craft beer list.
Head to Dorchester for traditional Irish breads and scones as well as pies, cakes, and cookies, all baked fresh. The classic Irish soda bread is top-notch, but donât miss treacle soda bread, barm brack, or brown soda bread. Thereâs a whole cafe menu as well, with soups, sandwiches, and more Irish favorites like black pudding and Irish sausage rolls.
Eataly is currently hosting Bostonâs only truffle-centric pop-up. Situated in the heart of Bostonâs premier Italian food emporium, Il Tartufo e Il Vino is dedicated to fresh Italian truffles and fine Italian wines. Executive Chef Sam De Los Santos offers a menu full of truffle-friendly dishes; customers have the option of adding truffles to any dish for an upcharge, and those looking to celebrate can buy and enjoy an entire truffle right at tableside.
This Seaport stalwart hosts celebratory groups and corporate types for festive cocktails and a crowd-pleasing, pan-Asian menu of familiar favorites. Specialty nigiri and signature maki tantalize with interesting ingredients including marinated chinese celery, Wild Sockeye salmon, and yellow pepper sauce. The restaurant is exceptionally group-friendly, and perfect for private dinners and special occasions. A highlight for sushi-lovers is the unlimited sushi menu, available on Wednesdays starting at 5pm.Â
Chef Andy Husbands has invested more than two decades of barbecue practice and planning, in the process becoming a world champion pitmaster and author. His menu showcases slow-cooked meats and savory sides such as sweet-spicy coleslaw and cornbread with honey sea salt butter. The bar carries more than 200 whiskies, and the craft beer list offers something for everyone.
Annaâs has been dishing out home-style Mexican street food flavors since 1995. With several locations around the Boston area, itâs easy to get your hands on flavorful tacos or giant, filling burritos. Start with your main fillingâoptions include steak roja, spicy chile verde pork, chicken ranchero, grilled veggies, and even tongueâthen add on your toppings (guacamole, sour cream, and the like). It's open for breakfast too, so you can start your day with egg- and sausage-filled breakfast burritos or tacos. Fast and cheap, Annaâs is a longtime favorite of area workers and servers for Mexican eats.
Saus is a casual, counter-service joint offering made-from-scratch comfort foods enhanced by a plethora of condiments and toppings. Thereâs a whole section of poutines with toppings like carnitas, kimchi, and sambal for extra heft. There are a few tasty sandwiches and salads, plus friksâa few varieties of dressed-up beef and pork sausages served on Iggyâs brioche. But the centerpiece is the hand-cut, twice-fried fries. Choose from fifteen different homemade sauces, from basic ketchup to more creative options like hot beer mustard, Avo-Goddess, bacon-parm, or Secret Saus.
This elegant bistro in the heart of the South End overlooks historic Tremont Street; the location adds to the sophisticated, Parisian atmosphere. The traditional bistro menu includes French classicsâescargot, salmon rillette, steak frites, sole meunièreâand plates du jour that include seasonal ingredients. The relaxed bistro atmosphere makes Aquitaine a popular spot for brunch as well.
For a classy night out in the Seaport, Mastroâs offers luxurious surf and turf with stunning views of Boston Harbor. A national chain, this high-end steakhouse features sizzling steaks, decadent seafood towers, and a range of appetizers and entrees, from oysters and crab cakes to sushi and lamb. Classic steakhouse sides plus soups, salads, and vegetable dishes offer something for everyone. And floor-to-ceiling windows offer great Harbor views, especially at night.
With patio dining and more than 250 varieties of tequila, the casually stylish Temazcal is a welcome escape in the Seaport. The dining room has floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the harbor. The elevated Mexican cuisine is bright and flavorful. House specialties like chorizo empanadas, mole enchiladas, and grilled skirt steak tampiquena lean towards the traditional, but be sure to try unique offerings like the Veracruzana grain salad or scallops al pastor. The upscale margaritas draw praise, and extensive cocktail and wine lists enhance any meal.
