Friday 31 October 2014
Canada Imposes Visa Ban On Ebola-Hit Nations
(Adds comment from Canadian opposition party, paragraphs 7-8)
OTTAWA, Oct 31 (Reuters) - Canada will stop issuing visas to people from the three West African nations where Ebola is widespread, the government said on Friday.
The federal citizenship ministry, explaining the move, said in an official document that "the introduction or spread of the disease would pose an imminent and severe risk to public health."
About 5,000 people have died in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone this year in the worst Ebola outbreak on record. Fears rose that the disease could spread beyond the region after a few cases were diagnosed in Spain and the United States.
Canada, which has not reported any cases of Ebola, is following in the footsteps of Australia, which on Tuesday became the first rich nation to issue such a ban. The country's official in charge of the response to Ebola said the move was medically unjustified.
Under the new regulations, which come into force immediately, Canada will not process visa applications from foreign nationals who have been in an Ebola-affected country within the previous three months.
U.S. President Barack Obama is so far resisting pressure to impose similar travel restrictions.
The Conservative government's decision drew fire from Canada's official opposition New Democratic Party.
"The experts we're relying on to fight Ebola are saying this is not the right approach," the party's health critic Libby Davies said in a statement.
Codie Taylor, the chief spokeswoman for Immigration Minister Chris Alexander, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by David Ljunggren and Jeffrey Hodgson; Editing by Meredith Mazzilli and Grant McCool) Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/31/canada-ebola-visa-ban_n_6084312.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
Strong Winds, Flooding And, Yes, Snow Mark Halloween In Chicago
Halloween was certainly an eventful day weather-wise for Chicago.
After the city registered its first-ever measurable Oct. 31 snowfall on record earlier Friday, high waves and flooding on account of heavy winds caused city officials to shut down part of the Lake Michigan-adjacent Lake Shore Drive in the afternoon.
As winds gusted above 70 mph Friday afternoon -- part of what a WGN meteorologist has dubbed the "Halloween Howler" -- northbound lanes of Lake Shore Drive were shut down between North Avenue and Division Street, CBS Chicago reports.
Harrowing photos and videos of the flooding were shared widely on social media:
Chicago rapper Chance the Rapper perhaps said it best:
The stormy weather has also meant delays and cancellations at O'Hare International Airport. According to the Chicago Tribune, more than 300 flights were canceled through noon Friday, with more cancelations and delays anticipated. No cancellations or delays were reported at Midway International Airport.
Evening temperatures in Chicago may reach as low as the upper 30s -- making for some chilly trick-or-treating conditions. A lakeshore flood advisory is in effect in the area through 4 a.m. Saturday. Lake-effect snow is also possible in northwest Indiana and the far southwest Chicago suburbs, the Tribune reports. Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/31/halloween-snow-chicago_n_6084402.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
After the city registered its first-ever measurable Oct. 31 snowfall on record earlier Friday, high waves and flooding on account of heavy winds caused city officials to shut down part of the Lake Michigan-adjacent Lake Shore Drive in the afternoon.
As winds gusted above 70 mph Friday afternoon -- part of what a WGN meteorologist has dubbed the "Halloween Howler" -- northbound lanes of Lake Shore Drive were shut down between North Avenue and Division Street, CBS Chicago reports.
Harrowing photos and videos of the flooding were shared widely on social media:
Flooded Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/CepLheimAj
— Don Breitfelder (@DonBreitfelder) October 31, 2014Windy City living up to its name today. 21 ft waves are closing parts of lake shore drive pic.twitter.com/gG8ymQZh6O
— arielle vasquez (@relle_belle) October 31, 2014Chicago rapper Chance the Rapper perhaps said it best:
Lake Shore Drive look like The Day After Tomorrow or something.
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) October 31, 2014The stormy weather has also meant delays and cancellations at O'Hare International Airport. According to the Chicago Tribune, more than 300 flights were canceled through noon Friday, with more cancelations and delays anticipated. No cancellations or delays were reported at Midway International Airport.
Evening temperatures in Chicago may reach as low as the upper 30s -- making for some chilly trick-or-treating conditions. A lakeshore flood advisory is in effect in the area through 4 a.m. Saturday. Lake-effect snow is also possible in northwest Indiana and the far southwest Chicago suburbs, the Tribune reports. Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/31/halloween-snow-chicago_n_6084402.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
National Parks Graffiti Won't Be Easy To Remove
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A series of graffiti-like paintings on rocks in National Parks across the West set off a furor on social media this month, angering people who say they desecrated some of the nation's most famously picturesque landscapes. They've also created a headache for park managers who have the delicate task of cleaning up the sites without causing further damage.
