Twist Travel Magazine Issue #14

ISSUE 014

3 DAYS IN ASHEVILLE, NC

ROAD TRIP!

K-POP PRIMER CATSKILL MANOR MAVEN BRAZIL'S SECRET FJORD JAPANESE DESIGN INSPO

editor's note Seasons bring change, whether it be summer to autumn, or a big shift in life that upends your world while ushering in new possibilities. As many of us saw, change can happen in a moment, shutting down the world and shifting our priorities. But it has also given birth to new opportunities.

Recently, my husband upended our lives when he got offered a new job that brought us out to California towards the end of summer. Not only does autumn mean we are jumping into fall and the new school year, but into a whole new house and community.

And frankly, I'm ready to embrace some big change.

After so many months feeling like we were standing still, having life back in motion is a blessing. Autumn fashion has a whole new meaning, as I can actually shed the yoga pants and be outside with friends; baking isn't just for my neighbors, but new friends, bake sales and family. I'm surrounded by new gardens, ingredients and inspiration at every turn.

While life slowly gets back to normal, I encourage you to embrace the changes that have come your way. Start planning a road trip to the desert, snowy mountains or a quiet beach within a few hours of home. Hitting the open road brings rejuvenation, even when its just a day trip, which is why I'm, so thrilled we are focusing on road trips this issue.

It's been hard to get back into a travel groove, but road trips are the one constant we can do. Escape the crowds, get back into nature, explore the hidden towns across the country, and pop into the retro motels being renovated across the USA. We are all in a season of change... will you embrace it?

KERYN MEANS , EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @KERYN_MEANS

Contributors

Brianna Simmons

Claudia Laroye

Ethan Gelber

Erin Gierhart

casualfoodist.com IG @casualfoodist

claudiatravels.com IG @itsclaudiatravels

thetravelword.com IG @bikeabout

stateofdinner.com IG @stateofdinner

Jade Broadus

Karilyn Owen

Katja Gaskell

John Tillison

vagabond3.com IG @vagabond3

nobackhome.com IG @nobackhome

globetotting.com IG @globetotting

parkrangerjohn.com IG @parkrangerjohn

Jordana

Kirsten Maxwell

Lindsay Garbacik

Tai Kojro-Badziak

IG @jordanagagnon

KidsAreATrip.com IG @KidsAreATrip

IG @lindsaygarbacik

tkb.studio IG @tkb.studio

Tammilee Tillison tammileetips.com IG @tammileetips

Tawny Clark captainandclark.com IG @captainandclark

Tyler Mallory tylermallory.com IG @tylermalloryphotos

Zoey Goto zoeygoto.com IG @zoeygotowriter

I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.

- L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Issue No. 14

Publisher: Walking On Media LLC Editor-in-Chief: Keryn Means Contributing Editors: Claudia Laroye and Tawny Clark European Editor: Katja Gaskell Designers: Caryll Anne Marbella Cover Photo: Canva Stock

For editorial inquiries, please contact: keryn@walkingontravels.com

Sales Offices: Washington, D.C. London, UK Vancouver, Canada

For advertising inquiries, please contact: keryn@walkingontravels.com

Please send all general questions and inquiries to: twisttravelmag@gmail.com

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Twist Travel Magazine is published by ©2021 Walking On Media LLC No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

Digital issue may contain affiliate links.

WWW.WALKINGONTRAVELS.COM

4 | TWIST

Table of Contents 5 | THE TWIST

22 | SHE GETS AROUND: DR. PAULA MADRID

Channelling fall fashion and road trip vibes while savoring the best of late summer tastes.

Meet the multi-talented forensic psychologist mom of three who also owns a historical holiday home in the Catskills.

8 | AUTUMN KITCHEN GARDENS

28 | BRAZIL’S GREEN COAST

Bring summer indoors with stylish hanging planters and mini greenhouses.

Go off-grid and discover the beauty and mystery of Brazil's only tropical fjord on the Costa Verde coast.

10 | EVERYTHING LAVENDER

32 | K-POP: THE MUSIC PHENOMENON

From savory dinner entrees to sweet treats and cocktails, you can celebrate lavender all year long.

Everybody's talkin' about pop music - K-Pop music that is!

How this popular music has taken the world by storm.

17 | ECO HOT LIST

36 | JAPANESE AUTUMN INSPIRATION

Keep clean and healthy at home or on the road with these germ-busting eco-friendly travel essentials.

Embrace and invite the beauty of Japan into your home with this curated selection of design-forward decor.

19 | TRAVEL 101: ROAD TRIPS WITH TEENS

41 | TWIST FAVORITES: RETRO MOTELS

Avoid the eye rolls and keep teens engaged with these road trip tips for traveling with older kids.

Everything old is new again at these five fully refurbished and renovated retro motels in North America.

20 | 3-DAYS IN ASHEVILLE, NC

47 | SPOTLIGHT ON ROAD TRIPS

Discover the eclectic and electric energy of Asheville, NC, with our 3-day family-friendly guide to the city.

Hit the open road with these road trip tips for National Parks, camping van-life and tripping while pregnant.

the

A QUICK GUIDE TO THE SEASON

Get inspired as summer turns to autumn with vibrant lavender sweet and savory recipes, stylish fall dresses, great reads for the road and a few things to add to your wishlist that will help the environment, as well as help you pack up for your next trip ,whether you stay close to home or head further afield.

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Seasonal

Favorites

BY LINDSAY GARBACIK

Road trip season easily slips into fall with our seasonal fave picks. From sustainably-made and ridiculously comfortable flip flops to an on-trend handcrocheted bucket hat and a travel hammock chair, make the most of every sunny day and cooler night. Check out our seasonal favorites for some of the best products to keep your days exciting and stylish.

TREI Co-op Camp Dreamer Self-Inflating Pillow rei.com • $39.95 Hit the ground running on road trips with this self-inflating pillow. The pillow, filled with foam, compresses and packs into a small pocket so it is easier to pack in your suitcase. Additionally, it has a hi-flow flat TPR valve that makes it easy to inflate and deflate the pillow. Its pillowcase is removable and machine washable, making this the perfect pillow for road trip nights and sleepovers.

Wavy Vase anthropologie.com • $68 Brighten up your indoors with this artisanal stoneware vase. Its ivory color makes for a great neutral against the bright hues of late summer and fall flowers.

FASHION X Lite Weight Bucket Hat shtwemade.com • $80 Hop on the popular bucket hat trend with this hand-crocheted bucket hat. Each hat is custom made from recycled materials whenever possible.

To customize the hat and give it that high-end look, add a recycled logo from Prada, Chanel, and other luxury brands.

HIKINGS

SPLAT Flip Flops Tidalnewyork.com • $30 Keep your warm weather beach game strong with these vibrant magenta flip flops. They're extra comfortable, made with polyurethane foot beds that are 60% air. The flip flops have a curved arch support so your feet feel sneaker-level support while staying cute. Each shoe is sustainably made from start to finish in New York City.

ALPS Mountaineering Torrent Dry Bag Multi-Pack rei.com • $39.99 The worst part of any boating excursion is when everything you'd packed gets wet or worse, falls in the water. Avoid this altogether with a set of dry bags. Coming in a range of sizes from 2 liter, to 5 liter, to 10 liter, each bag is brightly colored and made from a polyester PVC waterproof material.

Currents Leggings nubeusa.com • $50 Made with a four-way compression fabric and custom-designed print by artist Chris Ballasiotes, these leggings are a sure way to stand out. Each pair of leggings is made from at least 20 recycled plastic bottles and constructed in Nube’s East Los Angeles studio.

Not Just a Traveller’s Wallet Flame Croc hyergoods.com • $110 Get your passport ready to travel again with this cute, bright orange bifold wallet. With seven card slots, two cash pockets, and a passport pocket, this is perfect for everyday use or while travelling. The wallet is made sustainably from eco leather that was sourced from genuine leather scraps, so each piece is unique.

ZunZun Travel Hammock Chair with Suspension lasiesta.com • $99.90 This cute and lightweight hammock is a great way to get outside while remaining comfortable. The colorful chair is lightweight and hangs from a single suspension, so you don’t have to worry about tangling its lines. Tree straps are extra-wide and it's also machine-washable.

Hit the Road

BY KATJA GASKELL • GLOBETOTTING.COM

ON THE ROAD

By Jack Kerouac • Amazon.com

A road trip holiday is great at any time of year and it's one of the best ways to escape the every day routine - even if it's just for a long weekend. We've rounded up some of our favorite books to inspire your next family adventure; from survival guides and an American classic to books that will have you laughing out loud. And remember, a family road trip is completely doable as long as you pack snacks!

THE ROAD TRIP SURVIVAL GUIDE

By Rob Taylor • Amazon.com

Written by Rob Taylor, one half of the highly successful 2TravelDads, the original LGBTQ Family Travel blog, this guide shares all you need to know about not only planning but enjoying a family road trip. It also comes with suggested US, Canadian and Mexican road trip itineraries.

Published in 1957, On the Road is still considered the road trip book today.

Based on the cross-country travels of Kerouac and his friends, the book explores jazz, sex, drugs, a youthful lust for life and a rejection of the traditional trappings of the American Dream.

THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS

By Mike McIntyre • Amazon.com When Mike McIntyre decides to hitchhike across the country from San Francisco to Cape Fear in North Carolina he does so without a penny to his name.