Amidst the creative minds in the Seaportâs District Hall is Gather, which focuses on innovative New American cuisine. Using local ingredients whenever possible, the kitchen turns out dishes like shellfish ceviche toast, lobster cobb salad, duck tacos, and fungi ragout flatbread. Creative cocktails and an extensive beer and wine listânot to mention the large patio and Seaport viewsâmake Gather a great place to meet for drinks. Stop by on Waffle Sunday to create your own waffle topped with anything from oreos and fluff to pretzels and cheddar cheese.
It might be a while before the USA's resident billionaires can offer flights to the actual moon (or a full-on moon colony), but if you fancy yourself a lunar explorer, then Vegas (of course), can get you there sooner. The upcoming Moon Resorts Las Vegas will make your moon-landing dreams come true this decade, complete with a NASA-level lunar colony. The worldâs first space hotel is set to debut in 2027, and itâs a doozy. The five billion, 5.5-million-square-foot hotel will rise above the glittering Vegas landscape with an incredibly detailed replica of the moon that will stand at 735 feet tall and 650 feet wide. The property will feature 4,000 guest rooms and suites plus a 75,000-square-foot spa, 50,000-square-feet of food and beverage offerings, 75,000-square-feet of retail, and 150,00-square-feet of clubs and lounges. Youâll get completely starry-eyed with the entertainment offerings. In addition to a casino, the resort will feature a theater, planetarium, an event center and an arena. A moon-themed nightclub will be positioned under a spaceship that will beam lights on the partiers below. For real moon-fanatics, however, the âactive lunar colonyâ in the top half of the moon replica will be the highlight. For $500, you can take a moon shuttle that circles the exterior of the hotel, then explore ten acres of lunar surface in a moon-buggy, driving over craters and zipping through the colony that will mimic those currently being planned by NASA. In addition to the Vegas loca
Spring fever is about to set in and levels of wanderlust are rising. As eager travelers start to plan trips, a recent survey from Airbnb has revealed a spike in bookings and wish-listings across the world. Their research shows that cross-border travel is increasing, as is family travel, and adventurous types are still packing up for a nomadic lifestyle following the âLive Anywhereâ trend. But a common theme among all kinds of travelers who choose Airbnb is a desire for unique settings and one-of-a-kind experiences. Who wants to sleep the night away suspended from a cliff? Apparently a lot of people do. Living like a hobbit is popular as well. Travelers and nomads are increasingly seeking out experiences rather than simply a place to stay. Case in point: Among the top-booked and wish-listed Airbnbs for the coming year include an A-Frame cabin with sweeping views of Mount Zion, and an artsy home with a 30-foot swing inside. Other top stays include RVs, cozy earth houses and tiny homes. So, without further ado, these are the top ten Airbnbs that appear the most on the wish lists of travelers for this coming spring. Which one are you going to book? Zion EcoCabin: Zion A-Frame (Hilldale, UT) The Swing House (Cincinnati, OH) Naturalist Boudoir (Lumberton, TX) Cliff Dweller: Spend a Night Suspended from the Ridgeline! (Campton, KY) Architectural Wonder in the Woods (Rhinebeck, NY) Creekside Hideaway (Clancy, MT) Unique 'Earthouse' Retreat w/ Spring-Fed Creek (Springfield, MO) Char
Stopovers are back, baby! While no one likes to sit for hours in a crowded airport, Icelandair has turned the dreaded layover into an opportunity. Not only has the airline announced amazing sale fares, but its once again offering a free stopover in its home country for up to seven days. The Icelandair sale features round-trip fares starting at $399 from a dozen cities including New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., or Minneapolis to European cities including Amsterdam, Berlin and Paris. For an enhanced option, Icelandairâs Saga Premium fares, starting at $999 round trip, include meals, in-flight Wifi, two checked bags, and two carry-ons. The stopover option is definitely worth considering. It gets you more bang for your buck, like two vacations in one. In seven days you can explore Reykjavik, chill in the thermal lagoons, explore the country on the ring road and even see the northern lights. The sale fares arenât available during peak summer months or over Christmas, but they are valid between mid-August and mid-December, which happens to be peak northern lights season. Sample round-trip fares include Chicago to Paris for $399, Baltimore to Dublin for $399, New York to London for $419 and Seattle to Munich for $599. The fares are valid for travel between April 20 and June 15 and from August 15 to December 20, and the sale ends March 8. So what are you waiting for? And did we mention Iceland is opening a new geothermal lagoon â with two swim-up bars?
