KWBaker

That dream of building your little cabin in the woods will be a lot easier when you’re milling the lumber right there on site using the trees growing on the lot. The Logosol M8 is a portable sawmill system that uses a chainsaw to accurately square logs for making beams and boards up to 17 feet long. The system comes with all the instructions needed for easy set-up and getting your mill operational plus Logosol offers all sorts of accessories for processing timber on your one-man mill.

It’s been almost three years. Three years since Brendan Leonard (of semi-rad) has had an address, owned a bed, or paid rent. Three years since he broke up with his girlfriend and took to the road. Unsure of life’s next step, he kept driving—the national parks and rest stops of western United States, his new home. A journey so enjoyed it has yet to end.

When our friend, Whitney, sent word of his adventure, an introduction was in order. We recently caught up with Brendan to discuss his travels and his book, The New American Road Trip Mixtape.

It was a journey that began rather abruptly. Brendan, an aspiring author, early in his thirties and newly single, struggled to find his next step. So he did what any red-blooded American would do, he got in his car and took a drive. It was a decision that would provide more than life changes—it caused a change in his outlook on life, and his day-to-day pursuits. Brendan noted that the break-up was more of a final push than an unconscious choice. “I had planned to take five weeks off work for a trip with my then-girlfriend, so when that plan went out the window, I didn't have any better ideas. And I'm glad I didn't."

The drive became a trip. The trip became a introspected journey. And the journey has heavily dotted the western portion of the United States. His direction—guided by climbing opportunities, visiting friends, and looking for camping spots, was a natural choice.

“I moved to Montana when I was 23, and that's when I really started to understand that the mountains were actually accessible, and starting hiking and backpacking. Then I discovered rock climbing, and pretty much rearranged my life priorities around it.”

He noted that after a while, this trip had become a unique “moving meditation” for him.

“… I really had no home to go back to, so I could pull over and sleep in my car on the side of the road, or drive to see friends in this city or that city (and get a shower), and that really made it this kind of moving meditation that I'm still on, after almost three years. I definitely spend a lot of time in vacation spots (Zion National Park, the mountains, Moab), but a lot of the time, I'm working in a coffee shop or a library, and it's become a cool lifestyle, if a little jangled all the time.”

Other than documenting his adventurous exploits, Brendan’s book also spurs internal thought on important topics such as possessions, consumption, life trajectory, marriage and kids. When asked what he hoped his readers would take from his book, he responded: “I really don't think it's important that we all want the same thing, but I think it's important that we think about it. Everyone has a different path to happiness, and I wanted to portray that many of us don't really have the answers, but we're trying.”

Today, not much has changed for Brendan. Working as a freelance writer, he is still on the road. His bed is split between the back of a van and the couches and guest rooms of his friends. Still climbing and still plotting the west coast, Leonard continues to stay busy. “This year I've got a couple trips to Europe planned (one bike tour and one climbing trip), and finishing up work on a rock climbing guidebook for Colorado, and I'll keep working on freelance writing gigs and promoting my book. 

An endeavor so enjoyed, we wanted to see if he had second thoughts on his decision. So we gave him two options: 1) Become a published writer at the age of 28 and accept the normal 9-5 lifestyle or 2) Take the same road trip and continue on the path you're currently on. He didn’t have to give it much thought.

“Oh #2 for sure. It's been a blast.”

Images ©: Brendan Leonard.

Robinson Crusoe, Lost, Gilligan’s Island, and plenty of others. Chances are some tale of being stranded on an island has captivated you. It’s probably the internal conflict of 1) living in a tropical paradise and 2) being completely cut off from the outside world. Which hand prevails varies by person, by scenario, and probably by island.

But for those living on remote Palmerston Island, there was no shipwreck that got them here. Largely cut off from the outside world, this is—and has been for centuries—everyday life. It’s what the island community has always known. And with a multi-day, sometimes-treacherous journey required to reach the nearest neighbors and a dangerous reef obstructing sizable ships from approaching, sparsely populated Palmerston will likely remain that way.

Really a coral atoll in a remote stretch of the Pacific Ocean, Palmerston Island was first discovered by westerners in 1774 by Englishman Captain Cook. When he and his crew explored the island three years later, they found it unpopulated save for some ominous ancient graves.

Nearly a hundred years later, fellow Englishman William Marsters (then spelled Masters), a ship’s carpenter and barrel maker, set sail for Palmerston Island and arrived with two Polynesian wives. His course of action: scavenge shipwrecks to build shelter, annex the island from the British government, take on a third wife, and populate a community.

As for how he fared: his shipwreck-scavenged home stands to this day (the only structure to survive a vicious cyclone in the 1920s), he was granted full possession of the island by Queen Victoria, and he fathered 23 children. 

That’s legacy.

But it’s doubtful that legacy will change anytime soon. Now, more than 100 years later, a scant 60-something people, nearly all of whom can trace their lineage directly to Marsters and one of his three wives (and debatably a fourth), call the island home.

While the island hosts everything its inhabitants need – food, shelter, one telephone line, basic electrical infrastructure, and even occasional internet access—an economy whose highlights include fishing and bird feather trade isn’t exactly what you’d call a growth opportunity.

But that’s okay to Palmerston residents. They just call it home.

Images via Amusing Planet.

In an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal, Charles Koch explains his efforts to secure a free society for Americans against the forces of Big Government and collectivism:

I have devoted most of my life to understanding the principles that enable people to improve their lives. It is those principles—the principles of a free society—that have shaped my life, my family, our company and America itself.

Unfortunately, the fundamental concepts of dignity, respect, equality before the law and personal freedom are under attack by the nation's own government. That's why, if we want to restore a free society and create greater well-being and opportunity for all Americans, we have no choice but to fight for those principles. I have been doing so for more than 50 years, primarily through educational efforts. It was only in the past decade that I realized the need to also engage in the political process.

A truly free society is based on a vision of respect for people and what they value. In a truly free society, any business that disrespects its customers will fail, and deserves to do so. The same should be true of any government that disrespects its citizens. The central belief and fatal conceit of the current administration is that you are incapable of running your own life, but those in power are capable of running it for you. This is the essence of big government and collectivism.

Read the rest of the story at the Wall Street Journal.

This simple birdhouse provides all of that for the birds as well as a clean, modern design for you. This simple shed roof design accommodates chickadees, house wrens, nuthatches and other small birds. A tip: Different species of birds like different sizes of houses and entry holes. If you’re trying to attract a specific bird species, do a little homework. One great reference book is called “Woodworking for Wildlife” by Carrol Henderson.

Birdhouse Building

Here’s how to build a simple shed roof birdhouse. All you need are a short length of 4-inch PVC pipe and a 2-foot-long, 1-inch-by-6-inch cedar board, both available at home centers.

1. Cut a piece of 4-inch PVC pipe to about 12 to 14 inches long, measured to the longest point of the roof slope. We cut an angle of about 30 degrees, but any angle from 10 to 40 degrees will work. Make the cut using a handsaw, hand miter saw or power miter saw.

2. Drill the entrance hole using a drill and 1.25-inch hole saw. Position the bottom of the hole 7 to 8 inches above the bottom of the pipe.

3. Measure the inside diameter of your pipe. Then use a jigsaw, which is a power tool that cuts curved shapes, to cut two wooden discs of that size; they’ll be about 4 inches across. Insert the bottom disc, recessing it 0.5 inch, then drill three holes and secure it to the pipe with 1-inch screws. (Position these screws at 12, 3 and 9 o’clock so you can remove them toclean out the birdhouse once it’s mounted.)

Drill three 0.25-inch holes in the bottom for ventilation and drainage. Insert the upper disc, keeping it as close to the top of the pipe as you can without hitting the slope of your roof.

4. Cut your wooden roof to the desired length and shape. Position the back of the roof so it’s even with the back of the pipe (for mounting purposes). Secure the roof to the sloped end by driving three screws through the roof into the top mounting disc, making sure the screws don’t poke through the bottom of the disc.

To mount the house, drill two holes in the back side — one in the 0.5-inch bottom recess, the other in line with the entrance hole — then secure it to a tree or post, 5 to 15 feet off the ground, using 3-inch screws. Install the upper screw by inserting a screwdriver through the entrance hole.

Sprucing Up the House

Spike Carlsen is a carpenter, woodworker and author. His most recent book is ”The Backyard Homestead Book of Building Projects“ (Storey).

The post How To: Build a Birdhouse appeared first on Modern Farmer.

Hear that hum as a bumblebee settles onto a tomato blossom? It’s a faint but powerful sound: The bee is working hard. It’s grabbing the flower with its jaws, vibrating its flight muscles and producing a tone that’s close to middle C. That vibration causes the flower to release pollen – a process called sonication, or buzz pollination.

More than 85 percent of the world’s plants either require or benefit from animal-mediated pollination. Farmers know this and have panicked in the face of the colony collapse disorder that’s reducing populations of honeybees around the country. (Some were even flying in packaged bees from Australia at $200 a pop until the USDA halted the practice for fear of importing new diseases and parasites.)

But what most farmers don’t realize – and the rest of us, too, as we anxiously search our gardens and parks for honeybees – is that there are another 20,000 species of bees. Four thousand are native to North America – including 50 native bumblebees – and they are busily at work in our landscapes.

We rarely notice our wild native bees because most are small and solitary and gentle – they aren’t likely to draw our attention with a sting.

But their impact on flowering plants is huge, with studies suggesting that they’re twice as effective at pollination than honeybees.

“The value of honeybees is that you can truck mobile hives to a farm and release tens of thousands of bees into the landscape,” says Eric Maden, the Assistant Pollinator Program Director of the Xerces Society, an organization that advocates on behalf of invertebrates and their habitat. “And people are fascinated with their social structure and with honey production. But bee for bee, most of the wild ones are vastly more productive.”

For one thing, Maden says, not all honeybees are even interested in pollen. Some are pollen foragers, but most are nectar foragers that ignore the critical spot where the flowers display pollen, called anthers. For another, honeybees are exceptionally finicky about the weather. They won’t fly when it’s cool, cloudy or rainy, whereas our native wild bees are game for inclement days. And honeybees sleep late.

Maden points to squash bees, the same size and color as honeybees, which co-evolved with squashes and make their individual nests in the soil near the plants. Pumpkin farmers and other squash growers are often unaware of these wild bees and unnecessarily pay to have honeybees hives trucked in for the season. “The squash bees go out before sunrise and are finished foraging by noon,” Maden says. “Honeybees don’t even wake up until it’s sunny and bright and, by that time, the squash bees have already gotten the job done.”

Valuable as our native wild bees are, their populations are dropping – for instance, an analysis by the Xerces Society ‘s Rich Hatfield suggests that 30% of our native bumblebees are threatened by extinction.

But Maden says that this is one threatened species story that can easily have a happy ending: Just plant wildflowers.

The loss of native flowering plants from development and conventional agriculture – especially the vast stretches of Roundup-resistant GMO crops in which everything but that commercial plant has been blasted away – has eliminated habitat for wild bees. Quite simply, there isn’t enough food for wild bees when there is only one plant – the commercial plant – blooming for a few weeks. They need a flowery source of food spring, summer and fall.

“Pesticide use is also an issue, but the single most important factor is habitat loss,” Maden says. “The solution is not complicated, and everyone can have a role. If you’re a farmer, plant native wildflowers around your farm. If you live in the city and your only access to the outdoors is a fire escape, put a pot of wildflowers there. If every person planted one wildflower, conditions for bees in this country would be significantly better.”

Farmers who create habitat for wild bees are doing themselves a favor. Maden points to a study by biologists Lora Morandin and Mark Winston showing that canola growers who took 30 percent of their land out of production and let native plants flourish grew as much or more seed on their remaining land.* A soon-to-be published study by Michigan State University entomologist Rufus Isaacs and former student Brett Blaauw shows that blueberry farmers who put in wildflower borders had more wild bees per bush and up to 800 pounds more fruit per acre adjacent to the plantings.

Planting wildflowers not only helps our wild bees thrive. It also saves butterflies. They aren’t essential pollinators, but they provide food for birds and have a place in the ecosystem – and they’re so darned pretty. Butterfly scientists are alarmed at the rate of disappearance of several common species including the Monarch, whose numbers may be so low that they will be unable to manage a migration this year. Their favored plant, the milkweed, has been decimated by the use of Roundup in cornfields planted with GMO glyphosate-resistant corn.