This is a story of adventure but more one of goodwill, kindness and the generosity of strangers.

ROUND IRELAND WITH A FRIDGE

THE LOST CONTINENT

By Tony Hawks • Amazon.com

By Bill Bryson • Amazon.com

A drunken bet sees British comedian Tony Hawks travel around Ireland with a fridge by his side. During the month-long adventure they go surfing, enter a bachelor festival and meet the poorest King on earth. It's silly, laugh-out-loud funny and makes travel with kids seem a breeze!

The first travel book by Bill Bryson tells the wonderfully comic tale of his 13,978 mile trip around the United States in the late 1980s. Bryson shuns major tourist sights and instead focuses on the real everyday America, visiting small towns and long-forgotten points of interest.

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Autumn Kitchen Gardens

BY KERYN MEANS • WALKINGONTRAVELS.COM

Like a great container garden or raised bed, growing your own herbs and vegetables as the weather gets cooler is one of the joys of the changing seasons. While friends are hunkering down with gourds, you can still grow leafy greens and fresh herbs to add to your meals well into autumn.

Grab your favorite hanging planters, or if you have the space, a small greenhouse that you can bring indoors or keep near your house. All of these options are protected from the elements, leaving your imagination to go wild with culinary delights.

&

Herbs

Veggies

Basil Parsley Rosemary Dill Oregano Thyme Mint

Indoor Garden Essentials

1- ABETREE Metal and Macrame Hanging Planter 2- OUTSUNNY Garden Wood Greenhouse 3- LA JOLIE MUSE 2 Tier Hanging Planters 4- SOLEDERA Hanging Ceramic Planters 5- TAMAYKIM Ceramic Planter with Macrame Hanger

Lettuce Tomatoes Beans Peas Hot Peppers Arugula Cucumbers

Fall into

Autumn DRESSES Leaves are starting their transition into crimson and gold, pumpkin spice is in the air, and it is time to break out our favorite autumnal dresses. From low key casual to ruffled romance, these are the dresses you need to flaunt this fall. Pair with boots and your favorite scarf and you're ready to hit the apple orchards and pumpkin patches.

Gingham Tunic Dress • $88 We adore a good gingham print. It reminds us of autumn picnics and hot apple cider. This dress can be accessorized with leggings, frill socks, and ankle boots to complete the look. Top with a beret and scarf and you're ready to the season's first pumpkin spice latte!

Happy Feelings Dress • $168 Warm colored maxi dresses are an autumnal staple that will last over the years. The Happy Feelings dress comes in a variety of colorways and is easy to dress up or dress down. Throw on a sweater and it will appear as a maxi dress.

We love this versatile piece!

Oversized Pullover Dress • $41.99 A warm and cozy pullover dress is a wardrobe staple that's not to be overlooked. This sweater dress is perfect for lazy days at home or time spent out on the town. Layer over jeans or leggings and pair with your favorite pair of boots. The price can't be beat!

Bodycon Sweater Dress • $29 We love this dress for its simplicity. You can throw it on with boots and a jacket and be ready for your autumn outing. If you want to switch up your wardrobe, try layering it under a wool trench coat. You'll look incredibly chic while staying nice and cozy.

Magical and Whimsical Dress • $255 How perfect is this dress for Halloween? This atemporal dress boasts colorful stars, plants, and animals with a cozy fit. Whether you don this stunning dress to pass out candy or flaunt around town, you're sure to turn heads!

For Date Nights and Late Nights • $69 Turn heads and drop jaws in this curves-hugging little black dress.

Mulled wine and fireside chats are calling. Here is a dress that can take you through a romantic date night and also double as the perfect dress to hit the town with friends.

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Lemon Lavender Sable Cookies

BY BRIANNA SIMMONS • CASUALFOODIST.COM Buttery and light, these lemon lavender sable cookies are hard to resist. Discover the best recipe for lemon lavender sable cookies to make at home.

INGREDIENTS For the cookies 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature 1/2 cup sugar 1 large egg 1/4 cup honey 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 1/4 cups All purpose flour 1 tbsp lemon zest about 1 lemon 2 tsp dried lavender , plus extra for topping the cookies 1/2 tsp kosher salt For the glaze 1 cup confectioners sugar 2 tbsp lemon juice INSTRUCTIONS 1. Using an electric mixture, cream together butter and sugar on medium speed until smooth. Add in honey, egg and vanilla and beat until smooth. Add flour, salt,

1. lemon zest and lavender and mix on low speed until combined.

2. Divide dough in half and form into two 9 inch logs.

Wrap each log tightly in parchment paper and then roll the entire log to make it as round as possible. Chill until firm (at least 2 hours).

3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut the cookies into 1/2 inch slices and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat.

4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies are just golden on the edges. Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, transfer to a baking rack and fully cool.

5. Combine powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over each cookie and sprinkle with lavender buds.

NOTE: If you want to freeze the dough, wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Dough can be frozen for a month, just make sure to thaw in the fridge before baking.

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days (if they last that long!)

Lavender Honey Balsamic Roasted Chicken

BY ERIN GIERHART • STATEOFDINNER.COM Bold flavors of lavender, thyme, and rosemary are balanced with a sweet and tangy honey balsamic sauce to create this juicy and delicious roasted chicken.

INGREDIENTS 5-6 pound whole chicken 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 small white onion, quartered 2 tablespoons fresh lavender buds (2 teaspoons dried) 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (1 teaspoon dried) 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (1 teaspoon dried) 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup honey 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425°F. 2. Remove the chicken giblets and pat the chicken dry. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the inside and outside of the chicken. Place the onion quarters inside the cavity of the chicken. Put the whole bird on a roasting rack inside of a roasting pan.

3. Roast the chicken for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix the lavender, thyme, rosemary, garlic, honey, and balsamic vinegar together in a small bowl.

4. After the chicken has cooked for 30 minutes, reduce heat to 375°F. Baste chicken liberally with the lavender sauce mixture every 5 minutes, for an additional 30 minutes, or until the juices run clean. To check doneness, a thermometer can be placed in the thickest part of the thigh, and should register 165°F.

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Lemon and Lavender Scones

BY KERYN MEANS • WALKINGONTRAVELS.COM INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. 2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

3. Grind 2 tsp dried lavender, sugar and lemon zest in food processor.

4. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt in a large, chilled bowl.

5. Grate the cold butter into the flour mixture.

6. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to combine flour mixture and butter, creating a crumbly, peasize mix.

7. Whisk in the sugar, lemon and lavender mix into the flour mixture 8. Pour milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with your fingers or a fork until just combined.

9. Pour dough out onto a lightly floured surface.

10. Using a floured rolling pin, flatten the scone dough into a circle or rectangle, about 1/2 - 3/4 inch thick.

11. Using a 2-3 inch circle cookie cutter (or a white wine glass), cut out about 15 rounds.

12. Space dough about 2-3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.

13. Brush the tops of each scone with the egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp of milk, whisked together) using a pastry brush.

14. Let lemon and lavender scones rest for about 10 minutes.

15. Bake scones for 15 minutes, until tops are golden brown, turning tray halfway through the bake.

16. Transfer lavender lemon scones onto a wire rack to cool before glazing. You can also serve them fresh out of the oven with glaze on the side for dipping (make it a bit more runny if doing this).

INGREDIENTS 2 1/4 cups- 2 1/2 cups of allpurpose flour (cold) 4 tsp baking powder 1/8 tsp salt 1/3 cup of white sugar 2 tsp dried culinary lavender 3 tbsp lemon zest 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (frozen) 1/2 cup of milk 1/4 cup of sour cream 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp milk)

How to make Lemon Glaze?

GLAZE INGREDIENTS 1 cup powdered sugar 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp lemon zest

GLAZE DIRECTIONS Combine powdered sugar and dried culinary lavender in a food processor (the amount of lavender you use will impact the taste, so go easy at first).

Whisk together lavender sugar and lemon zest in a small bowl, bringing out the lemon flavor.

Pour in lemon juice, whisking together with a fork to make a glaze.

Once your scones have cooled a bit, dip your scones halfway into the lemon glaze. You can also use a spoon to drizzle the glaze on top if you like, or serve it on the side.

Sprinkle fresh lemon zest and dried lavender on top before serving.

GLAZE TIPS When going about making the best lemon lavender scone recipe, you need to remember one thing– all ingredients have to be cold. Flour, butter, milk– all cold.

What you put into a scone can also effect how they turn out. This is when baking chemistry comes into play. While I use the same base recipe for all of my scones, each has to be altered when adding in fresh lemon, lavender, tea leaves and herbs.

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Recipes

FRENCH

LAVENDER BEES KNEES

BY KERYN MEANS • WALKINGONTRAVELS.COM Sip your way through the lavender fields of France with this delightfully floral twist on the classic Bee’s Knees cocktail first made in 1921 by the head bartender at the Ritz in Paris.

INGREDIENTS 2 ounces gin 3/4 ounces fresh lemon juice 1/2 ounces lavender honey syrup Garnish: lemon twist and dried lavender 1. Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake.

2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

3. Garnish with a lemon twist and lavender.

HOW TO MAKE LAVENDER SYRUP

BY TAI KODJRO-BADZIAK

Add 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup water to a small saucepan over medium heat.

Cook until honey and water combine.

Add 1 tsp dried lavender.

Stir until blended.

Take off heat and allow it to cool.

Strain into a jar and seal tightly with a lid.

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Combine all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker.

