Brooklyn for Art Lovers http://ift.tt/1Kouc1T

Manhattan has world-famous museums and international art galleries, but Brooklyn has an exciting arts scene all its own, fueled by the many creative people who live there. If you want to see eye-popping street art, check out cutting-edge galleries, and spend a few hours at top-notch museums, read our handy guide to the borough's best art spaces.

Gallery Collectives

Today the largest and most active arts community can be found in Bushwick, primarily in the blocks between the L train’s Morgan Avenue and Jefferson Street stops. As soon as you emerge from the subway, you’ll see vivid street art and the BogArt, a former industrial warehouse converted to galleries and studios. Over in DUMBO, a number of the galleries from 111 Front Street Galleries are relocating to the old Galapagos Arts space, now called the Stable Building. The Pioneer Works, in Red Hook, is a restored machine factory that now houses exhibition spaces as well as studios for artists in residence.

Standout Galleries

Gallery hopping in Brooklyn can be a fun way to spend an afternoon, but it takes a bit of planning and really depends on what's showing (some are generally great, some just have the occasional great show). Most galleries in Williamsburg, Greenpoint, DUMBO, and Bushwick are open to the public on weekends; some are open by appointment on weekdays.

In Williamsburg, Pierogi and its affiliated space, the Boiler, have long anchored the art scene here, while Sideshow and Front Room host fun rotating exhibits and openings. In Bushwick, Luhring Augustine is consistently worth visiting. To find out what's on in the moment, grab a free copy of Wagmag, Brooklyn’s art guide, at select galleries, or check http://ift.tt/1hPran5 for up-to-date information.

Street Art

There's street art all over Brooklyn, from slapdash illegal tagging to masterful aerosol paintings. Standouts include the Swoon mural in Red Hook at Conover and Pioneer Street, Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra’s technicolor portrait of Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat on the corner of North 9th Street and Bedford Avenue, Iranian brothers Icy & Sot’s massive stencil in the shadow of the Williamsburg Bridge, Barry McGee’s collage on the side of the Mark Morris Dance Company near BAM, and Stephen "ESPO" Powers’ “Love Letter to Brooklyn” on the side of the Macy's building in Downtown Brooklyn.

Check out street-art hubs like Bushwick's Troutman Street, where you can see the largest collection in the borough, organized by the Bushwick Collective. The murals stretch on for several blocks, and you’ll find cafes, restaurants, and bars interspersed throughout. Not far away, on Moore Street and around Roberta's and the BogArt, buildings constantly exhibit new pieces (some commercially sponsored). In Greenpoint, the warehouses around the India Street Pier feature some impressive large-scale works. Over in DUMBO, under and around the Manhattan Bridge and the BQE, are the DUMBO Walls: eight walls decorated by the likes of Shepard Fairey and MOMO (and sponsored by, among others, NYCDOT).

Public Art Installations

This is Brooklyn, so you never know what might pop up. Keep your eye out (and on social media) to find out about interesting exhibitions. Tom Fruin's gorgeous plexiglass and steel watertowers have been so popular that they might become permanent.

Museums and Art Centers

The Brooklyn Museum, on the edge of Prospect Park, stands as a testament to the borough’s long history of supporting the arts. Inside, you’ll find a rich permanent collection and rotating exhibits by heavy hitters like Ai Weiwei, as well as up-and-coming Brooklyn-based artists like Kehinde Wiley. Over in Fort Greene, BRIC, an arts organization serving Brooklyn since 1979, unveiled its huge new center in 2013 complete with performance spaces, film studios, and a 3,000-square-foot gallery. The Pratt Sculpture Park, in Clinton Hill, occupies the art institute’s entire Brooklyn campus and features around fifty works. In nearby Fort Greene, MoCADA focuses on art with a social or political message about the African diaspora.

Events

The best way to experience Brooklyn’s art scene is undoubtedly by attending the open studios, block parties, and festivals thrown in various neighborhoods. Greenpoint Gallery Night opens up artist studios twice a year, in March and September. The Bushwick Collective throws a massive block party in summer, with street artists at work, food stands, and live music on and around Troutman Street. Similarly, Bushwick Open Studios and Gowanus Open Studios grant insider access to the neighborhood’s normally private workshops. In Williamsburg, the second Friday of every month is gallery night, and in DUMBO it’s the first Thursday of most months.

Photo Credits (top to bottom): Hrag Vartanian; Andrew Russeth; Peyri Herrera; Brenden; Shinya Suzuki; Eva Blue; Hrag Vartanian

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Fodor's Week in Travel: Culinary Adventures http://ift.tt/1Eolii1

It's never a bad idea to plan your travels around your meals; oftentimes the best trips are food-centric ones. Make sure your camera's handy and your Instagram's ready because this week's roundup serves up some mouthwatering destinations. 

Brooklyn's 50 Best Restaurants

Check out our writers' favorite hotspots to sit down and taste the best of the borough's diverse and innovative cuisines.

Portugal's Top 12 Experiences

Pastry shops and cafes are everywhere in this country. Pop into a few for pastel de nata, a delicious egg-custard tart.

Where to Find Amazing Asian Food in London

From street food to classics (and of course, ramen), we’ve found some of the best places to dig into some delicious Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese, and Vietnamese grub.

Berlin's Top 10 Experiences

It wouldn't be a trip to Germany without Weisswurst, pretzels, and sausage with curried ketchup, Berliners' fare of choice. 

