Tag: Destinations

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Camping is a great way to spend time with family and friends. One of the most important pieces of gear for camping is a chair that can accommodate your size, weight, and comfort needs. Fortunately, there are a lot of camping chairs available that come in larger sizes to accommodate bigger bodies.  In this blog …

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Traditional bathhouses are an essential part of contemporary Korean culture. Literally “heated rooms,” these jjimjilbang (찜질방) are where locals come to unwind, hang out and engage in a whole host of health and beauty rituals that go far beyond a quick soak.

A Korean bathhouse attracts grandmas and young couples alike. It wouldn’t be odd for a group of friends to meet up at a jjimjilbang on a Friday night. Call it a spa date, but a surprisingly affordable one. Entrance usually costs between ₩7000 and ₩20,000, with smaller, neighborhood jjimjilbang being the cheapest options. Most places have different day and evening entrance rates, with the latter being just a little higher. The more elaborate joints have restaurants, outdoor swimming pools, hair and nail salons, and karaoke rooms in addition to the usual baths and saunas.

These spas have an unspoken code of manners and customs, which can make a first-time visit intimidating for foreign travelers. Read up on the towel techniques and Korean bathhouse etiquette to experience the jjimjilbang like a local.

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Arriving at a jjimjilbang in South Korea

The first thing you’re likely to see when you walk in the door is a wall of small lockers. These are for your shoes: slip them inside and take your locker key to the front desk. Pay up (the price should be posted at the reception desk) and hand over your shoe locker key.

In exchange, you’ll be given a new locker key for the changing room (sometimes the first key is used for both), a towel and a pair of cotton pajamas. Many jjimjilbang use electronic keys, which double as your tab; otherwise, the staff will note your locker key number if you add any services inside (such as a scrub or massage) to bill you at the end. The front desk staff should point you in the direction of the appropriate gender-segregated changing room. If not, it’s nam (남) for men and yeo (여) for women.

The key in your hand should have a number on it – that’s your locker, where you’ll store your clothes and anything else you’re carrying.

The baths

Most jjimjilbang have two distinct areas: the baths, which are same-sex only, and the sauna areas, which are communal.

Whichever you want to visit first is up to you, but most people prefer to wash up before sweating it out (and then wash up again). If you’re going to the baths, you need to remove all your clothing, bringing only a small towel and toiletries with you. If you’re going to the saunas, change into the pajamas. Wear your locker key on your wrist.

The cardinal rule here is that you need to wash before getting into the baths. There will be rows of washing stations and piles of plastic stools; grab one and pick a faucet. There will be soap, but there isn’t likely to be shampoo or conditioner, so you’ll need to bring your own (most convenience stores in Korea sell little single-use packets of various toiletries, and jjimjilbang usually sell them as well).

You don’t have to wash your hair, but if you don’t and it’s long, make sure to tie it up so it doesn’t trail in the bath. Once you’re nice and clean, head to the tubs.

There will usually be a variety of temperatures, from about 38°C (100°F, not too hot) to about 45°C (113°F, pretty hot), and also a cold tub. In most jjimjilbang, these are indoor soaking pools, but some also have open-air baths. Bathhouse regulars have their individual routines down to a science, but in general, optimal soaking time is considered to be 20 minutes. To stay in the water this long, it’s best to keep your heart above the water.

Koreans, and women in particular, are mad about exfoliation, and you’ll see them giving themselves long and hearty scrubs (you can also buy scrubbing towels and mitts at convenience stores and markets). If you really want to up your jjimjilbang game, you can opt for a professional scrub (called seshin).

In a corner of the bathroom, there will be a few plastic tables manned by ajumma (aunties) in their underwear (or men on the men’s side) wielding scrubbing mitts. They’re generally merciless, but you will never have smoother skin in your life. You’d do this after soaking for a bit, so the steam from the baths loosens your skin. A basic scrub usually costs ₩20,000, and you can also get an oil massage here for about ₩60,000.

Being in the buff

The most difficult part of the experience for a lot of first-timers is being naked with strangers. Fear not: Koreans consider this a normal part of visiting a jjimjilbang, and you are unlikely to be given a second glance by anyone else. 

You can use your towel to strategically cover yourself as you walk around (but the towels are small, so this isn’t easy).  You shouldn’t bring it into the water, but if it does get wet, a stack of fresh towels is usually waiting near the door to the changing room. The best way to keep your towel dry is to wear it on your head.

Another etiquette tip: splashing and loud talking might earn you dirty looks.

The saunas

The sauna you might picture – a steaming room heated to hellish temperatures – is probably different from a Korean sauna (and if you’ve never liked saunas, you might like these). Traditional Korean saunas (called hanjeungmak; 한증막) are stone or clay kilns typically heated to between 50°C (122°F) and 90°C (194°F) and are really quite pleasant.