It won't be easy to get rid of the paintings, which were posted on Instagram and Tumblr and then picked up by hiking blogs. Sandblasting and some chemical strippers can cause even more damage to irreplaceable natural features, especially if graffiti is near ancient rock art.
In some cases, workers use plastic kitchen spatulas to painstakingly scrape off paint. Workers test different strippers to figure out which will loosen the material without damaging rock, then rinse it off with lots of low-pressure hot water, gently scraping each layer away with the spatula, said National Parks spokesman Jason Olson.
"They will repeat that as often as it takes until they remove all the paint or until they can't remove any more," he said. He said Friday he didn't know how much it might cost to go remove the paint in eight parks across California, Colorado, Utah and Oregon. One colorful painting of a woman with blue hair at Crater Lake National Park is already covered in ice and snow and workers might not be able to reach it until next summer.
Casey Nocket, the 21-year-old suspect identified by the park service this week, allegedly used acrylic paint and signed with the handle "creepytings." Attempts to reach Nocket were unsuccessful. A phone listing for her was disconnected and her social media accounts have been shut down or made private.
The case became the subject of widespread social media outrage from people reacting to paintings inserted into the landscape and documented as an apparent artistic expression.
The National Park Service said this week they've found paintings in Yosemite, Death Valley and Joshua Tree in California; Crater Lake in Oregon; Zion National Park and Canyonlands in Utah; and Rocky Mountain in Colorado, where Colorado National Monument was also tagged.
Zion National Park is home red-rock bluffs, sweeping canyons— and now a backpack-sized drawing of a woman smoking on a rock near a trail named for emerald-colored pools of water.
It's not the first time rangers have had to clean up, though paint is an unusual choice for vandals there.
Supervisory ranger Ray O'Neil said minor graffiti is scratched onto rock every day. Rangers carry nylon bristle brushes and water to brush it off as they see it.
At Joshua Tree in California, the park service has graffiti they think is from Nocket to deal with, and also a project to clean up the historic Barker Dam, which is nearly covered with scratched-on graffiti.
"Even though people know they shouldn't do it, as soon as someone else has done they just jump right on board," said cultural resources chief Jason Theuer. Sandblasting the structure originally built in 1902 to provide water for cattle could cause microscopic cracks, damaging the surface and creating a home for water and bacteria that cause more damage. Instead, they're using paint to fill it in.
Rangers deal with graffiti nearly weekly there, and the most difficult material to clean off is metallic spray paint. In some cases, graffiti near ancient petroglyphs or pictographs is nearly impossible to remove and rangers have to leave it.
Even if the rock art itself isn't damaged, the soil itself can contain other essential archaeological clues like microfossils that can be damaged by cleanup chemicals.
That's why officials say people shouldn't remove images themselves if they see them. Instead, they're hoping that the high-profile case raises awareness about an issue that's all too common in the parks.
"It's a basic, fundamental underlying facet of human nature is to sort of leave our mark," said Theuer. "Our national parks are not the place for it."
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/31/national-parks-graffiti_n_6084212.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=TravelCellist And Beatboxer Treat Southwest Flight To Impromptu Performance
"So a renowned cellist and a beatboxer meet on a Southwest flight..."
No, that's not the setup for a cheesy joke; the cellist-beatboxer collaboration actually happened, and the impromptu performance they gave passengers was more entertaining than any bad joke could ever be.
Cellist Francisco Vila and beatboxer Maximillian Reynolds (aka "Maxbeatbox") were on a flight bound for Denver earlier this month, reports The Telegraph, along with the Indianapolis University Chamber Orchestra. When they learned of each other's talents, they apparently decided to "wing it."
WATCH the cellist and the beatboxer perform, above.
H/T Digg
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Follow Us On Twitter Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/31/cello-beatboxer-southwest-flight-plane-video_n_6077794.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
No, that's not the setup for a cheesy joke; the cellist-beatboxer collaboration actually happened, and the impromptu performance they gave passengers was more entertaining than any bad joke could ever be.
Cellist Francisco Vila and beatboxer Maximillian Reynolds (aka "Maxbeatbox") were on a flight bound for Denver earlier this month, reports The Telegraph, along with the Indianapolis University Chamber Orchestra. When they learned of each other's talents, they apparently decided to "wing it."
WATCH the cellist and the beatboxer perform, above.
H/T Digg
Like Us On Facebook Follow Us On Twitter Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/31/cello-beatboxer-southwest-flight-plane-video_n_6077794.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=TravelThe 13 Greatest Destination Food Towns In America
Eating is probably the greatest excuse we've ever heard for planning a trip. But as a responsible foodie traveler, you want to make sure you're visiting a town with a local culture as rich as the jambalaya on the table.