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20 College Towns We Love to Visit http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Although there is nothing more prototypically “college town” than thousands of tailgating students and fans decked out in face paint and their team colors, not every city hosting a university is a sports-centered extravaganza on weekends. But like the institutions they house, college towns do generate loyal fanbases that brag about the cities’ vibrant art cultures, top-notch restaurants, and charming eccentricities. From gorgeous sceneries to bustling entertainment scenes, historic sights to lush parks, these twenty university towns have established unique personalities and appealing environments, creating a place where you’d want to stay for far longer than four years. Read on for our editors’ favorite spots.

By Sara Quaranta

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Where to Find Amazing Asian Food in London http://ift.tt/1Eoli1t

The flavors of Asia are more alive in London than ever: With an eclectic mash-up of Eastern flavors and tastes including Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese, and Vietnamese cuisines, you can find authentic elements of street food mixed with classics, premium ingredients like Wagyu and Kobe beef, comfort food, and of course, steaming bowls of ramen. From expansive spaces to small storefronts, London’s love affair with Asian cuisine shows no sign of cooling off. Below, we’ve honed in on a unique sampling of these on-trend eateries.

Sleek Asian

It’s like a scene of out a James Bond film at elegant TĪNG (located on the thirty-fifth floor of the luxurious Shangri-La at The Shard), which doubles as a restaurant and lounge inside Renee Piano’s iconic skyscraper. To enjoy the expansive city views, opt for afternoon tea—including both Asian and traditional English preparations. The lounge grants you a la carte Malaysian options including specialties like nasi goreng, char kuey teow, and wonton soup—all deeply satisfying. If you want to continue a taste of the Bond life, retreat to the hotel’s new Signature Suites and have your butler deliver a late-night bowl of spicy curry laksa.

Gastropubs

In Soho, The Duck & Rice, an innovative, stylish “Chinese gastropub” from restaurateur Alan Yau, riffs on classic pub fare by pairing it with Chinese comfort-food elements. The tender Cantonese duck is a given, and both the salt-and-pepper squid and hearty chili Sichuan chicken with spring onions, garlic, dry red chili, and peppercorns pair well with a cold beer—make sure to see what’s on tap from the huge on-site copper tanks. 

Street Food

For takeaway Vietnamese sandwiches, look no further than the cheerful Whaam Banh Mi. Owner Tom Barlow lived in Vietnam for a few years, and his research paid off. The result is a mix of airy baguettes filled with slow-cooked fillings like tender brisket with fresh herbs.

For Taiwanese street food dishes, the small, sleek BAO offers steamed buns generously filled with braised pork and peanut powder; a dessert version is made with with Horlicks ice cream and doughnut batter.

Izakaya

Like its name suggests, Beer & Buns doles out Japanese micro-brewed beers and fluffy buns filled with classics like pork belly, pulled duck leg, and "kaki fry" vegetables, with assorted slaws and chutneys. Beyond buns, opt for the Korean chicken wings and afterward join in on an on-site retro rock ‘n’ roll pinball (or foosball) game. 

Casual Japanese pubs have arrived in posh Mayfair. The Woodstock Kushiyaki Bar (11 Woodstock St.; +44 20 7499 4342), which claims to be London’s first authentic izakaya, is the spot for Asian beer like Asahi and hirata buns (the Asian equivalent of the burger). With more than twenty skewers including vegetarian options, the menu showcases freshly grilled kushiyaki (with teriyaki sauce) and fried kushiage (fried skewers with miso and dashi). Don’t miss the generous chunks of pork belly and the king prawns with lime (add extra teriyaki). Wash everything down with some Japanese whisky.

Korean Food

On Carnaby, find Korean comfort food with a mod twist at the dark wood-on-wood Jinjuu (which translates to “Pearl”) helmed by chef Judy Joo, who worked for Gordon Ramsay. Instagram-worthy dishes like Korean tacos, bibimbap (a combination of vegetables, rice, and marinated tofu), barbecued meats, and plates like bo ssäm pork belly with apple cabbage kimchi wash down well with soju (Korea’s popular and potent distilled beverage) cocktails.

Pan-Asian

For rock ‘n’ roll flair, stop by the dimly lit, divey, pan-Asian eatery Joe’s Oriental Diner on King’s Road for Asian beers and Australian chef Scott Hallsworth’s menu. Mixing plates include low-key crisp Asian vegetables, barbecue scallops, crab claws in fried wonton skins with sweet chili, steamed buns with beef, and Thai pork sausage. On Fridays, head over for happy hour and barbecue wings. Of course, there are ample cocktails to get “soy sauced” on, including the Nuclear Daiquiri (lime, honey, chartreuse, and overproof rum) and the Singapore Sling (pineapple, cherry, gin, and grenadine). 

Kobe Beef

Soho’s small, narrow Engawa is one of the handful of eateries that offer Wagyu beef in London. Inside, nab one of the twenty-nine seats for a lunch of bento boxes or a dinner of three-, five-, or eight-course tasting menus, which include the pricey Kobe beef three ways and artistically crafted plates with gorgeous fresh sushi and sashimi. Perhaps the best seat is at the bar, where you can watch the chefs work their culinary cutting-skill magic.

Japanese Innovation

Industrial-style Kurobuta (named after a rare breed of pork as esteemed as Kobe beef) is a contemporary, boisterous spot from chef Scott Hallsworth, who cut his teeth at Nobu. The wooden dining room pulsates with indie music as small plates, like snow crab nigiri with yuzu citrus mayo, soft-shell crab tempura, fresh sashimi, and casual Wagyu beef sliders, emerge from the kitchen.