2. Add ice.

3. Shake.

4. Wet a martini glass rim and dip in lavender sea salt (see recipe below) 5. Pour Lavender Dog into martini glass.

LAVENDER SEA SALT RECIPE

LAVENDER

1. Coarse Sea Salt 2. Dried Lavender (make sure they are edible) 3. Mortar and Pestle

SALTY DOG COCKTAILS

BY KERYN MEANS • WALKINGONTRAVELS.COM

The tart, spicy and sweet flavors came together beautifully in this spin on a Salty Dog we found, and recreated, after a trip to Tempe, AZ. Don't be scared by the fennel bitters. It really balances the drink out, especially if you use a lavender salt rim, which you should!

INGREDIENTS 2 oz Tito’s Vodka (or your favorite vodka) ½ oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice (or grapefruit liquor) ½ oz Simple Syrup (or to taste) ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice 2 dashes of Fennel Bitters Lavender Sea Salt (muddle fresh lavender in sea salt)

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LAVENDER

VODKA COLLINS

BY ERIN GIERHART • STATEOFDINNER.COM

The Lavender Vodka Collins is a refreshing and relaxing twist on a classic Tom Collins cocktail! Lavender-lemon infused vodka serves as the foundation for this drink, and is topped with fresh lemon juice, lemon juice and sparkling club soda.

Lavender-Lemon Vodka 16 ounces vodka 2 teaspoons dried lavender Peel of 1 large lemon Place vodka, lavender, and lemon in a large glass container. Let sit for 3-5 days. Strain once the vodka has reached the desired flavor. Store infused vodka in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Lavender Vodka Collins 2 ounces lavender-lemon infused vodka .75 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice .50 ounces simple syrup 2 ounces club soda Place the lavender-lemon vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds. Strain into an ice-filled highball glass. Top with club soda and garnish as desired.

sustainable road trip

essentials

BY ZOEY GOTO • ZOEYGOTO.COM

Hit the wide-open road while retaining your green credentials with these nifty travel essentials. Here’s our hotlist for eco-friendly products to slip into your bag.

Cheeky Panda Wipes Eliminate sticky paws with these 100% natural wipes, made from sustainable bamboo. The wipes are plastic-free and totally biodegradable, so they don’t clog up the oceans. They’re also made with 99% purified water, so work

LarQ water bottle There’s absolutely no reason to buy disposable water bottles again, once you’ve invested in this super smart bottle. The beauty of the LARQ bottle is that it purifies tap water while you’re on the go. For outdoor adventurers, there’s even a setting that makes stream water safe for drinking. amazon.com

very well on sensitive skin types. amazon.com

Little B AlcohoL-Free Hand Sanitizer by Bramley Sometimes, regular hand washing while on the move just isn’t possible. But pack a bottle of this cleansing gel and pesky germs will be kept at bay. The sanitizer is packed with all sorts of natural and fragrant ingredients, including lavender and peppermint essential oils. Bramley takes pride in not testing their products on animals and all packaging is completely recyclable. bramleyproducts.co.uk

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organic sunscreen by green people

Protect your family’s skin and the planet, with these award-winning sun lotions. Their best selling SPF 30 sunscreen avoids harmful chemicals so can even be used on eczema prone skin. There’s also a family travel pack that includes scent-free lotion and a soothing aloe vera after sun. Green People are one of the few brands in the world making sun lotion that’s non-toxic to marine life, plus it comes in renewable sugar cane packaging. amazon.com

The Usborne Little Children’s Travel Activity Book How to keep kids entertained on long car journeys is the milliondollar dilemma! This fun activity book should help to ease any backseat boredom, as it’s packed with vacation-related tasks and stickers. Plus it’s made from paper that’s been sustainably sourced. amazon.com

Road Trips with

TEENS AND TWEENS It’s no secret teens and tweens love their devices. To be honest, so do most adults. It can be easy to fall into a world of solo digital occupation during long road trips. These family friendly activities create simple ways for older children to engage in road trip adventures.

BY LAURA PETRUSIC MARINESCIENCE EXPLORERS.COM

Geocaching Geocaching uses GPS coordinates produced from your phone to find hidden treasure buried are hidden pretty much anywhere. My kids take turns finding caches near our destination using an app. Remember to bring something to swap if you would like to make a trade from the items found in a cache. My kids like to collect and leave unique pencils as item trades.

Heads Up

This is a game for everyone that involves the community use of a device. On each player’s turn, they place the device on their head displaying a word. Teammates work to get their partner to say the word. It's fast-paced fun that only requires the app installed on a device to play.

Video Documentation Do you have a rising YouTube star in the household? Why not channel their media making skills into creating a video documentary of the trip? This taps into their creativity and self-expression. There are numerous video editing apps out there that can get the job done. My tween’s favorite mobile video editing app is KineMaster.

Trip Planning Involving older kids in the destination planning gives them something to look forward to. These choices can be filtered to few options before handing the decision over to your teens. If you have teen who likes a challenge, ask them to pack as much fun as they can into a specific budget.

Creating Reviews Let your older kids express their opinion in the form of reviews of attractions, accommodations, and eateries along the trip. Remind them to be honest and fair when creating their review. Having a tween or teen’s perspective of an experience can help similar families to make choices when making their own travel plans.

Audio Books When all everyone’s eyes need a screen break, putting on a crowd-pleasing audio book helps to pass the time. Our family leans toward adolescent friendly classics with a sense of humor- like “The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.” As a bonus, you will have some thing to talk about over dinner.

Would You Rather

You and your kids may be surprised how much you learn about each other during this game. Creating tough match-ups of “would you rather” choices get everyone’s creative juices flowing. In our family, this brings out everyone’s sense of humor in trying to create ridiculous options.

Create a Collection

If there are multiple destinations on a trip, curating a unique collection of mementos can keep crafty older kids involved. At trip’s end, they can be scrapbooked to catalog the experience. Ideas for collection items might include restaurant napkins, drink coasters or visitors center pamphlets.

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THREE DAYS IN ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

BY ETHAN GELBER • THETRAVELWORD.COM

Eclecticism. That's the energy Asheville exudes. And attracts. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Asheville is a heterogeneous and inclusive nexus of nature, music, art, food, commerce and much more.

Small despite its reputation, Asheville delivers outsized and genuine enjoyment on streets and nature trails as busy with plaid-wearing hipster families as denimclad clans freshly returned from Dollywood. And all whether or not you're visiting for the annual festivals celebrating arts, crafts, mountain music and dance, West African and Caribbean heritage, yoga, hemp, herbs, juggling, food trucks or craft beer.

Just west of downtown, family-friendly Crowne Plaza is adjacent to the Adventure Center, while Holiday Inn Asheville East is more suburban.

FIRST DAY: ALL-DAY BILTMORE Plan for a full day at the Biltmore Estate, just south of town. Once home to (and still owned by) the billionaire Vanderbilt family, its 250-room castle-like main residence is the largest private home in America.

The real family draw, though, is the surrounding 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, complete with selfguided and organized outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, fishing and more.

Make arrangements at the Outdoor Adventure Center in shop-filled Antler Hill Village, also home to the Pisgah Playground.

For families wishing to marvel at the mansion, a 40-minute audio guide narrated by Cedric, the Vanderbilts’ Saint Bernard, brings the house to life in a unique way.

All activities require a daytime ticket or an overnight in an estate hotel, like the family-ready Village Hotel. Make plans and purchases well in advance.

SECOND DAY: HIT THE CITY Head along the French Broad River to the River Arts District and explore the studios, galleries, shops and abundant street art in the repurposed industrial zone along Lyman Street. Boarders can hit the ramps and rails of the indoor RAD Skatepark and adjacent outdoor space. Line up early for barbecue lunch at 12 Bones Smokehouse and then purchase

Farmers Market ingredients for tomorrow's picnic.

Continue to downtown Asheville and select from several kid-ready distractions, such as the Pinball Museum, with 75 all-you-can-play pinball and classic video games; the Asheville Mystery Museum, with displays about paranormal phenomena (only open after Haunted Asheville ghost tours); and the YMI Cultural Center, one of the nation's oldest African American institutions, with exhibits about African American history in western North Carolina.

Music lovers should listen for the talented street buskers and the Friday evening Drum Circle in Pritchard Park.

For dinner, indulge in gigantic slices at PIE. ZAA Pizza, followed by oversized ice cream sandwiches at Sunshine Sammies.

THIRD DAY: GO COUNTRY Prepare a picnic using yesterday's local produce or consult the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project for other farmer's or tailgate markets. Then head into the surrounding nature.

For safe adventure, kids love the Western North Carolina Nature Center,

which teaches about the animals and plants of the region, or the North Carolina Arboretum, a 434-acre public garden crisscrossed by trails.

Families ready for a deeper forest dive can hike the Bearwallow Mountain Trail, Graveyard Fields Loop Trail or Laurel River Trail, or head into Dupont State Forest (its Triple Falls made a star turn in the first Hunger Games movie).

Pack swim suits!

Back in Asheville, shop for gifts and souvenirs – like the sweetest of Bee City USA at the Asheville Bee Charmer – during a downtown stroll. And then settle in to a final dinner at a farm-totable restaurant like The Market Place, notable for foods featuring ingredients foraged from the very forests you frolicked in.

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SHE GETS AROUND: Dr. Paula Madrid, forensic psychologist, trauma expert, interior designer, and owner of the historical holiday home Catskill Park Manor.