We were thus ecstatic when Saveur released its annual Culinary Travel Awards, naming America's best culinary towns with populations under 800,000.
These towns play host to not only delicious dishes, but also delicious scenery, bars, hotels and places to explore. In fact, they're some of our favorite towns, too.
Betcha can't visit just one.
New Orleans, Louisiana
NOLA won Savuer's "experts' choice" award, earning top marks for not only its famous Creole food but also its lesser-known Vietnamese scene. Very un-touristy oysters and French bread are dished up at the historic Roosevelt Hotel -- be sure to tour the Crescent City Farmers Market, Algiers Point and the Garden District between meals.
Portland, Oregon
Saveur gave Portland the "readers' choice" award for its world-class chefs, stellar wineries, funky small-town menus and awesomely small-town meal prices. Saveur points out that the city is a delicious, kitschy mash-up -- you'll find funkadelic bubblegum donuts at Voodoo and "food cart pods" dishing out everything from porchetta sandwiches to goat cheese with almond butter. Visit Powell's City of Books or take a drive to Forest Park for burbling creeks and hikeable trails.
Seattle, Washington
Of course coffee comes to mind, but Seattle has also gotten to be one of Saveur's "outstanding" towns for its beer, donuts and friendly neighborhood cafes home to top-notch pastries. Pike Place is a foodie's dream -- and after sightings of a marijuana food truck, things only get more interesting.
Charleston, South Carolina
Where do we even start -- the Nasty Biscuit at Hominy Grill? The pastrami sandwich at Butcher & Bee? One thing is for certain: Charleston is a perfect foodie vacation, as you won't find such a perfect blend of down-home, Southern-inspired, locally-sourced eats anywhere else. With streets of quaint shops and historic waterfronts oozing Civil War lore, you'll have plenty to see between meals, too.
Boston, Massachusetts
With cheap brewery tours and some of the best bartenders in the country, Boston is the perfect place to cozy up with a pint (or bar hop between MANY pints) when cool weather hits. Local farms vend fresh ciders, cheeses and veggies for a cheap meal while you ice skate, ghost tour or take a leaf peeping day trip. Oh, and don't skip the chowda at The Daily Catch.
Atlanta, Georgia
You probably didn't know Atlanta had the "world's largest drive-in restaurant"... or that you could bike from just outside Atlanta to Alabama on the Silver Comet Trail. Luckily, these two activities -- binging and biking -- go hand-in-hand. But for a more refined experience, check out Atlanta's upscale takes on classic comfort food, like outstanding grits with Andouille sausage and the best grilled cheese probably ever.
Washington, D.C.
When Bill Cosby and President Obama dine at the same chili bowl dive, you know it's got to be good. D.C. is obviously a perfect weekend vacation for its historic sites -- check out November's FotoWeek and nearby Alexandria Film Festival, too! -- but it's also a bustling foodie town, with offerings for both early-rising workers and late-night carousers -- we're gonna need the chorizo risotto at Tico, STAT.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is having a major "moment," most notably for its handfuls of breweries and a used book exchange that pairs wine with literature. Everything is innovative here -- you'll find snacks like house-made potato chips and sturgeon with mustard on an Asheville eating tour, and dinner options include everything from Spanish tapas to vegan cuisine. The gardens, meadows, ponds and forests of the very castle-like Biltmore Estate are a regal place to hike off those hops.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Even if the ocean didn't exist, the loco moco would still be reason enough to visit Oahu -- this island delicacy is part eggs Benedict, part rice dish, part poutine and ALL parts satisfying. It's a symbol of Hawaii's spot at the nexus of Asian and Western cuisine cultures -- a trend coming to fruition as the city undergoes what Conde Nast Traveler calls a "culinary revolution" (did someone say macadamia nut pizza?!). While you're in the state capital, visit the Honolulu Zoo and hit the beach.
Providence, Rhode Island
How could a town with so many donut shops per capita not be a top foodie destination? The city is also extremely walkable, making it easy for visitors to hop from boat tours to the RISD Museum to the historic State House. End your day in a hidden bar in Federal Hill or with fresh lobster ravioli made by hand.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis is one of our favorite rising cities, with a booming social scene including live music, vintage shops and sports teams galore. It doesn't hurt that it's also home to the most whimsical pastries on Earth and some super-affordable restaurants. A local favorite is hot dish, an irresistible skillet dish with many renditions across the city.
Portland, Maine
Local cuisine is king in Maine's coastal food town. The innovative Vinland restaurant serves only local ingredients -- waiters are outfitted in locally-made duds, and the interior is decorated with white birch, too. Enjoy just-caught seafood, Asian-inspired buns and fresh breads at dozens of renowned restaurants, or make a day of picking out dinner at Harbor Fish Market.