Ramen Bar

Ramen is all the rage in Covent Garden thanks to the authentic tonkotsu (made with pork broth) ramen bar Kanada-Ya offering noodle dishes cooked to your liking (soft, regular, hard, or very hard). The flavorful, rich, warming stock with some spicy, red miso paste and pink pickled ginger, along with sake, is a perfect way to clear your sinuses. Note that there are twenty-four seats and no reservations, so arrive early to procure your seat.

Across the street, the hip, two-story Ippudo (with renowned locales in New York, Hong Kong, and Tokyo) specializes in Hakata-style ramen, including tonkotsu with pork loin slices, kirurage (mushrooms) and noodles, and dishes like grilled black cod.

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Berlin�s Top 10 Experiences http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

From beer gardens to history museums, Berlin offers terrific experiences that should be on every traveler’s list. Here are Fodor’s top picks for a memorable trip.

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Brooklyn's 50 Best Restaurants http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

There was a time when dining in New York City was synonymous with dining in Manhattan, but all that feels like ancient history now. In the past decade, Brooklyn has become the city’s culinary incubator, the borough where innovative chefs create food trends that go on to take over the rest of the city, the country, and even the world. Thanks to the diverse population, there's a dizzying array of cuisines—from West Indian to Middle Eastern to dim sum to Mexican—so finding top-notch global eats is as easy as hopping on the subway. You won’t find legendary institutions like Nathan’s Famous or Di Fara Pizza on this list of our favorite eateries—we think of them as places to get a quick bite, and we love them for that—but you will find a collection of outstanding locations where you can sit, have a proper meal, and taste the best of what Brooklyn has to offer.

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Aruba's Top 12 Experiences http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

From horseback riding to scuba diving to dining on the beach, Aruba offers terrific experiences that should be on every traveler’s list. Here are Fodor's top picks for a memorable trip.

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10 Years after Katrina, New Orleans Is More Vibrant than Ever Before http://ift.tt/1U3CSPN

I made my first trip to New Orleans in late July, a month shy of the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. While waiting to board my flight at JFK, my thoughts drifted to the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra performance I'd seen earlier this year at Lincoln Center, where band members jumped off the stage and into the audience during the encore, exuberantly marching through the aisles as they blew their brassy horns. Beyond that, my impressions of New Orleans were inexorably tied to colorful images of Mardi Gras and antebellum mansions mixed with CNN footage of a city submerged in water in the wake of the deadly storm that bore down on the Big Easy on August 29, 2005.

Within a few short hours of landing at Louis Armstrong International, a palpable dynamic began to emerge: There’s a “pick yourself up by your bootstraps” mood that makes the city more upbeat than ever. Like a carnival queen poised for the big parade, New Orleans today exudes tremendous warmth and a fierce hometown pride.

My driver from the airport treated me to a mini-tour, happily answering even the most cliché questions from this first-time visitor.

“What’s it like here during Jazz Fest?”

“It’s one big party. People come from all over the world!”

“Have you ever tasted alligator?”

“Oh yeah, Jacque-Imo’s makes a shrimp and alligator cheesecake that’ll knock your socks off.”

“Who do you think makes the best beignets in town?”

“That’s a tough one, but I’d have to say Morning Call.”

Equally enthusiastic was my greeting at The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, a new industrial-chic retreat inside a renovated 1854 warehouse in the Central Business District. In classic Southern style, the porter took my hand as I exited the limo and a beaming concierge boomed out a hearty “Welcome to New Orleans!”

An intense bond often emerges in the wake of tragedy, a camaraderie that comes from the realization that you’re all in it together. A decade after the floodwaters receded, the memory of Katrina and an eagerness to create something new keeps New Orleanians engaged and united in a way I haven’t experienced since the aftermath of 9/11 in New York City.

I had family and friends who narrowly escaped when the Twin Towers fell. In the weeks that followed, I took long walks through Central Park, simply trying to absorb how surreal and ruthless it all was. The events of 9/11 made me feel a profound commitment to New York City. I thought, if having this kind of diversity and mind-blowing mix of attributes means I have to live a riskier life, so be it. I imagine that many New Orleanians felt the same after the hurricane.

New Orleans lost over half its population in the year following Katrina. By July 2014, its population was back up to 384,320—a rebound of 67 percent since 2006. Many of those who returned have started local businesses—large and small—to help reinvigorate their beloved city.

“NOLA has this crazy energy that’s always been a part of the fabric of the city,” said Jeff Hinson, Account Director at 360i, an advertising firm that works alongside New Orleans Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to promote local tourism. “People came back wanting to bring something new to New Orleans and New Orleans has given them so much in return.”

Today, there are nearly 30,000 hotel rooms in the Crescent City—10,000 more than at the end of 2005. There are also 600 more restaurants than a decade ago, and NOLA’s string of James Beard award winners has continued unabated. Viking River Cruises plans to open its first U.S. office here in 2017, with two ships slated for Mississippi River cruises. What’s more, according to the Data Center research group, the business start-up rate in New Orleans exceeds the nation’s by 64 percent.

Kevin Farrell and Nick Vivion are two of the city’s new trailblazing entrepreneurs. Kevin attended New Orleans’ Loyola University; he left for Seattle after his home was destroyed, yet wanted to return. When he met Nick at Burning Man in 2008, the two decided to start a restaurant to assist with the city’s recovery. Kevin and Nick’s brainchild, Booty’s, which opened in the burgeoning Bywater neighborhood in 2012 with a menu of craft cocktails and street food inspired by Nick’s world travels as a travel journalist, quickly became one of the city’s most popular restaurants. The pair’s second restaurant, Ursa Major, opened to glowing reviews this past spring in the budding South Market District.

