Tag: 10best

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The perfect gear for explorers

Wherever your adventures take you, whether into the national parks of North America or remote villages on the far side of the globe, good gear can make or break a trip. To curate a gift guide for adventurers, 10Best’s team of travel experts hand-picked 20 pieces of travel gear for our 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards. 

Those were then whittled down to 10 amazing items by popular vote over 28 days.  Scroll to browse these standout products deserving of a place on any adventurer’s wish list.

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No. 10: Kokopelli Packrafts Rogue-Lite

The Rogue-Lite is the lightest packraft from Kokopelli, weighing in at under five pounds. “It packs down into the size of a paper towel roll,” says 10Best Travel Expert Marla Cimini, making it a convenient option for backpacking, compact car camping or other backcountry paddling adventures.

To buy: kokopellipackraft.com, $825

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No. 9: Interstellar Goggle Limited Edition

 These freeride goggles from Sweet Protection feature proprietary RIG lens technology, providing better contrast in low light conditions. “You can swap between the eight available lens options without touching the field of vision, so this means no fingerprints,” explains 10Best Travel Expert Marla Cimini.

To buy: sweetprotection.com, $219.95

Use code 10-OFF-SWEET-

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No. 8: LARQ Bottle

The LARQ Bottle is the world’s first self-cleaning water bottle and purification system. UV-C LED light eliminates up to 99.9999 percent of biocontaminants with the touch of a button. The bottle comes in 17- or 25-ounce sizes and five colors.

To buy: livelarq.com, $95

Take 10% off all orders (20% for orders over $125) from Nov. 26-Dec. 2

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No. 7: NEMO Stargaze Recliner Chair

The NEMO Stargaze Recliner Chair is the first swinging and reclining camp chair on the market, and it works on any surface with no hanging required. The chair’s aircraft-grade aluminum poles are tough and lightweight, and the fabric seat features pockets for beverages and media.

To buy: nemoequipment.com, $219.95

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No. 6: Joovv Go

The Joovv Go puts the power of light therapy in the palm of your hand with this portable device. The wireless and rechargeable Joovv Go uses professional grade LED lights for quick results. “I use it on my feet after a long day of walking,” says 10Best Local Expert Jacky Runice.

To buy: joovv.com, $295

Get 0% APR financing for the holiday season

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No. 5: Smart Travel

This first aid kit was designed with travel in mind to include blister supplies, wound care supplies and medication to treat stomach illness, dehydration, pain and fever. A Visual Communication Tool helps you get the care you need even in far-flung destinations.

To buy: adventuremedicalkits.com, $49.99

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No. 4: MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield

The line of suncare options from MyChelle Dermaceuticals are reef-safe and mineral-based. Options include a non-tinted SPF 50 liquid sunscreen, tinted sticks, a clear spray with SPF 30 and a SPF 50 body lotion.

To buy: mychelle.com, $20-$24

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No. 3: BioLite HeadLamp 330

This no-bounce rechargeable headlight is light and sleek with moisture-wicking fabric on the band to keep you cool and dry. “The HeadLamp 330 is great for all adventures, or even an early morning run,” says 10Best Local Expert Corinne Whiting.

To buy: bioliteenergy.com, $49.95

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No. 2: Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit

This portable fire pit packs smaller than a camping chair but sets up in 60 seconds to create a fire large enough to keep your whole camp warm. It also cools down enough in 90 seconds to pack up and continue on your adventures.

To buy: firesideoutdoor.com, $99.95

Use code USAToday for 34% off (applied automatically with above link)

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No. 1: Good To-Go Weekender Pack

These meal packs from Good To-Go include one breakfast and two entrées, perfect for a weekend camping trip. Meals are handmade in Maine with gluten-free ingredients. Choose from meals like pad thai, New England corn chowder, chicken gumbo or Korean bibimbap – just add water!

To buy: goodto-go.com, $21.50

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.

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Fantastic for the jet setter on your list

The jet setter is always hopping around the world. You never know where they might be heading next, but it’s a guarantee they’ll get there in style. For the 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards, 10Best enlisted a panel of travel experts to select 20 gifts perfect for the luxury traveler in your life – everything from practical stocking stuffers to ultra-glamorous indulgences. These are the 10 items our readers chose as the best.