BY KATJA GASKELL • GLOBETOTTING.COM

Have you ever met a mom who has enough hours in the day to get everything done? No, me neither. But if you’re looking for someone who has perfected the art of maximising her time then meet Dr Paula Madrid.

Family is Love!

A self-confessed “busy bee,” Dr Madrid works as a forensic psychologist and trauma expert. She is also an interior designer of both commercial and residential spaces and recently appeared on HGTV's new channel, "Hogar de HGTV" in their upcoming Design Star show.

“So, on a given day, (pre-pandemic) you may find me either in my office, at a courthouse giving expert witness testimony, or figuring out flooring and furniture for a project,” she says. “No boring days for me!”

Time off is spent in the beautiful historical home, Catskill Park Manor, that she bought with her husband in 2018. Originally purchased as a weekend retreat and holiday rental property, the house became their sanctuary when the pandemic hit.

“It was fabulous to have the chance to experience nature changing over those months,” explains Dr Madrid. “To feel safe and protected while learning more about the trees, plants, gardening, cooking lots (something we literally avoid in NYC) and meeting others who had also moved to the area - although we only had socially distant outdoor cocktail parties!”

We sat down to find out more about Paula; her background, her love of travel, falling asleep at the airport, famous guests, and what we need to do to secure a stay at Catskill Park Manor.

TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY

I was born in Colombia and moved to the United States with my family when I was 12 years old. We now live in Brooklyn, NY, and own our holiday home Catskill Park Manor in the Catskills.

My husband, Nestor, was born in the United States but was raised in Argentina by a Croatian mother and Polish father.

He returned to the United States to obtain his master’s degree and has lived here ever since then.

My daughter, Chloe is eight years old.

She is quite the New Yorker, a funny, smart, active, beautiful girl who knows more about animals and plants than most people I know. She wants to be an engineer, already codes funny little videos, and is always building something with cardboard. She loves traveling and Harry Potter more than anything and has already traveled to 19 different countries.

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HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND THERE?

HOW DID YOU FIND CATSKILL PARK MANOR? We searched for the right home for about two years. The criteria was simple, “we have to love it” but there was nothing we loved at first sight until we showed up at the Catskill Park Manor. We wanted a large house where we could entertain lots of friends and family, with great views from every single room, a huge library, and what we call the “wow factor” and this one met and surpassed the criteria.

I remember going the two steps down to the main room, with those amazing three French doors, beautiful windows, and vaulted ceilings and thinking, “this is it!”

We then discovered that the architect was the amazing Peter Pennoyer who had been commissioned to build the house for the New York socialite couple, Louis and Adele Auchincloss (Louis Auchincloss was an American lawyer, novelist, historian, and essayist).

We spent some weekends in the house starting late 2018 when he first bought it. We did not want to stop traveling abroad and domestically so we decided that would be a weekend home and we would do shortterm rental when we were in other cities/countries. It worked out very well.

In 2020, however during the most difficult months of the COVID-19 pandemic in the New York area, we moved to the Catskills and basically remained until early 2021.

DID YOU ALWAYS PLAN TO RENT IT OUT AS A HOLIDAY HOME? We did want to rent it out as we knew that we would not use it full time or every weekend. And renting it out happened right away as we inherited our first visitors from the prior owners.

This meant that we had to set up and decorate the house with all basics, within weeks of moving in. I started ordering furniture literally five months before we closed on the house. My Brooklyn apartment’s guestroom and living room became a storage center, we planned deliveries for the closing day, and it was a 10 day process of setting up the house. We are still not done as it is a long and ongoing process.

After we saw Catskill Park Manor, we didn’t consider any other homes; they were either made cheaply, not large enough, needed a lot of work, or were just not special.

DO YOU HAVE RETURN VISITORS? Yes, in fact, many of our visitors have reserved ahead of time to return and we are thrilled. We have even become friendly with a wonderful family who stayed there recently.

HOW HAS THIS LAST YEAR BEEN FOR YOU AS A FAMILY AND FOR THE HOUSE AS A RENTAL PROPERTY? New Yorkers were desperate to get away from the city so as soon as I opened up days, the house would get booked up. I had to turn many people away because they wanted to stay for weeks and months at the time and would offer as much as double for us to accept their booking. We made the decision that family and safety came first and so we had to decline several bookings.

We also made the decision that we would not rent one of the two master bedrooms. The house has two identical master bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and walk in closets as well as two additional bedrooms, a library, tv/playroom with a large and comfortable sofa. We decided that we would put a lock on our bedroom so that we could keep our belongings there and would rent the rest of the house.

The house has continued to rent well. We've had fascinating guests including an Oscar winning producer, renowned journalists and politicians and a painter that I had read about for years. A designer shot some photos of his new collection at the property, and we also rented to a Spanish producer to film a cooking show. Most recently Urban Outfitters rented it to do a photoshoot.

CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT CATSKILL PARK CAMPING? We were aware that we could host campers on our land and that we had more than enough space as we own 132 acres. Since we were spending so much time upstate during the pandemic, we thought it would be fun to share our land with others.

I put together a business plan, listings, and a manual within three days and by day five we had campers!

Our daughter had started to bake bread and so we offered the first few set of campers’ fresh bread and coffee on the deck and they were thrilled. It helped us to feel connected with others and it was fun to see young and old enjoy the beautiful Catskill Forest.

I KNOW THAT YOU LOVE TO TRAVEL AS A FAMILY, DID YOU TRAVEL AS A CHILD? Yes! One of the most memorable trips I had as a young child was when we took a month off to drive to Ecuador, from Colombia. It was wonderful! We went to several of different cities and even small towns including one called “the Center of the world”.

As an adult traveling has been one of the most important parts of my life as it gives it balance!

WHEN DID YOU START TRAVELING WITH CHLOE? Our first trip with Chloe was to Europe and Africa. Chloe was born in November and so the winter was long, and we spent a lot of time at home. By the time the spring came around we had cabin fever (and sleep deprivation) and decided to plan a memorable trip in September when she had just turned nine months.

We decided to check out Gibraltar but that we took a brief layover in London to see friends. We then headed to Morocco, which was amazing. We then headed to Tarifa, Spain so my husband could do extreme Kite Surfing. The rest of the trip was equally wonderful as we stopped over in Cadiz, Granada, Marbella, and a few small towns. Our daughter’s nap time was during the road trip part of the journey and so we had a chance to talk, like we hadn’t in months! It was magical.

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WHERE ARE THE TOP THREE DESTINATIONS THAT YOU HAVE VISITED TOGETHER AS A FAMILY? Oh, tough to say! We loved visiting Bosnia, Greece, Colombia.

These are amongst our favourite vacations, but Austria, Chile, Morocco, Brazil, and Spain were quite special as well.

To p

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT TRAVELING AS A FAMILY? We work long hours and Chloe has many activities and so the most special part about traveling as a family is that we get to spend every minute together.

We love showing special places to our daughter, telling her about the language, geography, food, and history of a city as well as just relaxing on the beach, making sandcastles, and collecting seashells.

When Chloe’s teacher was going over the geography, art, and history of Italy recently, she was able to tell her that she had been to the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition in Milan before the pandemic and that she loved running around the Duomo at night.

WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S IMPORTANT THAT CHILDREN TRAVEL? Children who travel learn to adjust to change, can deal with the unexpected, hear different sounds and languages, smell different aromas, see different architecture, are open minded and tend to be extremely curious. They are also more interested in others and listening to their viewpoints.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT TRAVELING AS A FAMILY? There have been no real disasters, but one funny anecdote is how we missed a flight because we fell asleep at the gate. We had two-hour layover in Madrid on our way to Dubrovnik, Croatia in 2017. We were on total vacation mode from the getgo and watched three movies on the plane. By the time we made it to the gate, we decided to take a quick little while sitting down and the three of us fell asleep!

I remember hearing that it was time to board but the next thing I know, our plane was gone, and they were boarding the next flight! We scrambled and ended up doing a layover in Venice, Italy before making it to Dubrovnik on a propeller plane. Chloe had not been to Italy at that point, and so it was exciting to land in Venice!

WHERE IS ON YOUR WISHLIST NOW THAT THINGS ARE STARTING TO OPEN AGAIN? So, the one destination that is definitely on our 2021 plans is a private island. Aerial Island in the British Virgin Islands is a magnificent destination that we heard about through our travel advisor, Ronda Sheldon. We may also visit Argentina for a bit of time with family and an escape to Mendoza for some wine and cheese. Next year is a different story, we have already decided to spend at least five weeks away.

Children need to know what is happening in their lives so they can also plan!

1. Let them know where you are going, what’s in it for them and some fun details about what to expect. This prevents meltdowns from the unknown and creates a sense of excitement.

2. Be flexible, there’s no need to adapt to the new time zone. On our last European vacation, we went to Italy, Austria and Hungary. We loved that we never adapted!

We were waking up at 11am, ordering juice, fruit, croissants for breakfast while getting ready to explore, do tours, and walk for hours.

3. Have realistic expectations. During the first few years of vacationing with our daughter, I would take beautiful dresses with me on holidays and planned fancy dinners. While still do this a bit now, I know that after a day on the beach or exploring going out for dinner does not make sense for every night of a holiday. And you know what? That is fine!

Now we book extra special restaurants for lunch and just a few nights of “fancy” dining out and Chloe loves it all because she is quite the foodie and there is balance!