Sara Howard, a waitress who fled to Austin with her two young daughters and Great Dane, also returned here to start a kayaking company with her partner, Sonny Averett. Today, Kayak-iti-Yat offers guided kayaking tours along Bayou St. John, a long-overlooked recreational waterway that runs through the scenic Faubourg St. John and Parkview neighborhoods. Paddling past historic homes and churches, Sara and Sonny regaled me with their local knowledge and pointed out swaths of land upon which the city’s iconic Southern Live Oak trees, uprooted by the storm, have been replanted by local environmental groups.

And then there’s Teddy Schiro, my bike-tour guide from Free Wheelin’ Bike Tours. Teddy’s cousin, Ryan, started the company five years ago to show the world the beauties of his home city and hired only local family and friends. It helps that New Orleans has built more than 100 miles of dedicated, paved bike lanes in the past decade—only five miles existed before 2005—enabling Teddy to lead me through Treme, Mid-City and Faubourg St. John on a “Creole & Crescent” tour.

For every story like Kevin, Sara, and Teddy’s there are hundreds, if not thousands, more. And new attractions are popping up almost monthly. The state-of-the-art Jazz Market, a 600-seat performance hall for the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and other top acts, debuted in April in a once-dilapidated department store and includes an extensive jazz archive, rehearsal space, and the sleek Bolden Bar, named after Buddy Bolden, a legendary cornetist who lived five blocks away. The twenty-acre Crescent Park was unveiled last year along the riverfront in the Bywater and the Lafitte Greenway, the city’s equivalent of New York’s Highline, will be completed in September. New Orleans’ streetcar network is undergoing expansion, too, with additional lines planned for the French Quarter as well as St. Claude Avenue.

Of course, not everything is rosy in New Orleans. The city’s crime rate continues to make headlines, though tourists are rarely the victims. The Lower Ninth Ward, the predominantly African-American working class neighborhood that lies below sea level and was the worst hit by the hurricane, is still experiencing a painfully slow recovery. And the influx of entrepreneurs has driven housing prices up, compromising the unique blend of race, class, and culture that makes New Orleans so exceptional.

But the best parts of New Orleans haven’t changed: you can still walk down dimly-lit alleyways and see ornate wrought-iron gates hugging historic French-Spanish buildings, or come across a group of school kids breaking into a full-on jazz quartet on a street corner. And, locals and visitors alike will tell you that there’s more to see and do now than in the years before Katrina.

My last day was a steamy one, with temperatures reaching a sweltering 94 degrees—typical for New Orleans in summer. I woke before dawn to watch the sun rise over the Mississippi River from the levee in front of the French Quarter. When I returned my bike at Free Wheelin’ on Burgundy Street, I spied a giant map covering the far wall, with pushpins marking nearly every city, state, province, and country in the world. Teddy told me that each pin represented a visitor they’ve taken on a bike tour in the last five years. Below the map, hundreds of neon Post-it notes, scrawled with messages of thanks in dozens of languages, created a paper patchwork quilt of gratitude.

For more information on special events planned to commemorate the August 29, 2015 tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, visit Katrina 10.

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Portugal's Top 12 Experiences http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

From Douro River cruises to Port tasting, Portugal offers terrific experiences that should be on every traveler’s list. Here are Fodor’s top picks for a memorable trip.

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Fodor's Week in Travel: Stay Local http://ift.tt/1KsJEnA

You don't have to go on a grand excursion to eat great food and take in breathtaking scenery. Sometimes the best trips include nearby attractions and homegrown experiences. Check out our weekly roundup for fun that doesn't require leaving the country. 

Where to Find Brooklyn’s Best Pizza

New Yorkers pride themselves on their pizza, from classic coal-oven pies to creatively topped slices. Here are our local writers' favorite spots.

The Florida Keys' Top 14 Experiences

From gorging on delicious Key Lime Pie to playing with dolphins to grabbing drinks on Duval Street, a trip to The Keys is a guaranteed great time.

Brooklyn’s Best Coffee Shops

You're never far from a trendy caffeine fix in this borough. Here are seven independent shops to grab a cup or appreciate the coffeehouse atmosphere.

5 Reasons to Go to New Orleans Now

With the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina upon us, take a trip to the Big Easy to see how the city has emerged from the destruction as a culinary, musical, and cultural trendsetter.

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Top 10 Experiences in Istria, Croatia http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Stunning coastlines, charming medieval towns and villages, ancient Roman architecture, rolling vineyards, and delicious cuisine are just a few reasons why Istria should be at the top of your travel list. Sometimes referred to as “The Little Tuscany,” the Istrian Peninsula is home to diverse topography, rich culture, and an ever-expanding tourism industry that aims to set this still relatively unknown region of Croatia on the map. 

By Perrie Hartz

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10 Must-See Places in Jordan http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

From ancient, man-made wonders to modern cities, soul-stirring desert landscapes to plush beach resorts, Jordan is a land of fascinating contrasts and history, all within a country the size of Maine. The local culture of hospitality has deep roots in its Bedouin history: It was simply a matter of survival, and anyone crossing the unforgiving desert was welcomed as a guest. Even though most of Jordan’s Bedouins are only semi-nomadic these days—and you’ll most likely show up in a car rather than a camel—Jordanians remain the most gracious and generous of hosts, and the country is one of the friendliest destinations for travelers. To show you that there's more to the country than just world-famous Petra, we've selected nine other must-see places that will inspire you to pack your bags immediately.