As you lie on hemp mats (or sometimes salt or jade crystals), the heated stone gently warms your body, and after about 15 to 20 minutes, you start to sweat. It’s easy to fall asleep, but don’t – or risk dehydration. Cap off a good sweat with a cold, sweet sikhye, a traditional fermented rice drink usually sold at jjimjilbang. You can also buy eggs that have been steamed in the saunas, called maekbanseok gyeran.

The sleeping rooms

Many jjimjilbang are open 24 hours and actually double actually double as Korea’s best budget accommodations: for a few thousand won more than the standard entrance fee, you can opt to spend the night in the sleeping room. At simpler spots, the sleeping room might just be a wide room with some thin plastic mattresses (and yes, they are thin) and squishy plastic blocks (“pillows”) on the floor.

At more sophisticated places, the sleeping rooms resemble capsule hotels, with two levels of cubbyholes, which offer a little privacy. Some have separate rooms for women and snorers (regardless, earplugs are a good idea). Some also have blankets to loan or rent, though the rooms are usually heated – traditional under-floor ondol style – such that they’re not necessary.

There are also usually big common rooms where people congregate to watch TV, sit in massage chairs, snack and generally hang out. These areas are mixed and non-naked, so make sure you wear the pajamas provided. Some of the fancier jjimjilbang, such as Dragon Hill Spa in Seoul, also have outdoor swimming areas, hot tubs and entertainment zones like arcades to keep sauna-goers busy, sometimes throughout the night.

Checking out

This part’s easy: hand your locker key to the front desk staff, and they’ll present you with a bill if you’ve racked up any charges inside. Once you’re paid up, you get your shoe locker key back, and you’re good to go. Most jjimjilbang expect you to stay no more than one night, though some may allow you to negotiate a stay of multiple nights. You just might find yourself wanting to come back.

Best jjimjilbang in South Korea

• Dragon Hill Spa, Seoul: Conveniently situated next to Yongsan Station, this over-the-top place is arguably Korea’s most foreigner-friendly jjimjilbang. In addition to all the usual facilities, Dragon Hill boasts a hot spring outdoor pool, a horse-riding simulator and a movie theater. The ice room is said to revitalize skin and improve blood circulation.
• Supsok Hanbang Land, Seoul: While Supsok Hanbang Land might be located in central Seoul, a visit feels like an escape to the Korean countryside. It’s nestled amid trees on the slopes of Ansan Mountain, and you can soak up the bucolic atmosphere in its outdoor areas. It has traditional charcoal-fired kilns – a rarity for an urban jjimjilbang – and sells Korean barbecue in addition to the usual canteen fare.
• Aquafield, Goyang: This upscale jjimjilbang is part of the enormous Starfield shopping and entertainment complex in Goyang, a satellite city just northwest of Seoul. At ₩23,000 for six hours, it’s pricey, but you get top-tier facilities. For an extra ₩32,000, you can add access to the spa’s rooftop infinity pool, with views of Bukhansan Mountain.
• Centum Spaland, Busan: Part of Centum City, the world’s largest shopping complex, Centum Spaland offers a luxe version of the jjimjilbang experience, including 18 zen-like hot spring baths, an in-house cafe, a Finnish-style sauna and lots more. It’s also just a short bus ride away from Haeundae, Korea’s most popular beach.
• Jeju Sanbangsan, Andeok-myeon Township, Jeju-do: Jeju Sanbangsan is known for its high water quality and carbonate hot spring, with water that rises from 600m (1969ft) underground. It’s an idyllic retreat, with outdoor pools affording views of palm trees and Sanbangsan Mountain, a tuff lava dome that juts dramatically out of the otherwise flat terrain of this rural corner of southwest Jeju-do Island.

India is a rich land and the early summer throws up some wonderful places to visit in November, come and take a look.

Chicago is practically tailor made for family getaways, offering a wealth of interactive museums, fabulous parks and jaw-dropping architecture.

Is Chicago good for kids?

From tots to teens, there’s something for every child in the Windy City – without the aloof attitude or supersized footprint that make some big cities feel like no-fly zones for tiny tourists. Research the many kid-friendly happenings in town at Chicago Parent and Chicago Kids. Discovering the city as a family is easy on the budget, too: children under age 7 ride free on the L train and public buses, while those ages 7 to 11 pay a reduced fare.

Best things to do in Chicago with kids

Ferocious dinosaurs at the Field Museum of Natural History, an ark’s worth of beasts at Lincoln Park Zoo, lakefront boat rides and sandy beaches are among the top choices for visiting Chicago with kids. Add in magical playgrounds, fun tours and family-friendly food, and it’s clear that Chicago is a kid’s kind of town.