Louisville, Kentucky
If you thought bourbon, you're right -- you'll find bourbon slushies, bourbon cocktails and straight-up libations in and around the famous Bourbon Trail, which makes it easy to soak up culture and beverages at the same time. Old Seelbach Bar, which was once a frequent haunt for F. Scott Fitzgerald, has a slew of rare bourbons... but don't worry, Louisville offers farm-to-table entrees, Mayan-inspired dishes and ooey, gooey Hot Brown sandwiches too.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/31/best-food-cities_n_6054716.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
We were thus ecstatic when Saveur released its annual Culinary Travel Awards, naming America's best culinary towns with populations under 800,000.
These towns play host to not only delicious dishes, but also delicious scenery, bars, hotels and places to explore. In fact, they're some of our favorite towns, too.
Betcha can't visit just one.
New Orleans, Louisiana
NOLA won Savuer's "experts' choice" award, earning top marks for not only its famous Creole food but also its lesser-known Vietnamese scene. Very un-touristy oysters and French bread are dished up at the historic Roosevelt Hotel -- be sure to tour the Crescent City Farmers Market, Algiers Point and the Garden District between meals.
Portland, Oregon
Saveur gave Portland the "readers' choice" award for its world-class chefs, stellar wineries, funky small-town menus and awesomely small-town meal prices. Saveur points out that the city is a delicious, kitschy mash-up -- you'll find funkadelic bubblegum donuts at Voodoo and "food cart pods" dishing out everything from porchetta sandwiches to goat cheese with almond butter. Visit Powell's City of Books or take a drive to Forest Park for burbling creeks and hikeable trails.
Seattle, Washington
Of course coffee comes to mind, but Seattle has also gotten to be one of Saveur's "outstanding" towns for its beer, donuts and friendly neighborhood cafes home to top-notch pastries. Pike Place is a foodie's dream -- and after sightings of a marijuana food truck, things only get more interesting.
Charleston, South Carolina
Where do we even start -- the Nasty Biscuit at Hominy Grill? The pastrami sandwich at Butcher & Bee? One thing is for certain: Charleston is a perfect foodie vacation, as you won't find such a perfect blend of down-home, Southern-inspired, locally-sourced eats anywhere else. With streets of quaint shops and historic waterfronts oozing Civil War lore, you'll have plenty to see between meals, too.
Boston, Massachusetts
With cheap brewery tours and some of the best bartenders in the country, Boston is the perfect place to cozy up with a pint (or bar hop between MANY pints) when cool weather hits. Local farms vend fresh ciders, cheeses and veggies for a cheap meal while you ice skate, ghost tour or take a leaf peeping day trip. Oh, and don't skip the chowda at The Daily Catch.
Atlanta, Georgia
You probably didn't know Atlanta had the "world's largest drive-in restaurant"... or that you could bike from just outside Atlanta to Alabama on the Silver Comet Trail. Luckily, these two activities -- binging and biking -- go hand-in-hand. But for a more refined experience, check out Atlanta's upscale takes on classic comfort food, like outstanding grits with Andouille sausage and the best grilled cheese probably ever.
Washington, D.C.
When Bill Cosby and President Obama dine at the same chili bowl dive, you know it's got to be good. D.C. is obviously a perfect weekend vacation for its historic sites -- check out November's FotoWeek and nearby Alexandria Film Festival, too! -- but it's also a bustling foodie town, with offerings for both early-rising workers and late-night carousers -- we're gonna need the chorizo risotto at Tico, STAT.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is having a major "moment," most notably for its handfuls of breweries and a used book exchange that pairs wine with literature. Everything is innovative here -- you'll find snacks like house-made potato chips and sturgeon with mustard on an Asheville eating tour, and dinner options include everything from Spanish tapas to vegan cuisine. The gardens, meadows, ponds and forests of the very castle-like Biltmore Estate are a regal place to hike off those hops.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Even if the ocean didn't exist, the loco moco would still be reason enough to visit Oahu -- this island delicacy is part eggs Benedict, part rice dish, part poutine and ALL parts satisfying. It's a symbol of Hawaii's spot at the nexus of Asian and Western cuisine cultures -- a trend coming to fruition as the city undergoes what Conde Nast Traveler calls a "culinary revolution" (did someone say macadamia nut pizza?!). While you're in the state capital, visit the Honolulu Zoo and hit the beach.
