"What Died in Here?" Rare Corpse Flower Blooms in NYC http://ift.tt/2agFo1v

Look out, “Hamilton”, there’s a new hot-ticket event that has New York City buzzing. A rare “corpse flower” bloomed late Thursday, filling the New York Botanical Garden with the pungent scent of rotting flesh. The six-foot-tall flower, which is native only to western Sumatra, takes 10 years to grow and emits its unusual aroma to attract pollinators that typically feed on carrion. Morbid botany enthusiasts will have to act fast, though, the decade-in-the-making bloom only lasts for about 25 to 36 hours and will likely only bloom again in another seven to 10 years. So, only slightly longer than it takes to get “Hamilton” tickets.

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Long Weekend in Riviera Nayarit http://ift.tt/2aDW4n1

With 200 miles of pristine pacific coastline and dozens of tiny seaside towns and pueblos, the coastal community of Riviera Nayarit near Puerto Vallarta is just calling out to be explored. There are lush mountain peaks, nature reserves, golden sand beaches, and even an exclusive luxury resort community with some of the top hotel brands in the world. Punta de Mita, home to resorts like The Four Seasons Punta Mita and The St. Regis Punta Mita is a fabulous destination for those seeking over the top accommodations, privacy, and 5-star service. A long weekend with some beach time and lots of delicious food is perfect for a quick trip, and Mexico’s pacific treasure is closer than you think.

Friday

Arrive into Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport in Puerto Vallarta and once you’ve made it through customs and immigration, make your way to your rental car. In Mexico, a U.S. driving license and major credit card is sufficient in order to reserve and book a rental car, although it’s best to set up a reservation online ahead of time. Money exchanges are available in the airport and cash machines and banks are accessible throughout the area. Once in the car, take a short drive to Punta Monterrey Beach Resort, a private beach where you can disconnect and settle into vacation mode.

Punta Monterrey is a secluded destination accessed by a narrow and bumpy road. The all-inclusive resort is made up of cabins and bungalows, surrounded by 300 acres of an ecological jungle reserve. There’s limited Wi-Fi in the common areas and no televisions—it’s all about getting to know the other guests and taking in the breathtaking views of the private beach.

Saturday

After sleeping in and enjoying a typical Mexican breakfast, jump back in the car and drive to Sayulita, a surfing and beach town just down the road. While in Sayulita, find a parking space and take on the town by foot. There are lots of food options and boutique shops to splurge on. After lunch, head down to the water and rent an umbrella and chairs, take a surfing lesson, or enjoy a few tacos with a beer or two. By evening, return to Punta Monterrey for a final nights sleep before departing to San Blas the next morning.

Sunday

Depart Punta Monterrey by car and drive to San Blas, a small fishing village of about 12,000 people. Ecotourism here is a main draw, and after spending some relaxing days by the beach, San Blas will provide a different atmosphere and experience. Check into the Hotel Garza Canela, a family operated business with one of the best restaurants in all of Riviera Nayarit. Grab a quick bite at the hotel and drive over to La Contaduria, an abandoned fort where visitors can get up close and personal with the structure and enjoy the spectacular views of San Blas and the harbor.

Afterwards, drive to the harbor and hire a boat guide to visit La Tovara National Park. This is a bird lover’s paradise where you’ll find more than 250 species of migratory birds. Additionally, your guide will spot crocodiles and other wildlife during your tour. If birds aren’t really your idea of a good time, then take a different boat ride out to Mexcaltitan, a small man-made island off the coast, which was decreed as a historic monument zone in 1986. The population on the island is about 800 people and visitors can spend the day there walking down the small streets, visiting the museum and town square, and eating fresh fish. That evening, return to Hotel Garza Canela and indulge in Chef and owner Betty Vasquez’ El Delfin restaurant. Chef Vasquez has been regarded as one of the best chefs in the region and her menu makes for a great last meal and experience before departing back to the airport the next morning.

Where to Stay

For that extra-secluded feel near Sayulita, Punta Monterrey Beach Resort will provide just what you’re looking for—a hidden paradise. If you’re looking for something a little more lively, there are plenty of private home rentals close to the action in Sayulita.  In San Blas, the Hotel Garza Canela will be your best bet, since it’s home to the best restaurant in town.

Getting There

There are direct flights to Puerto Vallarta from various U.S. cities including Dallas, Honolulu, Phoenix, Portland, and Chicago on American Airlines, while Delta Airlines has direct flights from cities like Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and Atlanta. Additionally, Air Canada and WestJet Airlines have direct flights from almost every major city in Canada. 

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Riviera Nayarit Guide

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19 Free Things to Do in Philadelphia http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Philadelphia is encountering a renaissance. Once a city with a gritty reputation, Philadelphia is a metropolis celebrated for its history, inventive cuisine, and a progressive arts scene. With the recent title of America’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, Philadelphia has been placed on the international stage, named in Fodor’s Go List as one of the top places to visit in 2016. Best of all, Philadelphia gives visitors the opportunity to experience much of what it has to offer for free.—Kae Lani Kennedy

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How to Plan a Better Vacation, According to Science http://ift.tt/2aOuIaf

Wondering how you can make sure you get the most out of your next vacation? Science may be able to help you out. In a 2014 study, researchers were able to determine everything from how to be happier with your accommodations (book from home, not from work) to how to play the stock market (CEOs vacation when their companies’ stock is more stable). They even determined that taking a trip featuring the majesty of nature leads people to experience a “transcendent feeling of awe,” which in turns leads to “ethical decision making and generosity.”

For more on the science of vacationing visit NPR.

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Everything You Need to Know About Flying to Cuba http://ift.tt/2a3PuG3

Scheduled commercial aviation between the United States and Cuba will resume this fall for the first time in over five decades. While many U.S. government restrictions on travel to the island nation have been lifted, others remain firmly in place, thanks to a U.S. trade embargo that still exists against Cuba. That means that booking a flight to our neighbor to the south will still have a few unique quirks (for now). Planning a flight to this new frontier—new for Americans, at least—of travel? Here’s what you need to know.

Wait. Aren’t there already USA-Cuba flights?

American, Delta, JetBlue, Sun Country, and a few smaller, purely charter carriers have flown to Cuba for years under the heading of what are called “special-authority charters.” They have been permitted to carry passengers who qualify for travel to Cuba under U.S. law—namely participants in educational or cultural tours, journalists, educators, or those visiting family in Cuba. The charter flights were bookable only with charter companies or tour operators and not directly with the airlines. Most of these have been from South Florida, with a few from New York and Los Angeles.

What will be different about these new scheduled flights?

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is now negotiating with its Cuban counterpart to allocate regularly scheduled airline service between the two countries. Such flights can be booked directly with the airlines themselves. Twenty routes daily will be offered between the United States and Havana, with up to another 90 routes available to nine provincial airports elsewhere in the country.

Where can I fly?

The DOT has already awarded routes to the provincial airports, and airlines are selling tickets. The first of these will wing their way to Cuba the second week in September, with others being rolled out over the fall and early winter. Destination airports, airport codes, and airlines are: Camagüey /CMW (American, Frontier, JetBlue, Silver); Cayo Coco/CCC (Silver); Cayo Largo/CYO (Silver); Cienfuegos/CFG (American, Silver); Holguín/HOG (American, JetBlue, Silver); Manzanillo/MZO (Silver); Santa Clara/SNU (American, Frontier, JetBlue, Silver, Southwest, Sun Country); Santiago de Cuba/SCU (Frontier, Silver); and Varadero/VRA (American, Frontier, Silver, Southwest, Sun Country).

What about flights to Havana?

On July 7, 2016, the DOT announced a tentative list of routes to Cuba’s capital and of airlines which would serve them. These include operations by Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and United airlines from various airports around the United States. (Of the 20 daily Havana flights, 14 will depart from Florida, with another three from the New York City area.) As happens with any Federal agency, the DOT’s decision process will go through a period for comments and objections. The department expects to finalize the routes by late summer 2016, at which point the lucky airlines can begin marketing their Havana flights. Carriers must commence their services within 90 days of that announcement.

So, mojitos on the beach, here I come!

Not quite. The United States still levies a commercial embargo against Cuba. Until that is lifted, leisure tourism is not permitted under U.S. law. While fights will be available to Cuba’s famous beach resort of Varadero, for example, a typical stay at an all-inclusive property there would not conform to the law.

Then how can I legally travel to Cuba?

The U.S. government approves of 12 categories of travel for its citizens to visit Cuba. Among these are the educational and cultural travel mentioned above, and the highly structured, so-called “people-to-people” tours, which are chock-full of edifying activities with very little downtime. You are now permitted to put together your own culturally-themed trip, outside the boundaries of a tour group, as long as that is the entire focus of your travel to Cuba. The once-daunting process of applying for a license from the U.S. Treasury Department to visit Cuba is no longer needed. If traveling independently, you are required to keep a detailed log of your activities and keep it available for inspection for five years. Whether anyone official will ever ask to see your journal is another story.