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Get a bird’s-eye view at Chicago’s skyscraper viewing decks

An up-close encounter with Chicago’s legendary architecture is a can’t-miss for visitors of all ages. Wee daredevils will delight in the city’s pair of high-altitude viewing decks: 360° Chicago on the 94th floor of the 875 N Michigan Ave building and the 103rd-floor Skydeck at the Willis Tower. As if the observatories’ heights weren’t dizzying enough, glassy viewing alcoves reward brave little ones with the sensation of being suspended over the city. Not sure which to pick? Skydeck scores points for sheer loftiness, while lakeside 360° Chicago has the edge in the panorama department.

Top things to do in Chicago

Gaze up at the skyline on a Chicago boat tour

For a ground-up view of the skyline and a fun boat ride to boot, treat tweens and teens to the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s river tour, which delivers an overview of the city center’s most important buildings from aboard a double-decker cruiser. If your children are too young to know their Burnham from their Mies, forego the formal tour and hop on the Shoreline Sightseeing water taxi. In addition to serving up spectacular lakefront scenery, the service links two of the most popular ports of call for visiting families: Navy Pier and the Museum Campus.

When is the best time to go to Chicago?

Little art historians in the making will love the Art Institute of Chicago

Over at the Art Institute of Chicago – free for under-14s – a real-life audience with some of the most recognizable paintings in the Western canon (think American Gothic, Nighthawks and A Sunday on La Grande Jatte) may stir your child’s inner Picasso. Dollhouse fans will be enchanted by the tiny universe of the Thorne Miniature Rooms. The Ryan Learning Center provides art-making activities and interactive games, such as puzzles featuring famous works. Even the most jaded teen will crack a smile for selfies with the iconic stone lions that stand sentry on the museum’s front steps.

25 best free things to do in Chicago

Go Jurassic at the Field Museum

Bring on the dinosaurs. The sprawling Field Museum of Natural History captures little imaginations with colossal fossils. The Crown Family PlayLab on the ground floor lets kids excavate bones and make loads of other discoveries. The Field Museum houses some 30 million artifacts – beetles, mummies, gemstones, Bushman the stuffed ape – all tended to by a slew of PhD-wielding scientists (the Field remains an active research institution). The collection’s rock star is Sue, the largest Tyrannosaurus rex yet discovered. (She even gets her own gift shop.) The museum is vast, so get a map at the desk and make a plan of attack before you set out.

Learning gets seriously fun at the Museum of Science and Industry

For an interactive experience to suit a broad range of ages and interests, it’s hard to top the Museum of Science and Industry. Families could spend a week here and not see it all. Big kids will get a kick out of descending into a coal mine, transmitting secret messages in the whispering gallery and playing astronaut at the Henry Crown Space Center, while little ones will love peeping at the adorable hatchery chicks and catching their reflections in the mirror maze.

Encounter a delightful menagerie at Lincoln Park Zoo

Wildlife enthusiasts are in for a treat at Lincoln Park Zoo, where chimps swing from the trees and Japanese macaques chill in hot springs. With its relaxed pace, the adjacent Farm-in-the-Zoo is geared to the littlest visitors. Be sure to stroll the boardwalk that links the two, where you’ll find an otherworldly honeycomb-like pavilion that makes the ultimate Chicago family photo op. Perhaps best of all for parents, the whole experience is free – even parking, if you’re lucky (or patient) enough to score a spot on Stockton Dr, just steps from one of the zoo’s main entrances.

Just up the street, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum earns high marks with youngsters for its butterfly haven, a light-filled indoor garden that’s home to 1000 winged beauties.

Let little ones let of steam at Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park

When the kids are looking to let loose, Chicago is at the ready with miles of lakefront and a plethora of parks. With its vertiginous crow’s nests, climbing wall and wintertime skating ribbon, the Loop’s Maggie Daley Park is a crown jewel in the city’s park system – though parents of tiny tots should note that an abundance of boisterous big kids and hiding spots can make it a bit nerve-jangling. The wide-open spaces of nearby Grant Park, best known for pretty Buckingham Fountain, may be a better match for small ones. Millennium Park, home to the super-photogenic interactive sculpture Cloud Gate (better known as “the Bean”), is a winner with kids of all ages.

Top 12 parks in Chicago

Make a splash at Chicago’s many beaches

Come summer, more than two dozen lifeguard-manned beaches beckon. Waves are typically pint-sized – perfect for petite swimmers. Tucked behind the Museum Campus, 12th Street Beach gets props for its manageable size, proximity to the Loop and cool view of the Adler Planetarium. At North Avenue Beach, gutsy teens can test their balance on a stand-up paddleboard. This beach is the most crowded, since its selling point is the location near both downtown and Lincoln Park Zoo. The steamboat-shaped beach house is totally kid friendly, with bathrooms and lockers plus a concessions stand serving ice cream and burgers.