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No. 10: CALPAK Travel Wallet

The CALPAK Travel Wallet is designed to go everywhere you do. Part purse and part wallet, it features multiple compartments for phone, cash, cards and travel documents, as well as a removable strap that lets you wear the wallet five different ways.

To buy: calpaktravel.com, $75

15% off sitewide for Black Friday & Cyber Monday

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No. 9: Truffle Clarity Clutch

This modern, transparent clutch from Truffle is designed to make a statement, whether carried alone or tossed in a purse or tote. It’s big enough to hold a phone, wallet and favorite lipstick.

To buy: truffleco.com, $50

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No. 8: Luggage Free

With the gift of Luggage Free, you pack and your bags are picked up, tracked and delivered to your destination anywhere in the world, hassle-free and on time. Your luggage is insured, and Luggage Free’s on-time delivery rates beat the airlines hands down.

To buy: luggagefree.com, $25-$500

Shop through the link above for 20% off through Dec. 31

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No. 7: California Cowboy La Sirena Kimono

The La Sirena Kimono from California Cowboy is made for “ladies who lounge.” The inside is lined with soft terry, and the back pocket is big enough to fit a champagne bottle.

To buy: californiacowboy.com, $148

Use code USA10BEST20 for 20% off through Dec. 3

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No. 6: Kenny Flowers Watercolors One Piece

These retro-inspired one piece swimsuits are perfect for beach days, pool parties and tropical getaways. They come in several playful designs, created in partnership with leading luxury travel blogger @JetsetChristina.

To buy: kennyflowers.co, $135

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No. 5: PONSONT Incense Paper

Just fold, light and blow with PONSONT Incense Paper. A 16-step process transforms ingredients like Siam Benjoin, Turkish Rose Otto, African resins and aged Indonesian patchouli into tree-free incense paper “designed to be a simple luxury.”

To buy: ponsont.com, $24

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No. 4: Rhone Commuter

The Commuter line from Rhone offers the luxury of dress shirts and slacks with the comfort of your favorite lounging clothes, so you’ll look and feel good while jet setting around the globe.

To buy: rhone.com, $88-$128

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No. 3: iFly Luggage Fibertech Rose Gold

The Rose Gold Fibertech luggage from iFly offers an Instagram-worthy packing solution in carry-on, medium and large sizes. “I love the expansion zipper feature,” says 10Best Travel Expert Marla Cimini.

To buy: iflyluggage.com, $73-$199

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No. 2: Headleveler Custom Travel Size Pillow

The Headleveler custom travel pillow lets travelers take the comforts of home on the road. The 19-by-14-inch pillow is portable enough to catch some ZZZs in planes, trains or automobiles and comes in seven thicknesses for customized comfort.

To buy: headleveler.com, $90.95

Use code TODAY10 for $10 off any order through Dec. 31

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No. 1: Jet&Bo Cashmere Travel Set

The ‘Make Travel Luxurious Again’ Cashmere Travel Set from Jet&Bo comes with a 100 percent pure cashmere blanket, socks, eye mask and carry case that’s compact enough to fit in your carry-on luggage. Cashmere doesn’t wrinkle and gets softer with age, so it travels well.

To buy: jetandbo.com, $360

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.

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Make their next road trip even better with one of these items

For some, travel means four wheels, big skies and long stretches of asphalt. We’re talking road trips, so 10Best editors teamed up with 10Best Local Experts as well as experts in the industry to select 20 nominees for the 2019 Best Gift for Road Trippers Readers’ Choice Awards. Our readers then voted for their favorites over 28 days. These are the 10 best gifts for those who prefer to travel by car. 

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No. 10: Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket

Packable and lightweight, the Original Puffy Blanket from Rumpl is made with the same materials used in high-end sleeping bags and insulated jackets. Whether curling up in the backseat or living the van life, this blanket keeps you warm and cozy.

To buy: rumpl.com, $49-$99

Use code UT10_R925 for 25 percent off from Black Friday to Cyber Monday

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No. 9: RovR Products RollR 60

The RollR60 offers 60-quart carrying across just about any terrain. The bear-proof cooler goes from trunk to campsite and keeps ice frozen for up to 10 days. Each cooler comes with a wagon bin to help keep your food and beverages organized.