“I remember when I was a kid in North Dakota and we’d drive a few hours – even if we were just going grocery shopping, we’d have to drive a few hours,” Maden says. “The front of the car would be a sticky mass of insects. Now I can drive across the US in July and not have as many dead insects on my car as we did from a two-hour drive in North Dakota.”

You get the point. He doesn’t want you to kill bees and butterflies with your car, but it would be great if there were once again so many of them that they’re hard to miss. Find some wildflower seeds native to your region, and go sow. 

The post The Other Bees appeared first on Modern Farmer.

Surf shelter with sauna on a lake in Berlin, Germany.

Expat Ira Mowen, from Santa Cruz, California, built the cabin with dreams of finding surf in a land without waves.

Learn more at Surf Berlin.

Since 1994, when Harris first began polling a large sample (2,311 this year) of Americans with the simple question "Who is your favorite movie star?", only one actor has made the top ten every year and only one actor has made it posthumously: John Wayne. In 2014, The Duke did it again, placing 7th -- holding the same spot he held last year.

The man dubbed by the elite as "The Last Movie Star" -- George Clooney  -- fell off the poll completely. After a comeback year at the movies, Tom Hanks returned to the top spot he enjoyed in 2004 and 2005. Denzel Washington dropped from number 1 to number 2. Landing on the poll for the first time, Jennifer Lawrence topped all the gals at number 3.

Sean Penn and Matt Damon have never placed in the top 10.

Here are the full results.

1. Tom Hanks

2. Denzel Washington  

3. Jennifer Lawrence

4. Julia Roberts

5. Sandra Bullock

6. Johnny Depp

7. John Wayne

8. Clint Eastwood

9. Brad Pitt

10. Meryl Streep

It is obvious that 35 years after his death from cancer in 1979, John Wayne still lives on in the imagination of a large swath of the American people. Wayne's films are still popular enough to broadcast regularly on cable and enjoy home video releases in whatever new format is currently hot. Great acting, compelling stories, and universal themes about self-sacrifice, right and wrong, human liberty, and what it means to be a man still resonate.

Obviously Wayne can't hold on to this streak forever, but no other movie star will ever come close to equaling it. If anyone does, though, it will only be Clint Eastwood.

Follow John Nolte on Twitter @NolteNC

If there is a theme that has run through Jon Stewart's career it has been one of restricting and attacking the speech of others in an effort to silence them. This clip from Thursday in the wake of the Supreme Court decision to strike down limits on political contributions is a perfect example. Behind that clown nose is a man seething over the idea that others might benefit from what he has benefited from for his entire career: a ton of corporate money funding his political speech:  

--

--

Stewart laughs at the idea that money equals speech. Take away the money funding him, though, and what is he? Just another smug, insufferable, aging bore telling everyone "how it is" at the local Starbucks.

Jon Stewart has no problem personally being paid millions of corporate dollars every year to fund the spouting his left-wing political views on a daily basis.

Furthermore, Jon Stewart has no problem that a huge multi-national corporation like Viacom funds the platform from which Stewart spouts his political opinions on a daily basis.

What Stewart does have a problem with, though, is the thought of anyone else enjoying the same free political speech he does using the same resources.

The same is true of the mainstream media.  

MSNBC and CNN will spend hundreds of millions of dollars of corporate money in 2016 to elect Hillary Clinton.

MSNBC and CNN just don’t want anyone else doing the same.

Jon Stewart, CNN, MSNBC, and the rest of the mainstream media think that they are the only entities that should be allowed to spend unlimited amounts of corporate money on political speech.

The rest of us should just shut up and listen.

By what standard should Jon Stewart or Chuck Todd or Sean Hannity or SEIU enjoy more free speech rights than the Koch brothers or George Soros?

I don't like Jon Stewart. His bizarre fascist streak makes me like him even less than I do most smug leftists. But I would never attempt to legislate or outlaw the corporate money that gives him a platform.

That would be un-American.

Follow John Nolte on Twitter @NolteNC

Salomon's Running TV reaches back to the history of the 20th Annual Western States 100 in "The Original". The year was 1974, and the Western States (also known as The Tevis Cup) was a 100-mile endurance horse ride in Placer County, CA. Colfax-native Gordy Ainsleigh had been competing for several years. "When my horse went lame in '73, [race organizer] Drucilla invited me to do it the next year on foot", he says. "I said, 'well maybe', and I was thinking: I'll have a better horse by then. I didn't get around to it, so in '74, as the spring rolled on, I ran."

The Rio Grande Valley continues to be riddled with illegal immigration and drug smuggling, according to security analysts. Officials estimate that for every load of marijuana they catch, 10 get through Border Patrol, according to local Arizona media.

According to Arizona Central, illegal immigrants mastered the art of smuggling drugs in the area by closely studying enforcement. When agents spot drugs, immigrants typically abandon the scene and swim across the Rio Grande. Regardless of how common such incidents are, the left-leaning media continues to divert attention away from the horrors of drug trafficking to instead scrutinize Border Patrol agents in their efforts to curb illegal activity, according to recent Breitbart Texas analysis.

In March 2014 near the Rio Grande Valley, officers spotted a large amount of marijuana in a driver's SUV. After following a school bus to avoid being pulled over, the driver sped toward the river, jumped out of his vehicle, and successfully swam to Mexico. Arizona Central reported that the man left 1,400 pounds of marijuana behind.

Similar incidents occur in the area on a regular basis. Last year alone, 797,000 pounds of marijuana were confiscated in the Valley--more than any other Border Patrol sector in Texas. 

Many assert that marijuana trafficking is rampant along the Rio Grande due to weak border security.

In 2013, Breitbart Texas Managing Editor Brandon Darby took video near the Rio Grande Valley, showing how unsecured the U.S. border is. He walked with ease from the Rio Grande, through an unfinished "border fence," and into a U.S. neighborhood. "The southeastern stretch of the Rio Grande River is where most of Texas' illegal immigration occurs. The area has many desolate regions and there simply aren't enough resources being applied to the issue," Darby said. 

Texas Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst previously showed how Texas can effectively "shut down" the border. During an interview with Breitbart News, Dewhurst said illegal activity was brought to a standstill in the Rio Grande River area of the border for three weeks by utilizing "Texas law enforcement in the brush, high altitude aircraft, gun boats, and more." Dewhurst added, "Texas can do the job the federal government has refused to do — to invest in the border and shut it down from illegal activities that are hurting Texans and other Americans."

Dewhurst continued, "We have a problem and everyone knows it except for the Obama administration and people in high levels of Border Patrol...  We have just showed that we can shut down the border for ‘X’ number of dollars. We need to find the $5 million per month to make these operations continuous and replicate what we have just accomplished."

Despite what Dewhurst exemplified, his plan has not become a permanent reality--large parts of the border remain unsecured. The mainstream press does little to highlight the existing lack of security.

Sylvia Longmire, Breitbart Texas’ Contributing Editor and border security expert, said information provided to the public on drug busts in the area is not an accurate reflection of what is actually taking place.

"News reports about major drug seizures, chases of immigrants and drug smugglers, and confrontations between smugglers and officers rarely make it out of the local stations in the Rio Grande Valley," Longmire said. "Unfortunately, that gives the rest of the country the false impression that everything is great long the border, if they choose to believe what the White House and DHS are telling us." 

The mainstream media regularly launches carefully-crafted assaults against Border Patrol agents in order to further a left-of-center agenda, as Breitbart Texas has recently demonstrated. 

Last month Darby called out the ACLU's continued effort to "limit effectiveness" of Border Patrol. He cited an El Paso Times article called “ACLU of Texas: Border Patrol, CBP Need More Scrutiny,” which attempted to demonize Border Patrol agents by serving as a mouth piece for angry ACLU members. El Paso Times reporter Daniel Borunda wrote, "The U.S. Border Patrol is under scrutiny by immigrant and civil-rights groups regarding deadly shootings in response to rock throwing on the Mexican border." Breitbart Texas also released graphic images revealing the true nature of such rock attacks against Border Patrol agents.

Darby argued that efforts by leftist groups such as the ACLU could prevent Border Patrol agents from protecting the U.S. border. 

Zack Taylor, Chairman of the National Association of Former Border Patrol Officers (NAFBPO), agreed that demonizing Border Patrol agents makes the country less safe. He said in an interview with Breitbart Texas, "This media campaign is an intentional weakening of America’s defenses through political deception. Those supporting this campaign are working to destroy America."

Follow Kristin Tate on Twitter @KristinBTate

I travel a lot. I hope to never book a hotel room again. I stay in people’s homes, arranged either by couchsurfing or Airbnb.

While I was traveling through Europe as a student I got tired of staying with other American travelers in hostels. I was looking for a more authentic and local experience so I began to stay in homes through Couchsurf.com. Over the years I’ve stayed in about 25 homes. Once you sign up you can search for locations and hosts with similar philosophy, interests, and traveling tendencies. There is no payment for sleeping on whatever couch/bed/futon is provided. To show my gratitude I make it a rule to cook a meal for my hosts. I’ve also reciprocated the generosity by hosting couchsurfers in my homes. CS runs on trust, interests and positive reviews. Since there is no payment, the main reason to join is to meet like-minded people who have stories and camaraderie to share. As long as you have a detailed profile, you will attract and find people with similar interests. Being a female traveler has never been an issue since I normally travel with a friend, or I choose to stay with primarily female hosts. I have met some of my best travel companions and friends through CS. You can find couchsurfing all over the world now.

Now that I am working I can also use Airbnb. Airbnb offers an elegant interface and large database of ordinary to extraordinary places to stay all around the world, at a reasonable price. The service they offer is the curation of unique places, as well as increased security. Part of why some people will stay in an Airbnb and not a couch on CS is because Airbnb treats security as its primary financial and legal liability. Airbnb offers a 24-hour hotline, secure payment platform, identity verification, verified photographers and profile reviews. They also show whether you have mutual friends with the host, which makes me more inclined to stay with them. I’ve discovered some unbelievably beautiful and unique places that I otherwise would never have had access to at a price lower than a conventional hotel, almost by two or three fold ($50 vs. $100-150).

Both CouchSurfing and Airbnb offer “local experiences” and a more affordable way to travel. However, CS requires more of a commitment to engage with your host (share stories, eat a meal together) in exchange for free board vs. Airbnb, which requires payment yet is more luxurious and less personal. Think of it as the difference between getting a ride in a taxi (Airbnb), vs. from a rideshare (Couchsurf). In the cab you sit in the back and you don’t need to talk to the driver if you don’t want to, while the rideshare is more intimate so you sit up front and chat.

When deciding which service I want to use, I always ask myself: Do I want surprise or security? CS always surprises me with interesting people and stories, while Airbnb offers local luxury at an affordable price.

Kreuzberg, Berlin. From $120

Kreuzberg, Berlin. From $63

-- Ting Kelly

Couchsurfing
Airbnb

This is the “I told ya so” conversation. The minute SweetWater Brewery’s cans launched, I knew it wouldn’t be long before they would be available on Delta Airlines, also based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Delta will begin serving SweetWater’s flagship brew – 420 Extra Pale Ale on Delta’s 34 daily flights between Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International and New York’s LaGuardia Airport starting April 1.

“Delta is a world-class organization, as well as a local neighbor, so we couldn’t be more excited about this alliance and the opportunity for SweetWater to be featured onboard,” said SweetWater Founder and Big Kahuna Freddy Bench. “Our new cans eliminate the glass restrictions that previously held us back from offering our beer in great spots like airplanes, stadiums, beaches and more. This is an exciting time for craft beer and I’m personally looking forward to enjoy a few 420s on my next trip to The Big Apple!”

SweetWater recently launched 420 Pale and IPA in both 12oz and 16oz can formats this month.

Images via SweetWater Brewery

The post SweetWater Cans To Be Sold on Delta appeared first on Beer Street Journal.

The Brewer’s Association has just released the Top 50 list of 2013. Below is the official list of top craft breweries by sales volume. New to the list includes 21st Amendment, Gordon Biersch, and Sixpoint Brewery.

“In 2013, craft breweries reached new all-time highs in production volume and dollar sales,” said Bart Watson, staff economist, Brewers Association. “Beer lovers continue to demand high-quality, fuller-flavored and local beers from small and independent craft breweries.”

The post Top 50 Craft Breweries of 2013 in Sales appeared first on Beer Street Journal.