Providence, Rhode Island
How could a town with so many donut shops per capita not be a top foodie destination? The city is also extremely walkable, making it easy for visitors to hop from boat tours to the RISD Museum to the historic State House. End your day in a hidden bar in Federal Hill or with fresh lobster ravioli made by hand.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis is one of our favorite rising cities, with a booming social scene including live music, vintage shops and sports teams galore. It doesn't hurt that it's also home to the most whimsical pastries on Earth and some super-affordable restaurants. A local favorite is hot dish, an irresistible skillet dish with many renditions across the city.
Portland, Maine
Local cuisine is king in Maine's coastal food town. The innovative Vinland restaurant serves only local ingredients -- waiters are outfitted in locally-made duds, and the interior is decorated with white birch, too. Enjoy just-caught seafood, Asian-inspired buns and fresh breads at dozens of renowned restaurants, or make a day of picking out dinner at Harbor Fish Market.
Louisville, Kentucky
If you thought bourbon, you're right -- you'll find bourbon slushies, bourbon cocktails and straight-up libations in and around the famous Bourbon Trail, which makes it easy to soak up culture and beverages at the same time. Old Seelbach Bar, which was once a frequent haunt for F. Scott Fitzgerald, has a slew of rare bourbons... but don't worry, Louisville offers farm-to-table entrees, Mayan-inspired dishes and ooey, gooey Hot Brown sandwiches too.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/31/best-food-cities_n_6054716.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=TravelThe 13 Greatest Destination Food Towns In America
Eating is probably the greatest excuse we've ever heard for planning a trip. But as a responsible foodie traveler, you want to make sure you're visiting a town with a local culture as rich as the jambalaya on the table.
We were thus ecstatic when Saveur released its annual Culinary Travel Awards, naming America's best culinary towns with populations under 800,000.
These towns play host to not only delicious dishes, but also delicious scenery, bars, hotels and places to explore. In fact, they're some of our favorite towns, too.
Betcha can't visit just one.
New Orleans, Louisiana
NOLA won Savuer's "experts' choice" award, earning top marks for not only its famous Creole food but also its lesser-known Vietnamese scene. Very un-touristy oysters and French bread are dished up at the historic Roosevelt Hotel -- be sure to tour the Crescent City Farmers Market, Algiers Point and the Garden District between meals.
Portland, Oregon
Saveur gave Portland the "readers' choice" award for its world-class chefs, stellar wineries, funky small-town menus and awesomely small-town meal prices. Saveur points out that the city is a delicious, kitschy mash-up -- you'll find funkadelic bubblegum donuts at Voodoo and "food cart pods" dishing out everything from porchetta sandwiches to goat cheese with almond butter. Visit Powell's City of Books or take a drive to Forest Park for burbling creeks and hikeable trails.
Seattle, Washington
Of course coffee comes to mind, but Seattle has also gotten to be one of Saveur's "outstanding" towns for its beer, donuts and friendly neighborhood cafes home to top-notch pastries. Pike Place is a foodie's dream -- and after sightings of a marijuana food truck, things only get more interesting.
Charleston, South Carolina
Where do we even start -- the Nasty Biscuit at Hominy Grill? The pastrami sandwich at Butcher & Bee? One thing is for certain: Charleston is a perfect foodie vacation, as you won't find such a perfect blend of down-home, Southern-inspired, locally-sourced eats anywhere else. With streets of quaint shops and historic waterfronts oozing Civil War lore, you'll have plenty to see between meals, too.
Boston, Massachusetts
With cheap brewery tours and some of the best bartenders in the country, Boston is the perfect place to cozy up with a pint (or bar hop between MANY pints) when cool weather hits. Local farms vend fresh ciders, cheeses and veggies for a cheap meal while you ice skate, ghost tour or take a leaf peeping day trip. Oh, and don't skip the chowda at The Daily Catch.
Atlanta, Georgia
You probably didn't know Atlanta had the "world's largest drive-in restaurant"... or that you could bike from just outside Atlanta to Alabama on the Silver Comet Trail. Luckily, these two activities -- binging and biking -- go hand-in-hand. But for a more refined experience, check out Atlanta's upscale takes on classic comfort food, like outstanding grits with Andouille sausage and the best grilled cheese probably ever.
Washington, D.C.
When Bill Cosby and President Obama dine at the same chili bowl dive, you know it's got to be good. D.C. is obviously a perfect weekend vacation for its historic sites -- check out November's FotoWeek and nearby Alexandria Film Festival, too! -- but it's also a bustling foodie town, with offerings for both early-rising workers and late-night carousers -- we're gonna need the chorizo risotto at Tico, STAT.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is having a major "moment," most notably for its handfuls of breweries and a used book exchange that pairs wine with literature. Everything is innovative here -- you'll find snacks like house-made potato chips and sturgeon with mustard on an Asheville eating tour, and dinner options include everything from Spanish tapas to vegan cuisine. The gardens, meadows, ponds and forests of the very castle-like Biltmore Estate are a regal place to hike off those hops.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Even if the ocean didn't exist, the loco moco would still be reason enough to visit Oahu -- this island delicacy is part eggs Benedict, part rice dish, part poutine and ALL parts satisfying. It's a symbol of Hawaii's spot at the nexus of Asian and Western cuisine cultures -- a trend coming to fruition as the city undergoes what Conde Nast Traveler calls a "culinary revolution" (did someone say macadamia nut pizza?!). While you're in the state capital, visit the Honolulu Zoo and hit the beach.