To buy: rovrproducts.com, $399

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No. 8: ENO DoubleNest Hammock

The DoubleNest Hammock from ENO offers suspended comfort in a parachute hammock whether you’re camping at a music festival or car camping with friends. They’re big enough for two and stuff easily into an attached compression sack.

To buy: eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com, $69.95-$79.95

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No. 7: BioLite SolarHome 620

The SolarHome 620 takes lighting, charging and radio off the grid with an easy-to-install solar panel perfect for vans, cars and RVs. The set includes a 6W solar panel, three overhead lights, wall-mounted switches and a control box that plays radio and MP3.

To buy: bioliteenergy.com, $149.95

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No. 6: Verve Coffee Seabright Dripkit

“I’ve endured the absolute worst coffee on the road from hotels to gas stations and restaurants,” says 10Best Local Expert Jacky Runice. That’s why she loves the Seabright Dripkit Travel Light Kit, which offers the perfect cup of coffee with no prep or cleanup required.

To buy: vervecoffee.com, $3.25-$3.50

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No. 5: Tupike Two Burner Stove

This portable two-burner stove makes real cooking a breeze, even on the road. The open lid provides side windscreens for steady cooking outdoors, and the non-stick griddle plate makes for easy cleaning.

To buy: primus.us, $249.95

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No. 4: California Cowboy High Sierra Shirt

The signature flannel shirt from California Cowboy features super soft flannel fabric and thermal lining. “It also includes hidden compartments galore,” says 10Best Travel Expert Marla Cimini, so you’ll have a place for your phone, bottle opener and favorite beverage. It comes in both men’s and women’s styles.

To buy: californiacowboy.com, $148

Use code USA10BEST20 for 20 percent off through Dec. 3

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No. 3: Cusa Tea

Cusa Tea provides a perfectly brewed cup of tea in seconds. This instant tea is perfect for taking on the road and comes in flavors like English breakfast, oolong, spicy chai, lemon black or mango green tea.

To buy: cusatea.com, $2.99-$9.99

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No. 2: VIM & VIGR Compression Socks

Sitting in the car for extended periods can be hard on the legs. VIM & VIGR compression socks come in a variety of playful designs and help prevent leg swelling and other complications that stem from sitting for too long.

To buy: vimvigr.com, $20.95-$44

Buy two, get one free from Friday, Nov. 29 to Sunday, Dec. 1

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No.1: Leisuremann’s Cocktail Mix

Leisuremann’s Cocktail Mixes take cocktails on the go. After a long day of driving, all you need is water, spirit and mix to make a cocktail, with options like Old Fashioned, Margarita, Cosmopolitan or Classic Daiquiri.

To buy: leisuremanns.com, $12.95-$50

Use code TOP10WIN for $5 off purchase of $25 or more

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.

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Great ideas for road warriors

There are plenty of ways to make the road warriors in your life more comfortable this holiday season. 10Best editors teamed up with industry experts and 10Best contributors to select 20 nominees for the 2019 Best Gift for Business Travelers Readers’ Choice Awards. Winners were then determined by popular vote over 28 days. These are the 10 best gifts for the business travelers on your shopping list.

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No. 10: Bellroy Tech Kit

The Bellroy Tech Kit helps keep all your tech accessories organized and in one place. The recycled woven fabric pouch features a magnetic slip pocket for a power bank, stretch mesh pockets and a floating wall with an elastic cable organizer.

To buy: bellroy.com, $59

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No. 9: Rothy’s Flats

Perfect for a busy day of travel, Rothy’s flats transition seamlessly from the airport to the office to after-work happy hour. Made from recycled water bottles, these knit shoes are lightweight, comfortable and machine washable.

To buy: rothys.com, $125-$165

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No. 8: CALPAK Packing Cubes

Packing and unpacking is a breeze when the contents of your suitcase are organized. These 5-piece packing cube sets from CALPAK come with one large, one medium and two small packing cubes, plus a weather-resistant envelope pouch. There’s a style and color to match just about any traveler.

To buy: calpaktravel.com, $58-$70

15 percent off site wide for Black Friday and Cyber Monday

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No. 7: Urban Originals Overnight Bag

For short business trips, the Overnight Bag offers just the right amount of space. This waxed canvas and vegan leather bag comes with two internal pockets and three large external zip pockets.