The Brewer’s Association has released the top 50 breweries (both macro & craft) in the United States in 2013. The top three – Anheuser-Busch, MillerCoors, and Pabst still rank out at the top.

New additions to this list include – Ballast Point Brewing (38), Narragansett Brewing (49), and Left Brewing (50). This ranking is determined by overall sales volume in 2013.

The post Top 50 U.S. Brewing Companies in Sales in 2013 appeared first on Beer Street Journal.

Terrapin Beer Co. (Athens, GA) has ordered a canning line from Italy. The new line should be up and running by Summer, 2014.

Last year, the brewery announced the addition of their first canned offering – RecreationAle. The beer is currently canned by Two Roads Brewing in Connecticut.

RecreationAle served a test to see if Terrapin wanted to fully invest in a canning line.

Next up in cans from Terrapin – Hi-5 IPA. More can offerings are being discussed, with no immediate decisions on what’s next.

The post Terrapin Orders Canning Line appeared first on Beer Street Journal.

God bless the generation that first actively went out and rearranged a trip to prioritize wine, because not only is wine delicious, nuanced and locationally complex, wine-growing communities also tend to have beautiful weather (spoiler alert: Niagara, Ontario, is not on this list). Okay, so maybe we don’t have to give you a list of reasons why you need to go vineyard hopping, because, hello: wine. However, perhaps we can be of assistance with a finger point. Obviously France is languid, swan-like country of prime terroir, golden sunlight, unfettered elegance, gorgeous historic edifices, a centuries-old history of culinary excellence and wine, pretty much all the time. However, as Napa proved back in the ‘60s, France is only one country among a long list of countries whose coastlines sparkle like the microbubbles of a perfect glass of Cava, whose nectar of the purple jewel produces full-bodied, rich and earthy reds; whose juices of the delicate green goes into light, aromatic and delicate whites. There’s wine, all the time, all over the world. You just need to know where.

10. Valle de Guadalupe, in Mexico’s Baja California, is the dark horse about to break from the stables of this wine race

Adobe Guadelupe Winery, Baja California, by svagaveazul

Wine aficionados might not to think to hit Mexico for their wine tasting, but in actuality, the history of Guadalupe Valley’s winemaking extends far back to the year 1904 when Russian immigrants, armed with vine cuttings, planted the valley’s first vineyards. The valley itself is about two-thirds the size of Napa with climate conditions similar to those in southwestern France. Wine making has been a long tradition, but it has only been in the last two decades that the area has gained traction as a major player on the oenology scene – its vineyards and vintners have even teamed up with local chefs and hoteliers to create Baja’s own wine route.

Check out three wine destinations Valle de Guadalupe:

Adobe Guadelupe Winery

“Mezcal is far too strong for me, but I really liked all of their wines”

by Miss Michael

Baron Balche

“The wines that emerge from this unique place are refined, complex and reminiscent of French wine”

by bajadock

LA Cetto

“L.A. Cetto has wine tours every 30 minutes.”

by For Travel’s Sake

9. Texas Hill Country puts the “country” in “wine country”

Grape Creek Vineyard, Texas, by Linda/patchwork

Sometimes the best place to imbibe wine is where people won’t care what you look like while doing it. Perhaps one of the most inherently un-snobby locales for intense, flavorful wine tasting, Texas Hill Country, with Fredericksburg at its center, is the No. 5 wine-producing area in the country and its AVA is the second largest in the nation. This is a place where you can literally park your pick-up off the side of the scenic highway 280 west of Austin, admire the bright, foliated vineyards and head straight into a tasting room to try an award-winning wine. The cowboy charm is strewn across the hills, in the vintners in Stetson hats and Sheplers boots, and in the cacti peppered across the side of the road.

Some can’t-miss wine stops in the Texas Hill Country:

Perissos Vineyards And Winery

“It was nice to spend time walking along the grapes.”

by Robin English-Bircher

Grape Creek Vineyard

“The description for this wine is accurate when it mentions a hint of strawberries.”

by The Food Goob

Bending Branch Estate Vineyard

“Bending Branch Estate Vineyard”

by Robin English-Bircher

8. Deep, dark, mysterious Mendoza, Argentina

Kaiken, Mendoza Province , by Jerrie

Located 700 miles west of Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Argentina, is instantly recognizable by the spectacular peaks that rise over 20,000 feet in elevation, carpeted by tens of thousands of vineyard acres in the Andes. The area has always been known for its asado, the Argentine barbecued meat, but over the past 15 years this desert has been running with wine and grapes. Gratefully, the wine best produced in Mendoza happens to also pair very well with the Argentinean staples of beef, pastas and goat. Deep and dark Malbec’s and other heavier grapes like Cab Sauv, Bonarda, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Merlots dominate the reds, while aromatic Chardonnay, Sauv Blancs and the regional Torrontés make up the whites.

Take a closer look at Mendoza’s wine destinations:

Ruca Malen

“The premise of the architect was to prioritize the panoramic view of the Andes”

by Viajes y Bodegas, October 1, 2012

Kaiken

“Our adorable hostess informed us of many vineyard secrets”

by Jackson

Alta Vista

“Alta Vista”

by amandamayphoto

7. Caves, picnics, perfect soil and verdant peaks in Sonoma County, California

Sonoma County, California, by cindyciskowski, March 12, 2012

It’s really no surprise at this point that the nectar of the gods is produced high in the hills in Sonoma County. And not only can they grow the grapes, they can match it with totally local and incredible food: oysters and Dungeness crabs, spring lab and Liberty ducks are all local game and the county can grow everything. With such lush and verdant peaks, a golden sun that only Hollywood filmmakers know what to do with and the laid-back NorCal vibe (probably lent from the farmhouse food), a wine tour is just a great excuse to get there in the first place. At the southernmost tip of Sonoma and Napa counties, foggy mornings that produce low rainfall, rocky well-draining soil and cooling winds from San Francisco Bay offer ideal conditions and unusually long growing seasons for Carneros vines.

Some of Sonoma’s top wineries include:

Paul Hobbs Winery

“Everything is about balance, not only in the wine making process, but also around the facilities.”

by The Accidental Wine Guy

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards

“We stopped at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards to enjoy the pretty surroundings of the property and we ended up joining the wine and oil tasting. They have a large selection of olive oils and wines produced by themselves available to taste at no cost.”

by FeetfromShore

Jordan Winery

“We received a warm welcome in Jordan’s elegant setting”

by smilla4blogs

6. Germany’s Baden-Baden is the city so nice they named it twice!

Photo by stijn/Flickr.

Baden, Germany’s warmest and sunniest region, offers a lot. The combination of Swiss and French tastes creates some of the most interesting wines – Pinot, sure, splays in under the illuminating sunlight, but the Riesling is the star of the show, and the Riesling is light, floral, pure and most importantly, expressive of the terroir it’s grown in. The steep vineyards open up stunning landscapes and beautiful vines, and the distinctive cuisine highlights the difference between wine terroir, as it varies between granite, basalt and loess soils.

Some cool places to check out when in Baden:

Schwarzer Adler

“Dessert was a delicious–and rich–dark chocolate mousse with caramel”

by Janet MacDonald

Schloss Neuweier

“Schloss Neuweier”

by Georg

Schloss Staufenberg

This is another great stop in Baden for wine lovers.

by Dakota Smith

5. The Riesling in Australia’s Barossa Valley is a little beastling of the wine world

Jacob’s Creek, South Australia, by Sunlover Holidays

An hour out of Adelaide, Barossa has historically been a big player on the list of Australian wine regions taking to the global stage. The high altitude area is known for its refined and elegant Shiraz wines; Grenache and Mataro grapes also increasingly find themselves on the vines. The Mediterranean mix of cool and damp winters and hot and dry summers encourage the grapes to ripen and lend themselves to earthy, rich and full-bodied wines; while not too far away is the higher-altitude Eden Valley, a large producer of Riesling.

Take a closer look at some of the Barossa Valley’s top wineries:

Jacob’s Creek

“Jacob’s Creek”

by Sunlover Holidays

Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop

“When we got to maggie beer’s for food there was MORE wine!”

by Ms George

Chateau Tanunda

“I can really recommend their wines and they have a brilliant cellar.”

by World Worker

4. Cool, laidback and modern all describe Walla Walla in Washington

Photo by glasater_99362/Flickr.

Who says you need to go far for excellent wine? The historic farming community of Walla Walla is a 50-minute flight from Seattle and opens up to a friendly and neighborly downtown area surrounded by golden wheat fields, rows and rows of crops and hills run through with acres and acres of vines. With over 120 wineries split among 12 carefully tended vineyards, with even more vineyards over in the Blue Mountain ranges of Oregon, there are more wineries than most visitors know what to do with.

Definitely check out these vineyards and wineries when in Walla Walla:

Sleight Of Hand Cellars

“This is their multi-vineyard “house wine”, that has great fruit flavors of cherry and berries.”

by Taryn Miller

Basel Cellars Estate Winery

“The tasting room was very modern and spacious”

by Wanderlust Traveler

Àmaurice Cellars

“Go and discover the next great varietal produced in Washington.”

by wild4washingtonwine

3. Make the pilgrimage to the largest wine-producing region in the world, Languedoc in the South of France

Alain Cavailles, Languedoc-Roussillon, by Nathalie Audysseia

While there are many offbeat and unexpected wine regions in the world worth the travel ticket to taste, of course France is still going to be high on this list of wine countries – and where better than Languedoc, part of the world’s largest wine-producing region? There’s tons to discover in this south of France region: diverse landscapes, a wide variety of great wine, unspoiled vineyard vistas and the majestic golden coastline bordering the Mediterranean. The draw is in the the variety: all types of wine are made in the region, with AOPs rising to the spotlight like Corbières, Minervois and other wine-growing communities.

Check out some cool wine stops in Languedoc:

Mas de Daumas-Gassac

“Their approach to land is “to preserve nature’s balance.””

by LocalFoodAndWine

Domaine de l’Hortus

“I have a real love for this, the location and the family carefully making it.”

by Ed Fitzgerald

Alain Cavailles

“He tells us about his sparkling wines as a journey into the heart of the unique landscapes”

by Nathalie Audysseia

2. When Rome, do as the Romans do; when in Umbria, pour a glass of Sagrantino

Il Palazzone, Siena , by John M. Fodera

Italy is also a big wine country: Valpolicella, Chianti and Bardolino are just a few names that people may recognize, but Umbra is the underrated champion of Italy’s wine making regions. Like its neighbor, Tuscany, Umbria certainly looks like a dream, but unlike Tuscany, it’s an unspoiled one, with undulating hills and green valleys, proffering rows and rows of olive groves and vineyards into the sun. Visitors to Umbria will have much history to discover while they’re in the area, as well, exploring its many medieval towns, the Orvieto Cathedral and the legendary Basilica of St. Francis (of Assisi fame). Wine-wise, Montefalco is the destination: it was the Sagrantino di Montefalco that really put Umbria on the map, a striking red made with the local Sagrantino grape.

Take a closer look at Umbria’s wine destinations:

Arnaldo Caprai

“It was pretty much as beautiful as you would expect.”

by anconway

Il Palazzone

“We were yearning for more "Tuscan-ness" in our lives.”

by Lauren

Decugnano dei Barbi

“Best wine tasting ever.”

by pizzagelatoandwine

1. California’s Napa Valley is still at the top of their wine game

Napa Valley, Napa County, by Motivated Drifter

In the ‘60s, it was Napa Valley that knocked France off their high horse – imagine hippies and pick-ups going around hills over hills of unpretentious and unperturbed vines; wine for the sake of having something nuanced and improvable to sip on while stretched out in the golden Californian sunlight. The winemaking business had been around in the valley since 1858, when John Patchett established the valley’s first commercial vineyard, and it was for no one, just the lay of the land. The hippies are gone but the laidback atmosphere and Mediterranean climate still remains, and the wine has only gotten even better. More than 400 wineries grow varietals including Cab Sauv, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel and more.

Take a closer look at some of Napa Valley’s best wineries:

Frog’s Leap Winery

“great wines, incredible tours, beautiful setting, fantastic sense of humor and lovely hospitality.”

by bachtobacchus

Rombauer Vineyards

“Rombauer – this just might be the sweetest tasting room in the valley.”

by stylemindchic, November 18, 2012

Castello Di Amorosa

“Watch out for the wineries that charge high tasting fees”

by camille

The post The World’s Ten Best Wine Travel Destinations appeared first on Hopper Blog.