By Deb Hopewell

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5 Reasons to Go to New Orleans Now http://ift.tt/1JlXS8Y

As the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, it’s a marvel to see how this formerly devastated city has emerged from the wreckage and embraced momentous changes. Over the decade, there’s been a rebirth of venerable institutions and an introduction of exciting and ambitious trends in cultural, musical, culinary, and cocktail spheres. Many hotels have freshened up with renovations, while new spots like the Ace Hotel await a 2016 opening. But, of course, strolling around this city is the best way to experience the magic. Here are five reasons to visit now.

1. You Can Indulge in the Colorful Culinary Scene.

Dining in New Orleans is a one-of-a-kind-experience that rivals no other American city. The cuisine melds different cultures including Creole, Cajun, and French-influenced Southern specialties and now incorporates emerging additions like Israeli food. Yes, modern Israeli food in New Orleans exists at the new uptown spot Shaya, helmed by chef Alon Shaya. Begin with a proper sprawl of colorful, fresh starters like hummus and curried fried cauliflower and dip with warm, airy pitas. Don’t skip the roasted chicken or lamb shank. Situated in an old townhouse, the new Balise, with chef Justin Devillier in the kitchen, is a fun place to nab a bar spot and feast on simple dishes like flounder and roasted grouper. The Bywater mainstay Booty’s has a great ongoing brunch menu—give the Cuban sandwich and Amsterdam fries a whirl.

Of course, Peche, with James Beard Award-winning chef Ryan Prewitt, is a perfect spot for smoked-tuna dip, smothered catfish, and a Louisiana shrimp roll. Revered local chef John Besh’s impressive empire includes nine splendid restaurants. His first inception, August, sits in a grand nineteenth-century townhouse and offers a touch of decadence with items like potato-crisp P & J oysters and Wagyu hangar steak with sesame, kimchi, and cured yard egg. Last but not least, it would be a shame to miss a trip to the venerable, recently renovated Brennan's. Ask for a seat in the garden room with the hand-painted murals of nineteenth-century Mardi Gras. Order a French 75 and the roasted gulf oysters with chili butter and a Manchego crust.

2. There’s Always a Place to Grab a Drink.

Most historians agree the cocktail was born in New Orleans, so you won’t have trouble finding proper libations here. Enjoy the narrow courtyard of the allegedly haunted Cane & Table for bespoke cocktails like the fancy Extra Classic Sazerac (using hard-to-source High West Double Rye! and Maison Gourry Cognac), or try The Secret Howler (similar to a Manhattan but darker). For sustenance, nibble on the three-pea hummus with yucca chips. The handsome, speakeasy-esque CellarDoor, a former brothel on a stellar tree-lined street, is a smart stop for an Old Fashioned.

At Lüke, the oyster happy hour, with a glass of bubbles or crisp Sauvignon Blanc, is a special way to spend a late afternoon. Bacchanal Wine doubles for sipping wine and nibbling on a cheese plate in an outdoor, torch-lit setting with live music. Later, arrange a tour of Old New Orleans Rum Celebration Distillery. If it’s caffeine you crave, bypass the long lines at the famed Café Du Monde and drop by the French Quarter’s new independent coffee shop, Spitfire, which drums up some lovely brews and fresh teas.

3. Pretending You’re a Local Is Easy.

To keep your waistline in check, take a jog along the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar tracks, a well-traversed, grassy stretch encased on both sides by massive oak trees, grand houses, and majestic churches. You can also run up Magazine Street and into the neighborhoods of stately, ornate mansions around the upper and lower Garden District. Later, picnic at Audubon Park (from the Quarter or Warehouse District you will need a ride on the streetcar or a car) and soak up the lush greenage. Those with kids will love the on-site, 58-acre zoo there. Want to check out the local produce scene? Stroll the Crescent City Farmers' Market, which moves locations on rotating days of the week.

4. You’ll Enjoy the Jazz Joints.

Jazz music is a rite of passage and, for New Orleans, a birthright. The small, no-frills Preservation Hall is run by local tuba player Ben Jaffe. There’s scant seating, although standing room is available (make sure to bring your favorite cocktail in from the outside world). On Wednesdays, drop by to hear the legendary, Grammy-winning Irvin Mayfield at his namesake playhouse inside the Royal Sonesta Hotel. At night, along the very flavorful, indie-style Frenchmen Street, popular jazz spots like d.b.a (don’t miss the craft beers), The Spotted Cat Music Club, Apple Barrel Bar (609 Frenchmen St.; 504-949-9399), and the Blue Nile (which from the street indeed projects a blue hue) provide unrivaled, top-notch music in an atmosphere that is uniquely New Orleans.

5. There Are Amusing, Offbeat Ideas to Try.

Escape from the buzz of the French Quarter and explore the road less traveled. For a taste of voodoo, a tradition steeped in African diaspora and spiritual conventions, stop by Priestess Miriam’s Voodoo Spiritual Temple (est. 1990), which serves as both a retail storefront (think sage, herbal healing elixirs, and voodoo dolls) and a place for spiritual readings (if you schedule in advance) by the eccentric Priestess. The art-savvy should investigate Prospect New Orleans, which showcases new artists. For some deep history, take a cemetery stroll, beginning with the city’s oldest graveyard, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, which features the tombstones of politicians and aristocrats, and then visit Greenwood Cemetery, the burial place of 600 Confederate soldiers and Major League Baseball player Al Jurisich. You can also arrange tours for more background.