But Americans do travel to Cuba purely as tourists and to hang out at the beach, right?

They have done so for years, sneaking in via a third country. Since it is still strictly illegal to do so, we do not countenance making such a trip. Remember that Cuba now stamps all passports on entry and exit. The days of Cuban passport control winking and waving Americans through without a stamp are no more. Also, when booking the new flights, airline websites will ask you to supply a reason for your trip, although they do not require documentation.

Will Cuban airlines also fly to the United States?

The agreement also permits Cubana, the country’s state airline, to touch down on American soil. Nothing is in the works yet.

What will happen to the charter flights?

They will continue. The DOT has stated that nothing in the awarding of the new scheduled flights precludes continued operation of the charters. The level of competition that will exist from the scheduled flights remains to be seen.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Cuba Guide

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Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo's Top Experiences http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

From colorful Carnival to iconic beaches to a thriving nightlife scene, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo 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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10 Best Ski Resorts for Summer Fun http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

The snow has melted and ski season has long been over, but that doesn't mean resorts close their doors until the next frost settles. On the contrary, the best resorts in the country ramp up their offerings and really come alive in the summer months. Biking, alpine slides, golf, and fly fishing are just a few of the outdoor activities on tap at these outstanding locations, so head for the hills and enjoy your favorite mountains as you never have before. These ten year-round resorts are among the best to visit this summer.—Zachary Laks

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Beer Lover's Guide to Madrid http://ift.tt/2ayBNPQ

Tapas, wine, nightlife, soccer— Madrid has many claims to fame, but good beer? That hasn’t been one of them— until now. Almost overnight, the city has emerged as one of Europe’s hottest new beer destinations, turning the heads of travelers and beer critics alike with its award-winning craft beers, lively beer crawls, and ultramodern brewpubs.

Though the term cerveza artesana has only recently crept into the local lexicon, beer has long been the tipple of choice for Spaniards, who polish off about 20 gallons of the stuff per person per year. And despite Spain’s notoriety for gin-tonics and wines like Rioja and Albariño, it’s the humble caña— Madrid slang for a half-pint— that’s the linchpin of social gatherings here, whether you’re unwinding over a few tapas, ringing in a verbena (street fair), or lounging by the pool.

In the summer months, when temperatures soar above 100 degrees, most Madrid residents reach for a Mahou, the capital’s ubiquitous pilsner. The trusty sidekick to tapas-crawl classics like calamari a la romana, nutty jamón (dry-cured ham), and marinated anchovies, it doesn’t get much more típico Madrileño than a half-pint of pils.

But as refreshing as Mahou may be, Spaniards are finally waking up to the nuances of different beer styles— and they’re demanding more variety at their neighborhood bars. Take La Tape, for instance, an unassuming restaurant in the hip Malasaña district whose manager, Julio González, happens to be a certified cicerone. “We have the deepest Belgian beer list in the city, and we’re constantly improving,” González said at a recent tasting, as he uncorked a bottle of vintage gueuze with the zeal of a Bordeaux cellar master.  

That’s not to say there aren’t equally praiseworthy Spanish brews giving the Germans and Brits a run for their money: Recent years have seen the emergence of one-of-a-kind bottles such as La Virgen “De Castañas,” fermented with hand-peeled roasted hazelnuts, and La Socarrada, infused with wild rosemary plucked from the hillsides surrounding the Valencia brewery. In fact, Spain’s craft beer industry grew by a whopping 1,600% between 2008 and 2015— more than almost any other business sector in the country.

Whether you’re a Mahou-loving traditionalist or a craft beer buff, one thing is certain: In Madrid, there’s something for every type of beer lover. From tapas to tastings, brewpubs to beer crawls, here are some of our favorite ways to grab a cold one in the Spanish capital.

Savor a Spanish Omelette

Of all the tapas synonymous with beer drinking in Madrid, Bodega La Ardosa’s award-winning tortilla de patata is particularly sublime. Unctuous and faintly sweet with caramelized onion, it plays best with a pint of Guinness or Pilsner-Urquell— classic choices here, since La Ardosa was the first bar in Madrid to carry either of the iconic beers on draft. Introducing the public to these international brands marked a pivotal moment in Madrid beer history— one that became a precursor to the excitement we’re seeing today surrounding craft beer. After staking out a couple of stools at the bar (a feat in itself), don’t forget to look around: the walls are adorned with vintage beer bottles and other tchotchkes that have piled up since La Ardosa opened in 1892. 

Tour a Brewery

Not every European capital can claim a full-scale craft beer operation within its city limits, but La Virgen is just that. Regarded as Spain’s most innovative microbrewery, La Virgen uses state-of-the-art equipment to produce its six signature (plus three seasonal) beers that range in style from hoppy ales to citrusy lagers and oatmeal stouts. Though you can spot La Virgen’s brews on a number of beer menus in Madrid, they’re best sampled at the source, a towering facility in the Las Rozas district that houses a beer garden and outdoor patio.

Insider Tip: Those seeking a more in-depth experience shouldn’t miss the informative brewery tours. Just be sure to sign up in advance— they fill up fast.

Experience a Beer-Driven Tasting Menu

A testament to Spain’s newfound appreciation for quality beer, alta gastronomía establishments around Madrid are beginning to experiment with beer pairings as an alternative to wine pairings on tasting menus. A prime example is Horcher, a fourth-generation restaurant on the Paseo del Prado, where limited-release bottles like Jacometrezo and Amaniel accompany German-inspired dishes like creamed herring, salmon roe-topped potato pancakes, and venison carpaccio with spicy figs.

Embark on a Beer Crawl

Ground Zero for Madrid’s beer revolution is Malasaña, the edgy, expat-filled neighborhood whose cobblestone streets are best explored by bar hopping. A good starting point is Calle Cardenal Cisneros, an unassuming backstreet that boasts an astounding concentration of cervecerías. There’s L’Europe, an unpretentious neighborhood spot that’s as famous for its lengthy Spanish beer list as it is for deep bowls of popcorn and cheese puffs. For something trendier, pop into Beer Garden, a pocket-sized bar and tasting room where you can throw back sour ales to the soundtrack of house music emanating from a DJ turntable. But to get a taste of the newest arrival on the Madrid beer circuit, look no further than Taproom, whose 24 drafts feature small-batch revelations like Nómada’s saison, infused with wildflowers, and Founders’ “Mango Magnífico,” enlivened by fresh mango and chipotle. 

Visit a Brewpub

Fábrica Maravillas, Madrid’s first brewpub located off Plaza de San Ildefonso, is a must-stop for any curious beer drinker. Days start early here for beer master Thierry Hascoët, who boils grain, hops, and water in enormous steel troughs. Visible behind floor-to-ceiling glass paneling— along with countless valves, gadgets, and hoses— they serve as a constant reminder of the provenance of whatever you’re sipping. Unlike many other bars in the neighborhood, Fábrica Maravillas stocks proper pint glasses, but to make the most of their ever-evolving beer rotation (which recently featured an IPA, an imperial stout, and a saison), opt for a few smaller-format cañas.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Madrid Guide

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5 Reasons to Visit Greenville, South Carolina http://ift.tt/2aao8zl

When people think of South Carolina, they think of Charleston, or Myrtle Beach—certainly not Greenville. However, this charming little city in the shadow of the Blue Ridge mountains has turned into a dynamic destination. A 32-acre park, green spaces, free concerts, pioneering artists, baseball fervor, foodie restaurants, and one of the most adorable Main Streets in America are just part of its allure. It’s the sort of place to take a stroll and stumble across something new and fun and interesting, a place that delights young and old and everyone in between. Here are five reasons to visit this surprising destination now.

Buzzing Restaurants

New restaurants are popping up all over Greenville, thanks to talented chefs responding to a growing population craving something new. You can’t stroll down a West End street without passing by dozens of intriguing venues, their bustling tables spilling onto the sidewalks. In the mood for barbecue? Try Henry’s Smokehouse (their slogan: leanest butt in town). Southern with a twist? Smoke on the Water serves mouth-watering BBQ, but also such surprising dishes as squash casserole and pimento cheese burgers; ask for a table on the leafy porch. Or perhaps you’d prefer something a little more elegant? Carl Sobocinski’s flagship Soby’s has made a reputation for itself with creative “New South” cuisine. And if you can’t decide, the best bet is the Euphoria food and wine festival in September, a collaboration between Sobocinski and South Carolina singer-songwriter Edwin McCain, where you can sample them all.