Providence, Rhode Island
How could a town with so many donut shops per capita not be a top foodie destination? The city is also extremely walkable, making it easy for visitors to hop from boat tours to the RISD Museum to the historic State House. End your day in a hidden bar in Federal Hill or with fresh lobster ravioli made by hand.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis is one of our favorite rising cities, with a booming social scene including live music, vintage shops and sports teams galore. It doesn't hurt that it's also home to the most whimsical pastries on Earth and some super-affordable restaurants. A local favorite is hot dish, an irresistible skillet dish with many renditions across the city.
Portland, Maine
Local cuisine is king in Maine's coastal food town. The innovative Vinland restaurant serves only local ingredients -- waiters are outfitted in locally-made duds, and the interior is decorated with white birch, too. Enjoy just-caught seafood, Asian-inspired buns and fresh breads at dozens of renowned restaurants, or make a day of picking out dinner at Harbor Fish Market.
Louisville, Kentucky
If you thought bourbon, you're right -- you'll find bourbon slushies, bourbon cocktails and straight-up libations in and around the famous Bourbon Trail, which makes it easy to soak up culture and beverages at the same time. Old Seelbach Bar, which was once a frequent haunt for F. Scott Fitzgerald, has a slew of rare bourbons... but don't worry, Louisville offers farm-to-table entrees, Mayan-inspired dishes and ooey, gooey Hot Brown sandwiches too.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/27/best-food-cities_n_6054716.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
We were thus ecstatic when Saveur released its annual Culinary Travel Awards, naming America's best culinary towns with populations under 800,000.
These towns play host to not only delicious dishes, but also delicious scenery, bars, hotels and places to explore. In fact, they're some of our favorite towns, too.
Betcha can't visit just one.
New Orleans, Louisiana
NOLA won Savuer's "experts' choice" award, earning top marks for not only its famous Creole food but also its lesser-known Vietnamese scene. Very un-touristy oysters and French bread are dished up at the historic Roosevelt Hotel -- be sure to tour the Crescent City Farmers Market, Algiers Point and the Garden District between meals.
Portland, Oregon
Saveur gave Portland the "readers' choice" award for its world-class chefs, stellar wineries, funky small-town menus and awesomely small-town meal prices. Saveur points out that the city is a delicious, kitschy mash-up -- you'll find funkadelic bubblegum donuts at Voodoo and "food cart pods" dishing out everything from porchetta sandwiches to goat cheese with almond butter. Visit Powell's City of Books or take a drive to Forest Park for burbling creeks and hikeable trails.
Seattle, Washington
Of course coffee comes to mind, but Seattle has also gotten to be one of Saveur's "outstanding" towns for its beer, donuts and friendly neighborhood cafes home to top-notch pastries. Pike Place is a foodie's dream -- and after sightings of a marijuana food truck, things only get more interesting.
Charleston, South Carolina
Where do we even start -- the Nasty Biscuit at Hominy Grill? The pastrami sandwich at Butcher & Bee? One thing is for certain: Charleston is a perfect foodie vacation, as you won't find such a perfect blend of down-home, Southern-inspired, locally-sourced eats anywhere else. With streets of quaint shops and historic waterfronts oozing Civil War lore, you'll have plenty to see between meals, too.
Boston, Massachusetts
With cheap brewery tours and some of the best bartenders in the country, Boston is the perfect place to cozy up with a pint (or bar hop between MANY pints) when cool weather hits. Local farms vend fresh ciders, cheeses and veggies for a cheap meal while you ice skate, ghost tour or take a leaf peeping day trip. Oh, and don't skip the chowda at The Daily Catch.
Atlanta, Georgia
You probably didn't know Atlanta had the "world's largest drive-in restaurant"... or that you could bike from just outside Atlanta to Alabama on the Silver Comet Trail. Luckily, these two activities -- binging and biking -- go hand-in-hand. But for a more refined experience, check out Atlanta's upscale takes on classic comfort food, like outstanding grits with Andouille sausage and the best grilled cheese probably ever.
Washington, D.C.