Durango is a pretty and historic town nestled in the fertile valley of the Animas River, encircled by the forested slopes and craggy peaks of the San Juan Mountains. It was first formally brought together by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad company, beginning life as a depot on the journey between the gold mines high among the rocks of the surrounding mountains, and the towns and cities further south. Today, Durango’s top attraction is still this railroad, and vintage steam trains take tourists 3,000 feet up into the San Juan mountains, winding through beautiful wilderness which is inaccessible by any road.

The town itself has an Old West vibe, with a historic downtown as well as themed hotels, restaurants, bars and music nights. Louis L’Amour, the great writer of western fiction, supposedly penned novels in a room in the town’s famous Strater Hotel. And if all this starts to feel overwhelmingly kitsch, you can easily escape into the sublime natural world of the San Juan mountains, which contain endless opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, camping, rafting, riding and more.

Ride a historic railroad into the San Juan Mountains on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Colorado, by Dean McCallum

Two vintage 1920s steam locomotives continue to run the old railroad route between Durango and Silverton, where they once carried people and supplies to gold and silver mines up in the San Juan mountains. The tracks climb 3000 feet alongside the Animas River, cutting through spectacular Colorado canyon scenery on a beautiful journey combining nature and history. There are spectacular views over fertile farmland, mountain crags and fast-flowing rivers, and glimpses of historic mining camps and old stagecoach roads.

See what visitors have to say about the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad:

“I must say that we spent a little more for our car, but you get what you pay for.”

Travelwithwhippets

“My car had seats facing outward, not forward which was good for photography.”

Dean McCallum

“Sometimes it is scary as the train rides on the very edge of a cliff”

John and Sigrid

Read 10 traveler experiences and see 105 photos of Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Other family friendly activities exploring aspects of Durango’s history include:

Bar D Chuckwagon

“really cool because the food was delicious and they performed for us songs that were funny.”

by Grand Western Tour

Durango Discovery Museum

“the most interesting area for adult visitors was the old boiler room area and the adjacent turbine”

by Todd Lochmoeller

Southern Ute Cultural Ctr

“A beautiful building and very attractive and well done displays in the museum.”

by Ardie

Hit the pine-speckled slopes of the Durango Mountain Resort

Durango Mountain, Colorado, by Ken and Jen

The Durango Mountain Resort is lodged 9,000 feet up in the San Juan Mountains, 30 miles north of Durango. During winter, it is home to an excellent-value ski resort, its 88 trails offering something for all ability levels, including some exhilarating challenges for advanced and even expert skiers. And the resort is also open through the summer, making an ideal base for biking, hiking, camping and fishing on the slopes of the San Juan Mountains.

Take a closer look at the Durango Mountain Resort:

“It can be a fun afternoon for the kids.”

loricurie

“The snow was great, the sun was shining, and we got to go really fast down some sweet mountains.”

Nick Wigston, March 13, 2014

Read 6 traveler experiences and see 22 photos of Durango Mountain

Delve into the dense and varied treescape of the San Juan National Forest

San Juan National Forest, Colorado, by Gay and Joe

San Juan’s vast pine tree forest rolls over 1.8 million acres, covering a varied terrain of alpine peaks, rocky canyons, riverside meadows and dense, shadowy forest. Hiking, biking and horse riding trails thread through this fragrant forest; it is dotted with clear blue lakes, ideal for fishing; and there are numerous campgrounds to pitch up for a night under the stars. A string of scenic byways also wind through the woodland, if you prefer not to exert yourself.

See what visitors have to say about the San Juan National Forest:

“The drive through the San Juan National Forest is incredible.”

Linda and Doug

“This is a hiker, biker and skiers paradise at each period of the year.”

OLIWOOD

“At approximately 9600 feet it gets cold at night.”

Wade Quick

Read 8 traveler experiences and see 58 photos of San Juan National Forest

The natural world around Durango can also be enjoyed these ways:

Dalton Ranch & Golf Club

“The entrance to the golf club was lovely. It almost made me wish I had brought my clubs.”

by Thunder Road Sportsmobile AZ

Rapp Corral

“This is Rick Rapp and Red Rapp—Our Team!!!”

by Olivia&BraxtonBeard

San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours

“If you go you want to make sure you ride in the yellow jeeps.”

by K Cummings Pipes

Enjoy a lively atmosphere, great craft beer and delicious food at the Steamworks Brewing Co.

Steamworks Brewery, Colorado, by Leah

Steamworks is a feisty brewpub in the center of Durango with a distinctive, unpretentious, steampunk-influenced style. It has a superb selection of craft beers on tap, with a well-balanced mix of lagers, stouts and ales making up a menu that alters frequently. And alongside these top-of-the-range brews there’s also a great gastropub menu, drawing on locally-sourced meats and sustainable seafood in a range of surprisingly fantastic dishes.

Take a closer look at the Steamworks Brewery:

“It boasted a wide range of beers, from pilsner to stout to imperial IPA, and a large food menu”

cjax33

“Try the Lizard Head Red!”

Neat Rox

“Steamworks Brewery”

Leah

Read 6 traveler experiences and see 16 photos of Steamworks Brewery

Durango has a range of good restaurants, and craft beer is something of a town specialty:

Ken & Sue’s

“a nice restaurant.”

by Allen and Debby Graber

Carver Brewing Company

“The best place for breakfast, hands down.”

by Mle

East By Southwest

“fresh ingredients that are well prepared and attractively presented”

by culinary-colorado, February 13, 2011

Step into the Old West at the Strater Hotel

Historic Strater Hotel, Durango, by Janet

Built in 1887, the red stone facade of the Strater Hotel is one of Durango’s most noticeable landmarks, and the hotel is undoubtedly the place to be if you want to swagger through your stay in Wild West style. There’s an Old West theme running through the interior, such as in the Diamond Belle Saloon, where burnished wood and patterned carpets frame live music every night of the week.

See what guests have to say about the Strater Hotel:

“The Strater is beautiful in the intense sunlight”

javaquarius

“Historic Strater Hotel”

Elin Carlson

Read 10 traveler experiences and see 48 photos of Historic Strater Hotel

Durango’s pretty position has drawn tourists for over a century, giving rise to a number of well-established and colorful lodging options:

The General Palmer Hotel

“rather splendid”

by Godfrey

Leland House And Rochester Hot

“The bicycles out front are for the use of guests”

by javaquarius

Nobody’s Inn

“Walk to restaurants, galleries and shopping.”

by vacationaccommodationsofdurango

See Durango on the map:

The post Travel Spotlight on Durango, Colorado, and Its Top 17 Attractions appeared first on Hopper Blog.

In the realm of popular attractions in the United States, it often should be said that the richest path to American history occurs often in the small, out-of-the-way towns that nobody ever really thinks about. In large cities, old buildings get torn down and rebuilt into large glass obelisks, neighborhoods expand into suburbs and preservation is a luxury. Out in the boonies, however, there are towns left intact, with elegant brick edifices which have been lovingly preserved and repurposed to house hotels, restaurants, boutiques and more. An American road trip is nothing without a stay in one these refined historic hotels.

The Hotel Paisano in Marfa, Texas, is a portal into the set of Giant

Hotel Paisano, Marfa, by Chandler

Designed by the legendary West Texas architect, Henry C. Trost, Hotel Paisano opened in 1930 and retains the architectural features that are strongly associated with not only its original designer but also the style of the American Southwest, with Spanish Baroque elements, detailed tile work and art deco embellishments. The 1956 movie Giant, starring Rock Hudson, James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor, is immortalized at the Hotel Paisano: the hotel played host to the esteemed actors during filming and now guests can even sleep in the Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor suites and visit the Giant Museum in the hotel. Other rooms at Hotel Paisano are comfortable and traditionally preserved, appointed with modern amenities. Guests can chill out in the lounge complete with a fireplace, piano and overstuffed chairs, and dine at the hotel’s restaurant, Jett’s Grill, famed for its giant burgers and margaritas. The gift shop is a one-stop souvenir treasure trove offering tons of Marfa-inspired clothing and tchochkes, beaded necklaces, woven rag trunks and woven sea grass baskets handcrafted by various artists.

See what guests have to say about the Hotel Paisano:

“The patio of the Hotel Paisano”

nonsensesensibility

“The hotel lobby and bar are gorgeous, as is the courtyard.”

pancakesandbeetjuice

“In 1955, the hotel rose to fame when Warner Bros. decided to film Giant in Marfa”

seecreatures

Read 7 traveler experiences and see 35 photos of Hotel Paisano

The Silver Queen Hotel in Virginia City, Nevada, offers festive accommodations for a wild west wedding

Silver Queen Hotel, Virginia City, by A. Anderson

There’s little else one can ask for when they stay at this historic 134-year-old hotel. Located in Virginia City, 30 minutes from Reno, a town that is most known for its wild west characters and historical sights owing to gold and silver mining. Built in the tradition of the American West, the Silver Queen Hotel offers hokey ghost tours, an in-house wedding chapel, an antique store and a massive wood-paneled saloon decked out with old west trinkets and a miner’s vibe. Guests at the hotel can enjoy 28 period restored rooms with tall ceilings and even claw-foot bathtubs.

Take a closer look at the Silver Queen Hotel:

“This was the headquarters of the Territorial Enterprise, the newspaper for which Mark Twain worked”

ROBERT ERINGER

“The installation is a tribute to the Virginia City miners of yesteryear.”

Ann Erdman

Read 4 traveler experiences and see 6 photos of Silver Queen Hotel

Discover the legacy of Ulysses S. Grant at the DeSoto House in Galena, Illinois

DeSoto House Hotel, Galena, by enjoyillinoisblog

The DeSoto House Hotel is the oldest hotel in Illinois, having opened in 1850. In that time, as one can imagine, it has been witness to some of the most momentous periods of American history. As the town of Galena became a major mining and trade center, the hotel became the principal social and political hub. The hotel threw a 2,000-person reception party when Ulysses S. Grant returned after having defeated the Confederacy, and years later, rooms 209 and 211 became the future-president’s campaign headquarters. The world of technology continued to evolve and adapt to the needs of the hotel’s everchanging inhabitants. Now it stands as one of the great landmarks of Galena, itself weaved into the very fabric of its rich history. Each of its 55 rooms are appointed with modernity and comfort, all housed in a Victorian building right on historic Main Street.

See what visitors have to say about the DeSoto House Hotel:

“Opened in 1855 and is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Illinois”

illinoisinfocus

“This majestic hotel in the heart of historic downtown Galena has welcomed distinguished guests”

enjoyillinoisblog

“The oldest hotel in Illinois”

misuzo

Read 6 traveler experiences and see 7 photos of DeSoto House Hotel

Sleep near Theodore Roosevelt’s Badlands at the Rough Riders Hotel in Medora, North Dakota

Rough Riders Hotel, Medora, by coopforacobber

Reliably, there will always something to see in Medora, North Dakota. The Badlands are 110 desolate square miles of layered rock formations rising around the Interstate 94 with dusty canyons and patches of grass and eagles circling the unobstructed blue skies above. It’s even nicer in the winter: imagine miles and miles of silver mounds reaching into the abstract horizon. In town, there’s plenty of small-town charm with a Western flare and much dedicated to the preservation of its history of dinosaurs, ranchers and settlers with a “Cowboys and Indians” throughline. The Rough Riders Hotel is a throwback to that tradition – a historic, Western-themed hotel in the middle of downtown Medora that dates back to 1884. The hotel has been newly renovated, so it’s not nearly as rough as it sounds, and offers 68 modern guest rooms and eight historically appointed guest rooms. When visitor aren’t out exploring the badlands of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, they can kick back at the hotel’s Theodore’s Dining Room or TR’s Tavern.

Take a closer look at the Rough Riders Hotel:

“The hotel is named after a military troop formed by Roosevelt”

Kath and Ray

“A real neat place decorated in the old west style”

DeniseinVA

Read 5 traveler experiences and see 37 photos of Rough Riders Hotel

Explore California’s Gold Country and spend a night at the Historic Cary House Hotel in Placerville

Historic Cary House Hotel, Placerville, by Paisley Kirkpatrick

Wine and mines may not be the most conventional combination, but it’s only natural in a place like Placerville and El Dorado County in California’s Gold Country. With a long, storied history in the California Gold Rush set against the backdrop of hills upon rolling hills of vineyards, the county is popular retreat for thirsty history-buffs. Its mining past and current gourmet sophistication culminates into the Cary House. Each room at this hotel is uniquely outfitted with antiques, in-room coffee and amenities by Bath & Body Works, which allows modern luxury in an old-world setting. Cary House is located next to Zia’s Cafe, the Courtyard Cafe, Highview Vineyards and is within walking distance to a ton of other restaurants, meaning it’s perfectly situated for those who just love trying new restaurants! In a novel feature, the hotel has reserved an entire floor for guests who are interested in sleeping next to ghosts, which is a good indication of just how long this building has been around, which, by the way, is since 1857.