That cute little waddle, that sleek bod, those superior diving skills, the tiny wings⌠penguins are simply irresistible. For lovers of all things penguin, the Detroit Zooâs Polk Penguin Conservation Center is an amazing destination thatâs well worth the trip. The facility has been closed since September 2019 for waterproofing repairs, and now itâs open again with some sleek new features that offer even more interaction with these majestic creatures. The exhibit is a 326,000-gallon, 25-foot-deep aquatic area that already has amazing views of the penguins. Upgrades include repainted rock surfaces, more nesting areas (more penguin babies!) and more snow machines to keep things chilly for the cold-loving birds. The highlight of the upgraded exhibit is a section of glass flooring so you can see the penguins swimming below your feet. Designed to encourage the penguins to let it all hang out, the exhibit lets you see how penguins behave in the wild. You can see five species of penguin in action. More than 75 King, Rockhopper, Macaroni, Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins mingle, dive and swim around the space. The Chinstrap penguins are the latest addition, and have settled in nicely. In August of 2020, a king penguin hatched five new penguins for the first time in 20 years. If youâre heading to Detroit to witness this penguin fiesta, you can purchase tickets here. And did you know that there's a sanctuary in Florida lets you meditate with rescue wolves?
Everyone loves a beach vacation, but if you're dreaming of sandy shores and beautiful blue water, you'll want to set your sites on the best of the best. While there are very few bad beaches, you want to make sure youâre hitting up the most beautiful ones for your next big vacation. Well, TripAdvisor has just published a list of the the best beaches in the world: places that are reliably epic and beautiful, but also relatively free of crowds. But for those who can't hop on a plane to Turks and Caicos or Cuba, which top the global list, there are plenty of beautiful, under-the-radar beaches right here in the USA. Itâs no surprise that Hawaii not only tops the list, but ranks a total of four times in the top ten. California earned two spots, while lesser known beaches include Driftwood Beach in Georgia and Ruby Beach in Washington. For even more secret beachy gems, browse further down the list of the top 25 most beautiful beaches in the US and youâll find spots like Coligny Beach in South Carolina, Port Aransas Beach in Texas, and Ogunquit Beach in Maine. Summer will be here before you know it, so itâs time to start planning that dream beach vacation. For inspiration, hereâs the list of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the US: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, Hawaii Siesta Beach, Florida Poipu Beach Park, Hawaii Moonstone Beach, California Kailua Beach Park, Hawaii Driftwood Beach, Georgia Ruby Beach, Washington Cannon Beach, Oregon La Jolla Cove, San Diego, Californ
While you canât eat doughnuts all day every day (or can you?), thereâs no shame in ogling them. If you have a love of the sweet round treat and a penchant for social media, you could be the next "Doughnut Enthusiast Content Intern" at Johnny Doughnuts in California. Imagine a red carpet of delightful doughnuts â including fried, filled, raised, fritters and cro-dough â ready for your creative eye and spot-on photo skills to snap their best angles. Johnny Doughnuts, named one of Food Networkâs Top Five Doughnut Shops in the country, is known for quality, local ingredients and downright pretty products. Theyâre looking for an intern to capture the deliciousness of their creations and turn it into enviable social media content. With locations throughout the Bay Area in California, the growing doughnut shop needs a passionate content creator to whip up delicious pics and video for their 13.5k Instagram followers. Theyâre ready to jump into TikTok full force too, hoping to expand their following and break into the larger #FoodTok community. Whether youâre an influencer or just a trend-savvy social media fiend with strong photography skills and a love of high-quality pastries, Johnny Doughnuts wants to hear from you. If you want a job filled with nothing but eye candy (and, we assume, some actual doughnuts), check out the job listing here. You could be the next to break the internet with doughnut deliciousness (delightfully calorie-free).