Where to Stay: The ninety-seven-room W New Orleans-French Quarter recently underwent a renovation, but the gorgeous tree-filled courtyard and the small pool (request a room with a balcony) remain intact, thankfully. Want out of the Quarter? The lovely, well-appointed, eight-room Terrell House is an ideal spot to lay your head and later stroll about the lower Garden District. The renovated 1,193-room Hyatt Regency is perfect for big groups, the convention bureau set, and those with kids.

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Brooklyn's Best Coffee Shops http://ift.tt/1JlXRSx

Coffee has a serious culture in Brooklyn, and pour-overs and local roasts are a source of pride here. The profusion of local coffee bars and mini-chains, as well as the presence of top names from around the country, means there is an abundance of cool or cozy spots for coffee connoisseurs looking to get a cup to go or to stay and while away an afternoon. The sheer number of options can be overhwhelming, though, so we've handpipcked our absolute favorites across the borough. Here are seven coffee shops where you'll find great ambiance and outstanding pours.

Blue Bottle Coffee

Where: Boerum Hill and Williamsburg

Self-described coffee aficionados line up for the espresso and pour-overs at Blue Bottle, which originated in Oakland but feels very much at home in Williamsburg. The former factory building has light streaming in through large windows so the La Marzocco espresso machine seems to shine, and a Kyoto-style iced-coffee dripper, which looks like it belongs in a science lab, is displayed opposite the coffee counter. There's not much seating, so it's best to get your coffee and snack (mmmm, s'mores) to go. Beans are roasted in a vintage Probat roaster in back.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Boerum Hill and Cobble Hill Guide and Fodor’s Williamsburg Guide

Brooklyn Roasting Company

Where: DUMBO

Artfully disheveled staffers brew coffee from fair-trade and rainforest alliance-certified beans, while local gallerists and start-up techies flirt over perfectly poured cortados and other beverages at this café adjacent to the East River. The loft-style, industrial space is filled with antique roasting equipment and ample seating. There are pastries and sandwiches as well.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s DUMBO Guide

Devoción

Where: Williamsburg

At this coffee shop with roots in Bogotá, the beauty of the space is matched by the quality of the coffee, which comes exclusively from small farms in Colombia. Fresh beans are brought directly to Brooklyn, where they're roasted on site within a few days of arrival. Take a seat on one of the leather sofas under the skylight or at a table in front of the living wall and enjoy a cappuccino with one of the homemade medialunas or croissants. The stylish space has books, magazines, and even dominoes—perfect for a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Williamsburg Guide

Gorilla Coffee

Where: Park Slope


This popular Brooklyn-based brand has fueled Park Slope since 2002 with its specially blended roasts and beans from fair-trade cooperatives. Muffins and baked goods come from nearby Blue Sky Bakery. Business is brisk and the atmosphere is serious—those who stay plant themselves in the schoolroom-like rows of tables
and chairs and work until their MacBook batteries run out. The window seats and red benches outside are prime spots to watch the steady stream of foot traffic. There is another location at 472 Bergen Street (just off Flatbush Avenue), but this is the original.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Park Slope and Prospect Park Guide

Little Skips

Where: Bushwick

Artwork by local artists, some of them customers, hang on the wall at this popular hangout space that lures a large contingent of freelancers typing away on their laptops. The sandwiches are excellent, and gluten-free substitutes are available for an additional charge. Service can be slow, but there's plenty of people watching while you wait.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Bushwick and East Williamsburg Guide

Steeplechase

Where: Windsor Terrace

Serving coffee made from Brooklyn Roasting Company beans and pastries and bagels from the best Brooklyn bakeries, this is the perfect place to start the day or to perk up in the afternoon. Locals love to hang out with their laptops, but ample seating and a computer-free area mean you can almost always find space.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Windsor Terrace, Greenwood Heights, and South Slope Guide

Toby’s Estate

Where: Williamsburg

With four cafés in New York City, Toby's Estate is expanding quickly into a mini coffee empire that started in Brooklyn. The spacious location on North 6th Street is perennially packed, so you might have to wait for a seat to open up—but it's worth it, especially for a prime spot on the long, comfy couch. Light streaming in through large windows gives the place a bright, airy feel. The coffee drinks are outstanding, as are the made-to-order sandwiches (think egg on a roll with espresso-lacquered bacon) and salads.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Williamsburg Guide

Photo Credits (top to bottom): See Inside; Kristina D.C. Hoeppner; courtesy of Devoción; Shinya Suzuki; kerosene rose; courtesy of Steeplechase; Bex Walton
 

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The Florida Keys' Top 14 Experiences http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

From Highway 1 to Duval Street, The Florida Keys offer terrific experiences that should be on every traveler’s list. Here are Fodor’s top picks for a memorable trip.

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Panama's Top 12 Experiences http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

From jungle adventures to bicoastal diving, Panama offers terrific experiences that should be on every traveler’s list. Here are Fodor’s top picks for a memorable trip.

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Where to Find Brooklyn�s Best Pizza http://ift.tt/1E2k4ZJ

With everything from old-school coal-oven-baked slices to nouveau pies dressed with innovative toppings, this is the pizza capital of the country. Legendary pizza makers have been slinging pies in Brooklyn for decades, while in recent years the borough was
 the incubator for the new-wave Neapolitan craze. What makes the pizza so good here? Many believe it’s the special qualities of New York City water.