To buy: uobags.com, $128

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No. 6: Tile Slim

The Tile Slim is Tile’s thinnest Bluetooth tracker, perfect for keeping tabs on your wallet, passport, tablet, phone or keys. Once the Tile Slim is in place, you can see it’s last known location on a map, or make it ring if it’s nearby.

To buy: thetileapp.com, $29.99

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No. 5: FitKit Mini

Business travelers can get a total-body workout at home or in a hotel with the FitKit Mini. This portable package includes a flat resistance band and BeActive exercise cards with more than 100 exercises for cardio, strength and flexibility. The online Resource Hub includes a six-week workout and nutritional plan.

To buy: fitkit.com

Use code Holiday19 for 20 percent off

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No. 4: Speck Travel Business Backpack

The Business Backpack, available in three colors, is stylish and compact and features a TSA-friendly laptop compartment, back panel secret stash pocket for travel documents and credit cards, built-in external USB port and a pass-through sleeve for stacking on rolling luggage.

To buy: specktravel.com, $100

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No. 3: Activ5

Activ5 is a hand-held device packed with more than 100 isometric strength training exercises. When combined with the free app, Activ5 lets business travelers work out from just about anywhere, with customized plans that adjust as you get stronger.

To buy: activbody.com, $129-$219

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No. 2: Voke Chewable Superfood Tablets

Frequent travel can get tiring, but Voke Chewable Superfood Tablets are designed to lift energy and mood, improve mental focus and enhance both short and long-term cognitive performance.

To buy: vokesuperfood.com, $49.95

Use code VOKEFRIDAY30 for a discount from Thanksgiving to the day after Black Friday

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No. 1: FOREO LUNA go

The LUNA go helps maintain smooth, healthy skin no matter where in the world you are. The portable facial brush and anti-aging massager removes dirt and oils with T-Sonic pulsations. The lower frequency pulsations will smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Get it for normal, combination, oily or sensitive skin.

To buy: foreo.com, $99

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.

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Walk down any street in Paris, and you’ll likely be captivated by the tantalizing scent of freshly baked, buttery croissants. This crescent-shaped delight may well be the most famous French baked good, but unfortunately, they’re not all created alike.

According to research, somewhere between 50 and 80 percent of croissants sold in Paris bakeries are industrially made, delivered frozen and baked on the premises.

According to Christophe Vasseur, the baker behind Du Pain et des Idées, this is in large part due to the fact that the training required to make a truly good croissant has, by and large, fallen by the wayside. These days, he explains, French bakery schools offer two different diplomas: boulangerie and pâtisserie. The former pertains to bread-baking; the latter is devoted to pastry.

But the professional qualification of tourier, someone who works with laminated doughs like croissants and puff pastry, was phased out about 50 years ago. If someone wants to learn to make croissants properly, he needs to seek out someone who knows how or rely on industrial producers to fulfill his client demands.

At his bakery, Vasseur focuses exclusively on the mastery of bread and viennoiseries – items like croissants, chocolate croissants and puff pastry swirl buns. Whereas other bakeries will also sell pastries, Vasseur prefers to limit himself to a smaller range and do it all correctly.

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When Sami Bouattour, winner of the 2017 contest for Best Baguette in Paris, first heard the statistics pertaining to industrially-made croissants in Paris, he was skeptical.

“But then I talked with a colleague who said, ‘I make everything in-house…except the croissants and the pains au chocolat. I buy those.'”

Bouattour was aghast.

“I said, ‘But then everything isn’t house-made! That means that the things you sell the most of are industrial!'”

For Bouattour, homemade is “the future of bakery.” And while there’s certainly a shift in this direction in Paris, industrial still reigns.

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To make matters worse, it’s not always easy to tell a good croissant from a sub-par one: often, they’ll look and smell almost exactly the same. But for Laurent Duchêne, Meilleur Ouvrier de France (one of the best craftsmen in France), there are a few things to keep an eye out for.

“It should be nicely layered, with a crisp exterior,” he says.

You can also keep an eye on its shape. While Duchene notes that it’s “not a rule,” for the most part, modern bakers will sell two different shapes of croissant: one straight and the other curved. The straight ones will usually be made with butter, whereas the curved “ordinary” ones with margarine.

But Duchêne, like many other bakers who exclusively make butter croissants, breaks this rule. “Since we only make butter croissants, we give them a curved shape. The true shape of a croissant.”