Take a closer look at the Historic Cary House Hotel:

“It was built to withstand fires, and it has stood for over 150 years.”

moonshinejunkyard

“The Cary House Hotel, built in 1857, still stands in Placerville, CA.”

Paisley Kirkpatrick

“The history about it was funky.”

funwhiledoingit, November 13, 2012

Read 4 traveler experiences and see 27 photos of Historic Cary House Hotel

The post The Five Best Historic Hotels in American Small Towns appeared first on Hopper Blog.

If you have a hankering for spicy foods, few dishes provide more satisfaction than chicken wings. At the best restaurants across the nation, wings are slathered in sauces with names such as “Armegeddon,” “Death” and “Suicide.” But there’s more to the story than sauce to make your eyes water; the best spots have also mastered more unusual sauces made with the likes of pineapple and sriracha. And of course, the highest-quality wings are also typically deep-fried to perfection using the finest, freshest meat. Whether bone-in, boneless, super-spicy or mild, the wings in these standout cities are all but guaranteed to deliver flavors that kick – especially when ordered up very hot.

10. Atlanta wings favor flavor over fancy

Chick-a-Biddy, Atlanta, by tadcarpenter

No need to dress up for a wings meal in Atlanta, where some of the best restaurants in town are appealingly casual. Three Dollar Cafe gets the wings basics just right, with plenty of meat on the bone and a sauce to make you sweat (or not, if you select a milder version). The decadent wings come paired with cold beers and plenty of screens to enjoy a sports game. Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q is also utterly lacking in pretension; this Texas-style joint has a full bar and plenty of beer on tap, as well as outstanding jumbo wings that come hickory-smoked with ample sauce.

Take a closer look at Atlanta’s wings restaurants:

Three Dollar Cafe

“Three Dollar Cafe is a nice place to get a burger or sandwich, a beer and watch a little TV.”

by foodnearsnellville, October 6, 2009

Fox Brothers Bar-b-q

“I have to admit it really was delicious, so I would suggest you try all the meats!”

by tsaitina

Chick-a-Biddy

“an innovative food experience concept”

by tadcarpenter

9. The best New Orleans wings restaurants are inexpensive and low-key

Manchu Food Store, New Orleans, by nolavie

Two of the most popular joints for Big Easy wings are unassuming hole-in-the-walls. Wing Snack Express is a small yellow shack offering 17 varieties of wings sauces, including lemon pepper, honey mustard, garlic parmesan and even pineapple. Manchu Food Store, meanwhile, sells greasy fried chicken wings alongside Chinese food and liquor from its distinctive purple storefront. The wings here are ridiculously inexpensive, too: order up 50 for only $20. On the fancier side, Emeril’s NOLA is known for its “Miss Hay’s Stuffed Chicken Wings,” which come filled with pork, shrimp, mushrooms, onions, celery, cilantro and fish sauce, and are served with a homemade hoisin sauce on the side.

See what diners have to say about these excellent wings joints in New Orleans:

Manchu Food Store

“The batter was very thin and packed full of flavor.”

by julia521, June 28, 2011

Nola Restaurant

“Very rustic and I am a sucker for fried eggs.”

by annvu

Wing Snack

“This is not your dainty dip and eat wing, but intense, heavily steeped parts rich with character.”

by nolavie

8. The wings in Dallas are so good, one restaurant is now a global phenom

Frankie’s Sports Bar And Grill, Dallas, by junkfoodcritic

Just how good are the wings in Dallas? One of the most popular wing chains in the world, Wingstop, was founded just outside the city in Garland, Texas. No fewer than 17 outposts in town make it easy to order up the signature wings – covered in sauces such as chili lime, lemon pepper, teriyaki and Hawaiian – that have become a global phenomenon. Another top spot, Angry Dog, is ideal for those who want a local find with just one original location in town. The award-winning wings don’t come with fancy names – the spicy sauce is called, simply, “superhot” – but the powerful flavors speak for themselves.

Don’t miss these wings restaurants in Dallas:

Pluckers Wing Factory & Grill

“this was a pretty successful evening.”

by thekingofthewing

Frankie’s Sports Bar And Grill

“It was really good times.”

by jean, August 1, 2010

Angry Dog

“The tenders were so huge they were like half a piece of a chicken breast.”

by Reggie

7. Brooklyn wings come with a tasty twist

Pork Slope, New York City, by urbanedgeny

Not surprisingly, restaurants in hip and trendy Brooklyn put an inventive spin on classic wings. Talde, for instance, serves Chinese-flavored “Kung Pao” wings with chopped peanuts, scallions, cilantro and rich buttermilk ranch dressing, while Pork Slope offers wings with savory chili sauce. But this doesn’t mean you can’t find more classic offerings, too. Pork Slope also serves classic buffalo and BBQ varieties. And Bonnie’s Grill, founded by a Buffalo native, is famous for its wings with all the signature fixings: celery, bleu cheese and (very) hot sauce.

Check out some of Brooklyn’s top spots for wings:

Talde

“We were disappointed with the dishes we sampled here”

by han

Pork Slope

“Top Chef’s Dale Talde’s hommage to the pig”

by pickledplum

Bonnie’s Grill

“Bonnie’s Grill burgers have been reviewed as some of the best in Brooklyn.”

by Mariya

6. In Washington, D.C. the wings are satisfyingly different

Duffy’s Irish Restaurant & Pub, Washington D.C., by hungrylikethebear

Wings restaurants in the nation’s capital aren’t afraid to try something different. With three outposts in the city (as well as others across the globe), Nando’s Peri Peri is a must-visit. The restaurant, which started in South Africa, serves up a signature sauce, peri-peri, made from a spicy African chilli pepper. Another distinction here? Wings are flame-grilled, not fried, and marinated for 24 hours before being served. Duffy’s Irish Pub is another unique wings restaurant; the chicken is fried in peanut oil, and the special Chesapeake wings are dry-rubbed first, then served with hot sauce.

A few amazing places to eat wings in Washington, D.C.

Nando’s Peri-peri

“The food is really delicious. The chicken is tender and juicy.”

by Marie

Duffy’s Irish Restaurant & Pub

“going to town on a plate of chicken wings at Duffy’s Irish Pub”

by doingthedistrict, June 13, 2012

Comet Ping Pong

“This awesome juxtaposition of urban interiors, gourmet pizza, and ping pong.”

by Design or DYE

5. Bacon takes the wings in Minneapolis to new heights

The Blue Door Longfellow, Minneapolis, by MNFoodBros, June 21, 2013

Minneapolis has discovered the secret to wings success: Just add bacon. Smack Shack wings – which are also served at 1029 Bar in town – are known for their accompanying bacon and blue cheese dressing, while Blue Door Pub serves up wings with a maple bourbon bacon sauce. Blue Door Pub also serves a sensational sweet-with-a-kick spicy peanut butter sauce called “Frogtown,” as well as one of the most dynamic and best-named hot sauces around: “Steal Your Face,” named after the Grateful Dead song and loaded with jalapenos and habanero peppers.

Take a closer look at some of Minneapolis’ top wings restaurants:

Smack Shack

“if you want the whole lobster boil experience or a hip place for a date night”

by MNFoodBros, July 2, 2013

The Blue Door Longfellow

“The Blucy (burger stuffed with goods) list is overwhelming.”

by Rachel Welch

Meritage

“steak tartare, moules frites and cassoulet along with seasonal American food”

by Deborah Flanagan

4. In Philadelphia, the best wings restaurants can be easy to miss

Federal Donuts, Philadelphia, by OmNomzHero

Two of Philly’s best spots for wings come with rather confusing names: Federal Donuts and Memphis Taproom. But make no mistake: Both serve best-of-the-best wings that give the cheesesteak sandwich a run for its money. At Federal Donuts, uncut fried chicken wings are seasoned with flavors such as coconut curry, or topped with a chili garlic or honey ginger glaze. Cucumber pickles and a honey donut (naturally) complement every order for a plate that perfectly balances the sweet and savory. At Memphis Taproom, the distinguishing factor is beer. Hot wings are brined with Pilsner, and the exhaustive accompanying menu of draft and bottled brews encompasses everything from pumpkin ale to chocolate stout. The meal is best enjoyed outside in the beer garden.

Check out three of Philly’s best wings restaurants:

Byrnes Tavern

“it literally falls right off of the bone. Delicious.”

by Odoyle

Memphis Taproom

“Memphis Tap’s Slow Roast Pork Sandwich always satiates my carnivorous cravings.”

by @asandwichblog

Federal Donuts

“great, fluffy doughnuts”

by mjcolbert

3. Austin keeps its tasty wings weird

East Side King, Austin, by testerfoodblog

Not surprisingly, offbeat Austin serves up offbeat wings. Sauce options at Pluckers Wing Bar include sesame, cajun and (yes) Dr. Pepper, flavored with the classic soda. The restaurant was started by two University of Texas at Austin students and has since branched out to locations across Texas (including another city on this list, Dallas). The Asian-fusion favorite East Side King puts its own spin on wings by adding a sweet and spicy Thai-influenced sauce, as well as mint and cilantro for flavor garnish. Also unique? These wings are gluten-free.

Some excellent places for wings in Austin:

Plucker’s

“If you haven’t been to Pluckers, it is a must for wing destinations”

by thekingofthewing

East Side King

“Very very tasty.”

by Marz Bonfire

Tommy Want Wingy

“a creative chicken wing truck of the highest quality!”

by southaustinfoodie

2. Add wings to the list of superb comfort foods in Chicago

Crisp, Chicago, by chocoamylatte

From hot dogs and pizza to ribs and burgers, Chicago has clearly mastered the art of comfort food – and wings also belong on the city’s list of diet-challenged fare. One of the most popular spots in town is the low-key Buffalo Joe’s. This restaurant makes no bones about the spiciness of its signature house-made wings sauce, which it calls “suicide sauce.” The Windy City’s sophisticated side, meanwhile, is represented at Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap, featuring a dark wood bar and dim mood lighting. The ambience complements a menu where wings come dressed in inventive sauces with ingredients such as sriracha, cayenne and garlic. A monthly “chef’s creation” keeps the menu fresh.

Check out some of Chicago’s best wings restaurants:

Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap

“They have the gimmick of making you sign a waiver and I’ll admit this, those wings were hot.”

by KingT

Belly Shack

“There’s something nice about some Korean BBQ and homemade Kimchi on a blustery cold Chicago day.”

by Melissa

Crisp

“Crisp has huge portions of quality food at very reasonable prices.”

by Alicia, March 23, 2012

1. It’s no wonder Buffalo helped spur a wings revolution

Gabriel’s Gate, Buffalo, by buffalochow

No wing list is complete without a nod to the place where buffalo wings were born. And no trip to the city is complete without a visit to Anchor Bar, which claims to have invented these signature wings in 1964. The sauce that helped launch a new food movement is still used today, with a recipe that remains a closely guarded secret. The other big name in town is Duff’s Famous Wings, which has several locations throughout New York and Ontario, Canada. Its sauces take heat to new levels; the “Armageddon” and “Death” sauces in particular are not for the weak of heart.

Take a closer look at Buffalo’s best wings:

Duff’s Famous Wings

“It was goddamn delightful.”

by KillerOkapi

Gabriel’s Gate

“They were excellent – amazingly juicy for such small bits of easy-to-dry-out chicken”

by yclaraquesi

Anchor Bar

“You have to go to The Anchor Bar (well, if you are a meat eater).”

by Lori

The post The Ten Best Cities for Chicken Wings in the United States appeared first on Hopper Blog.

There are no limits to luxury, no matter where one is on this large and diverse planet. America’s got tons of luxury hotels, and they don’t all reside in Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas or Miami. For a little slice of the high life in a low key, unique and friendly small-town locale, scan this list. Thick and cozy linens and scenic views guaranteed.