Barboncino

Where: Crown Heights

Sometimes a pizza parlor is more than just a spot for a bite to eat; it’s a gathering place, a place to warm your bones night after night. Barboncino is that and more. Here, friends meet for specialties like the standout Neapolitan pizza (order the "Arugula") and the famous veal and pork meatballs topped with Parmesan and for the convivial bar scene. Settle in with the after-work crowd and you'll feel like a Crown Heights local. Or stop by for late-night drink specials. Tuesday is jazz night.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights Guide

Di Fara Pizza

Where: Midwood

Brooklyn legend Domenico De Marco has been handcrafting pizzas with top-quality ingredients in this Midwood storefront for fifty years, and even the locals are willing to wait upward of an hour (and sometimes two) for pizza that's a contender for best in the greater New York area.

You can order a slice ($5), but you're better off with a whole pie, since the pizza-maker waits until there are enough slice orders to complete a pie. The "classic" is topped with sausage, peppers, mushrooms, and onions ($33), but the "regular" ($29) lets you appreciate the pure goodness.

The small, worn space has only a handful of tables (no table service), so don't expect anything fancy—just great pizza. For a shorter wait, arrive well before they open at noon and note that they're closed between 4:30 and 6 p.m. Di Fara recently extended its hours to include Tuesdays. But it's uncertain whether this will be permanent, so check before you head out.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Ditmas Park and Midwood Guide

L&B Spumoni Gardens

Where: Gravesend

Brooklynites make summertime pilgrimages to L&B Spumoni’s outdoor garden for squares of Sicilian-style pizza—the crunchy crust has a thin layer of mozzarella, tomato sauce, and just a drizzle of olive oil on top. L&B Spumoni’s is three restaurants in one: a pizzeria, an informal Italian restaurant, and an ice cream shop. The restaurant serves classics like fried calamari; Caesar salad; and marinara, Bolognese, carbonara, and Alfredo pastas. Whatever you come for, don’t leave L&B without a scoop of spumoni ice cream.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Brooklyn Guide

Paulie Gee’s

Where: Greenpoint

When it comes to pizza there’s stiff competition, but Paulie Gee’s serves outstanding gourmet pies with all kinds of creative toppings—the idea to put Mike's Hot Honey on pizza is just one of many strokes of genius. The extensive list of offerings includes the “Anise and Anephew” (Paulie Gee’s personal favorite) made with braised fennel, Berkshire guanciale, and fresh mozzarella, plus a full page of vegan pies. The handmade wood-fired oven is from Naples’ famed oven-maker Stefano Ferrara. The average wait time for a table on Friday or Saturday night is an hour.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Greenpoint Guide

Roberta’s

Where: East Williamsburg

A neighborhood groundbreaker since it opened in 2008, this restaurant in a former garage is a must-visit, especially for pizza connoisseurs. The menu emphasizes hyperlocal ingredients—there's a rooftop garden—and the wood-fired pizzas have innovative combinations of toppings like fennel, pork sausage, and pistachio. There are also pastas and meaty mains, along with a vegetarian-friendly option or two.

In summer service extends to a hip patio tiki bar. Roberta's is wildly popular, so either come early or try for a table at lunch or brunch, which isn't as hectic. Blanca, the two-Michelin-starred tasting-menu-only ($195 per person, Wednesday–Saturday) restaurant on the Roberta's property serves innovative New American food. It's by reservation only.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Bushwick and East Williamsburg Guide

Toby’s Public House

Where: South Slope

Loyal patrons may have been happy to keep the word from spreading about this top-quality thin-crust pizza, but the secret is out. There are many delectable options, from classic margherita to fig and Gorgonzola or smoked pancetta and black garlic, and a tempting selection of salads, too. It's a lively spot, with several TVs showing sports games and a family clientele.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Windsor Terrace, Greenwood Heights, and South Slope Guide

Totonno’s Pizzeria Napolitano

Where: Coney Island

Thin-crust pies judiciously topped with fresh mozzarella and tangy, homemade tomato sauce, then baked in a coal oven—at Totonno's you're not just eating pizza, you're biting into a slice of New York history.

Not much has changed since Anthony (Totonno) Pero first opened the pizzeria in 1924, right after the subways started running to Coney Island—the restaurant is at the same location and run by the same family, who uses ingredients and techniques that have been handed down through four generations. The casual dining room is old-school, too, with checkerboard linoleum flooring; red-top tables; and wall-to-wall autographed photos, historic news clippings, and awards and accolades (including the James Beard American Classic).

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Brighton Beach and Coney Island Guide

Photo Credits (top to bottom): Cole Kennedy; Guian Bolisay; Robert Judge; star5112; Krista; Joe Hall

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Belize's Top 12 Experiences http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

From Mayan ruins to jungle lodges, Belize offers terrific experiences that should be on every traveler’s list. Here are Fodor’s top picks for a memorable trip.

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Fodor's Week in Travel: End-of-Summer Weekend Getaways http://ift.tt/1TEqIau

As summer comes to a close, it is the perfect time to plan one last short trip before the air turns cool and your calendar turns hectic. Take a long weekend for a final vacation before you dive into your autumn responsibilities. From exploring all that Brooklyn has to offer to enjoying one last hurrah over Labor Day, our weekly roundup has your summer's-end travels covered.

America's 15 Best Football Cities

Just in time for preseason, we've got fifteen top cities for football fanatics to enjoy the best tailgates and rowdiest crowds of the game.

Long Weekend in Minneapolis

With trendy shops, 210 miles of bike paths, and a colorful arts scene, the City of Lakes makes for an ideal laid-back trip.

Brooklyn's Top 10 Experiences

Explore the hipster side of New York for a more easy-going vibe—with thoughtfully sustainable restaurants, craft-beer bars, a buzzy nightlife scene, and a commitment to art.

10 Ideas for Last-Minute Labor Day Getaways

The long holiday is a great way to end summer with a bang. Head to one of these destinations before you start to settle into your busy fall schedule.  