A Burgeoning Art Scene

Walking down Main Street, you might be surprised to find a small bronze mouse lurking by a bush. And another one, peering from an alleyway. (There are nine in total, the brainchild of artist Jimmy Ryan, who based them on his love for the book “Goodnight Moon”). Not far away, a spectacular rose crystal tower by famed glass artist Dale Chihuly graces a garden in Falls Park. And the red steel “Untitled 2002–2003” sculpture rises from the end of Liberty Bridge, also in Falls Park (locals call it Gumby). Scattered about town are more than 70 modern works of art, which are all part of Greenville’s Art in Public Places, a modern arts program funded by liquor tax funds. Download the app to take yourself on a tour.

Local artists have flocked to this artsy city, opening studios and galleries all over town. The best place to experience them is Art Crossing at Riverplace, where a dozen award-winning artists—including jewelers, painters, and photographers—have set up shop right on the Reedy River. You can watch them at work, and then purchase something to take home.

And for something a little more old school (but by no means stodgy), the Greenville County Museum of Art houses one of the world’s largest collections of works by Andrew Wyeth and Jasper John, with one of the finest southern collections to boot. Indeed, it boasts the second largest collection of works by South Carolina native William H. Johnson, after the Smithsonian American Art Museum. An active donor program means that new artworks are being added all the time, with a special focus on young talent.

Greenville’s art scene is celebrated every year at Artisphere, a festival drawing artists and art lovers from all over.

Acclaimed Theater

Greenville is the sort of place where, on a sultry summer evening, you might be strolling through Falls Park and stumble upon a free showing of “As You Like It” on an outdoor stage, part of the annual Upstate Shakespeare Festival. Some people stop just for a minute or two, though many stay for the whole show, sitting on blankets or chairs. It’s casual and fun and accessible, even for kids.

Warehouse Theatre produces small, professional shows, with many of its actors on a rising-star trajectory. Centre Stage is a regional theater drawing on local talent. At Café And Then Some, original musical comedies are presented while you dine (and everyone, patrons included, take part in the show). Greenville Little Theatre on Heritage Green has entertained kids since 1836.

And then there’s the stalwart Peace Center for the Performing Arts. Four deteriorating buildings—a coach factory, a textile plant, a mayonnaise factory, and a turn-of-the-century retail store—were incorporated into the state-of-the-art design of this performing arts center, a striking setting for first-class performances. Some 600 shows are presented here every year, from the best of Broadway to the world’s finest musicians to Greenville’s ballet, chorale, youth orchestra, symphony, and children’s theater.

A Green Urban Oasis

Poised near downtown’s buzzing restaurants and cafés, 32-acre Falls Park winds along the Reedy River, graced with walking trails, pocket gardens, a waterfall (once obscured by an ugly overpass), and a single-suspension-cable pedestrian bridge that seemingly floats over the woodsy valley. Evoking the sense of being far away in nature, it’s the perfect place to take a pre- or post-dinner stroll, or even bring a picnic and make an afternoon of it.

Hit the Swamp Rabbit Trail for a bike ride or run—the paved, multipurpose, 21-mile trail ambles beneath the park’s leafy canopy along the Reedy River, all the way to the city of Travelers Rest.

Baseball

Shoeless Joe Jackson hailed from Greenville, and the city has never looked back when it comes to baseball. Though banned from baseball for life (and the Baseball Hall of Fame) after allegedly helping to fix the 1919 World Series, the super slugger’s a local hero; he even has a memorial baseball field in West Greenville, and his own statue in West End, standing in a square named for him. His modest brick house was hauled from its original spot to a prime location next to Fluor Field and is open as the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library. Just a few blocks up from the West End, Fluor Field is a mini-replica of Boston’s Fenway Park, complete with the Green Monster wall, and home to Minor League Baseball’s Greenville Drive (the Class A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox). In summer, fans flock here for a heavy dose of America’s favorite pastime.

 

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Greenville Guide

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The Absolute Cheapest Day to Fly This Summer http://ift.tt/2aaoq9l

If you’ve been putting off making plans for a summer vacation — you’re in luck! Late August marks the point in the season when airfare prices drop in anticipation of the Fall Deal Zone. But if you want the exact best date to fly make sure to book your departure for (drumroll please) Aug. 23. How much you will be able to save depends on the destination, but travelers can expect to pay 11-20 percent less on domestic and international flights. Airfares are subject to change without notice so make sure to book your late summer getaway ASAP.

For more on this story visit FareCompare.

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How to Visit Lisbon with Kids http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

With its hilltop castle, rattling trams, stellar animal attractions, and a wide river flowing out to some seriously pretty beaches, the Portuguese capital is one of Europe’s best destinations for families. It’s famously one of the continent’s sunniest cities, but cooling breezes from the river stop things from getting too hot in the summer, and a wealth of kid-friendly indoor activities mean there’s plenty to keep kids busy even if the weather doesn’t play ball. Lisbon is surprisingly affordable, too—this is one city where you won’t have to worry about the price of the delicious ice creams and wines that can be found on virtually every block. In the summer, adventurous young eaters can munch on snails, Lisboetas’ favorite snack. Be sure to order a ginjinha (cherry liqueur) in a chocolate cup; ask nicely and you can usually get the choco cups, sans booze, for younger members of the party.—Lucy Bryson

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A Weekend Guide to Wildwood & Cape May, New Jersey http://ift.tt/2a9TxeO

Jersey’s last two shore points couldn’t be more different. Wildwood is actually three adjacent municipalities on one island: tidy North Wildwood, brash and busy Wildwood, and upmarket Wildwood Crest. You’ll find free, wide beaches, a boardwalk that dwarfs Ocean City’s, a cache of vintage motels that have their own architectural designation (Doo-Wop) and a friendly vibe. Cape May has a healthy fishing industry and year-round blue-collar locals, but visitors are more likely to experience the city’s tony side. The cape is populated by multimillion-dollar Victorians fronting the sea, high-end restaurants, flashy boutiques, luxury hotels, and visiting celebrities like Tina Fey and Oprah.

Beach

Despite hosting the SS Atlantus, a concrete WWII-era shipwreck jutting out of the water and one of Cape May’s best-known tourist attractions, Sunset Beach is often sleepy. The crescent-shaped stretch of sand sits where the ocean and the Delaware Bay meet. There’s a snack bar, easy parking, and a souvenir store that always lets you use its bathroom. On Fridays and Saturdays, Enfin Farm’s bread stand sets up on the road leading to Sunset Beach. A loaf of chocolate-lavender or oatmeal-molasses bread baked in the outdoor clay oven makes an ideal beach snack.

Eat

The area’s best restaurant consists of little more than a kitchen-equipped trailer and row of blue-and-red picnic tables lined up along a set of Intracoastal docks on the Rio Grande causeway linking Wildwood and the mainland. Hooked Up Seafood is family- and fisherman-owned, meaning all the grilled, blackened, or fried swordfish, mahi, tuna, fluke, and John Dory they serve, they catch themselves. On the island, Poppi’s Neapolitan pizzas and hefty Parmigianas are served by a staff that’s sweet and friendly no matter how busy the restaurant is (often very). Just north of Cape May on the Delaware Bay, Cape May Point is an idyllic neighborhood home to the charming Red Store, an accomplished BYOB focused on Jersey products. The chef even makes his own sea salt from the water just outside his door.

Play

Stretching two miles through the center of town, the Wildwood Boardwalk is packed with roller coasters, waterslides, midways, go-kart tracks, snack stalls and T-shirt shops selling shorts with “Jersey Girl” emblazoned on the back. For more grown-up entertainment, Irish bars like Keenan’s and Westy’s are institutions in North Wildwood; many have live music and draw multigenerational crowds. Something fancier? In the Crest’s exclusive Diamond Beach enclave, Bungalow No. 7 at the Icona resort has a loungey beach bar with fluffy chaises, fire pits, and cocktails.

Sleep

Wildwood’s best Doo-Wop motel is the StarLux, a Space Race–era confection with a glassed-in lobby, big pool, and an exclusive partnership with the boardwalk’s major amusement piers and waterparks. In Cape May, historic Congress Hall is the luxury benchmark; they provide loungers on the beach across the street, and much of the food served in the restaurants come from the hotel’s nearby Beach Plum Farm.

Buy

A print from local artist Victor Grasso, whose artwork appears in the Cape May magazine, Exit Zero. Subjects include stylized octopuses, pirates, lifeguards, and mermaids. You can find them at the SOMA NewArt Gallery on Perry Street.

Avoid

You wake up thinking, let’s go out for pancakes! A great idea. Unfortunately, everybody else has this same great idea. So if you want to go out to breakfast—especially at places like Uncle Bill’s, Mad Batter or the Red Store, which is as good in the morning as it is at night—set your alarm and get there early.