Follow Rockefeller, Vanderbilt and Pulitzer to the Jekyll Island Club Hotel on Jekyll Island, Georgia

Jekyll Island Club, Georgia, by CDV, March 8, 2012

At the turn of the century, Jekyll Island was one of the most coveted vacation destinations for America’s jet-set luminaries. Today, the resort has opened its ranks to a much wider variety of holiday makers, with golf courses, year-round festivals and accommodation options to boot. Perhaps the most enduring and iconic image of Jekyll Island’s historical place at the forefront of America’s vacationing elite is the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. Stately and elegant with broad wrap-around verandas and wide windows overlooking a sprawling green grounds and pristine beaches, the five historic buildings that make up the club hotel all vary in architectural styles and accommodation types – suites, guestrooms, villas, and private apartments are all available. For a taste of the crème de la crème of classic Southern elegance, there’s only one place to go.

See what guests have to say about the Jekyll Island Club Hotel:

“Some guests were playing Crockett on the Jekyll Island Club House Lawn”

Eddie

“Jekyll Island Club”

John

“A fascinating piece of architecture”

Kendal, October 29, 2007

Read 12 traveler experiences and see 63 photos of Jekyll Island Club

Make your next mountain retreat the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado

The Stanley Hotel, Colorado, by Steve n Vickie

Estes Park is a perfectly picturesque mountain town hidden among the pine forests of Colorado’s Estes Valley. It is also the gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park, 415 square miles of wild and varied terrain that is home to a dense concentration of wildlife and the site of some of the best hiking in the United States. For luxury accommodations amidst all of the lush greenery, The Stanley is a beautiful old hotel backdropped by mountain crags, with a grand façade and an unusual yet elegant interior. It offers boutique hotel rooms as well as one, two and three-bedroom condos, all with mountain views. And if you sense something a little eerie as the dusk creeps through your room, don’t dismiss it too quickly – The Stanley was the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining and has long had a reputation for being haunted.

Take a closer look at the Stanley Hotel:

“Each year the proprietors throw a “Shining Ball”.”

Kathy Kulig

“It was the inspiration for Stephen King’s novel "The Shining".”

Ted and Cheryl

“The Stanley Hotel continues to “shine” today.”

Jo and Dave

Read 13 traveler experiences and see 72 photos of The Stanley Hotel

Sleep in art-deco luxury at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Inn at Price Tower in Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Price Tower, Bartlesville, by dict

Bartlesville is just a small city in Oklahoma, but its skyline is decidedly big city. It’s here that Frank Lloyd Wright designed his only skyscraper, the Price Tower. Completed in 1956, this gorgeous 19-story building graces its visitors with its imposing architectural design, rotating exhibits and a permanent collection of works from Bruce Goff, Dennis Oppenheim and others. For a unique experience, visitors can even spend a night in this iconic building at the Inn at Price Tower. Impeccably designed inside and out, the furniture in each room and suite were inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s original designs, copper trim to mirror the copper trim on the exterior of the building, triangle-shaped light fixtures, organic material, angled staircases to get from the suites’ living rooms to their respective sleeping quarters, and a red and green color palette.

See what visitors have to say about the Inn at Price Tower:

“The Inn at Price Tower was making it all that more difficult for us to say good-bye.”

Birdie (formerly Van Winkle)

“Inn At Price Tower”

zuhairah

Read 4 traveler experiences and see 46 photos of Inn At Price Tower

Find timeless lakeside luxury in the vibrant Lakehouse Inn in Geneva on the Lake, Ohio

The Lakehouse Inn, Geneva on the Lake, by spencerian-saga

Perfect for families as well as couples on a romantic holiday, Geneva on the Lake is a resort village, a carnival town, a swing city and a wino’s retreat. Evoking the buzz and whirr of arcade games and the theme parks of the ‘50s, Lake Erie comes truly alive in the summer. However, guests who would prefer to sleep away from all the neon excitement will find a personal sanctuary at the Lakehouse Inn. A bed and breakfast, winery, day spa and restaurant all rolled into one gorgeous lakeside complex, this inn is truly a package deal! They offer intimate suites, secluded cottages and a family-friendly Beach House above the wine cellar that has a two-person jacuzzi tub overlooking the lake.

Take a closer look at the Lakehouse Inn:

“Magnificent views of the beach and water”

spencerian-saga

“Beautiful weather greeted everyone for the first three days”

alinchan

“Even on a cloudy day, the view was beautiful.”

Robinson Wool

Read 5 traveler experiences and see 19 photos of The Lakehouse Inn

Pay Clint Eastwood a visit at Mission Ranch in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Mission Ranch, Carmel by the Sea, by flissadette, February 5, 2013

Experience fantastic coastal scenery, art galleries, wine tasting and historic sites in the small but cosmopolitan city of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Great food and drink play a large role in the tourism to Carmel-by-the-Sea owing to its local wineries, gourmet markets and diverse array of restaurants. Many artists use this inspirational location as a workplace, and as a result you can see the work of painters, sculptors, writers and photographers dotted throughout the city. For a touch of Hollywood and a lotta Western hospitality, the Mission Ranch Hotel and Restaurant, owned by Clint Eastwood, makes for an elegant and romantic weekend away. There are 31 hotel rooms in 10 buildings set into 22 acres of land with fantastic views of Point Lobos and Carmel River Beach. On the premises, visitors can read and unwind on the large porches or work up a sweat before dinner time in the onsite tennis and fitness club.

See what guests have to say about Mission Ranch:

“Talk about a surreal place….”

Joanie + Ryan

“Whatever it is, it feels very different than downtown Carmel.”

koloadeb

“This spot can be enjoyed at any time of the year”

flissadette, February 5, 2013

Read 4 traveler experiences and see 13 photos of Mission Ranch

Alternative culture thrives in Laguna Beach, California, but luxury lives in the Hotel Laguna

Hotel Laguna, Laguna Beach, by SoCalHarpist.com

In Orange County, roughly an hour’s drive south of Los Angeles, Laguna Beach is famous for its artistic community and its beautiful beaches and vistas. In the ’20s and ’30s, Hollywood stars would head to Laguna Beach to relax and seek artistic respite. In the ’60s and ’70s, it was a hub of alternative culture. Hotel Laguna has been welcoming guests to Laguna Beach for over 100 years. The key to its continued success has been a combination of its beachfront location and its extraordinary service. Though the hotel has a long and storied history, its 65 guest rooms are modern and airy, many with large windows overlooking the resplendent beaches. But even if your budget only allows for a garden view room, all guests of the Hotel Laguna receive access to the hotel’s private beach club.

Take a closer look at Hotel Laguna:

“The Hotel Laguna has one of those glass walls that let’s you dine as if you’re on the ocean.”

The Mrs.

“I hadn’t been to the Hotel Laguna for some time but it is still as lovely as ever.”

SoCalHarpist.com

Read 3 traveler experiences and see 71 photos of Hotel Laguna

Stay in a 19th-century Italian mountain retreat high in the Colorado Rockies, Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs

Hotel Colorado, Glenwood Springs, by Greg

Glenwood Springs has been dubbed “America’s Most Fun Town.” It’s a family friendly destination 2.5 hours west of Denver in the Colorado Rockies. Travelers of every niche will find some adventure, whether it’s hiking, rafting, cycling and fishing the Rocky Mountains, or checking out the thrill rides and natural wonders of the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. A large and unique place to stay is the Hotel Colorado, which borrows aesthetic influences from 19th-century Italian palazzos as much as it does from traditional American mountain lodges. All the guest rooms adhere to that theme, from the imported Italian wallpaper to the specially selected artwork.

See what guests have to say about the Hotel Colorado:

“I can only imagine what a sight this must have been to travelers of the Old West.”

Jeanne

“It had a casual western feel, and the townspeople considered it part of their public space.”

Greg

Read 6 traveler experiences and see 86 photos of Hotel Colorado

The Cannery Pier Hotel is a funky hotel that fits right into its funky little town of Astoria, Oregon

Cannery Pier Hotel, Astoria, by realfoodtraveler

The oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, Astoria, Oregon, is rich in maritime history, breathtaking natural scenery and historical landmarks. The streets in town are spotted with cafes, charming boutiques and unique eateries, set to a background of tall evergreens and the blue waters of the Oregon coast. Nestled at one end of the iconic Astoria Bridge is the striking Cannery Pier Hotel. Built on the site of the old Union Fish Cannery and located 600 feet into the river, this themed hotel combines history and luxury. All rooms have a private balcony, fireplace and hardwood floors. Their area-renowned spa features an authentic sauna as well as a state-of-the-art fitness room. Retaining touches of yesteryear while providing a modern, comfortable environment is the special charm of Cannery Pier Hotel.

Take a closer look at the Cannery Pier Hotel:

“I can hear the waves of the mighty Columbia River gently lapping at the piers beneath my room.”

realfoodtraveler

“Our rooms were serene and tranquil, facing out over the Columbia River”

tonispilsbury, July 18, 2012

Read 5 traveler experiences and see 36 photos of Cannery Pier Hotel

The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan, isn’t called grand for no reason

Grand Hotel, Michigan, by Kath Usitalo

People often visit the historic, scenic and action-packed Mackinac Island, Michigan, as a multi-day trip to spend some quality time enjoying the island’s relaxed, resort atmosphere. Equally popular for its famous fudge shop, Joann’s Fudge, as it is for its historically significant Fort Mackinac, which frequently holds live re-enactments of battles reminiscent of the War of 1812, the island’s cozy town is lined with charming Victorian buildings surrounded by lush greenery. The Grand Hotel, self-described as “America’s Summer Palace,” is a seaside mansion with large, airy rooms and the world’s longest porch. Established in 1887, this hotel evokes turn-of-the-century splendor in its columned white porch, bright awnings, uniquely designed guestrooms and cottages and exquisite coastal views.

See what visitors have to say about the Grand Hotel:

“Leading up to the Grand Hotel,”

Molly

“It may be the longest porch in the world, but it can’t fit everyone!”

Catherine Sherman

Read 7 traveler experiences and see 44 photos of Grand Hotel

Escape to Cape May, New Jersey, and stay in the oldest seaside resort in the country, Congress Hall

Congress Hall, Cape May, by kandkadventures

Located a 2.5-hour drive from New York City and only 1.5 hours out of Philadelphia, Cape May is a great day trip or weekend getaway for those looking to escape from the city and visit a quaint coastal destination. Built in 1817, Congress Hall is a sight to behold in itself, as well as a comfortable place to lay one’s head. This sprawling bright yellow Victorian-era structure – the oldest seaside resort in the country – is host to wedding parties, conferences and resort tourists relaxing at the sea spa. Rated as one of the “Top 45 Hotels in the Northeast” by Condé Nast Traveler, Congress Hall is an excellent choice for Cape May visitors.

Take a closer look at Congress Hall:

“The view from my room was gorgeous: the hotel’s great lawn and pool, and the wide beach beyond.”

selfishmom

“It’s an upscale hotel without being fussy.”

julielorusso@gmail.com

“A hotel that was built in 1816 and was one of the USA’s earliest seaside resorts.”

kandkadventures

Read 5 traveler experiences and see 93 photos of Congress Hall

Chill out on the private beach at Monterey Plaza Hotel in Monterey, California

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, Monterey, by A day in the life of the Bodkins…

This waterfront community has all you need for a fun family trip: warm weather, the seaside and a huge aquarium. Monterey is two hours south of San Francisco by car, but it also has it’s own airport too, the Monterey Peninsula Airport. There are tons of charming and luxurious accommodations in Monterey, but a top-class inn is the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa. Situated right at the edge of Monterey Bay, the views from this elegant, European-style hotel are stunning. Expect plush armchairs, fireplaces and marble floors. Guests will especially enjoy the hotel’s private beach and its water sports offerings. There are a number of restaurants and bars within the hotel complex, including the Schooners Coastal Kitchen and Bar, which is suspended right over the water with 180 views of the bay.

See what visitors have to say about the Monterey Plaza Hotel:

“Isn’t it magnificent!”

A day in the life of the Bodkins…

“It was really nice and in a great location”

Charissa

“There is definitely a touch of magic to the Monterey Plaza Hotel”

Emma Krasov

Read 5 traveler experiences and see 103 photos of Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Head to Greenport, New York, to enjoy great water views at Harborfront Inn

Harborfront Inn At Greenport, Greenport, by northforker

Located on the North Fork of Long Island, Greenport is about two hours from New York City. With boats, beaches and a port, it sure is an idyllic, historic harbor village. For those who are staying the night in Greenport, it doesn’t get much better than the Harborfront Inn. This luxurious hotel houses 35 oversized guestrooms and suites classically designed with modern amenities, with breathtaking views of Peconic Bay. The main selling point, however, is that it’s conveniently located in the heart of the village, close to the area’s best restaurants and wineries.