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South Africa's Top 12 Experiences http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

South Africa offers terrific experiences that should be on every traveler’s list. Here are Fodor’s top picks for a memorable trip.

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Food Lover's Guide to Toronto http://ift.tt/1J3Is9o

Not only is friendly, funky Toronto Canada's most populous city, but it's also one of the most multicultural municipalities in the world—and that translates to great eating. The variety of restaurants is mind-blowing: Vietnamese joints sidle up to new-school seasonal places, which sit across the street from Greek tavernas or Spanish tapas bars. The best part is that exploring this vibrant food scene merely requires picking a street in a lively area and going for a stroll. But if you'd rather narrow down the selection a bit, here are some ways to satisfy any appetite.

Take a Food Tour

A Foodies on Foot tour-de-deliciousness is a great introduction to Toronto's restaurants and neighborhoods. Itineraries include Best of Toronto and the sandwich-focused Insanewich! tour. If you sign up for the fun 501 Streetcar Food Tour, which hops on and off along the 501 Queen line, you'll start by hitting an excellent doughnut shop in Parkdale, all the way west, and move on through banh mi, barbecue, and more.

If you'd rather indulge in some self-guided exploration, choose a vibrant, diverse street like Ossington Avenue, which runs from west Queen West up through Little Portugal. Graze through the offerings there, grabbing a Portuguese pastel de nata (custard tart) at Venezia Bakery, a Malaysian roti at Soos, and chili-soy chicken wings at Hawker Bar. Finish up with a pint on Bellwoods Brewery's sidewalk patio.

Explore the Markets

Built as a sort of early supermarket in the nineteenth century, St. Lawrence Market still houses more than 120 vendors selling everything from meat to produce to cheese. There are also some good options for a bite, including Carousel Bakery, famous for its peameal bacon sandwich, which some say is Toronto's signature dish. It's thick-cut Canadian bacon on a Kaiser roll that you slather with mustard—basic, but tasty. Follow the crowds to Buster's Sea Cove, where seafood like calamari, grilled fish, and fish and chips has made this place so popular that it now has a spinoff food truck. There's seating, though you might have to elbow someone out of the way to secure a table. Or pick up provisions here and bring them on the ferry to one of Toronto's charming islands.

Less of a traditional market than a condensed neighborhood spread over several square blocks, Kensington Market is an appealingly scruffy hodgepodge of everything from juice stands to bagel stores to grilled-cheese shops, with an emphasis on the crunchy-granola end of things. Have a wander and see what appeals to you or brave the lines at Rasta Pasta on Kensington Street, a Jamaican-Italian mash-up serving rightfully famous jerk chicken served with coleslaw or in a Panini.

For an international street-food smorgasbord, hit up Market 707 for everything from West Indian roti to barbecue to sushi sold out of shipping containers that have been converted into food stands. You'll also find crepes, cookies, and Filipino fare.

It's not exactly a market, but the Distillery District is a historic area of brick industrial buildings that's home to shops, restaurants, and a brewery, Mill St. Brewpub. If you're in the area and hungry, you can nosh on bar food (sliders, wings, poutine) here or hit the sprawling, colorfully decorated patio at El Catrin for tasty margaritas and fish tacos.

Hit the highlights

Like any big city, Toronto has its share of buzzy restaurants. Bar Raval, the smaller sister restaurant to hit Spanish joint Bar Isabel, opened earlier this year. The best time to go might be breakfast or lunch, when it's less crowded and you can really take in the gorgeous, sculptural wooden interior (there's patio seating for warm months as well). During the day, the selection of tapas and pintxos (mini bites) is displayed on the bar, enabling easy selection of doughnuts, cheeses, cured meats, high-quality canned Spanish seafood, and more.

Two other notable stops are on the same block: DaiLo, which serves eclectic new-school Asian food in a beautiful dining room with jade booths, bamboo screens, and painted walls a la vintage Shanghai; and taco joint La Carnita, where a line is apt to form before the spot opens at 5 p.m.

Multiculturalism always breeds hybrids, and popular Patois is a case in point. The Jamaican-Chinese menu is beloved for dishes like pierogi-style kimchi potstickers and jerk chicken chow mein.

Down the street is the Black Hoof, which kick-started the city's charcuterie craze when it opened in 2008. The narrow bar has a pared-down chalkboard menu with offal-heavy offerings like pig's ear slaw and tongue on brioche.

Be sure to stop by Chinatown, the main drag of which is Spadina Avenue roughly between Queen Street West and College Street. Don't miss beloved institution King's Noodle, where the roasted meat platter, shrimp dumplings, and wonton noodle soup are musts. For late-night chowing, hit Swatow (309 Spadina Ave.; 416-977-0601) across the street, where classics like chow mein and shrimp and lobster sauce on rice are the dishes to order. For a Vietnamese fix, Pho Hung is so good that two other branches have opened elsewhere in the city.

If you want to make an evening of good views, first hit daisho on the third floor of the Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto. An outpost of David Chang's New York-based momofuku empire, the restaurant offers creative spins on modern Asian grub—and beyond. The menu recently featured two decidedly non-Asian riffs on the famous momofuku pork bun: an "everything" bun stuffed with whitefish salad and a falafel bun filled with a chickpea patty and pickled vegetables, both delicious.

Cap off your evening with a drink on the rooftop lounge of the Thompson Toronto hotel (reservations recommended), which boasts some of the best views of the downtown skyline. At night the buildings are lighted in different colors—it's a spectacular sight.

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