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Inside the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Muggles, take note: TheWarner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour is open for wizarding business, to the delight of fans worldwide. Not to be confused with the theme park set inUniversal Studios in Orlando, Florida (that one's dubbed The Wizarding World of Harry Potter), this attraction is set just outside of London’s city center, and showcases the real sets, props, makeup, and special effects used in the eight movies. Even those who don’t consider themselves afflicted with Potter-mania will still appreciate the artistry on display and the astounding work that went into assembling the sets for the sorcery-infused saga. From the Great Hall of Hogwarts to a sundry of magical props, each set piece tells part of Harry's adventures—read on for the top tour highlights.

Tickets, which are pegged to a 30-minute arrival time slot, must be prebooked online at http://ift.tt/zba4e3, or via an approved vendor. Tickets cost $45 for adults, $34 for children, or $132 for a family ticket (two adults, two children; or one adult, three children). Allow approximately three hours for your visit (or longer if you’d like to jump on a broomstick or linger in the gift shop.) Although instinct may lead you to platform 9 3/4 in King’s Cross station, the real way to arrive to the WB Studios is by bus. From the Watford Junction station in London, you’ll take a 20-minute bus ride to the northwest of London. Or, if you rented a car, you can also drive the M1 and M25 motorways to the studio, where free parking awaits.—Maria Hart

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Long Weekend in Reims, France http://ift.tt/2a0zRQI

Set among the vineyard-lined hills of France’s Champagne region, the city of Reims has multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, numerous les grandes marques Champagne houses, and a handful of hidden-gem bars and boutiques that are lifting the dust off this once sleepy city and giving locals and visitors new places to toast and shop. Historically, Reims has been the site for the coronation of more than two dozen kings and was pivotal during the 1940s as the site of surrender during WWII.

Friday

Arrive and check in to La Demeure des Sacres, a stylish boutique hotel housed in a renovated 1900s mansion in the city center. Head out for a bite to eat at L’Atelier d’Eric, a petite bakery run by celebrated pastry chef Eric Sontag, who serves gourmet sandwiches, artisan breads, and an array of gorgeous cakes and jeweled pastries. Don’t leave without sampling his sweet and spicy version of Reims gingerbread, a regional specialty since the Middle Ages.

After lunch, make your way across town to Champagne Taittinger, one of the last great Champagne houses to remain independently owned. Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne is highly regarded as one of the finest wines in the region, but all of the brand’s sparkling wines are renowned for their elegant structure and delicate bubbles. During operating hours, the house offers tastings and guided tours in English (the last tour leaves at 4:15 pm) that take guests 18 meters below ground into the 4th-century chalk mines. The cellars have recently been registered on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites and contain remnants from a 13th-century abbey with carvings dating back to the time when Benedictine monks wandered the cavernous crypts. Reservations are not required, but are recommended during peak season.

After sipping a few of the house’s cuvées, the short 400-meter walk to Saint-Remi Basilica will be a breeze. The basilica is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains the remains of Saint Remi himself, the former Bishop of Reims who died in 553 AD. It is the largest Romanesque pilgrimage church in northern France, and, although the building was heavily looted during the French Revolution, the original 12th-century stained-glass windows were not harmed and are still on display today.

Make your way back to your hotel to freshen up and get ready for a lavish dinner at Le Parc inside Domaine Les Crayères. Two-Michelin-starred chef Philippe Mille creates artful à la carte dishes and fixed tasting menus to pair beautifully with an astounding wine list that features more than 600 bottles of Champagne. Save room for the impressive cheese cart before dessert to get the full gastronomic experience.

Saturday

Opt for a light breakfast at the hotel to save room for fresh samples during your visit to the Halles du Boulingrin. This covered market was restored to its former Art Deco glory in 2012 and has become the main market for locals to purchase perfectly ripe fruit, fresh seafood, and locally made artisanal products.

If you haven’t already had the chance to taste the famous biscuits roses de Reims (pink biscuits dusted in powdered sugar that are best savored the local way: dipped in a glass of Champagne), stop in at Maison Fossier on your way to the city center for a sample of this local delicacy or to stock up on souvenirs. The storefront is just steps from the Notre Dame Cathedral, where more than 2,300 statues adorn the cathedral’s stunning façade that dates back to the 13th century. The cathedral is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has been the site of 25 coronations. Make sure to keep an eye out for the angels on the walls, as this is the only cathedral in the world to display angels with open wings, including the famous smiling angel on the western wall of the north portal.

Stop in next door to the cathedral at the Palace of Tau (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to brush up on your French history and see where the kings of France stayed while they were in town for their coronations. Get lunch at the Café du Palais, an Art Deco restaurant opened in 1930 and one of the only cafés in Europe where you can order wines by the glass and dine bistro style beneath a stained-glass ceiling (opens at 3 pm). For healthier fare, check out the brand new Vapeurs et Gourmandises, where chefs cook lunches with fresh ingredients seasoned with local spices and herbs. Spend the rest of the day shopping the boutiques and department stores at Les Galeries Lafayette, before popping in at the massive Cave de Sacres to select a few bottles for your home cellar from the more than 700 brands of Champagne in stock.

Go with an under-the-radar restaurant for dinner that is favored by locals. Don’t be deceived by L'Epicerie Au Bon Manger’s exterior; although it looks like a small butcher shop from the outside, inside you’ll find sharable plates of locally made charcuterie and cheese, farm-fresh salads, and sustainably sourced seafood to pair with the restaurant’s selection of biodynamic wines.

After dinner, soak in the nightlife scene of Reims at Le Clos, an atypical wine bar with a young vibe and a casually cool atmosphere. The bar is decorated with vintage chic panache (think phonographs, velvet sofas, and fringed Veuve Clicquot pillows), while the string-light lined courtyard features a large stage for live music. The courtyard attracts winemakers and locals with live music, lawn games, a food truck serving burgers, and a tiki bar serving charcuterie plates and chilled glasses of Champagne.

Sunday

Before leaving town, make sure to make it out to the Musée de la Reddition (the Museum of Surrender). The museum shares an address with the Franklin-Roosevelt High School in Reims, so weekends are actually the best time to visit to avoid drop-offs and lunch bells. During the war, the building acted as the headquarters for President Eisenhower and was the site where the German Third Reich surrendered to the Allied forces in World War II. The actual room where the document of surrender was signed was left untouched, allowing visitors the chance to see the maps, plans, and even pencils left just as they were in May 1945.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Reims Guide

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Top 20 Free Things To Do In Hong Kong http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Hong Kong has a reputation for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, but rest assured there are plenty of budget-friendly sights and experiences. Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring or simply love a great freebie, you can enjoy the best the city has to offer without spending a fortune—as long as you know where to look. —Kate Springer

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Philadelphia's Under-the-Radar Historic Sites http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Philadelphia isn’t short on historic sites; anyone who’s passed through the city on a weekend or class trip has seen the main ones: Indepdendence Hall, Liberty Bell, and the Rocky steps at the Art Museum. On your next visit to the City of Brotherly Love, check out some of these newer or lesser-known parks, museums, and haunted forts you may not have heard about yet.—Adam Erace

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Neighborhood Guide: East Passyunk, Philadelphia http://ift.tt/2afFo5x

When you talk to Philadelphians about hot neighborhoods, two names will be on their lips. One is Fishtown. The other is East Passyunk. Since they might be confusing to a non-local, let’s get some semantics out of the way. First, pronunciation: No matter what anyone tells you, you say Passyunk “pash-unk.” Second, this swatch of South Philly actually comprises two adjacent wards, Passyunk Square and East Passyunk Crossing. East Passyunk Avenue, the street from which they take their names, cuts a diagonal path through them. But locals make no distinction between the two. Got it? Great.

Back in the day, East Passyunk was a stronghold of Italian immigrants, and while many of their descendants moved to suburban pastures in ‘80s and ‘90s, the neighborhood bears an indelible mark, from the fig trees towering over concrete backyards to an Italian Immigrant Museum to red gravy cook-offs at the local Catholic high school.

Over the last decade, like many urban neighborhoods, East Passyunk has experienced a dramatic revitalization, to the credit of real estate eagle eyes, the vibrant LGBTQ community, young families, makers, and millennials. What makes Passyunk different from many other urban neighborhoods is that this transition happened organically, so there’s still a comfortable mix of newcomers and people who’ve lived here all their lives. Walk down the Avenue (as locals call East Passyunk Avenue) on any given night, you’ll probably hear English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Malay, Khmer, and about six different Italian dialects. The diversity makes for great ambiance—and great eating.

WHERE TO EAT

In 2013, Food & Wine named East Passyunk Avenue one of the top “foodiest” streets in the country, and the strip has only continued to improve since then. The diversity of options in both cuisine and price is deep. South Philly Barbacoa (1703 S. 11th St.) specializes in slow-cooked lamb tacos, Stargazy (1838 E. Passyunk Ave.) in English meat pies, and Saté Kampar (1837 E. Passyunk Ave.) in Malaysian satay over coconut-shell charcoal; look out for salmon head curry on special, and possibly America’s best beef rendang. Nearly a century old, Marra’s hearkens back to the hood’s Italian American roots with huge veal parms and garlicky clams and linguine, while more modern Italian cooking is on offer at Paradiso, Le Virtu, and Brigantessa. You can also check out upscale restaurants like Townsend, Will, Fond, and Laurel from Top Chef victor Nick Elmi, whose adjacent wine bar, ITV, just opened.