Take a closer look at the Harborfront Inn:

“The Harborfront Inn is the first luxury hotel on Long Island’s uncommercialized North Fork”

kdhamptons, December 21, 2011

“With only 35 rooms, this inn is charming and upscale.”

simplefitmarried

Read 3 traveler experiences and see 11 photos of Harborfront Inn At Greenport

Enjoy modern art in a post-industrial town from your base at The Porches in North Adams, Massachusetts

The Porches Inn At Mass Moca, North Adams, by Kendra Leigh

Balancing the gorgeous natural expanse of the hills of Berkshire County and a bustling art scene, North Adams offers riches for the eyes. Lovers of the outdoors can hike the Vermont Long Trail, the Appalachian Trail and the white marble Natural Bridge in its namesake state park, while fans of the finer things in life can discover new art at North America’s largest contemporary art museum, MASS MoCA, and enjoy a meal at Gramercy Bistro. People who fall into either or both camps will love the artistic and rustic atmosphere of The Porches, a trendy reflection of the artistic spirit that has replaced manufacturing as the engine of the town’s economy. The hotel’s rooms are located in a row of pretty Victorian houses, renovated from their previously dilapidated state. Accommodation is spacious and stylish, and the owners are tuned into the town’s active art scene.

Read reviews of the Porches on Hopper:

“Created from a row of beautiful Victorian mill-workers houses”

Sarah

“I can’t believe I forgot to mention the FIRE PIT!!!”

hannahcloud

“Porches is a funky little inn”

Kendra Leigh

Read 4 traveler experiences and see 28 photos of The Porches Inn At Mass Moca

The picturesque town of Keene, New Hampshire, offers a lot of great Main Street attractions, including the Lane Hotel

The Lane Hotel, Keene, by Mary Miller, December 5, 2013

Located in the southwest corner of New Hampshire, Keene provides visitors a glimpse of life in a picturesque New England town. The historic downtown area is bustling with boutique shops and eateries and even a classic theater – once vaudeville and burlesque, now Broadway musicals and film festivals. Also situated downtown, The Lane Hotel dates back to 1891, but it has been updated and restored with modern comforts: warm exposed brick walls, climate controls, in-bath whirlpools and hot tubs in some rooms and more.

Take a closer look at the Lane Hotel:

“The Lane Hotel”

thelanehotel

“Originally a department store located on a leafy street, the hotel building has been restored”

Mary Miller, December 5, 2013

“Offering distinctive décor and flexible meeting space”

thelanehotel

Read 3 traveler experiences and see 23 photos of The Lane Hotel

Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pennsylvania, offers the sweetest stay on earth in the sweetest place on earth

The Hotel Hershey, Hershey, by Captain Hops

Hershey is definitely a must-see for every family in America that likes to get in cars and drive long distances. From its humble beginnings as a small farming town called Derry Church in the sleepy soil of Pennsylvania to a fragrant, thriving chocolate-making community revitalized by its very own enterprising native son. Hotel Hershey is a testament to this. Built in 1932 and commissioned by Milton S. Hershey during the Great Depression, the hotel has enjoyed decades of prominence as the leading luxury hotel and spa in this tourist town. Its architecture borrows details from Spanish and Mediterranean-style mansions, and its large property contains four golf courses, five eateries, an award-winning chocolate spa that features specialty treatments such as the whipped cocoa bath and chocolate fondue wrap, and specialty boutiques.

See what guests have to say about the Hotel Hershey:

“The grounds are beautiful and I loved my visit to the Chocolate Spa”

Lauren C.

“We stayed at the Hotel Hershey, which was beautiful!”

Anna

“We were ushered into the Hotel by very polite bellboys.”

Joe Vaughan

Read 5 traveler experiences and see 110 photos of The Hotel Hershey

The post The 15 Best Luxury Hotels in American Small Towns appeared first on Hopper Blog.

Route 1 begins on the Canadian border and runs through 527 miles of rugged and storied Maine scenery and coastline. This road has carried traffic above the ship-strewn Atlantic since the 1920s, overlooking a crisp-aired shoreline of craggy cliffs, rocky beaches and white-tipped blue sea. And the view isn’t just about the ocean – to the west there are breathtaking views of vast lakes and tall peaks. The area’s eventful history can be explored at the exquisitely-preserved Portland Head Lighthouse, while its marine life can be sampled on the seaside picnic tables of Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier.

Explore the freshwater world of Grand Lake Stream

Grand Lake Stream, Maine, Maine, by islandportpress, June 3, 2009

There are two main reasons to pull off Route 1 and visit Grand Lake Stream, a small and rugged waterside community wedged between two wide and wild lakes. The first reason is the eponymous stream itself, which runs through three miles of land from West Grand Lake to Big Lake a little further south. These three miles are home to a string of fabled pools and waterways that provide some of the greatest landlocked salmon fishing on the American continent, drawing anglers from across the States. The second reason is to experience the town’s long tradition of hand building wooden canoes, known as Grand Lakers, used for generations to navigate the area’s lakes, streams and rivers. Otherwise, there are a number of atmospheric lodges and cabins to stay in, and lots of lovely walking trails through the woods and the water surrounding the town.

A 30-minute detour to Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor, Maine, by dickndebbieretirement, September 25, 2010

Route 1 takes drivers right past Bar Harbor, a small village on Mount Desert Island nestled between the lush green woods and mountains of Acadia National Park and the watery offshoot of the North Atlantic Ocean. Here, visitors and residents can enjoy fresh air and the sea breeze while taking in history, culture and the gorgeous views of downtown Bar Harbor. The area offers all the treats that Maine has to offer: fresh seafood, sailing, fascinating wildlife and classic New England disposition, with its own distinct flavor.

See what visitors have to say about Bar Harbor:

“A colorful and down to earth resort town that gives tourists plenty of options.”

Karen, September 7, 2012

“Main Street”

lifeinspicyland

“There are so many little shops and restaurants that are unique to Bar Harbor”

christophersetterlund, December 12, 2010

Read 17 traveler experiences and see 105 photos of Bar Harbor

Don’t miss the Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park, Maine, by findingjerryandmary, September 18, 2012

Also on Mount Desert Island, the Acadia National Park encompasses a craggy shoreline of foaming waves, exposed rock and the occasional sheltered cove. Inland, the terrain rises and falls dramatically, with craggy mountains looming over marshy meadows. Broken stone roads, built for horse-drawn carriages in the late 19th century, make for great hiking and cycling routes through this coastal wilderness.

Take a closer look at the Acadia National Park:

“The colors were more vibrant than I had ever seen previously, or perhaps since.”

Ryan and Katherine Berg

“Take a walk in the unspoiled Maine woods, as describe by Thoreau 150 years ago.”

MVLastDance

Read 26 traveler experiences and see 264 photos of Acadia National Park

Admire unique Maine handicrafts at the Maine State Prison Showroom

Maine State Prison Showroom, Maine, by Melissa, November 5, 2013

This unusual gift shop sells a range of handcrafted wooden items – coffee tables, bookcases, cupboards, stools, ship models, lamps – all made by the inmates of Maine State Prison, who also man the cash register and help with the general running of the shop. A rehabilitation program enabling the prisoners to make a wage and develop skills while inside, it is in fact a continuation of a program that has been going on since the early 19th century, when inmates worked in a quarry and built wooden wagons, buckboards and barrows. The standard of the craftsmanship is, generally, exceptionally high, and these goods are truly unique to New England – federal laws dictate that they can’t be sold outside the state’s borders.

See what it’s like to visit the Maine State Prison Showroom:

“I have to admit I kinda love strange tourist shops.”

katy elliott

“I think it’s nice that the inmates are taught new skills and given the opportunity to earn a wage.”

Melissa, November 5, 2013

Read 2 traveler experiences and see 6 photos of Maine State Prison Showroom

Discover new England’s fascinating marine history at Portland Head Light

Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth, by tmasonstudio

Lots of lighthouses are strung along New England’s coastline, but few are as well-preserved or spectacularly positioned as Portland Head Light, which looks out over the Atlantic from the shores of ruggedly beautiful Fort William Park. It first lit its 16 whale-oil lamps in 1791, and a striking red-roofed keeper’s complex was built alongside the tall white tower in 1891. Today, the lighthouse illuminates the history of the New England coast, with an excellent museum showcasing numerous lenses and several interpretative displays.

Take a closer look at Portland Head Light:

“There are multiple vantage points for taking photos of the light.”

Monica

“The scenery was absolutely gorgeous”

Debwes

“We had such a great time!!”

The Kelley Family

Read 10 traveler experiences and see 41 photos of Portland Head Light

Enjoy the Atlantic’s rich bounty at Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier

Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier, Kittery, by shootsandletters

Once a working lobster pier, this simple outdoor eatery first began selling boiled lobsters and sandwiches to locals in the 1950s. Since then it has expanded steadily, helped by its beautifully evocative position overlooking Pepperrell Cove, immersed in the sounds and smells of the sea. The pier is dotted with colourful picnic tables, a handful of which are under cover in case of inclement weather, and a stall sells lobster in various forms – you can pick a live one of the tank and have it boiled in fresh seawater – along with fish and chips, chowder, oysters, mussels and clams, as well as tuna rolls for less adventurous landlubber taste buds. Diners are also encouraged to bring their own picnic hampers with food and drink, and make the fresh seafood part of a wider seaside feast.

See what diners have to say about the Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier:

“Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier”

Yvette

“It was work, but well worth it.”

shootsandletters

“The lobster meat was one of the best I’ve ever had.”

chubbychinesegirl

Read 4 traveler experiences and see 29 photos of Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier

The post Driving on Route 1 in Maine appeared first on Hopper Blog.

U.S. Route 1 starts up amid rugged New England coastal scenery, shoots down the east coast, and finishes by leaving land altogether and darting out across the open sea. This final stretch is known as the Overseas Highway, and threads together the Florida Keys, carrying travellers through several sun-drenched island communities and out to Key West, the last American city before Cuba. With spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, a string of sublime beaches, endless fantastic seafood restaurants, and heaps of great attractions along the way, it’s one the most luxurious, indulgent and straight-up pleasurable road trips in the entire United States.

Photo by Phil’s 1stPix/Flickr.

Stop off in lush Key Largo

Key Largo, Florida Keys, by Dana Christine

Largo is the first of the Florida Keys that you’ll hit once you leave dry land and drive above the Gulf of Mexico. With beautiful beaches such as Sandspur and Caloosa, it’s perennially popular with watersport lovers, boasting terrific fishing, snorkelling, and kayaking, as well as walking and boating among the mangrove swamps of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. This park encompasses an underwater section, which contains a substantial section of the only living coral reef in the United States, and it’s a superb spot for scuba diving, with some dramatic wrecks amid a colorful world of marine life.

Some cool places to stop in Key Largo:

The Fish House

“Key lime pie at The Fish House”

by statedinner, April 10, 2011

Theater of the Sea

“Theater of the Sea”

by Dawn Hutchins

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

“John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park”

by Dawn Hutchins

Drop into laid-back Marathon Key

Marathon, Florida Keys, by Bill and Mary Russell on Harbour Reach from North Kingstown, RI, January 1, 2012

Continuing on from Key Largo, travelers on the Overseas Highway will soon reach Marathon, a small island with good food and a friendly, laid-back vibe. Be sure to drop into the turtle hospital, which runs excellent tours vividly describing the lives of turtles in Florida. There’s a broader exploration of the Florida Keys’ human and animal inhabitants at the Crane Point Museum, which has a 600-year-old canoe, remnants of pirate ships and a simulated coral reef cave with a touch-tank of marine creatures. Fresh seafood is abundant at such places as The Hideaway Cafe, or drivers can stop off for a picnic and a stretch on achingly picturesque Sombrero Beach.