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Off grid on Brazil’s Green Coast

BY CLAUDIA LAROYE • CLAUDIATRAVELS.COM

Going off the beaten the path and into the heart of Brazil’s only tropical fjord

I was having a hard time moving quickly in Paraty. The streets of the 17th-century Brazilian colonial town had been laid with uneven cobblestones that made movement slow. I was grateful for my walking shoes but it was really the white washed buildings adorned with brilliantly painted doors of turquoise and canary yellow that had slowed my gait and captured my gaze as I made my way to the city’s port area.

Paraty, (pronounced para-chee), is nestled along Brazil’s Costa Verde, or Green Coast, between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The town was once a busy colonial trading port for gold, coffee and slaves, but is now a vibrant cultural and artistic hub. After a day exploring the pedestrian-only historic city center and sipping artisanal caipirinhas, I was ready to leave Paraty behind in favour of the active adventures that awaited me in the tropical fjord beyond the town’s borders.

My destination was the relatively unknown Saco do Mamanguá, Brazil’s only tropical fjord. The Mamanguá is a long, narrow inlet, surrounded by steep mountain cliffs that are covered in dense, emerald green rainforest. This fjord region is part of a protected state park, and can only be reached by boat. Its remoteness has kept the region unspoiled and off the beaten path for most travellers. It’s a rewarding off-grid destination for those seeking to discover the heart of Brazil’s Green Coast.

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I stopped to listen to the birdsong and catch my breath in the forest’s humid air. The steep 400 m elevation gain was worth every one of my labouring steps, as the views that awaited at the top of the mountain were stunning. The waters of the fjord sparkled in a bright turquoise blue that was complemented by the deep green of the dense rainforest.

I boarded a small fishing boat and we slowly made our way across Paraty Bay, passing uninhabited coastal islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. The waters were calm as we entered the fjord inlet, the clouds low and covering us like a blanket. The boat docked at the tiny beachfront hamlet of Cruzeiro, where we enjoyed an al fresco lunch of freshly caught fish, traditional rice and beans, and farofa, a delicious side dish of toasted manioc flour, butter and bananas. The inlet’s waters gently lapped the white sand beach as we swapped flipflops for hiking shoes and walked towards the base of the 1.4 km hike to the top of Pão De Açucar, a sugarloaf-shaped mountain that overlooks the entrance to the fjord.

The narrow path wound up the mountain through dense, protected rainforest that was alive with the songs of more than 75 species of tropical birds. Our Pure Brasil guide Clara Simoni remarked that she kept a recording of birdsong on her smartphone. “I love to bring the jungle back with me to the city.”

A strong wind picked up as I descended back to the beach for the short boat ride across the inlet. It began raining gently as we docked at the off-grid Refugio do Mamanguá, a small pousada inn that sits on the edge of the jungle.

Here guests can relax in simple yet comfortable rooms overlooking the inlet, falling asleep to the sounds of the waves, rain and crickets chirping in the rainforest.

The Refugio was an excellent vantage point from which we could further explore the Mamanguá by boat, or as we planned to do, in a kayak or ‘Canadian’ canoe. The fjord waters and the air were calm as my partner and I settled into our canoes and paddling rhythm. My J-stroke motion kept us in line with the shore, heading towards an unmapped river mouth and the mangrove forest at the most southern end of the inlet.

The entrance to the mangrove was narrow, and I spotted large red crabs darting on the banks of the grey decomposing forest floor. After thirty minutes of slowly

paddling up the shallow river, the forest turned dense and lush. The trees were larger here, their canopies covering the narrow river as if the jungle were closing in on my canoe.

that we might have found the lush alien world of Avatar’s Pandora in Brazil, though I hadn’t yet seen any Na’vi. Save for my travelling companions, I felt completely alone in the middle of an unspoiled jungle paradise.

Clara tied our canoe to the shore, and we walked through the forest towards a cachoeira, a waterfall with a small pool, a perfect spot for a much-needed dip. I slipped into the cool, fresh water from the rocks, while friends made a splashy, if more bumpy, entrance via the pool’s natural waterslide of boulders. It dawned on me

While this river had led us to the waterfall, other small rivers feeding the Mamanguá lead to remote fishing villages that can’t be found on any map, but are accessible by canoe or kayak. After our refreshing waterfall adventure, we paddled past blue arrows fixed to poles on the shoreline. The arrows guided us to a tiny village of just three or four houses with a communal kitchen, where we were welcomed by the same warm hospitality that exists everywhere in Brazil.

Village matrons served us a feast of fried fish, rice and beans, fresh salad, fruit, homemade cacao candies and coffee that could match any served in Paraty or Sao Paolo.

My delight in enjoying such a delicious meal was matched by the awe of how it had been prepared in such splendid isolation. Going off grid on Brazil’s Green Coast region certainly didn’t mean going without wonderful food or warm company in surprising places.

If Brazil isn’t just a place but a feeling, then going off grid and connecting with the beauty of Mamanguá and Brazil’s Green Coast was a vibe to slowly savor, celebrate, and enjoy long after my return home.

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The Music Phenomenon Taking the World by Storm

BY TAWNY CLARK • CAPTAINANDCLARK.COM

Walking through the shopping districts of South Korea is an exhilarating assault on the senses. Food carts are stocked with spicy rice cakes and sugarencrusted corn dogs, bright lights beckon guests to restaurants featuring crispy fried chicken and soju, and at any point, no less than three Korean pop songs are blaring in your direction.

My appreciation for Korean pop music evolved rather organically. It first started when my middle school best friend smuggled home cassette tapes of popular artists from her summer trip to visit family in South Korea. We spent the remainder of that summer--upside down hair brushes in hand--lip syncing to first generation K-Pop trio, S.E.S. When I moved to South Korea shortly after college, I devoured lyrical hits from second generation artists like Big Bang, SHINee, and 2NE1. And now, a decade later, you can find me enthusiastically cheering on third generation artists, BTS and Black Pink, as they take the global stage by storm. K-Pop has officially been prevalent in my life for more than two decades.

Like most genres of music, Korean pop has dramatically evolved over the last twenty years. Early Korean pop artists could gain popularity within the country yet rarely make it onto global airwaves. With the accessibility of social media, fans around the world have proven their loyalty to the Korean music scene, streaming and promoting their favorite bands to the top of global charts.

But what exactly is K-Pop and how has it evolved into the international phenomenon that it is today?

K-Pop, or Korean pop music, is a genre of music originating from South Korea. K-Pop has slowly infiltrated the global market with head-turning music videos like Psy’s iconic and outrageous Gangnam Style, eye-catching fashion from the likes of nine-member girl group, Twice, and the ubiquitous marketing of international sensation BTS. While the majority of K-pop songs are in Korean, artists have started crossover collaborations with other international pop stars. BTS partnered with Halsey for their 2019 summer bop, Boy with Luv, while Black Pink set the world on fire with a string of collaborations between Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, and Cardi B. Dua Lipa has also joined forces with Black Pink as well as Hwasa from Mamamoo.

Even with these high profile collaborations, understanding Korean is not a prerequisite to stan K-Pop. If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, K-Pop is accessible to all, bridging the gap between language and cultural barriers.

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Despite the smooth delivery of K-Pop artists filling our wavelengths, big name Korean artists are not simply born, they’re made. Korean music and entertainment agencies have created an intense recruitment and training process that pumps out big names like EXO, Mamamoo, and Red Velvet. The few hopefuls that make it into training often endure years of endless days of dance practice, singing lessons, and rigorous training to make sure they can debut at the top of the charts. To ensure that these future groups have a solid foundation, trainees are often housed together in small dorms where they learn to live, train, and get along with each other.

This intense, yet effective recipe has given way to many of the big Korean artists we know today. But Kpop is more than well rehearsed routines and catchy tunes. K-Pop idols and their labels excel in brilliant marketing. Korean artists create seemingly intimate communities for their fans, often interacting on VLIVE (Korea’s live video streaming service) or Weverse (an app that allows fan-to-idol communication). And though these bands are birthed in South Korea, they are ubiquitous when it comes to their global presence.

BTS just released their own branded McDonalds meal while Black Pink’s albums can be found in most record stores.

The term, Hallyu (a Chinese term that translates to “Korean Wave”), was coined to describe how South Korean media is taking the world by storm. From rising K-dramas (who hasn’t seen Crash Landing on You?) to the poppy beats of ATEEZ and EXO, you’ll want to hop on the rising swell before it leaves you behind.

Want to dip your toes into K-Pop but don’t know where to start? Sample a few of these timeless favorites GIRL GROUPS: Black Pink: DDU-DU DDU-DU Mamamoo: Starry Night Twice: Fancy

BOY GROUPS: BTS: MIC Drop EXO: Love Shot ATEEZ: WONDERLAND

SOLO ARTISTS: Jessie: What Type of X Chung Ha: Bicycle Sunmi: Gashina Jackson Wang: 100 Ways TWIST | 35

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Japanese Autumn Inspiration WARM UP WITH INTERIOR DESIGNS FROM A SURPRISINGLY COZY COUNTRY

BY JORDANA GAGNON AND TAI KOJRO-BADZIAK

In North America, we like to think of Japan in spring when the cherry trees bloom and people gather to drink sake under pink-laden boughs.