WHAT TO DO

East Passyunk draws most tourists to the intersection some in Philadelphia wryly refer to as “Cheesesteak Vegas,” the neon-illuminated triangle of East Passyunk Avenue, Wharton, and 9^th Streets, where sandwich heavyweights Pat’s and Geno’s face off. But the neighborhood offers a lot more to see than this always-mobbed rivalry. For example, visit the Singing Fountain on Passyunk and Tasker, a petite plaza where old men play chess, tykes splash around and neighborhood pooches get to know one another. On Wednesdays, there’s a small farmers’ market with live music. A short walk away, Columbus Square is East Passyunk’s main park; there’s a dog run and playground if you’re traveling with kids of the four- or two-legged variety. Over the years, neighborhood botanists have turned the square’s perimeter footpath into a jungle of fig trees, yellow-tipped fennel, roses, and honeysuckle. It’s a great place for a morning walk in summer with a cup of cold-brew from any of the nearby cafés. Just across the street, Theatre Exile puts on compelling independent shows in a taxi garage-turned-playhouse. For drinks after, choose from any number of local hangouts: Garage, Fountain Porter (famed for its $5 cheeseburger), the P.O.P.E., Lucky 13, Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar, or Bonnie’s Capistrano (1503 S. 13th St.).

WHAT TO BUY

Independent shops have always lined the Avenue. Where once there were stores specializing in custom bustiers and religious paraphernalia, now you’ll find letterpressed stationery at Ocassionette, limited edition comics at South Philly Comics, vintage vinyl at Beautiful World Syndicate (1619 E. Passyunk Ave.), upscale menswear at Metro, and local prints at Nice Things Hand-Made (1731 E. Passyunk Ave.).

GETTING HERE

East Passyunk’s borders are 8th Street to Broad Street (Philly’s main north–south artery), and Snyder Avenue to Washington Avenue. From Center City, hop on the Broad Street line subway, get off at the Tasker/Morris station, and walk a few blocks west. By taxi or Uber, you’re looking at 10 minutes or less, depending where you are in Center City. You can also walk. The route straight down 12th is particularly nice, while walking down 9th will bring you through Philly’s famed Italian Market.  

WHERE TO STAY

The closest hotel to East Passyunk is actually in Bella Vista, the next neighborhood north. Bella Vista Bed & Breakfast occupies a row of stately townhouses with wrought-iron railings and overflowing flower boxes; inside rooms are decorated with sculpture, paintings and vintage furniture. Heading south, there’s a crisp new LEED-certified Courtyard Marriott (rooms from $195) in the bucolic Navy Yard, walking distance to the sports complex (home to July’s DNC) and the Olmsted Brothers–designed FDR Park.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Philadelphia Guide

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Britain's 13 Most Magical Harry Potter Sites http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

The U.K (and especially London) is full of magical spots that featured heavily in the Harry Potter books and films. From the rocky shores of Scotland to Oxford University, here are 13 places in Britain where Harry Potter comes to life.—Ellin Stein

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World's 18 Best Water Parks http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Adrenaline knows no language barriers at the world’s best water parks. The limits of physics and gravity are tested on a global scale as water parks around the world race to build the tallest, fastest, and most thrilling attractions. From the world’s tallest slide that propels riders at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour to an extreme human cannonball water rocket, the world’s best water parks pull out all the stops in hopes of making a splash.—Zachary Laks

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A Foodie's Guide to Lobster Rolls http://ift.tt/2aweFh7

With hundreds of lobster shacks lining its 3,500-mile coastline, Maine is lobster roll mecca during the summer season. However, all along the East Coast, each state has its own take on the lobster roll. Nothing beats the feeling of celebrating a lazy summer weekend with a lobster roll.

NEW YORK

In New York City, there are great spots to get your lobster fix if you can’t make it all the way to Maine. The Lobster Pound in Red Hook has a few locations now, but nothing beats the original. Serving three varieties—Maine-style (cold with mayo), Connecticut-style (warm with butter), and even dairy-free in a Tuscan roll—it’s an essential stop for the lobster obsessed.

In Manhattan, the version served at Luke’s Lobster, with claw and knuckle meat and a secret seasoning, is a favorite among locals.

CONNECTICUT

Connecticut-style lobster rolls are simple and glorious—and bathed in butter. Residents are fiercely loyal to their creation and also to their favorite shacks. Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock is the perfect place to grab a lobster roll (and more—they also serve whole-belly clams and hush puppies). Abbots in the Rough in Noank and Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale are also favorites, with loyal fans lining up for the juiciest lobster outside of Maine.

MASSACHUSETTS

Head to the Lobster Pool in Rockport, Massachusetts, and grab a fresh lobster roll made to order. In Boston, Arogosta Bar and Bistro dresses up the classic lobster roll with aioli, pickled fennel, and a brioche bun. Attached to the Battery Wharf Hotel, it’s nice a spot for drinks and seafood after a day walking the city.

MAINE

For traditionalists, you can’t beat Lobster Shack at Two Lights. Sit by the water and listen to the foghorn blast every couple of minutes while enjoying a lobster roll, fried clams, or other seafood.

For foodie innovators, check out Bite Into Maine in Cape Elizabeth, which has some interesting spins on the humble roll. How about curry and chipotle with your juicy crustacean?

Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster sells more than 500 lobster rolls a day during the summer. Now in its 47th year, the barely-dressed lobster roll is everything you want in a good seafood sandwich. For something more upscale in Portland, head to India Street and find Eventide Oyster Co. for lobster bakes and the signature lobster roll.

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10 Stylish Hotels for Under $150 A Night http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Who said you have to sacrifice style for savings? That's definitely not the case at these 10 awesome big-city hotels across the United States, each of which is small on price, but big on personality and appeal. We scoured the nation to find these affordable digs from under $150 per night, so you could snag steals on chic stays in notoriously expensive cities like New York, Miami, San Francisco, and beyond. Because we believe you don’t have to be rich to travel in style.—Elissa Garay

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6 Reasons to Visit Aspen in the Summer http://ift.tt/29Mmz5B

Through summer and into early autumn in Aspen, the melted snow reveals lush mountains ripe for exploring. There’s plentiful shopping for the jetsetting international crowd, but numerous outdoor activities coupled with art and great food appeal to visitors of all demographics.

 

HEALTHY EATS

Active locals live a healthy lifestyle that incorporates fresh, nutritious food without sacrificing flavor. Wake up with a hearty egg scramble, smoothie, or açai bowl from Spring Café while people-watching on their patio. The “nutritarian” cuisine (with a focus on low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods) at Pyramid Bistro is one of the town’s greatest culinary gems. Tucked away on the second floor of Aspen’s only bookstore, Explore Booksellers, the food at Pyramid Bistro is so colorful and delicious that you’ll forget how good it is for you. Indian spices flavor the red lentil sliders and galangal vegetable and quinoa curry, all washed down with a refreshing coconut water lime spritzer.

 

NATURE KNOWLEDGE

If you’re curious about the beautiful habitat you’re hiking in and want to understand the geology, ecology, and biosphere, there’s no better place to get your bearings than the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies at Hallam Lake. This serene side of Aspen is full of wildlife, and ACES naturalists will take you on early-morning birding hikes, sunset beaver walks, or foraging for wild Colorado mushrooms. There are classes and programs for adults, kids, and families available, and many guided hikes are free. If you’re staying at The Little Nell, they offer private stargazing tours as well.

 

OUTDOOR ZEN

Three times a week you can take the gondola up Aspen Mountain for a mountaintop yoga class with stunning views. For a day of hiking amid the aspen groves, take the bus from Aspen Highlands to Maroon Bells for a chance to photograph and bask in the glory of the most photographed mountains in the country. Along the way, you might encounter moose drinking from ponds, marmots sunning themselves on the rocks, and shy deer, elk, and pikas. The famous twin peaks here are Fourteeners—a nickname for Colorado’s 58 peaks above 14,000 feet. You can also get out on the water and try stand-up paddleboarding on the river. Northstar Nature Preserve is a great place for beginners to practice and you can take a half-day lesson with Aspen Kayak & SUP.

 

ARTSY FUN

The mountain landscape and invigorating fresh air inspires both local and visiting artists. Purchase original artwork including jewelry, ceramics, photography, and glasswork during the Aspen Arts Festival in July and watch painters at work during the Red Brick Plein Air Festival in August. All year round you’ll find thought-provoking exhibits at the Aspen Art Museum. Climb the stairs and start exploring the roof deck sculpture garden before working your way downstairs through rooms filled with three-dimensional art made from found objects and a collection of paintings, prints, and photos examining revolution and social protest.