Some excellent places to check out in Marathon Key:

The Turtle Hospital

“the world’s first certified hospital for sea turtles.”

by tjelser

Sombrero Beach

“Sombrero Beach”

by Where’s The Wally Wagon

Sunset Grille & Raw Bar

“to eat anything that we can draw from the sea battered and fried, with potatoes and delicious sauces”

by Juslibol Lord

Meet Florida’s marine mammals at the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key

Dolphin Research Center, Florida, by Nathan Herman

Located just off the Overseas Highway on the outskirts of Marathon, the Dolphin Research Center has been introducing travelers to Florida’s larger marine inhabitants for 30 years. It is home to more than ten dolphins as well as three sealions, each of whom has his or her own back story and well-documented character traits. Visitors can swim with the dolphins, watch as trainers impart new tricks, and learn about the lives and habitat of Florida’s marine mammals in the center’s air-conditioned theater. As well as sea life, the center has a smattering of other species, including cats, birds, and iguanas.

Take a closer look at the Dolphin Research Center:

“It was a great day and we learned a lot about these very intelligent animals.”

Steve Savage

“This was kind of like a behind the scenes tour at Sea World.”

Debbie, Duane, Bo and Laska

Read 13 traveler experiences and see 90 photos of Dolphin Research Center

Drink in the views from the spectacular Seven Mile Bridge

Seven Mile Bridge, Florida Keys, by Patti

Driving on from Marathon, you’ll hit the most stunning stretch of the Overseas Highway: the Seven Mile Bridge, streaking across the wide gulf of water separating Marathon and Little Duck Key. Fantastic ocean views unfold in all directions from this iconic bridge, and there’s plenty of space to pull up and take a stroll through the tropical sea air. The first Seven Mile Bridge carried rail tracks, but much of it was whipped into the water by a ferocious hurricane in the 1930s; patched up, it now forms part of the Overseas Heritage Trail, and is a great spot to get out of the car and stretch your legs.

See what visitors have to say about the Seven Mile Bridge:

“Seven Mile Bridge is paralleled by the original railroad bridge.”

tjelser

“The longest bridge in the overseas highway. The Seven Mile bridge.”

Jeff Smith

“The Old 7 Mile Bridge (used for walking & biking)”

Where’s The Wally Wagon

Read 6 traveler experiences and see 37 photos of Seven Mile Bridge

Finish by relaxing in lively Key West

Mallory Square, Key West, by Wanderlust Traveler

At the far end of the Overseas Highway, visitors will reach Key West, a lively community with great nightlife and a buzzing gay scene, as well as a number of attractions to keep kids entertained. Drop into Ernest Hemingway House, where the writer worked on novels including For Whom the Bell Tolls, then quaff a dry martini in his favorite drinking hole, Captain Tony’s Saloon. Learn about the lore of the land on a ghostly walking tour of the island’s older areas, or enjoy the island’s beaches, which offer plentiful opportunities for water sports, boating, fishing, diving and simply splashing around in the sea.

Check out some cool sights in Key West:

Dry Tortugas National Park

“This fort is enormous, considered the largest brick structure in the United States.”

by pfmount, November 16, 2013

Fort Zachary Taylor

“Fort Zach’s seafloor is quite rocky, making wading uncomfortable.”

by Jolyse Barnett

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

“bought for $8,000 and given to Earnest Hemmingway and his wife as a wedding present.”

by C2C

The post Driving on the Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys appeared first on Hopper Blog.

From the marshy waterways of the Louisiana bayous to the soaring snow-tipped peaks of the highest Rockies, the abundance of natural wonders in America is well known, much-loved and always talked about. But, for families looking to experience the wilder side of this wild nation, it’s sometimes hard to find the perfect place to stay. Often, just a few of the campsites or RV parks near the mountains, gorges, beaches and lakes of America offer enough of the family fun activities and suitable facilities for them to be a viable option. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the best wholesome campgrounds in the country; perfect spots for adventurous and intrepid groups to go into the wild.

Discover waterfalls and ancient trees at the Yosemite National Park in California

Yosemite, California, by eingsh, June 4, 2013

There are perhaps no wild areas in America more astounding than Yosemite’s patchwork of lakes, peaks, forests and primeval fir trees, not to mention the park’s famous array of dramatic waterfalls, from the gushing two-tiered Yosemite Falls, to the pink glow of the wispy Horsetail. With so many picture-perfect angles at the Yosemite National Park, it’s perhaps not surprising that the 13 campsites, RV parks and cabin complexes within Yosemite’s borders have been a long-time favorite with every type of camper in North America.

Check out some of the sights in Yosemite:

Glacier Point

“The view from Glacier Point was spectacular .”

by eric.rial

Illilouette Fall

“if you blink you will miss the only decent view”

by eric.rial

John Muir Trail

“We are really getting into the wilderness.”

by Mary

Recreation in the extreme at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park in Kentucky

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky, by Mary

From hiking in the wild Kentucky forests, to canoeing on the Cumberland River, outdoorsy and family friendly pursuits abound on the banks around the shores of Lake Cumberland itself. From the State Resort Park camping ground, it’s possible to spend a holiday sampling the local culture, exploring the natural wonders around Wolf Creek Dam or fishing on the serene reservoir waters. The facilities are second to none too, with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, games rooms and a number of playgrounds for the kids.

Camp on the edge of America at the Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland

Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland, by Andrew F

Jutting out into the marine wilds of the Atlantic Ocean, the Island spit of Assateague offers camping families a remote and supremely beautiful stay on the very eastern edges of North America itself. Here, kids can wander their way up the vast white sand stretches, while parents wallow romantically over the evening sunset, choosing between one of the four bay-side and two ocean-side campgrounds on the Island. Guests enjoy drive-in facilities from both sides of the spit, and campsites come complete with drinking water taps, on-site toilets and cold water showers.

Take the family fishing in the Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho

Sawtooth Wilderness, Idaho, by rangewriter

The Sawtooth National Forest occupies more than 700,000 acres of wooded terrain in the Rocky Mountain sub ranges of western Idaho. Its vastness encompasses rivers, valleys and soaring peaks where hikers, cyclists, photographers and fishermen have come for decades in search of wild and wonderful escapism. For campers, the array of sites within the region’s borders allow unparalleled access to the wholesome outdoorsy activities on offer, while the Salmon River Campground northeast of Stanley town is hailed amongst the best fishing accommodations on the continent.

Take a closer look at the Sawtooth National Forest:

“I had views like this from almost every window.”

Deb

“THIS is heaven.”

rangewriter

“I can’t wait to go back and visit during the summer months.”

texheart

Read 14 traveler experiences and see 113 photos of Sawtooth Wilderness

On the tip of the Appalachian Trail at the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont

Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont, by Keith Williams

In the winter the Green Mountain National Forest is one of the most celebrated ski destinations in all of North America, attracting winter sports fans for its abundance of Nordic trails and cross-country routes through the hills. The summer thaw opens up all the 400,000-acre area’s nooks and crannies, allowing kids and parents the run of a land where exploration opportunities abound. What’s more, many of the campsites are within easy reach of New York State, making them something of an accessible option for those driving or coming by bus.

See what it’s like to visit the Green Mountain National Forest:

“I long to return to the woods.”

Keith Williams

“The fall foliage here was beautiful.”

www.notablenotecards.com, October 4, 2010

“It was beautiful, and quiet.”

J M Naszady

Read 1 traveler experience and see 41 photos of Green Mountain National Forest

Explore the geological wonders of the Arches National Park at the Devils Garden Campground in Utah

Devils Garden Campground, Utah, by sunandsandtravelers

This one boasts perhaps the best location in Utah for families looking to explore the awe-inspiring rock formations of the appropriately-named Arches National Park. Around the well-equipped campsite, which comes complete with fresh water taps, picnic spots and barbeque facilities, the winding trail of Devils Garden takes visitors past no fewer than seven of the state’s most stunning natural protrusions, from the long, thin, gravity-defying Landscape Arch, to the wide, thick, pin-hole of Tunnel Arch.

Take a closer look at the Devils Garden Campground:

“I would have to say it was the best site in the entire CG.”

Rich

“Morning solitude”

sunandsandtravelers

“Quiet hours seem to be well honored”

smallhomebigyard

Read 2 traveler experiences and see 17 photos of Devils Garden Campground

Drive into the depths of the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, by Matt & Jen

This one needs no introduction, surely? There’s no gorge in the world that could match the grandeur and majesty of Arizona’s most visited geological wonder, and now it’s possible for families to camp right in its heart, nestled neatly in one of the cultivated campgrounds on the north or south rims. These are noted for their accessibility, and the sites of Mather, Desert View and Tuweep in the north are worthy of note as the only RV-friendly, car-friendly campgrounds on offer in the whole region.

Recreation and relaxation at the Bayou Segnette State Park in Louisiana

Bayou Segnette State Park, Louisiana, by Brooke (Siayla)

The Bayou Segnette State Park is one of Louisiana’s most famous all-in-one family friendly recreation areas, open for all sorts of visitors, from hikers and bikers, to swimmers and laid-back sunbathers looking to gather a tan. Picnic spots abound, and the park comes complete with a large wave pool, an abundance of freshwater fishing spots, boating routes and plenty of fun-filled playgrounds for the kids. Fees start at around $20 a night, and the on-site ground comes with a capacity of just under 100 tents.

In the shadow of Montana’s massifs at the Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, Waterton Glacier International Peace Park, by tabadabadoo

More intrepid families will love the rugged landscape and unbridled adventure offerings of the Glacier National Park. Strewn over the soaring, snow-tipped peaks of Montana State, it is home to over 700 miles of marked mountain trail and a seemingly endless swathe of truly breathtaking American backcountry, where kids and adults alike can find their inner explorer. There are more than 1000 campsite spots available over the Glacier’s 13 grounds, most all of which are organized on a first-come, first serve basis.

Between Oregon’s lakes and sea at the Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park

Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, Oregon, by startslow

This sprawling campground is among the largest in all of North America, encompassing two individual freshwater lakes and a great section of the Oregon coastal seaboard. This all means that its recreational offering is both varied and broad, and it’s possible to do activities like water skiing in the morning and blackberry picking in the afternoon (that is, if the season’s right!). Park facilities include playgrounds and marked out hiking trails, while touring families without the proper equipment are free to rent one of the quirky on-site yurt accommodations.

Take a closer look at the park:

“At Jesse M. Honeyman State Park.”

rustysadventures

“It was such fun.”

ddranginis

“Impressive”

startslow

Read traveler experiences and see 8 photos of Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park

The post The Ten Best Places to Go Camping with the Family in the United States appeared first on Hopper Blog.

We’ve shown you how to make papercraft figurines of Obi-Wan Kenobi, R2-D2 and other Star Wars characters but today, things get a little more exciting. We’ll share instructions on how to make your very own papercraft Millenium Falcon. This is slightly more advanced stuff than the Cubeecraft models we’re shared in the past, but it’s well worth the time and effort. Especially if you’re like this guy who build a model 2.2 metres tall. This is how it will look like: Here are the templates and instructions. Enjoy! Image credit: An old deckplan of the Millennium Falcon, Millenium Falcon

Read the full article: How To Make Your Own Papercraft Millenium Falcon

Just what are you looking at when you flip over your Tissot or Swiss Army watch and peer through the case back crystal at that ETA automatic? It's time to learn. We break down the parts of an ETA automatic watch movement.

The mass and rapid exiting of bison herds and other animals from Yellowstone National Park may be a foreshadowing that something very dramatic is happening. According to some, the animals may be detecting something vast and deadly that could be the Yellowstone supervolcano.

A 4.7 earthquake hit four miles north-northeast of the Norris Geyser Basin on March 30. The University of Utah Seismograph Stations termed it “a light earthquake.” It also said that it was part of a series of 25 quakes. The United States Geological Service’s Yellowstone Observatory claims that earthquake activity in and around Yellowstone is normal, because between 1,000 and 3,000 typically occur each year.

Geological experts have discovered that the supervolcano is far bigger than previously thought, about 2.5 times. “We’ve been working there for a long time, and we’ve always thought it would be bigger… but this finding is astounding,” said Bob Smith of the University of Utah. One theory posits that supervolcano eruptions may happen about every 700,000 years, and that the last one to hit was 1.3 million years ago.

The biggest eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano happened around 2.1 million years ago. It left behind huge volcanic depressions called “calderas” and spread volcanic ash over large parts of North America, according to the U.S. Geological Service.

The USGS claims that, "If another large caldera-forming eruption were to occur at Yellowstone, its effects would be worldwide. Thick ash deposits would bury vast areas of the United States, and injection of huge volumes of volcanic gases into the atmosphere could drastically affect global climate.” The USGS also says the likelihood of this happening in the next few thousand years is “exceedingly low.”