When Bill Cosby and President Obama dine at the same chili bowl dive, you know it's got to be good. D.C. is obviously a perfect weekend vacation for its historic sites -- check out November's FotoWeek and nearby Alexandria Film Festival, too! -- but it's also a bustling foodie town, with offerings for both early-rising workers and late-night carousers -- we're gonna need the chorizo risotto at Tico, STAT.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is having a major "moment," most notably for its handfuls of breweries and a used book exchange that pairs wine with literature. Everything is innovative here -- you'll find snacks like house-made potato chips and sturgeon with mustard on an Asheville eating tour, and dinner options include everything from Spanish tapas to vegan cuisine. The gardens, meadows, ponds and forests of the very castle-like Biltmore Estate are a regal place to hike off those hops.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Even if the ocean didn't exist, the loco moco would still be reason enough to visit Oahu -- this island delicacy is part eggs Benedict, part rice dish, part poutine and ALL parts satisfying. It's a symbol of Hawaii's spot at the nexus of Asian and Western cuisine cultures -- a trend coming to fruition as the city undergoes what Conde Nast Traveler calls a "culinary revolution" (did someone say macadamia nut pizza?!). While you're in the state capital, visit the Honolulu Zoo and hit the beach.
Providence, Rhode Island
How could a town with so many donut shops per capita not be a top foodie destination? The city is also extremely walkable, making it easy for visitors to hop from boat tours to the RISD Museum to the historic State House. End your day in a hidden bar in Federal Hill or with fresh lobster ravioli made by hand.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis is one of our favorite rising cities, with a booming social scene including live music, vintage shops and sports teams galore. It doesn't hurt that it's also home to the most whimsical pastries on Earth and some super-affordable restaurants. A local favorite is hot dish, an irresistible skillet dish with many renditions across the city.
Portland, Maine
Local cuisine is king in Maine's coastal food town. The innovative Vinland restaurant serves only local ingredients -- waiters are outfitted in locally-made duds, and the interior is decorated with white birch, too. Enjoy just-caught seafood, Asian-inspired buns and fresh breads at dozens of renowned restaurants, or make a day of picking out dinner at Harbor Fish Market.
Louisville, Kentucky
If you thought bourbon, you're right -- you'll find bourbon slushies, bourbon cocktails and straight-up libations in and around the famous Bourbon Trail, which makes it easy to soak up culture and beverages at the same time. Old Seelbach Bar, which was once a frequent haunt for F. Scott Fitzgerald, has a slew of rare bourbons... but don't worry, Louisville offers farm-to-table entrees, Mayan-inspired dishes and ooey, gooey Hot Brown sandwiches too.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/27/best-food-cities_n_6054716.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=TravelThe Most Relaxing Places To Unwind With A Book (PHOTOS)
A book -- whether in paperback or on the screen of a Kindle -- is one of the most travel-friendly forms of entertainment in existence. We read on trains and planes, in waiting rooms, and before our dates show up to the bar. Even as video games and TV shows have spread their reach to smartphones, accessible anywhere, there's something about the simplicity of a book's ease of transport that sets it apart.
At the same time, however, reading has a particular meditativeness that seems to call for an ideal setting -- a cozy reading nook with a squashy armchair, a broad hammock overlooking a quiet stretch of beach, or a favorite park bench shaded by greenery. Though we read wherever we are, often in the most distracting and unpleasant circumstances, we all have some happy reading place we retreat to when we want to really lose ourselves in a book for a few hours.
We asked our readers to show us pictures of where they read, and the answer seems to be nearly any place you could imagine; photos showed our fearless readers on mountaintops, in bubble baths, and everywhere in between. Here are some of our favorites, which are guaranteed to make you want to find a sunny new spot and crack open a good book:
shanonwise embedded via Instagram
hobbes2485 embedded via Instagram
theellebell embedded via Instagram
ayanvillafuerte embedded via Instagram
jo_in_the_sky embedded via Instagram
alizasherman embedded via Instagram
daniandz embedded via Instagram
mzumjot embedded via Instagram
jvancompernolle embedded via Instagram
bedandbooks embedded via Instagram
@gnewtontrainor embedded via Twitter
@SusanTunis embedded via Twitter
@JoshuaWTurnage embedded via Twitter
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/31/whereiread_n_6069412.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
At the same time, however, reading has a particular meditativeness that seems to call for an ideal setting -- a cozy reading nook with a squashy armchair, a broad hammock overlooking a quiet stretch of beach, or a favorite park bench shaded by greenery. Though we read wherever we are, often in the most distracting and unpleasant circumstances, we all have some happy reading place we retreat to when we want to really lose ourselves in a book for a few hours.