 

FRESH FINE DINING

As the host of one of the premier food and wine festivals in the country, it’s no surprise that Aspen’s dining scene is the most sophisticated of any ski town. If money is no object, sit at the chef’s counter at Chef’s Club By Food and Wine for the best view of the open-kitchen action. Award-winning chefs from around the country contribute dishes seasonally to this collaborative menu and the wine list is superb. David Burke’s Aspen Kitchen is the best new restaurant to open in the past year. While Burke’s signature pink Himalayan salt dry-aged steaks are outstanding, it’s executive chef Matthew O’Neill’s carefully sourced produce and the way he coaxes complex flavors from vegetables and delicate seafood that make this restaurant shine. The fire-roasted cauliflower head is a masterpiece of char, vadouvan, artichoke tabbouleh, and black pepper yogurt. Piquillo-crusted oven-baked halibut in pork broth with veggie ragout is another favorite.

 

LOCAL DISTILLERIES

Craft brewing has long been a staple of Colorado life, and Aspen Brewing Company, located right downtown, is a local favorite. In the last few years, new nearby distilleries have been winning national accolades too. Bike the Rio Grande trail from Aspen to the Woody Creek Distillers tasting room in Basalt, where you can try potato vodka, gin, and rye whiskey neat or mixed in one of two dozen different cocktails. Pair the drinks with local eats in the parking lot during Food Truck Fridays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Just a little farther west is Carbondale’s Marble Distilling Co., where vodka, gingercello, and Good Food Award–winning Moonlight Expresso coffee liqueur are the specialties. There are five rooms upstairs at The Distillery Inn where you can crash if you’re feeling too tipsy to head home. Tip: If you’re staying at The Gant, book the Elevated Libations package at no extra cost and receive free tours and discounts at nine breweries and distilleries between Aspen and Vail, including all of the above.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Aspen Guide

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10 Under-the-Radar Beaches in the U.S. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Trips to the beach are standard fare for most summer travelers, but crowded stretches of sand can make vacations more of a pain than a pleasure. Some beaches offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle and allow visitors to escape the crowds at more popular destinations. From an isolated nature retreat nestled along Virgina’s Outer Banks to a picturesque coastal village with towering seawalls in Washington, these beaches prove that bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better—and that getting away doesn’t need to be a headache. Here are our picks for America’s best under-the-radar beaches.—​Emily Wasserman

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Long Weekend in Osaka, Japan http://ift.tt/29DkpF5

Whereas Tokyo is a city of politics and restraint, Osaka embraces excess with a “work hard and play harder” attitude. The city is a place to be entertained, its citizens reveling in the joy of eating and drinking. Two of the most commonly used phrases in Osaka are kuidaore, which roughly translates as eat until you drop, and asobisugi, or play too much.

If you are looking for World Heritage Sites or meditative contemplation, head over to Kyoto and Nara. If you want to see modern Japan and are willing to be adventurous with what you eat, how much you pay, and what time you go to sleep, then Osaka is the place for you.

Friday

From Kansai International Airport, the express train whisks you straight to Namba, the southern hub of the city. Namba and neighboring Shinsaibashi were once the merchant quarter, but now form Japan’s liveliest entertainment district. Browse the shopping arcades to see what the young are trendy are wearing this season. On the main streets you’ll find the more generic international brands, whereas in the area known as Amerika-mura you’ll get a more eclectic mix of independent stores.

In the Dotonbori district of central Namba you are surrounded by neon lights, LEDs, and giant video screens. Ebisu Bridge, which spans the canal, is both the city’s most popular meeting place, and almost certainly the most photographed. Billboards for Suntory Whiskey and Asahi Beer blaze alongside the iconic Glico running man. When director Ridley Scott presented his vision of the future in Blade Runner, his inspiration was Dotonbori.

The streets of Dotonbori are packed with restaurants and karaoke bars. On the corner by Ebisu Bridge, you’ll spot a giant mechanical crab beckoning diners into Kani Doraku. Farther along the street there’s a giant pufferfish (fugu) above a restaurant doorway. Fugu chefs must have special licenses for preparing the fish, as certain organs contain a tetradoxin a thousand times stronger than cyanide. Diners seeking a safer option should check out one of the many noodle shops such as Kinryu Ramen.

There are many street vendors selling quick snacks to fill up before you head out to the neighborhood bars . Okonomiyaki is a thick pancake filled with cabbage, egg, and seafood, and cooked on a hot plate. Takoyaki are small balls of batter-coated octopus that are fried and covered in sauce and fish flakes.

Saturday

After a big night, start the day with some quiet reflection at a Tennoji Park. Stroll around the botanical gardens, and if you’re feeling cultured stop by the Municipal Museum of Fine Art. 

A short walk northeast brings you to Shitenno-ji, the birthplace of Japanese Buddhism, and Japan’s first officially administered temple. Prince Shotoku ordered its construction in 593 AD, but none of the original structures have survived the ravages of time. The reconstructed buildings have, however, stayed true to the original designs and layout. An impressive five-story pagoda stands at the center of the complex, and don’t miss walking beneath the 13th-century stone torii gate, the oldest of its kind in Japan.

Head north to Umeda, Osaka’s business hub. Next to the train station you’ll find the electronics store Yodobashi Camera, which spans six floors dedicated to the latest computers, cameras, televisions, and gadgets. Bring your passport to get duty-free discounts.

Among the generic office blocks is the futuristic Umeda Sky Building, whose 173-meter-high twin towers are connected by a floating garden observatory. First, head down into the basement to Takimi Koji, an elaborate recreation of Osaka alleyways in the 1920s. There’s a good selection of restaurants, such as Tempura Naniwa Hyouten, serving traditional tempura dishes. After dinner head up to the garden observatory and view the bright lights of the city.

Sunday

On Sundays you’ll see many Japanese families out exploring the local parks and attractions. A cheap and relaxing option is to head first to Osaka Castle. The “indestructible” castle was built by Shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi, but repeatedly destroyed by war and lightning. The latest concrete incarnation was constructed in 1931 and managed to survive WWII. The surrounding gardens are particularly impressive when the plum blossoms appear in March and when the cherry trees bloom in early April.

Families will enjoy a day at Universal Studios Japan, located near the bay. The T-Rex and the Terminator were once the stars of the park, but now Harry Potter reigns supreme. There are also a few attractions you’ll see only in Japan; most of these are based on manga such as Dragonball and Yo-kai Watch.

Another option is to visit the Tempozan Harbor Village, which has a range of kid-friendly attractions. The Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium is themed around the Pacific Ocean’s geologically active “ring of fire.” Visitors first encounter sea otters playing on the ocean's surface and are then taken deeper to the giant crabs that dwell on the sandy bottom. Beside the aquarium is the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, which was once the world’s largest. For many, a highlight to an Osaka visit is a harbor cruise in a double-scale reproduction of the Santa Maria, which takes passengers on 45-minute cruises during the day and a 90-minute evening cruise that departs at 7 pm.

Where to Stay

The Intercontinental Osaka is a deluxe modern hotel with an unbeatable location and great views from the top floors. If you’re on a budget, the more simple Hearton Hotel is a short walk from the Shin-sai-bashi subway stop and the Mido-suji and Shin-sai-bashi shopping streets.

When to Go

Avoid the Japanese national holidays of New Year, Golden Week (early May), and Obon (mid-August). At these times the prices for flights and accommodations are expensive and most attractions are crowded.

Cherry blossom season is around the first week or ten days of April. It’s easy to reach famous cherry blossom spots in Kyoto and Nara if based in Osaka.

Getting Here and Around

International and some domestic flights land at Kansai International Airport. Trains connect the airport to Namba (40 minutes on the Nankai Rapi:t) and Osaka Station (71 minutes with Japan Rail).

Most domestic flights arrive at the more central Itami Airport. Limousine buses take about 25–30 minutes to reach Umeda, Namba, or Shin-Osaka. Itami is also on the Osaka monorail, which connects with the city's subway system.

The subway is the best way to get around the city from 5 am to midnight. Purchase individual tickets at the machines or get a one-day pass.