Get your stomach ready and practice that death grip, because the fastest, tallest and longest dive roller coaster in California is almost here. The mighty Emperor penguin â the worldâs largest â is the namesake of SeaWorld San Diegoâs newest attraction, which mimics the regal creatureâs amazing underwater diving ability. The one-of-a-kind coaster features floor-less cars and adrenaline-pumping vertical drops. Think you know dive coasters and vertical drops? Think again. The only floorless dive coaster in the state, this one sends you plummeting face-down along a 143-foot vertical drop at speeds of more than 60 miles per hour. The rest of the ride is full of twists and turns along nearly 2.500 feet of track. Coaster enthusiasts will note that the floorless car holding 18 riders in three, six-person rows is the only configuration of its kind in North America. Adrenaline junkies probably just want to get to the good stuff, so SeaWorld has provided a point-of-view video to get a preview of the thrilling ride before it opens on March 12. Hold onto your hats and check out the video here. Emperor is more than just a gut-busting dive coaster, however. SeaWorld San Diego is the only place in North America where you can see these amazing Emperor penguins. A portion of proceeds from purchases of penguin merch will go to Penguins International to support their conservation, education and research efforts.
Want to meditate with Mickey or sweat with Cinderella? If you love working out and all things Disney, then this is the mashup you've been waiting for. (And it's a way cooler option than just jogging to "We Don't Talk About Bruno.") Disneylandâs new fitness classes will let you sweat it out in the theme park before it opens. That's right, as the sun rises over the most magical place on Earth, you can get in your daily workout inside the Disney California Adventure Park, surrounded by completely empty rides and attractions. More than a dozen group fitness classes, hosted by the Tenaya Stone Spa at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, are available to guests staying at any of the Disneyland hotels. All are held in unique settings, many within the park itself. Looking to prep for a long day of walking the park and riding the rides? Take a yoga class with views of the park â and don't forget to wear your Disney ears. For a more intense workout, what could be better than boot camp or a power walk through a visitor-free park? Or choose to crawl, jump, run and climb through the Redwood Creek Challenge trail. Those with an affinity for water can take paddle board yoga in the Grand Californian Hotel & Spaâs Fountain Pool. Other options include meditation and fascia release. Each class lasts 30 to 45 minutes and is open to guests 14 and older. This new fitness offering for Disney hotel guests sounds like the perfect combo of fitness and fun. We just hope some of the Disney character
Pick a house, grab a wand and get ready to immerse yourself in the Wizarding World like never before. Harry Potter: The Exhibition has made its world premier at Philadelphiaâs Franklin Institute. Much more than a behind-the-scenes look at the beloved world of Harry Potter and friends, this 18,000-square-foot exhibit will make you feel like youâre experiencing iconic wizard-y moments first-hand, through 21 galleries meticulously crafted with the latest in immersive design technology. Your personalized journey through the exhibit begins â where else? â at Kings Cross Station, where youâll choose a Hogwarts house, wand and patronus. An RFID bracelet captures your interactions to tailor your experience as you move through recreations of the Great Hall, Hogwarts castle, Hagridâs hut, Hogwart's four houses and Newtâs suitcase. Youâll also be able to check out authentic props and original costumes from the movies. Photograph: Courtesy Harry Potter: The Exhibition Be prepared for some amazing photo ops along the way, even a selfie with the Sorting Hat. Complete magical lessons and spells in the Hogwarts classrooms. Get up close with the Whomping Willow, dementors, and the Marauderâs Map. Around every turn youâll find magical creatures like centaurs and Acromantula, and iconic moments from the expanded Harry Potter universe. Of course there will be exclusive merch, including treats like Chocolate Frogs and bottled Butterbeer. Superfans may also be interested in rare collectible art