The 9 best beaches in Chicago

Experience nature under a glass roof at Garfield Park Conservatory

When the weather tanks, Garfield Park Conservatory offers a year-round burst of balmy air and verdant greenery. Built in 1907, these two acres under glass are a lovely spot to while away a few hours sauntering around rooms of palms, ferns, orchids and koi-filled ponds. Between May and October 10 acres of outdoor grounds include a lily pool, a carnivorous-plant bog and the Monet Garden, which is based on the Impressionist painter’s flower patch at Giverny, France. Kids can get down and dirty with roots and seeds in the indoor Children’s Garden.

Life is always a carnival at Navy Pier

Amusements abound on Navy Pier, a half-mile-long wharf. Families will love the giant whirling swing, sky-high Ferris wheel, hand-painted carousel, remote-control boats, fountains to splash and more. Popcorn, ice cream, burgers and other treats add to the carnival atmosphere. The pier is also home to Chicago Children’s Museum as well as several boat-cruise operators. Polk Bros Park, at the pier’s entrance, has a fountain little ones can splash in, plus performance lawns for free concerts and movies.

Where to eat with kids in Chicago

Just about all but Chicago’s most exclusive restaurants will accommodate children without batting an eye, though for your family’s own comfort you might find it best to have your doggie bags in hand by 6:30pm, when dinner crowds can make maneuvering strollers and high chairs awkward. Adventurous eaters will love slurping noodles beneath the pagodas of Chicago’s Chinatown and digging into enormous dosas amid the sari shops and Indian candy stores of Devon Ave: both neighborhoods offer numerous dining spots that are casual and easy on the wallet.

Certain restaurants go the extra mile to welcome little guests. Lincoln Park’s retro RJ Grunts soothes post-zoo fatigue with kid-sized shakes and burgers along with a complimentary stroller valet, while over in hip Ukrainian Village, Quad Cities–style pizza spot Roots encourages tiny diners to play with their food, distributing dough balls to be squashed and stretched while dinner’s in the oven. Grown-up topping options like duck sausage and a lengthy Midwestern beer list will keep parents happy, too.

Kids get the royal treatment each afternoon at the Drake Hotel’s Little Prince and Princess Tea, an elaborate spread of dainty nibbles served up in the hotel’s grand Palm Court. Fanciful decorations and carolers make holiday season visits here particularly magical. Parents and rugrats alike will be sweet on the inventive ice cream at West Town’s Black Dog Gelato and the rich hot chocolate at Logan Square’s Katherine Anne Confections.

Where to stay with kids in Chicago

Home-sharing sites offer rental apartments scattered around Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods. If self-catering is not your family’s thing, you’ll find a bevy of boutique hotel options, as well as all the usual chain suspects, clustered around the Loop, Streeterville and River North neighborhoods – all good bases in terms of proximity to many of the city’s top kid-centric attractions.

Some hotels make a point of rolling out the red carpet for little ones. Up in quirky-cool Andersonville, the lovely Guesthouse Hotel offers spacious kitchen-equipped suites and a thoughtful menu of free-to-use kid essentials that run the gamut from car seats to sippy cups.

Top neighborhoods to explore in Chicago

How to get around with kids in Chicago

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available – but rather than scrambling to stash strollers and secure child seats in an unfamiliar vehicle, consider riding the L, Chicago’s system of elevated trains and subways. Most major sights are within an easy walk from an elevator-equipped station, indicated on system maps by an accessible icon. Tickets can be purchased at station kiosks.

Attractions tend to be quietest first thing in the morning. Some spots, like the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum of Natural History, have designated stroller and wheelchair entrances where lines are often significantly shorter. If you plan to hit more than a couple of signature attractions, consider a CityPass, valid for admission to your choice of five out of seven major sights. In addition to saving your brood a few bucks, it also includes fast-track entry to spots like the Willis Tower’s Skydeck – no small thing when little legs grow tired and crankiness looms.

Bend, Oregon sees four distinct seasons a year, each with a draw of its own. From winter sports like skiing and ice skating to swimming and horseback riding in summer, there is plenty to do in Bend, no matter what the weather. 

Despite varying temperatures, Bend sees an average of 300 or more days of sunshine each year. What more can visitors ask for? Whether you’re looking to come to Bend to ski, hike, golf or fish, here are the best times to visit.

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‘Ski’ you on the mountain during Bend’s snow season, from December-March

The snow season in Bend offers endless possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts willing to brave the cold – skiing and snowboarding are at the top of the list. Mt Bachelor, Hoodoo and Willamette Pass are the ski hills in closest proximity to Bend. Mt Bachelor is well-known for its expansive 360-degree terrain as well as its Adaptive Sports Program, geared toward people with special needs. 