 

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Osaka Guide

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Chicago's Best Rooftop Bars http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

The most coveted tables this summer are on Chicago’s rooftops, with their views of Lake Michigan’s glittering shoreline, the Chicago River, Millennium Park, and the Windy City’s famous architecture. Settle in for a bird’s-eye view of not only the Loop, but other parts of Chicago, too, including Lincoln Park, River North, Ravenswood, and Streeterville. Whether you crave a new brunch spot, a chill lounge, or an open-air space to kick back with some tunes, there’s a rooftop bar for you.—Kristine Hansen

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10 Hotels with Extraordinary Turndown Service http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Turndown service is a hallmark of five-star hotels and resorts, with water, slippers, and a simple piece of chocolate or mint . Not so at these 10 properties that go the extra mile to surprise and delight guests at bedtime. Edible or not, these creative treats are a memorable way to end the night.—Amber Gibson

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5 Winery Hikes in Sonoma County http://ift.tt/29zpVw7

Sonoma County enchants visitors with rolling hills, green pastures, coastal hideaways, charming historic towns, and of course, plenty of wineries and wine-tasting rooms. Beyond winery tours and tastings, some vineyards host hikes and adventures, which are the perfect way to further explore the terroir. Each winery is unique and so is the experience they offer, but what they all have in common is wine, food, fresh air, and a fabulous time.

JORDAN VINEYARD AND WINERY

Jordan Winery recently launched their hiking program with two annual hikes and plans to expand over time. Their hike is a grand experience, as is everything else they do. The estate, which is more than 1,000 acres, offers a variety of different environments and features. You’ll take a leisurely and moderately strenuous 3-mile hike around the property, passing by a lake, mountains, meadows, orchards, and plenty of vineyards, of course. It all begins with a ride from the winery up to the highest spot on the property where you can take in the views and have a bite before heading onto the guided walk. There’s a stop for estate olive oil tasting and it concludes at the chateau with a lavish picnic with house made charcuterie, breads, crackers, local cheeses, and a selection of chardonnay and cabernet. Dates and tickets for upcoming hikes are available online.

KUNDE ESTATE WINERY & VINEYARDS

Picturesque Kunde offers two different hiking programs: one where you bring your own sack lunch and another, specifically for dog lovers, that includes lunch. The annual Dog Hike is a fundraiser for both Canine Companions and the local Sonoma County Humane Society. It’s BYOD (bring your own dog) and you’ll join fourth-generation winemaker Jeff Kunde and his wife, Roberta, along with their dogs for a hike through the Kunde family vineyards. The hike follows the Sonoma Valley floor through oak woodlands, native grasslands, and chaparral. Along the way, you’ll learn about the winery’s sustainable growing and winemaking practices. It’s a moderately strenuous hike of approximately 4 hours, and concludes with a wine tasting and wine-country lunch.

SEGHESIO FAMILY VINEYARDS

Hike the Home Ranch at Seghesio Family Vineyards with Jim and Ned Neumiller, who are fourth- and fifth-generation vineyard managers. The tour takes you through the Home Ranch estate, which dates back to 1895, and up to take in the panoramic views from Rattlesnake Hill. The winery specializes in zinfandel and Italian varietals such as Vermentino, Sangiovese, and Barbera. You’ll enjoy the wines along with a lunch of gourmet sandwiches from a local bakery, salads, and a cookie. The 3-hour experience takes place once in the spring and again in the fall.

ALEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS

For an exploration of Alexander Valley, you might as well start at the source. Family-owned Alexander Valley Vineyards is named for Cyrus Alexander, who settled on the historic site in the 1840s. Today the vineyards go from the banks of the Russian River to the Mayacamas hillsides. The Vineyard Hike on the Wetzel Family Estate is an easy walking tour, but there are hills and dirt trails. You’ll explore the vineyards and the working winery, the original 1868 Alexander Valley school, and the Alexander homestead.  After the hike, you’ll taste wine straight from the barrel in the wine cave, and the experience ends on the winery deck with a picnic. There are eight gourmet sandwiches to choose from, served with salads and a cookie or brownie. The hike takes place year-round, weather permitting.

GARY FARRELL WINERY, DAVERO ESTATE, AND LANCASTER ESTATE

While more of a walk than a hike, three wineries have partnered up to offer a three-part adventure that allows you to discover three different Sonoma valleys—Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valley. The experience takes all day and begins with an in-depth tasting of single-vineyard chardonnays and pinot noirs from vineyards in the Russian River Valley at Gary Farrell Winery. Local salumi, cheeses, dried fruit, and nuts are paired with the wine.

Next, DaVero estate in Dry Creek is where you’ll stretch your legs. DaVero started as an olive oil producer and currently has two biodynamic farms across the street from each other as well as a vineyard. The tour brings you from the winery to the home farm, where the owners live. You’ll head through the olive groves, the estate vineyard, the farm, and back to the winery on walking trails through both flower and vegetable gardens. After touring, there’s a focused tasting of estate wines and olive oils along with a catered picnic lunch. Depending on the season, it will include farm produce with nibbles from the farm.

The journey concludes at Lancaster Estate in Alexander Valley for a tour of the vineyards and winery before a cabernet sauvignon tasting in a hillside cave. Reservations can be made through any of the wineries. 

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Sonoma Guide

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Everything You Need to Know About Global Entry http://ift.tt/29KF8sW

If you travel frequently, streamlining the process is essential to getting in and out of airports (and to wherever you're going) as quickly as possible. For domestic and international travelers, Global Entry has made clearing security and customs much easier, allowing you to skip the lines at both. Here's what you need to know about the program and how to sign up.

THE BASICS

Global Entry is run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and allows "pre-approved, low-risk" travelers an expedited means of clearing customs upon reentering the country. Travelers with Global Entry use kiosks that read their passports, fingerprints, and customs declarations, allowing them to use an express line at the customs counter. After answering the standard questions, you will receive a printed receipt, which you will hand to a customs official. You do not need to have any additional documentation with you when using Global Entry; all data is tied to your passport number.

Although this is primarily to benefit travelers coming into the United States, some international customs authorities recognize Global Entry in some capacity. Participating countries include Australia, Canada, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.

Global Entry travelers are automatically qualified for TSA PreCheck, which expedites the security screening process at airports. While TSA PreCheck is available without Global Entry, we highly recommend signing up for Global Entry, allowing you to access the international and domestic benefits. The application process is identical, and Global Entry is only an additional $15.

ELIGIBILITY

You must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, Mexican national, or a citizen of South Korea, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, or Panama to be eligible for Global Entry. (Canadian citizens can access the same benefits through the NEXUS program.) Applicants cannot have been convicted of a criminal offense or found in violation of any customs regulations in any country. A machine-readable passport or a U.S. permanent resident card is also required. See the full list of eligibility requirements here. Global Entry is valid for five years, after which you can renew it.

HOW TO APPLY

Begin by filling out the online application (there is a $100 application fee). After you have undergone a thorough background check, assuming there are no problems, you will be issued an online letter asking you to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center, most of which are housed in airports around the country. During the interview, a U.S. Customs Border Protection officer will ask you questions, take your picture, and scan all 10 fingerprints. Be sure to bring two forms of ID and proof of residence (like a bill or a lease agreement) to the interview. You will then be issued a Global Entry ID card.

USING TSA PRECHECK

First, ensure that your boarding pass has the green TSA PreCheck icon. Global Entry participants will be issued a Trusted Traveler number, so be sure to enter this when booking your tickets (for both domestic and international flights) so your boarding pass lists you as preapproved (you will see a green checkmark in the corner of your printed or mobile boarding pass). If you belong to any kind of sky rewards program, you can save your trusted traveler number to your profile. At the airport, look for the designated line at the security checkpoint (see list of participating airports here). You'll still have to show your boarding pass and ID, but you will be able to keep your shoes and belt on, and will not be required to remove your laptop or liquids from your carry-on (although you still must place your liquids in a 1-quart size bag).

Because the Global Entry program is so popular, the TSA PreCheck queue can still have a line, but it will be shorter and move much faster than the regular security line. Be sure to still leave plenty of time for clearing security, particularly before an international flight.

CUSTOMS

Although you’re issued an ID card, you don't need the physical card to go through security or customs. Anything with border control is just tied to your passport number.

When clearing customs at a U.S. international airport and some Canadian airports (see the full list here), proceed to one of the Global Entry kiosks and skip the lines for the customs officials. You still have to interact with a customs official to give them the printout from the Global Entry machine, so you can't completely bypass this checkpoint. However, it does allow you to skip the line and significantly expedite the process. Note: Global Entry travelers cannot bring other passengers (children, spouses, etc.) through the fast-track line if they are not also Global Entry members.

Keep in mind that not all Global Entry points are equal. If you’re flying into a small international airport, there’s sometimes just one Global Entry kiosk, which can be slow enough to make no difference.  Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are now both so common that lines for each can be long, although never as long as the regular customs or security lines. However, as popularity increases, more and more airports will get better at accommodating both these services. 

Global Entry is only for re-entry into the United States. If you’re flying between two international airports, Global Entry doesn't get you anywhere. Some countries have expedited lines for certain passports, and American passports are always included, but this has to do with the microchips in American passports (among others) and is not related to Global Entry. 

Learn more and apply for Global Entry here.