Luckily, you can always ask the baker whether it’s made with butter or margarine to be sure. But not any butter will do for the perfect croissant.

“The choice of butter is primordial!” say Cyril Lignac and Benoît Couvrand of the former’s La Pâtisserie croissants.

Duchêne agrees, noting that since butter will make up about 30 percent of the final product, choosing a top-quality one is essential. He, like many in Paris, opts for protected AOP Charentes-Poitou butter, which stands out for its rich, creamy flavor and slightly fruity notes.

Known specifically for its use in tourage, AOP Charentes-Poitou butter is perfect for creating flaky, crisp layers in everything from croissants to puff pastry. In fact, a 2017 CHD Expert study found that two out of three French people considered croissants made with this butter better than a classic butter croissant.

But there is another important element that can make or break a croissant: time.

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“An industrial croissant is made in two hours,” says Vasseur. “A croissant at Du Pain et des Idées takes 36.”

For the perfect croissant, the dough should first be made and then allowed to rest before the process of folding in the layers of butter that will create the flaky final texture.

“It’s like any good thing,” Vasseur continues. “To develop the right flavors, there’s no artifice. You can put as much butter into it as you want; you still need the time for the aromas to develop.”

For the perfect croissant experience, many seek them out fresh from the oven. But Duchêne notes that, in reality, hot croissants are more difficult to digest.

“It’s still a little bit raw,” he says, noting that the ideal croissant will be eaten just warm. “The fat coats your mouth a bit less,” he says.

If you’re on the lookout for a warm croissant in Paris, then he recommends stopping by your local bakery either first thing in the morning or around 3 or 4 in the afternoon.

“That’s when schools get out,” he says. “And so we bake more for their afternoon snacks.”

As for how to eat it? While some use croissants as the base for breakfast sandwiches, or even (the horror) butter them, Duchêne says that plain is best.

“Jam could work…” he says. “But I don’t like savory croissants. The croissant itself is a bit sweet, it has its own flavor. So the mix with ham and cheese just doesn’t work. You’re sacrificing the product.”

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.

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These hotels rise and shine with a breakfast to remember

From the Mid-Atlantic states to the far reaches of New England, the Northeastern region of the U.S. offers the hungry traveler many options for an appetizing breakfast to begin their day. But many hotels are creating a morning meal that’s more eclectic with dishes whose ingredients and recipes take us off the beaten breakfast path. Here are 10 hotel breakfast dishes with a unique twist.

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The Chandonut at Artisan Bistro | The Ritz-Carlton

Boston, Massachusetts

In Boston, the Chandonut is the ultimate naughty breakfast, perfect for the morning after: a freshly made vanilla bean-flavored donut is served hoopla-style atop a Chandon California Brut Classic sparkling wine mini.

The donut flavorings vary with the seasons – say, dried strawberries for summer, cranberries for fall – says Ritz-Carlton pastry chef Kerry Levesque. “But it’s always decorated with a matching colored vanilla glaze and fun sprinkles,” she added.

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Chai quinoa bowl at Union | The Press Hotel

Portland, Maine

For a healthy, 21st-century-style breakfast, this ancient grain-based take on oatmeal combines chai-spiced quinoa with coconut milk, pecans and spicy cocoa nibs, all topped by a sweet, bruléed banana. The healthy vegan dish is so popular at The Press Hotel that chef Josh Berry made it a fixture on the regular menu.

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Osetra caviar parfait at The Greenhouse | The Jefferson

Washington, D.C.

Okay, this breakfast at The Jefferson in Washington is a splurge, but it does contain an ounce of deliciously fruity-salty Russian Osetra caviar and is a genius layering of flavors.

Chef Ralf Schlegel adds a perfectly poached egg, which is bathed in lemony hollandaise sauce and finishes the elegant, densely flavored dish with chopped avocado, chives and crème fraîche. It’s served alongside toasted sliced brioche.

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Eggs Benedict with anadama bread at Henrietta’s Table | The Charles Hotel

Cambridge, Massachusetts

At the Charles Hotel, longtime chef Peter Davis’s eggs Benedict contain a delicious local twist, as the muffin is swapped for anadama bread. This tasty, slightly grainy wheat and cornmeal bread flavored with molasses originated in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The story goes that a fisherman there was so tired of his wife Anna’s bland cooking that he created this out of desperation, declaring “Anna, damn her!” as he had to cook his own supper.