For a night ski session, affordable lift tickets and ski biking, Hoodoo is the best choice. Snowmobiling, Nordic cross country skiing, skate skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and fat-tire biking are popular at Dutchman Flat, Virginia Miesner and Wanoga snow parks, and are easily accessible, all for the price of a sno-park permit. Be willing to share the trails with an abundance of winter enthusiasts. 

Other enticing winter sports options include ice skating at Seventh Mountain River Company, the Bend Pavillion or the ice rink in Sunriver. Sled dog rides with Oregon Trail of Dreams are also popular with visitors. For a top-notch adventure, get picked up by Elk Lake Lodge in a snowcat Suburban, and chauffeured out to the full-service lodge for a beer or meal. Or, extend your trip by staying overnight in one of the onsite cabins. 

The spring low season (April-May) showcases wildflower blooms

April showers bring May flowers and variable weather, which deters some visitors. But while the weather in spring oscillates rapidly between intermittent rain, cold, cloud cover and bright sunshine, the wildflowers burst. 

Central Oregon spring showcases a unique variety of wildflowers, blooms and blossoms that pop up in neighborhoods and high desert landscapes alike. Following the elevation, flowers such as native sand lilies bust in town first and can be seen on the lower flanks of Pilot Butte. Oregon grape and manzanita blooms follow. If you find the lower elevations are bloomed out, head for the hills. Upper elevations will slowly bloom in tears like dominos falling uphill as heat and sun exposure increase. 

Take a similar tack for springtime mushroom hunting. 

Snowbirds ascend on Bend during summer, from June-September

Many visitors only venture to Central Oregon in the summertime. With two dozen golf courses in Bend alone, retirees come for the driving ranges and 18-hole amenities. Resorts like Brasada Ranch, Black Butte Ranch and Pronghorn offer an immersive experience, with additional family options including horseback riding and pool time.

When the midday sun is in full force, locals tend to head for the Deschutes River. There are many access points throughout Bend to swim and launch kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. Favorite parks for water access include McKay, Miller’s Landing, Harmon, First-street Rapids, Riverbend and Farewell Bend Parks.

Perhaps the most iconic summertime activity of all is floating down the Deschutes River on an inner tube. Stop in at Bend Park & Float to get set up with a tube and shuttle, or BYO tube. You can easily walk back to your car, post-float in about a half-hour. Launch at Riverbend Park and take out at Drake Park.

Anglers love the fall season from October-November

Bend often sees warm weather into the late fall, which can last through Thanksgiving. The summer crowds have thinned, the kids are back in school and the fish (particularly steelhead) are jumping. Littleleaf Guide Services and Nate’s Rogue Adventures provide guided fishing excursions on the Lower Deschutes River, north of Bend. Anglers can also be seen in town trying their hand at casting for a brookie or brown trout.

Be sure to go for a drive and take in the beauty of the fall leaves as they peak in color. If you’ve been to the east coast for this pastime, you know how striking the fluorescent yellow, orange and pink leaves changing color can be.  Aspen trees and groves are particularly outstanding, along with the golden hue of larch trees among their evergreen counterparts.

 

January is for discounts and après-ski kick-offs

Many mountain resorts in Central Oregon and beyond run buy-one-get-one-free and other discount days in January. Local watering holes and restaurants host Après-ski (after ski) events including concerts and social hours. 

Jam out with Winterfest in February 

Every February, Bend puts on a weekend festival like no other. Winterfest offers dueling performance stages, food carts and seasonal crafters. Dance in the cold night air while sipping a micro-brew with all your favorite snow homies.   

Key Events: Winterfest

Bend is popular for spring-breakers in March

Many families descend on Bend for a fantastic spring break on the ski hill. It’s a good time to snowshoe and enjoy the last of the winter season activities. 

Whitewater raft in April

If you whitewater kayak or raft, you’ll be drawn to high desert rivers in April for their high water flows. With snow beginning to melt in the mountains and rain often falling, discover unruly flood waters while boating whitewater. 

Visit in early May to quietly enjoy nicer weather

Beat the crowds by heading to Bend before Memorial Day. Chances are the weather could be fairly nice, and you’ll get the best of Bend before the busy summer months.

You never know what the weather will bring in June or ‘Jun-uary’

Although June is the high season in Bend, no one is ever quite certain of the weather. Sometimes it snows, other times, it feels like summer.  Come prepared for anything! 

Have an old-fashioned 4th of July

If you happen to visit around Independence Day, you won’t want to miss the July 4th Fireworks Festival. Start the day off with live music, great food and games for kids, and end it with the fireworks show launched from the top of Pilot Butte

Key Events: July 4th Fireworks Festival, 4th of July Fireworks on the Warm Springs Reservation

Art and music festivals abound in August

If art shows are your thing, see more than 100 visual artists’ work on display at Art in the High Desert, or the work of local metal artists at the Central Oregon Metal Arts Guild Annual Show, both in August. Classical music lovers won’t want to miss the Sunriver Music Festival, and foodies should check out Munch & Music in Drake Park on Thursday nights for live music and good food. 