We asked our readers to show us pictures of where they read, and the answer seems to be nearly any place you could imagine; photos showed our fearless readers on mountaintops, in bubble baths, and everywhere in between. Here are some of our favorites, which are guaranteed to make you want to find a sunny new spot and crack open a good book:
shanonwise embedded via Instagram
hobbes2485 embedded via Instagram
theellebell embedded via Instagram
ayanvillafuerte embedded via Instagram
jo_in_the_sky embedded via Instagram
alizasherman embedded via Instagram
daniandz embedded via Instagram
mzumjot embedded via Instagram
jvancompernolle embedded via Instagram
bedandbooks embedded via Instagram
@HuffPostCanada #WhereIRead #hammock #waterfront #WolfeIsland #postnightshiftreading pic.twitter.com/EFxbs3YXgJ
— Glennis Newton (@gnewtontrainor) October 28, 2014@gnewtontrainor embedded via Twitter
@HuffPostBooks The better question might be: Where DON'T I read? But the bubble bath is my fave #WhereIRead! pic.twitter.com/bscWUFVUXD
— Susan Tunis (@SusanTunis) October 27, 2014@SusanTunis embedded via Twitter
@HuffPostBooks this is #WhereIRead pic.twitter.com/EqWerGea5I
— Joshua W. Turnage (@JoshuaWTurnage) October 26, 2014@JoshuaWTurnage embedded via Twitter
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/31/whereiread_n_6069412.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
Thursday 30 October 2014
Calm Down, And Zen Out With This Captivating Surfing Video
Surfing is known for being a meditative sport, but cinematographer Chris Bryan just took its calming nature to the next level.
Shot at 1,000 frames per second, according to the Vimeo description, the video captures the zen of surfing perfectly.
Transport yourself to a calmer place by getting lost in a sea of slow-motion waves.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/30/chris-bryan-surfing-video-1000-frames-per-second_n_6078096.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
Shot at 1,000 frames per second, according to the Vimeo description, the video captures the zen of surfing perfectly.
Transport yourself to a calmer place by getting lost in a sea of slow-motion waves.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/30/chris-bryan-surfing-video-1000-frames-per-second_n_6078096.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
Gwyneth Paltrow Makes Plane Seat Her Red Carpet In British Airways Ad
Well we definitely don't look like this in the aisle seat.
Actress and Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow is positively stunning in a new ad campaign for British Airways.
Looking totally un-jetlagged, the actress casually kicks back on a seat from the airline's new A380 jet -- in a Safiyaa gown and Jimmy Choo heels, no less.
The ad promotes British Airways' massive new superjet, which launched a thrice-weekly route from London to Singapore this week.
It was shot atop Singapore's Marina Bay Sands Hotel, named as one of the leading casino resorts in the world. The hotel's epic SkyPark features a 150-meter infinity pool towering 57 stories above the city.
So, yea, we'd trade seats with Gwyneth any day. Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/30/gwyneth-paltrow-british-a_n_6074984.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
Actress and Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow is positively stunning in a new ad campaign for British Airways.
Looking totally un-jetlagged, the actress casually kicks back on a seat from the airline's new A380 jet -- in a Safiyaa gown and Jimmy Choo heels, no less.
The ad promotes British Airways' massive new superjet, which launched a thrice-weekly route from London to Singapore this week.
It was shot atop Singapore's Marina Bay Sands Hotel, named as one of the leading casino resorts in the world. The hotel's epic SkyPark features a 150-meter infinity pool towering 57 stories above the city.
So, yea, we'd trade seats with Gwyneth any day. Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/30/gwyneth-paltrow-british-a_n_6074984.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
17 Of The Best Views From The Window Seat
The beverage cart is majestic and all, by why sit in the aisle when you could basically watch an IMAX nature film from the window seat?
We asked travelers for their all-time favorite views from the airplane window, and the resulting images are nothing short of stunning.
Take a look -- and never book the aisle again.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/30/window-seat_n_6043310.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
We asked travelers for their all-time favorite views from the airplane window, and the resulting images are nothing short of stunning.
Take a look -- and never book the aisle again.
@joannmcpike via Instagram
@misseswray via Instagram
@jentemple via Instagram
@rajveerjohal via Instagram
@joannmcpike via Instagram
@ronniek1 via Instagram
@dubsonata via Instagram
@csollmann_photography via Instagram
@debbzie_leksono via Instagram
@bohopoop via Instagram
@stevenperilloux_ via Instagram
@jeffgoodman1 via Instagram
@mrvalography via Instagram
@yaaaaasmeeeeen via Instagram
@melaniejodrums via Instagram
@tintiniminmin via Instagram
@jessvass via Instagram
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/30/window-seat_n_6043310.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
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