However, in Japan, the colors, sounds and smells of autumn are just as evocative, bringing with them a unique flavor all their own. From hiking along trails flanked by bright red maples (momijigari) to the ancient art of kintsugi, the repairing of broken things (namely dishes) with gold to increase their value, Japan has mastered the art of appreciating the slow descent from the blossoming life of summer to the delicate silence of winter.

This appreciation is rooted in wabi-sabi, the Japanese philosophy acknowledging the transience and imperfection of life (which is perhaps best articulated in Junichiro Tanizaki’s classic, ‘In Praise of Shadows’).

EMBRACING THE BEAUTY IN TRANSIENCE So, in the spirit of celebrating the impermanence of summer, and preparing ourselves to welcome the velvety charms of autumn, we’ve gathered together some Japanese interior design inspiration. Hopefully, they will remind you to embrace the aesthetics of imperfection – and add in a dash of wabi-sabi to your home!

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Concrete Wood & Steel Dining Kitchen Table

JAPANESE INTERIOR

Large Cap Ivory Cement Coffee Table Anchor your living room with this magnificent cement coffee table. Its simple design and whitewashed look are inspired by nature, making it the perfect focal point for family and guests to gather around for natural conversation. cb2.com

Where warmth and coldness collide, this solid kitchen dining table will stand the test of every season. In a nod to Japanese architect Tadao Ando, this table is built to highlight simple, honest materials like concrete and wood. Gather around this table on chilly autumn days to appreciate warm drinks and good company. etsy.com

Flatweave Natural Area Rug From the bedroom to the living room, this natural, flatweave rug will both brighten and cozy up any living space with its natural fibers. Featuring longlasting jute, this rug gives any area a rustic charm and should wear beautifully over the years. wayfair.com

Stone Grey Round Dining Table

Kintsugi Japanese Ceramic Bowl Like gold sparkling in the deep blue sea, this kintsugi bowl embraces beauty in brokenness.

Place in any room, from the entryway for keys, to the kitchen counter for knick-knacks, and enjoy the daily reminder that there’s still value in imperfection. etsy.com

This simple design unites glass and stone with pure, clean lines of nature. The stone-like pillar will root every meal and gathering, creating a great piece to design your entire kitchen around. cb2.com

Avalon Rattan Bar

Rivera Rattan Drum End Table

Hilo Basket Planters

This bold-textile bar features a warm, natural texture that’s sure to draw guests in for a closer look. It’s perfect for a living room that needs a splash of interesting contrast, and with its ample storage space, it will accommodate whatever bottles and glassware you fancy. cb2.com

Crafted from natural-fibre rattan, this hourglass end table is compact enough to fit into any nook or cranny, while its natural weave and weathered driftwood finish will blend in seamlessly with your other furniture. birchlane.com

Woven from rapidly renewable water hyacinth, these basket planters add an effortless natural texture to any space, which might just make your plants feel like they’re back in the wild! And, because each basket comes with a liner, you can protect your flooring each time you water. westelm.com

Artesia Natural Large Rattan Bowl

Indoor Water Fountain

Linen Room Divider

Add a pop of contrast to the kitchen counter with this beautiful, natural-tone rattan bowl. This large, durable bowl is woven in the Philipino hapao pattern, which is traditionally used for weaving bags and baskets. crateandbarrel.com

Though it’s not a true outdoor shishi-odoshi (deer scare) fountain, this indoor/outdoor bamboo fountain will immediately bring the sights and sounds of nature into your home. It’s a great item to place in your sunroom where you can unwind to its gentle sounds. etsy.com

For a simple room divider, these ivory curtains offer a clean, bright method to naturally divide a room in your home. They’re made from a high-quality linen fabric that’s soft to the touch, yet durable enough to last for years to come. etsy.com

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Blue Japanese Cotton Linen Curtain

Custom Carved Macrame Wall Decor

For some serious Japanese flavor, these thick linen curtains with their blue wave design add an eye-catching splash of color. Place in the doorway of your choice to hide clutter without the pain of adding a door. etsy.com

Spruce up your home decor with some custom-carved macrame – inspired by nature. The warm, neutral tone combined with the natural fibers create a beautiful contrast and makes an elegant feature piece for your living room wall. etsy.com

Freestanding Soaking Bathtub You’re one step closer to nature – and Japan’s time-honored bathing ritual – in this beautiful ofuro – i.e., Japanese soaking tub. Its upright design is inspired by a Japanese Peace Pagoda and will fit neatly into almost any bathroom, be it small or irregularly shaped. wayfair.com

Art

Aria Solid Wood Folding Room Divider A variation on a traditional Japanese shoji (sliding screen), this room divider will tastefully split up any room, while still allowing natural daylight to shine through. It comes ready to place, and because it’s made from solid aria wood, it’s very durable. wayfair.com

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KIM + ONO Peony & Butterfly Robe Wrap yourself in Japaneseinspired luxury in this lightweight kimono that’s perfect for quiet rainy mornings, or just after a luxurious soak in the tub. Inspired

by Japan, designed in San Francisco, and finished with a French seam, this robe is the culmination of culture – and comfort! kimandono.com

Inspired by Japanese sensibility, Instagram influencer, Natalie Ciccoricco wields thread and artistic passion to create ultraclean and deceptively complex embroidery pieces that are sure to inspire – and find a place in your home! instagram.com

Hotels FAVORITES

BY CLAUDIA LAROYE • CLAUDIATRAVELS.COM

EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN

COOL RETRO MOTELS IN NORTH AMERICA The popularity of the road trip has reinvigorated motel culture across North America. What was old is new again. Motor inns and motels have been dusted off, renovated and refurbished to celebrate a new age of retro design chic and amenities for today’s road tripping families. These five properties showcase the best of the motor inn cultural revolution in North America.

AUSTIN MOTEL, TEXAS THE BURRARD, VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA THE GOODLAND, CALIFORNIA SPA CITY MOTOR LODGE, NEW YORK HOTEL ZED TOFINO, BRITISH COLUMBIA

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AUSTIN MOTEL, AUSTIN, TEXAS Travel back in time to the heyday of motor inns at the historic Austin Motel in Austin, Texas. This motel’s retro cred is legitimate and personal; the Stewart family opened the property’s doors - and turned on its landmark neon sign - back in 1938, positioning it for the boom of the post-war automobile and road trip industry.

The motel has 41 brightly colored and fully retro-chic guest rooms and suites that can easily accommodate families and pets (for a small fee).

One of the motel's most beloved amenities is its 1,100 sq ft kidney-shaped pool and lido deck. It's renowned as one of the best swimming pools in town

The Austin Motel sits just south of the Colorado River and downtown, in view of the State Capitol and walking distance to the famous bat bridge.

There’s also complimentary onsite parking, WiFi, Pool Bar, and a curated and cool lobby shop.

Part of the beloved South Congress neighborhood, the motel is surrounded by some of the city’s most interesting dining, nightlife and shopping.

The excellent on-stie Joann’s Fine Foods restaurant is home to an all-day menu of tacos, sandwiches, salads and daily juices.

The Motel is in easy access to bus lines and Austin’s lovely hike and bike trails that connect to Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool and the Barton Creek greenbelt.

ADDRESS

1220 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX WEB SITE

https://austinmotel.com STARTING PRICE

$210/night

THE BURRARD, VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA Welcome to an oasis in the city. The Burrard is a fully renovated former mid-century motor inn from 1956, located in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia.

The hotel exudes character from every joist, railing and sightline. Along with its funky vibe and brightly colored doors, the hotel has a secret outdoor palm tree-filled courtyard that makes you feel like you’re in California or the Caribbean.

The courtyard is this hotel’s secret weapon. It’s truly a secret escape that mutes the city’s bustle and includes a seating area with large gas fireplace and amenities like ping-pong tables.

The Burrard Hotel is pet-friendly and can accommodate families of four in cosy comfort. Extras include free WiFi, Nespresso machines in all 72 rooms, and an insider city guide providing the ‘fresh list’ on local gems and the latest and greatest spots to discover.

The Burrard is in walking distance to English Bay, the West End, great dining options in Yaletown, the green heart of the city, Stanley Park, and the entire downtown peninsula.

Elysian Coffee and Burgoo Restaurant are on-site for easy access to coffee, baked goodies and stick-to-your-ribs lunch or dinner fare.

ADDRESS

100 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC WEB SITE

https://theburrard.com STARTING PRICE

$150/night

THE GOODLAND, GOLETA, CALIFORNIA This converted 1960s motor inn near Santa Barbara, California, has been transformed into a chic boutique hotel that just happens to be in the body of a former Holiday Inn. Operated by Kimpton Hotels, the design-forward, retro chic Goodland describes itself as a boutique surf hotel, embodied by the retro surf wagon outside the front lobby. From the macrame wall hangings to the wicker chairs, vintage movie posters and hexagonal floor tiles, retro beach culture is strong here.

Suites at the Goodland are bright and spacious, featuring comfy beds and sleeper sofas, patios, and living rooms, ideal for families. Fur babies are welcome as well and treated to pet beds, food and water bowls, at no extra charge. Each room has in-suite, old-school record players, which you can supply from VNYL, the in-house record store.

The motel has a pool and lounge area, hosts poolside yoga classes, has a fitness center, complimentary hotel bikes, two pool tables and a backgammon nook.