Key Events: Art in the High Desert, Central Oregon Metal Arts Guild Annual Show, Sunriver Music Festival, Munch & Music

Go fish in September

Early fall is a great time to visit – temperatures still reflect summer warmth, but kids are back in school and crowds have subsided. This month also kicks off fall fishing for steelhead and salmon – keep an eye out for public salmon bakes.

Key Events: Salmon Run, Mill-Luck Salmon Celebration

Fall fun is everywhere in October 

The Old Mill District hosts a kid-friendly Halloween, with trick-or-treating and more, while many other venues around town host adult-only festivities. Smith Rock Ranch is popular this month, with its pick-your-own pumpkin patch, corn maze and pumpkin catapult. October also kicks off several design and arts festivals.

Key Events: Halloween in the Old Mill District, Bend Design Week, Bend Venture Conference, Bend Film Festival

Feast on the November harvest

Despite its dry climate, the high desert pulls in a bounty of locally-grown food each year, and November is typically the pinnacle of the harvest season. This is your last chance to check out local farms before the winter season. 

Key Events: Veteran’s Day Parade on the Warm Springs Reservation

Get into the holiday season in December

Visit Bend during December for the best holiday events. See locals decorate their canoes and boats in lights as they float down the Deschutes River in the Old Mill District for the Winter Holiday Lights Paddle Parade. Or, catch a nightly light show at the Sunriver Resort. Bend and Prineville also have spectacular annual holiday parades. 

Key Events: Winter Holiday Lights Paddle Parade, Sunriver Resort Holiday Lights Shows

 

 

Memphis is undoubtedly one of America’s greatest music cities – its rich heritage birthed rock ‘n’ roll and its own version of soul and the blues. 

The vibrant and culturally diverse hub has recently seen many of its storied neighborhoods spring back to life through regeneration efforts. Where once stood empty warehouses, now you’ll find a crisp batch of independent stores and restaurants, serving up new takes on Memphis’ legendary food scene.

The city’s laidback and open-minded attitude means there isn’t a strict rulebook to follow, but there are a few things to know before visiting Bluff City.

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Always make reservations for brunch and fine dining

Brunch is a big deal in Memphis, and restaurants book up fast, so always call ahead to secure a spot. For those seeking high-end dining, particularly if there’s a James Beard-nominated chef at the helm, you may need to call a couple of weeks ahead to guarantee a seat at the table. 

If it’s a local barbeque or hot wing joint, just show up, but be prepared to wait in line.

Don’t forget your reusable water bottle

Ditch the throwaway bottles – Memphis’ water is classed as some of the tastiest in the world. With the flick of a tap or the push of a fountain’s button, you can hydrate with freshwater derived from natural reservoirs flowing hundreds of feet below Memphis’ surface. 

And with Memphis’ notorious heat and humidity, topping up the aqua levels regularly is a must in this city.

Best time to visit Memphis 

The Memphis dress code is whatever you want 

Memphis is a laidback city, with a dress code to match. You can turn up in an Elvis t-shirt, a tracksuit or sequined eveningwear, and no one will raise an eyebrow, so come as you are. The exception to this: church. When attending a service, it’s best to dress smartly. 

The barbeque capital of the US also caters to vegans

In fact, we’ll raise you – it’s now fairly easy to be vegan in Memphis. Although Bluff City has a reputation for giving us some of the finest meaty barbeque in the country, recent years have seen a fresh cluster of plant-based restaurants and stalls cropping up across the city.

Local specialties focus on southern staples minus the meat. Think cauliflower hot wings, beet burgers, carrot dogs and vegan barbeque, for a true taste of Memphis. 

Crosstown Concourse is home to a collective of health-conscious restaurants, while the Imagine Vegan Café caters to all your comfort food needs.

Grab a takeout cup – the liquor laws are relaxed on Beale St

Memphis is a town of many quirks. One of them just happens to be that Beale St, home of the blues, is the only place in Tennessee where you can legally walk the street with an open alcohol container.

This means that on a warm summer evening, visitors can grab a drink from a Beale St bar in a takeout cup and wander up and down America’s most famous musical highway, soaking up the live acoustics or catching a performance from the Beale Street Flippers, Memphis’ famed acrobatic troupe. 

Note that cannabis, for both medical and recreational uses, is illegal in Memphis.

Memphis’ churches have an open-door policy on Sunday

There are more than 2000 churches in the Greater Memphis Metropolitan area, the majority of which are Baptist. One of the best ways to ingratiate yourself into the city is to attend a Sunday morning church service, where tourists are welcome to respectfully join congregations in worship, which often involves a full choir and band.