Ever feel like the perfect end to a ski day might be a day at the beach? Despite below-freezing temps and a blanket of snow, you can get exactly that â complete with cabanas, bottle service and beach games â in Aspen. AspenX, a premium retail and experiential company, recently launched Snow Beach, a one-of-a-kind pop-up in partnership with photographer Gray Malin. Itâs a âseaside meets slopesideâ experience that offers beach club vibes with epic mountain views. Located right on the slopes, the decor includes striped beach cabanas and even lifeguard stands. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Little Nell (@thelittlenell) But Snow Beach is much more than a cute backdrop for awesome IG pics. The project enlisted Little Nell â Aspen's only five-star, five-diamond hotel â to curate the pop-upâs bottle service and multi course food pairings, including caviar selections, sliced jamĂłn IbĂŠrico, individual black truffle pizza slices and homemade kettle corn. Ready to reserve? Options include single lounge chairs with the purchase of half a bottle of Champagne or rosĂŠ, a cabana for two with a bottle of Champagne or rosĂŠ, or a cabana for six with three bottles of Champagne or rosĂŠ. Prices range from $300 to $4,800, depending on bottle selection and group size. This snowy beach party lasts for just six weeks â from Friday, February 18 to Sunday, March 27. Make your reservations here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gray Malin | P
Craving botanical beauty after weeks of hibernation? Weâre rounding the winter bend, so feel free to start planning a spring excursion to shake off the cold weather blahs. For a change of scenery and a more robust color palette, think wildflowers. While there are many places in the US to see amazing wildflowers, you might not consider heading to a ski town ranked the 'Second Snowiest Small Town in America.' But the charming town of Crested Butte, Colorado shifts gears from winter sports town to Wildflower Capital of Colorado as the snow begins to melt. The fertile soil that allows the wildflowers to thrive comes from the area's mountain ranges, including the Maroon Bells and the San Juan Mountains. Crested Butte is surrounded by meadows that burst with color from a mix of glacier lilies, lupines, sunflowers, marigolds, primrose and countless other wildflowers. Mid-June to late July tends to be the peak of wildflower season, though it may begin earlier in 2022 due to below-average snowpack this year. The flowers bloom at different rates, so for the biggest variety of blooms, head out the second or third week of July. You wonât need any special permits or skills to see the wildflowers as Crested Butte is surrounded by public land. You can freely explore the meadows, but take care not to trample and definitely donât pick the flowers. Several trails wind through the area, offering great views. The Lupine Trail will get you an early peek at the blooms, but more than 60 trails in t
In the fall of 2021, Jessica E. Boyd and Steven M. Hughes sold all their belongings in their hometown of Columbia, South Carolina in order to explore the USA in search of the ideal city to plant roots. Their project ended up leading to the creation of a major resource for other Black travelers. As digital nomads, Boyd and Hughes traveled the country and documented their experiences along the way under the name Journey Black Home. Their goal was to find and share the most popular, as well as under-the-radar, Black-owned businesses in all the cities they visited around the country. They detailed bars, restaurants, shops and more, compiling whatâs become a go-to resource for finding Black-owned businesses. Throughout their journey they stayed in Airbnbs. Given the notorious issues Airbnb has had with racial bias â hosts canceling on black guests, for one â Boyd and Hughes felt more comfortable seeking out Black-owned accommodations. They also wanted to continue their support of Black-owned businesses on their travels as they looked for a place to stay. It turned out to be a tedious process trying to find Black-owned Airbnbs, so they decided to start compiling a new kind of list. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Black-Owned Airbnb List (@blackairbnbs) Since its inception, the list has grown to more than 200 entries and counting. The list is maintained at www.blackairbnbs.co with monthly updates sent to email subscribers. User submissions are ac