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ADDRESS

5650 Calle Real, Goleta, CA WEB SITE

https://www.thegoodland.com STARTING PRICE

$500/night

SPA CITY MOTOR LODGE, SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK This transformed vintage motor lodge is located directly in the middle of Saratoga Spring’s main drag. With a wood and grey brick exterior leading to a brightly light, white brick interior courtyard, the two-storey Spa City Motor Lodge is in the center of the town's vibrant shopping and dining scene.

The Lodge’s 42 rooms are inspired by the dynamic artist culture and a modernist tradition. The simple design aesthetic is evident from the cute Micro Queen room to the Double Queen that can accommodate up to four people and includes a walk-in shower.

Step out the door into the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs. The Lodge is right on Broadway, Saratoga’s most happening street. From lively restaurants and bars to beautiful outdoor spaces and museums, everything is just a short walk away.

Tour the eclectic Beekman Street Arts District or discover the area's natural hot springs. Further afield, the Lodge is well-situated to be the hub of an upstate New York adventure. The Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and Saratoga Lake are all within an easy distance.

ADDRESS

413 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY WEB SITE

https://www.bluebirdhotels.com STARTING PRICE

$226/night

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HOTEL ZED, TOFINO The newest Hotel Zed location in the charming village of Tofino, British Columbia, shares all the nostalgic coolness of its sister properties in Victoria and Kelowna, but with a wilder, edge-of-the-world feeling that comes with being perched on the Pacific Ocean.

Hotel Zed Tofino is well located south of the village, with access to serene mudflats home to a local bird sanctuary and nearby Chesterman Beach. The 1970s-era hotel vibe is visible from the woodpaneled station wagon parked in the entrance to the sunken lobby living room, retro arcade and mini disco complete with an interactive light-up floor.

A cycle path travels right through the lobby, complete with a working rotary dial phone (teach the kids!) and retro check in counter. There’s even at the psychic’s den to stop in to check on your future, on your way to your room.

The hotel suites are funky and can accommodate up to four persons, and the hotel is pet-friendly, for a small additional cleaning charge. Hotel Zed is home to Roar Tofino, a unique, family-friendly restaurant where locally sourced, seasonal ingredients are cooked over a live fire -even dessert.

ADDRESS

1258 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0 WEB SITE

https://www.hotelzed.com STARTING PRICE

$370/night

Spotlight ON ROAD TRIPS NATIONAL PARKS Road trip tips and tricks to access amazing National Parks sites.

RV LIFE One family's west coast road tripping adventure in a JUCY Mini RV.

TENNESSEE TRIPPING

ROAD TRIP FAILS

An epic road trip adventure winding through Tennessee while pregnant.

A spring break road trip to Las Vegas goes sideways; stress and hilarity ensue.

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NATIONAL PARK ROAD TRIPS

BY TAMMILEE AND JOHN TILLISON • PARKRANGERJOHN.COM

The fall season is a perfect time to hit the road and visit a National Park or two. We recently spent two weeks exploring National Parks in the southwest and want to share a few tips on visiting parks in on and off season periods.

After more than a year of staying home the roads are packed with people heading out to explore. You will want to be prepared for crowds and possible longer than usual wait times to enter your favorite national parks.

One way to prevent waiting in line and running into large crowds is to visit some of the smaller park sites spread across the United States.

There are 423 park sites within the National Park Service system that offer the opportunity to not only see wildlife but also learn more about historical events and people.

Why not visit a new park that may surprise you with all it has to offer!

If you plan to visit one of the larger parks you will want to make sure and check to see if they have ticketed entry this year. Rocky Mountain, Glacier, and Yosemite all have ticketed timed entry this summer to help with congestion.

When it comes to the ultimate National Park Road Trip, I highly suggest adding a mix of National Parks along with national monuments, historic sites, and historical parks to create a well rounded opportunity to visit parks.

Here are our suggestions by region.

West coast – One thing about road tripping on the west coast is there is no shortage of parks to visit.

You cannot go wrong heading to Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon to explore the Majestic Mountain Loop. These parks offer the opportunity to gaze in wonder at El Capitan in Yosemite, the General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon, and the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park. Stop in Oakhurst, California for a delicious donut at Judy’s Donuts or amazing wine and lunch at Idle Hour Winery and Kitchen.

We can’t mention national parks and not mention driving from Glacier National Park in Montana down to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in Wyoming. This route takes you past Flathead Lake and so many gorgeous sites in Montana. Make sure to stop at Moose’s Saloon in Kalispell, Montana for our favorite pizza on the west coast.

Southwest – Check out Natural Bridges National Monument to see three natural bridges that you can hike down to. Then drive down the Moki Dugway and check out the Valley of Gods and Goosenecks State Park enroute to Monument Valley and onto Lake Powell and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Midwest – The perfect Midwest National Park road trip is heading to Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. On the way plan to stop in Badlands National Park along with Custer State Park in South Dakota. Each of these parks offers epic wildlife viewing and fun driving adventures.

South – The ultimate National Park Road Trip in the south would include visiting Key Biscayne National Park, driving to the Everglades and then down Highway 1 to Key West and taking the ferry out to Dry Tortugas National Park.

Don’t miss stopping into Robert is Here Fruit Stand for a key lime milkshake on the way to the Everglades! This is one of our favorite road trip stops.

East – The East Coast has so many epic NPS sites that it can be hard to even pick where to start. You can’t go wrong planning a trip to visit Assateague Island National Seashore to see the wild horses. Along the way make sure to check out Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad NHP and any of the epic Washington DC National Park Sites.

This summer is the perfect time to get out and explore a new National Park Service Site! Make sure to pick up a National Park Pass so you can continue visiting parks throughout the year.

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WISH YOU WERE HERE

BY ETHAN GELBER • TRAVELWORD.COM

I don't like cars. As a long-standing advocate of sustainable travel, I'm no fan of most vehicles' reliance on fossil fuels. I'm also just not a happy driver. I'd rather be biking. My wife, too, hungers for rough-and-tumble adventure, not long hours pinioned by a seatbelt. And my sons are, at best, unsettled passengers. Predictably, road trips haven't been our thing.

That said, a few years ago, in the early days of a round-the-world family journey, we were in the American Southwest eager to see some of the abundance of national parks and monuments, natural vistas and even a stretch of Route 66.

But, of course, it's spread over a very large area with little in the way of reliable, family-ready public transportation.

When asked friends and colleagues for advice, they suggested a recreational vehicle, until I reminded them about my travel and driving inclinations. Struggling with the helm of an unwieldy RV sounded appalling. Until I discovered... mini RVs.

Mini RVs are, in short (pun intended), vans or SUVs converted for travel, complete with comfortable sleeping spaces and pint-size cooking/eating setups. In our case, we rented a JUCY Trailblazer, which comes with a built-in rear-access kitchenette (fridge, pair of gas stoves, pump sink, drawers for ingredients, utensils and other wares), inside table capacious enough for our quartet, two double beds (one in the main cab and the other a poptop "penthouse") and plenty of storage.

Better yet, given my grumpy chauffeuring, it was as easy to drive – handling like a normal SUV – as it was not to drive (no issues parking in normal lots), roomy enough for my sons to feel regal in, and even got tolerably good gas mileage. The JUCY branding pulls no punches, but we were inside looking out, so got over it.

Far more importantly, it granted us freedom. To go where we liked without the handling challenges of a hulking motorhome. To camp

and feast where we chose, whether in official campgrounds or "free camping." And not to deal with the sometimes inconveniences of tenting with kids. In fact, especially when sleeping in the up-top penthouse, it felt a little like glamping.

We picked up "our JUCY," as my sons always said with a giggle, in Los Angeles and immediately headed east. Our plan was to maximize time in places where we could marvel at and learn about the land and its people, both ancient and modern.

Our first and only California port of call was Joshua Tree National Park, where the bouldering (in permitted areas) exhausted us all. That night, though, we got our first taste of not having to build a cook fire or set up a tent, at least not beyond cranking up the penthouse and arranging the custom in-cab cushions into the bed. It was just as easy to stow everything in the morning.

On our last night, we camped in Las Vegas, not far from the JUCY office. We laughed that the JUCY brand colors finally matched the surroundings, but were sad to see it go.

That was when I remembered back 40 years to when I was the navigator of my family's epic cross-country (and back) road trip in our beloved, orange VW bus. Five of us had slept in a large, army-surplus, canvas tent with fat aluminum poles that my mother had painted with colorcoded ends.

Clearly, material improvements have been made since then. I still prefer two wheels to four, but am not officially opposed to a JUCY journey when next we find ourselves out west.

JUCY has U.S. office in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Los Vegas, as well as branches in Vancouver, Australia and its native New Zealand. Its mini RVs are custom designed and built. www.jucyusa.com

At the Arizona border, in Needles, we hit Route 66, which we followed until near Flagstaff, taking in both the built-up kitsch and burnt-out reminders of storied years past. In the 10 days that followed, we took in a lot: Grand Canyon National, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Petrified Forest National Park, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Monument Valley, Glen Canyon Dam, Horseshoe Bend and Zion National Park. At every stop, the boys completed activity books in exchange for coveted collectible Junior Ranger badges.

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AN EPIC, PREGNANT ROAD TRIP THROUGH THE HEART OF TENNESSEE

BY ZOEY GOTO • ZOEYGOTO.COM

I can see that embarking on a road trip while six months pregnant, with a five-yearold child in the back of the car, might strike fear into the heart of many a parent. In fact, I questioned my own sanity as we touched down in Nashville following a 13hour journey from London and I waddled over to the significantly-smaller-thanexpected hire car. But this moment also marked the start of an epic Deep South road trip that we had been sketching out for years, taking in the breadth of Tennessee - a state close to my heart - and I was hopeful that our babymoon-onwheels would be a smooth ride.