The Reverend Al Green – yes, the former soul-singing legend  – can be found leading a fantastically dynamic service at his Full Gospel Tabernacle Church.

If you’re unsure of the etiquette, just quietly choose a pew in the back. A collection plate will likely make its round during the service, so come prepared. 

Memphis is LGBTIQ+ friendly, but you need to know where to go

Although Memphis’ scene is certainly more lowkey than neighboring Atlanta or New Orleans, a flourishing LGBTIQ+ community exists and is increasing in visibility. 

Cooper-Young and Overton Square are particularly LGBTIQ+ friendly neighborhoods, flying the flag with joyful rainbow crosswalks.

For those looking to explore Memphis’ LGBTIQ+ nightlife, the main roadblock is the lack of a condensed, specific district, so transport is essential for barhopping. 

Atomic Rose is a weekend-only nightclub just steps from Beale Street with drag shows and bingo nights. Dru’s Bar in midtown offers karaoke nights and a patio for cooling off on balmy nights, while The Pumping Station in Crosstown is an ultra-inclusive neighborhood hangout that’s been crowned Memphis’ top gay bar. 

Visit for the Tri-State Black Pride in June, or come for the four-day Memphis Pride Fest Weekend in October. It’s the largest gathering of its kind in the Mid-South.

Best Memphis day trips 

Don’t confuse Memphis with Nashville

A friendly(ish) rivalry between Tennessee’s two major cities permeates across most aspects of life, from sports to food and music. If you once had the best night of your life on Nashville’s Honky Tonk Highway, maybe keep that one to yourself while in Memphis.

Accessibility in Memphis

Memphis’ main advantage over other neighboring cities is its wheelchair-accessible trolley system, which makes getting around town a little easier. 

The National Civil Rights Museum has ramp access for wheelchair users, while the Woodland Discovery Playground at Shelby Farms Park is a good place for under 12s of all abilities. The majority of Graceland is wheelchair accessible, aside from the basement rooms.

Free things to do in Memphis

Is Memphis safe to visit?

Crime rates in Memphis are above the national average, but if you stick to the tourist-friendly districts, then your visit should be hassle-free.

Pockets of both downtown and midtown have recently been revitalized, with former derelict buildings transformed into residential blocks and thriving businesses. 

If you haven’t visited Memphis for a few years, expect to be pleasantly surprised by the safe and welcoming vibe in neighborhoods such as South Main and Overton Square.

Around Beale Street, which is a magnet for music lovers, you’ll notice a police presence keeping an eye on everything. 

Downtown and midtown are also patrolled by the brilliantly-named blue suede shoe brigade, a collective of uniformed ambassadors on the lookout for nuisance issues. They are not police officers but are available for assistance.  Yes, they actually wear blue suede sneakers, and yes, everyone jokes about stepping on them!

As with any metropolitan area, keep a constant eye on your belongings and note that it’s wise to stick to the main, well-lit tourist streets when exploring Memphis at night. 

The most common petty crimes in Memphis are pickpocketing and car break-ins, so keep valuables close, especially around tourist landmarks, and never leave them in your car. In an emergency, call 911 or for non-emergency situations call 211 to be directed to the relevant department. 

When in doubt, ask a Memphian

Memphis is a friendly city steeped in southern charm, so striking up a conversation with locals tends to be straightforward and guarantees savvy insider tips. 

Those looking for an in-depth chat should just ask a Memphian about their favorite barbeque spot. But be warned: Everyone in Memphis has their favorite smoke, sauce and slaw combination, so the debate can quickly get heated.

Lisbon’s northern rival, Porto is a dynamic riverside city of medieval lanes, sun-dappled plazas and lofty viewpoints overlooking the Douro. This is also a city with a love for the good things in life: fine art, football and wine.

The city’s impressively diverse museums provide a helpful primer on Porto’s unique facets, from its age-old wine-making traditions to more recent triumphs on the sporting pitch, with detours via the city’s cheerfully painted trams and trailblazing artwork.

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You’ll also gain deeper insight into Portugal’s history through galleries packed full of historic relics and swashbuckling interactive exhibitions aimed at pleasing the toughest of critics (namely the under 10 crowd, who are well catered for in Porto).  

The historic Ribeira district has the densest concentration of museums, but it’s worth roaming across the city to see the top museums. Getting from museum to museum is part of the adventure, and not a cumbersome one, given the city’s excellent public transport network. Plan your trip around these seven brilliant museums (and see unique parts of Porto along the way). 

Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis: best for Portuguese art

Even before you step in the door, you’ll feel the overarching prominence of this grand museum, facing the 19th-century Palace of the Carrancas and set in one of Porto’s finest neoclassical buildings. Walking up the granite staircase, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Arthur Wellesley (aka, the first Duke of Wellington) and Dom Pedro IV, both of whom lived for a time in the building. Original frescoes and Italian stucco work adorn the rooms inside, along with one of the finest art collections in Porto.