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London's 18 Most Magical Harry Potter Sites http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

For every Harry Potter fan, a trip to London is a dream come true, and with the Cursed Child play premiering on July 30, there’s never been a better time to head to London and experience the magic yourself. From the iconic Platform 9 ¾ to the lesser-known pedestrian streets, here are the top Harry Potter sites in London.—Ellin Stein

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5 New Books to Read on Your Next Vacation http://ift.tt/29DnzdV

The Hopefuls

Jennifer Close

Set in Washington, D.C., this book tells the story of a young couple during the Obama years. It’s a perfect depiction of the political rat race in D.C., as well as a brutally honest portrayal of marriage.

On Sale July 19

The Crow Girl

Erik Axl Sund

If you loved The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, you’ll love Erik Axl Sund’s debut novel. Already an international bestseller, this dark thriller begins in Stockholm, where a serial killer is targeting children. A psychiatrist and detective work together to solve the crimes and end up discovering more than just a murderer.

On Sale Now

Bright, Precious Days

Jay McInerney

(audiobook)

The quintessential New York City book, Bright Precious Days is about a family living the dream—complete with gallery openings, summers in the Hamptons, and a beautiful loft apartment. However, the family discovers they are on shaky ground as the world enters the great recession.

On Sale August 2

Dog Gone: A Lost Pet's Extraordinary Journey and the Family Who Brought Him Home 

Pauls Toutonghi

The title of this book says everything you need to know about this heartbreaking and spectacular true story of a dog lost on the Appalachian Trail. If you’re a dog owner, you’ll likely shed some tears, but rest assured that there’s a happy ending.

On Sale Now

Meet Me in Atlantis: Across Three Continents in Search of the Legendary Sunken City 

Mark Adams

New in paperback, Meet Me in Atlantis explores the possibility of the Lost City of Atlantis. The quest for the underwater city takes him deep into the world of Plato. Adams’ travels take him all over the world in search of Atlantis and the explorers trying to prove its existence.

On Sale Now

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Where To Drink In NYC Right Now http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

New Yorkers often love their local watering hole, but there are too many choices to remain loyal to just one bar. From creative cocktail dens to boisterous beer halls to intimate wine bars, here are the hippest drinking establishments in New York City right now. — Jessica Colley Clarke

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A Weekend Guide to Atlantic City & Ocean City http://ift.tt/29zRGpv

The closest shore point to Philadelphia is Atlantic City, a town with a beleaguered reputation but a lot of charm if you know where to look. AC occupies the northern end of Absecon Island, which counts the ritzier beach communities of Ventnor, Margate, and Longport as neighbors. Bridges connect the backside of Longport to Ocean City, its own huge island known for its family-friendly beaches and boardwalk. Just look for the Ferris wheel twinkling in the distance.

Beach

On this stretch of coast, the majority of the beaches require beach tags, which you can buy right on the beach from city-employed teens who meander up and down the shore. The only exception is Atlantic City, whose beaches are free, if not necessarily free of riffraff. If you opt for the free beach, station yourself at the northern end of town in the shadow of the former Revel casino, which went bankrupt before its second anniversary. It’s a glittery, grim totem of AC’s troubles, but it happens to front a wide, beautiful beach that barely has anyone but the occasional pod of surfers.

Eat

In AC, Chef Vola’s, a supper-clubby, James Beard Award–winning, red-gravy spot hidden in the basement of an old boarding house, is the most coveted reservation at the shore. Go there if you can get in and get the pesto-rubbed snapper and banana cream pie. If not, Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern in the Ducktown section of the city is a solid backup for quality veal Parmigiana and crab-crowned steaks. Ventnor’s chic juice bar Greens & Grains is the spot for island vegans and yoga mamas; they’ll even deliver your falafel wrap and açai bowl to the beach. In Margate’s, the snug oyster bar attached to Steve & Cookie’s  is great for bivalves on the half shell, people-watching, and live music. Propped up on the marshland between Longport and Ocean City, you’ll find sultry, smoky, side-of-the-road barbecue at Back Bay BBQ , and for many families, it’s just not summer until that first pie at Manco & Manco’s Pizza on the Ocean City Boardwalk.

Play

Dance all night at Premier, the posh Borgata casino’s new nightclub, or take a deep dive into the immense, thoughtfully curated wine list at the Iron Room, tucked in an out-of-the-way storefront on the road into AC. Traveling with kids? Hit the Ocean City Boardwalk (6th through 23rd Sts.) for mini golf, arcades, and two amusement piers, Wonderland and Playland Castaway Cove, which debuted a new launch coaster, Gale Force, this year. While the boardwalk runs to 23rd Street, the majority of the attractions are clustered between 6th and 12th.

Sleep

Hotels are rare in Ventnor, Margate, and Longport, so you’ll want to stay in Atlantic City or Ocean City. In the former, it’s hard to beat the airy enclosures at the Water Club, Borgata’s luxe hotel-within-a-hotel. In the latter, the Atlantis Inn is a circa-1900s Victorian with kingly four-poster beds and Bulgari bath products.

Buy

A tub of sticky, shiny Johnson’s Popcorn makes an iconic souvenir from the Ocean City Boardwalk.

Avoid

Going to any beach on an avenue named for an ex-President (Coolidge, Jefferson, Adams, etc.) in Margate. These beaches are incredibly popular, thanks to their location in Margate’s happening business district, and on the weekends parking and empty spots on the sands are in equally thin supply.

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Atlantic City Guide

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25 Stunning National Park Vistas http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

If these 25 astounding vistas tell us anything, it’s that America’s beauty is a fierce kind. There are the alien landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks and the trickling glacial promontories of Denali and Glacier National Park. Legends, too, inform these lands, from Dead Horse Point’s cowboy past to the cliff-side Puebloan abodes of Mesa Verde. That’s to say nothing of the swooping peregrine falcons, majestic moose, and gigantic Californian redwoods that call these parks home. Check out our picks for the 25 most stunning vistas in America’s National Parks—but these are merely a sliver of the wonders you’ll find when you actually visit.—Maggie Gorman

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How to Celebrate Bastille Day in the U.S. http://ift.tt/29C6YGF

The French celebrate their national pride this week, and while it is probably best experienced partying with firefighters at a traditional Bals de Pompiers (Fireman’s Ball) in gay Paree, you don’t have to be in France or French (or even interested in French history) to get in on the general joie de vivre, Champagne, Nutella-filled crêpes, and Les Miz singalongs of [the US version of] this festive occasion. Here are a few ways you can get your oh-la-la on stateside.

Bastille Day Fête, New Orleans

If you’re looking to celebrate all things French and Bastille, head to America’s most French city, New Orleans—its annual weeklong celebration of French culture that (excusez-moi!) kind of makes Paris’s attempts at parades and pomp look tame. Events include the annual French Film Festival, featuring the best in classic and contemporary French cinema; a block party with food, music, and awards for the best Napoleon and Marie Antoinette costumes; and a speedwalking contest between local bartenders bearing trays laden with Champagne and croissants. The Bastille Day Fete (July 15) at the New Orleans Museum of Art offers a musical lineup that includes New Orleans’ blues and folk band Bon Bon Vivant, petanque games, tours of the museum in French and English, and a gallery talk on French Impressionism. The pièce de résistance? A Bastille Day dog costume contest with awards for Best Pup à la Francaise!  

Bastille Day on 60th Street

For over two decades, the French Institute Alliance Française has been hosting New York City’s largest celebration of French Independence across three city blocks on 60^th Street between Lexington and 5^th Avenues. This year’s celebrations (July 10) include performances from the cast of the musical An American in Paris; Champagne and chocolate tastings (as well as other French offerings and delicacies from local French restaurants); readings, workshops, and language lessons; and family-friendly activities like puppet shows, crafts, and face painting.

Philadelphia’s Bastille Day

Philadelphia’s Bastille Day celebrations are a huge summer event, with something for everyone, Revolutionary and Royalist alike. Events include a huge block party with live music, food, and other festivities all culminating with a theatrical reenactment of the French Revolution in song, dance, and beheadings by experimental cabaret troupe The Bearded Ladies at the Eastern State Penitentiary (standing in for the French Bastille). The crowd benefits from Marie Antoinette’s “Let Them Eat Cake” philosophy when more than 2,000 Tastykakes (local specialty dessert) are flung from the prison towers. Bet they don’t do that in Paris!

UEFA Euro 2016

Bastille Day celebrations got a huge boost and an early start on July 7 when host nation France beat Germany (2-0) to qualify for the UEFA European Soccer Championship finals. The final will be held in Stade de France, the national stadium of France just north of Paris on Sunday, July 10 at 3 pm EST. It might be nice to hop on your private jet and pay through the nose for last minute tickets but if you’re feeling lazy, know that ESPN and WatchESPN will stream the game live, or, if you prefer your soccer with a crowd (La Marseillaise and the wave are not as much fun on your own), you can hit up your local sports bar. 

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