As a lifelong Dolly Parton fan, our first stop was her Dollywood theme park in the Great Smoky Mountains, just over three hours east of Nashville. Car journeys while pregnant are best digested in bite-sized chunks, so we factored in regular pit stops along the way, taking in the stunning roadside vistas of lush mountains exhaling dramatic puffs of mist.

Arriving at Dollywood, an attraction boasting over 50 mega-rides including plenty of daredevil rollercoasters, I was dubious about the entertainment options for the heavily pregnant. Thankfully, Dollywood does a thigh-slapping job of catering for all ages and interests. While my partner and our daughter, Summer, looped-the-loop on a vast wooden coaster, I wandered the park, taking in demonstrations of local Appalachian crafts and exploring a reconstruction of Dolly’s birthplace, a humble wooden cabin that housed the star and her eleven siblings.

That evening we saddled up and went to Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction in nearby Pigeon Forge, a boot-stomping, hat-waving riot of a meal combined with an awe-inspiring horse show. As luck would have it, this turned out to be an excellent choice for a tea-total pregnant woman, as the attraction is an alcohol-free zone. Instead of the standard bar list, there’s a seriously impressive selection of rainbow-hued mocktails, sipped from kitsch plastic cowboy boot cups.

We hit the hay that night at The Inn at Christmas Place, a brilliantly bonkers hotel that celebrates the festive season all year round. Summer unquestioningly accepted that Father Christmas was there to greet her at breakfast, despite it being glorious sunshine outside and promptly declared it the best hotel in the world! Speaking of hotels, a drawback of road tripping while pregnant is guaranteeing a good night’s sleep in an unfamiliar bed. I navigated this by asking for extra pillows at each of the hotels to pad out my bump, or it may be worth packing extra supplies from home.

On the road again, the seatbelt frequently loosened to accommodate my expanding thirdtrimester bump, we headed back to Nashville to explore its musical heritage. While Pigeon Forge is tranquil and scenic, Nashville bursts with energy. Our first stop was The Country Music Hall of Fame, where interactive screens and high-tech displays engage younger visitors. Summer even channelled her inner-Taylor Swift by recording a track on the singer’s tour bus.

Exhausted from our day of music making, we ambled through the bustling Downtown area, live music drifting out of the neighbouring honky-tonk bars.

As Nashville is blessed with a warm climate, there’s a wealth of outdoor activities to explore, from the scenic Cheekwood Botanical Gardens to the Zoo at Grassmere, which is also home to an impressive outdoor

jungle gym for kids. No trip to Nashville would be complete without taking in a show at the Grand Ole Opry, the weekly music concert that put country music on the map. The Opry still attracts a plethora of big name musicians, with each performer doing just a song or two - the perfect length to hold children’s interest.

Spurred on by our action-packed time in Music City, we embarked on our final leg of the tour, driving three hours west of Nashville to Memphis.

For this drive we’d stocked up on a batch of never-seen-before sticker and activity books, which were miraculously produced whenever a backseat meltdown was brewing with our daughter. It worked a treat!

Following a tour of Elvis Presley’s former mansion, Graceland, that evening we stayed in the Uptown Square apartment that Elvis and his

parents lived in when he was a teenager. As my daughter strummed on a guitar, sat in Elvis’ actual bedroom I realised this vacation had created moments that our family will treasure forever.

Clocking up over 1000 kms on the dial, it was an exhilarating and at times exhausting trip that took us right through the heart of Tennessee. I’d initially considered this road trip to be our final hurrah, before resigning ourselves to quieter adventures as a family of four. But it turns out that quite the opposite was true.

Just a few months after our second child was born we were on the road again, this time driving through California, Dolly Parton serenading us from the speakers as the kids snoozed in the backseat. Tennessee had merely ignited our family’s love affair with the open road.

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ATTIC | JANUARY 2016

WHERE TO STAY Pigeon Forge The Inn at Christmas Place. Wish it could be Christmas every day? It is here: innatchristmasplace.com Nashville Loews Vanderbilt. One of those rare hotels that manage to be both chic and child friendly in equal measure: www.loewshotels.com/vanderbilt-hotel Music City Loft. These contemporary apartments offer ample space for families and are decked out in the style of famous musicians, including Dolly Parton, Elvis and Johnny Cash: musiccityloft.com Memphis Uptown Square. Elvis’ two-bedroom apartment has been restored to its former 1950s glory and can be rented by the night for $250. Impress your friends by sleeping in The King’s actual bedroom: uptownmemphis.org

What to Pack As little as possible! Travel light with the help of Baby’s Away, a rental company that can provide everything from car seats and cribs, to a box of toys to keep babies and young children entertained. They have 70 locations across the U.S. We used the Nashville branch and they delivered the items directly to our hotel: babysaway.com Insect repellent. Pigeon Forge in particular can be a bit of a mosquito-fest.

In car entertainment. Keep Em Quiet have a great range of packs tailored to your child’s age, crammed with educational toys and snacks. keepemquiet.com

SPRING BREAK ROAD TRIP FAILS

BY KIRSTEN MAXWELL • KIDSAREATRIP.COM

This past March we planned to visit the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Las Vegas. The plan was to fly into Vegas, rent a car, drive to the Grand Canyon, explore, and then head to our hotel in Page for the night. After that we would continue on through Utah and return back to Vegas for the last couple of days. It was such a good plan, but then Mother Nature got in the way.

We took the early morning flight from Dallas to Vegas, and the night before arranged for an Uber driver to pick us up around 7 am. As seven o’clock came and went, we had to scramble to our back up plan which was to load everyone and everything in the car and head to the airport. Mind you, this isn’t the first time Uber has stranded us after confirming a pick up, but knowing that we would have to pay for seven days of airport parking was the kicker. Thankfully we found a convenient parking space and headed to the terminal.

Now, we are a family who almost always travels with carryons, but since we were bringing both winter and spring gear on this trip, we needed to check a bag. This was mistake number 2, as the line for baggage check-in was no less than 50 people. And that was the priority line! I grabbed one of my kids and ran to the next check in area where thankfully there were only two people waiting. My husband came along with the bag and the two other kids and joined me, and that problem was solved. Phew!

The flight to Vegas was uneventful and after collecting our luggage, we headed to the bus for the rental car terminal. Imagine our surprise to see close to a hundred people waiting in line for the bus! Where did everyone come from? Thankfully that line moved fairly quickly and we boarded the bus for a quick ride to the rental car terminal.

Ever have one of those days where everything works against you? I’m not just talking about one thing, but one event after another, and you wonder why you even got out of bed.

That happens to us occasionally, but recently we had a travel day that seemed straight out of a movie. Some of the things we experienced you just can’t make up, and when I look back now, I can laugh. In the moment however, it was not amusing in the least.

Nothing could have prepared us for what we found.

After months of no travel, it appeared everyone had decided to go to Las Vegas and rent a car that day. The line was over 50 people deep and it was moving SLOW. My husband saw a sign that said if we had the app for the rental car agency we could skip this line. That’s exactly what we did. I signed up on the spot for their program and then we went downstairs and found ourselves waiting behind two people. So I guess there are some bright spots in this story.

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Just when you think it can’t get any worse, wait for what happens next. We pile in the car, grab some lunch, head out on the highway, and about two hours into our trip, we hit dead stopped traffic. I mean, no one is going anywhere. This is a two lane highway between Las Vegas and Williams Arizona. On this road there are no turn offs, no exits, and we are just stuck. There are cars as far as the eye can see in both directions. At this point there is nothing we can do but wait. And then it starts snowing.

Having lived in Chicago for fourteen years, a little snow never bothered us. And I grew up in Arizona and I know that Northern Arizona is no stranger to snow during the winter months. However, it seems like the Department of Public Services (DPS) was completely unprepared to handle the weather and failed to consider the consequences of stranding people on the highway.

But I digress. We spent about an hour and a half trying to figure out what was going on. There were truck drivers and families and no one seemed to know what was causing this stoppage. As the day wore on, we gathered bits of information from other drivers. There had been a 25 car pile up on the other side of the highway, and they had no idea when anyone would be able to move. Not the information you want to hear on the first day of vacation.

We patiently waited, and thankfully we had food and water, but I can’t imagine the poor people who were not equipped or had small children who constantly needed bathroom breaks. As afternoon gave way to evening and the temperature dropped, ice on the roads became an issue. At some point around 10pm (seven hours after we initially stopped) we made an executive decision that everyone should go to sleep.

It wasn’t until two in the morning that a police officer came and tapped on our window. This was the first officer we had seen in 11 hours (and the last). He told us the road was cleared and to “drive safely”.

So, where does one drive at 2 o’clock in the morning when they’ve canceled their hotel in Page, Arizona (because at that point it’s still over a four hour drive)?

We drove to the neared truck stop, Love’s, and we jumped out of the car and ran in to use the bathroom and grab some food. I think at this point we were all exhausted (or just a bit delirious), so I asked the employee if we could just sleep in our van in the parking lot. Thankfully he said yes.

I guess all is well that ends well, but I know we will all have one heck of a story to share for years to come.

2022

TRIPS Join us and wander with likeminded women or jet off on a parent/kid adventure with other adults you might actually like.

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