Architecture aside, Portugal’s oldest museum displays a wide array of artistic treasures, including paintings by 16th-century Portuguese Renaissance master, Vasco Fernandes, and 19th-century naturalist, Henrique Pousão. Pride of place goes to works by the artist for whom the museum is named – sometimes called the ‘Michelangelo of Portugal,’ the sculptor Soares dos Reis created hauntingly realistic works, including O Desterrado (The Exile), on display alongside several other dos Reis masterpieces.

World of Wine: best for wine lovers

In the port-loving settlement of Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river from Porto proper, the World of Wine isn’t one museum but seven. Here, you can learn not only about winemaking in Portugal but also about other key industries integral to the Portuguese identity, including cork-harvesting, chocolate and textiles. There’s a museum that covers Porto’s complicated past and another devoted to drinking vessels – over 1800 beakers, bowls and chalices from across the globe that provide a unique window into this interesting facet of human history.

Museums are only one part of the WOW experience. Visitors also have ample opportunities to partake of another beloved Portuguese tradition: namely eating. The complex includes a dozen different restaurants, bars and cafes, each with a unique focus. You’ll find vegetarian fare, steaks, haute cuisine, tapas and desserts. Naturally, good wines are ubiquitous, though if you want to delve deeper into local wine traditions, take a class or a workshop at the onsite Wine School. 

Casa do Infante: best for Porto history  

If these walls could talk the cacophony would be deafening considering how much has transpired in this 14th-century building over the years. Among other things, the Case do Infante is where future Prince Henry the Navigator – the father of Portuguese exploration – was reputedly born in 1394.

Stepping inside, you’ll learn all about the notable royal, who played a key role in Portugal’s maritime dominance and the Portuguese colonization of Africa, Asia and South America, while also getting an overview of Portuguese history.

Exhibitions delve even further back in time than the Age of Discoveries, thanks to the accidental unearthing of Roman ruins beneath the museum. Don’t miss the display revealing an impressively designed ancient Roman mosaic floor.

Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves: best for avant-garde art

Hop on bus 201 and take a 30-minute jaunt west of the center to reach the Parque de Serralves. Here, tucked amid manicured, French-inspired gardens, you’ll find the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves, Portugal’s most important contemporary art museum.

Exhibitions change regularly and showcase thought-provoking works by artists from Portugal and beyond. Recent hits include shows by Joan Miró, Ai Weiwei and filmmaker Manoel Oliveira. The striking modernist building, designed by famed Porto-based architect, Álvaro Siza Vieira, plays a supporting role – as does the garden outside, with oversized windows in the gallery framing nature’s artful designs outside.  

World of Discoveries: best for kids 

Dragging the kids into a museum can be a tough sell. The World of Discoveries, however, brings a touch of Disney-esque excitement to the past, with interactive, hands-on exhibits. You’ll rewind to the 15th and 16th centuries, and the days when Portuguese explorers sailed off into the unknown, and you’ll see the lands they encountered – including North Africa, Brazil, Macau and India.

There are rooms where you can roam around the inside of a ship, learn about navigation through touch screens and check out barrels of cinnamon and other spices brought back to Europe. The highlight is a “round-the-world” boat trip, passing life-sized tableaus complete with knights, camels and jungle creatures along the way.

Museu do Carro Eléctrico: best for transportation nerds

Porto’s beloved yellow trams get the star treatment at this delightful museum near the banks of the Douro River. Set in the cavernous interior of the former thermoelectric station that once powered the tram network, this museum displays some two dozen different trams, including oddities such as an 1872 streetcar that was pulled by mules and boxy Vagoneta 80, which was used to carry fish from the docks of Matosinhos to the markets in Porto.

No prizes for guessing the only acceptable mode of transport to reach the museum! Scenic tram line 1 rattles along the riverside from the Ribeira district to near the museum entrance. It’s a memorable 10-minute ride, and after visiting the museum you can continue out to Passeio Alegre for more glorious tram time.

FC Porto Museum: best for sports fans 

Set beneath the 50,000-seat Estadio do Dragão, the high-tech FC Porto Museum immerses you in the lore of one of Portugal’s best-loved football (soccer) teams. Thoughtfully designed exhibits and interactive screens tell the story of FC Porto since its founding in 1893, covering its deep connection to the city, its most famous players, and its greatest victories.

Don’t miss the exhibit dedicated to Rabah Madjer’s back-heel goal in the 1987 European Cup final against Bayern Munich – which led to Porto’s first European Cup title. For a few euros more you can add on a stadium tour and get a look at some of the key areas in the ‘Dragon’s Den.’