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Matchia chia seed pudding at Harold’s | Arlo SoHo

New York, New York

Among the Arlo SoHo breakfast buffet’s pastries, cereals, bagels and hot eggs, New York chef Carsten Johannsen adds the eye-catching bright green Matchia chia seed pudding.

This stimulating breakfast cereal made with Matchia, a blend of matcha green tea and chia seeds, also includes soy milk, agave nectar and vanilla. It’s a one-stop healthy nosh for antioxidants and phytonutrients, which will add energy buzz, too.

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Cloumage at Peregrine | The Whitney

Boston, Massachusetts

The Whitney has a bright, airy restaurant with an eclectic breakfast menu created by chef-owner Joshua Lewin, and it includes cloumage served on thick sourdough toast. Cloumage, a creamy soft fresh cheese, is made at award-winning Shy Brothers Farm in Westport, Massachusetts.

The dish is simply finished with a drizzle of honey and a scant sprinkling of chili flakes.

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Smoked fish plate at Halifax | W Hoboken

Hoboken, New Jersey

This fishy trio at the W Hoboken comprises in-house smoked trout, salmon and, most unusually, a smoked pollock rillette. Pollock, one of those lesser-eaten, more sustainable fishes, is a richly flavored white fish. Chef Seadon Shouse brines the fish, dries it for a day and then combines it with crème fraîche, aioli, lemon zest and parsley.

“The fish are all smoked with cherry or apple woods,” says chef Shouse. “I prefer the fruit woods for fish smoking. The flavor is softer.”

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Lemon chia whole wheat pancakes at the Pembroke Room | The Lowell

New York, New York

This treat at The Lowell might just be the tastiest pancakes ever, and they are certainly among the healthiest. Chef Michael Fred’s uses 100% whole wheat flour instead of white, which means more nutrition and fiber.

He adds chia seeds and lemon zest to the batter and then the finished pancakes are topped with more chia seeds for a bit of crunch, and more lemon zest to accentuate that bright fresh flavor.

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Choereg French toast at Bambara Kitchen & Bar | Kimpton Marlowe

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Kimpton Marlowe chef David Bazirgan looks to his heritage and the nearby Armenian community in Watertown, Massachusetts (the U.S.’s second largest Armenian community) for his version of French toast. He uses traditional Armenian choereg bread for a more cake-like consistency than regular French toast and tops it with a seasonal jam.

“I bake the bread here myself,” he says proudly.

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Oeufs en cocotte at Lacroix | The Rittenhouse

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

At Philadelphia‘s The Rittenhouse, oeufs en cocotte is tasty, comfort food without piling up on starch and calories. This traditional French slow cooking method of baking eggs in a covered dish, “en cocotte,” concentrates the flavor and, in this case, infuses the eggs with a tomato-based piperade.

“Piperade is a Basque stew,” says chef Jon Cichon of this traditional northern Spanish dish,”consisting of onion, peppers and tomatoes. This is a great hearty breakfast option and is served hot.”

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.

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Travelers have long used gas stations as a place to grab a quick bite before continuing on their way. But in the South, you can have a full meal that is unique to the place you’re in.

These gas stations on the backroads have become the modern-day general stores, selling everything travelers might need in places where traditional grocery stores might be scarce. Near the shores of Tellico Lake in Loudon, Tennessee, that place is the Stop N Shop.

Located on the way to the Great Smoky Mountains, it would be easy to pass by the old-school gas station without a second thought. It even contains the original types of pumps, without the electronic screens.

Former owner Tommy Nicholson’s parents opened the original Stop N Shop in 1950 on the western side of Loudon after moving from Oregon. Years later, he bought the former general store that became the business it is today. While he sold it to Dipa Patel a few years ago, she decided to continue the traditions that Nicholson started in 2001 after a devastating fire.

Bluegrass Thursdays

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On alternating Thursday nights, the parking lot is full and not just to fill up at the pumps. Instead, locals come from all over the county to enjoy bluegrass music from the house band, Hard Road. They previously hosted different types of music on a semi-regular basis, but the popularity with locals lead them to host it twice per month.

The bluegrass music they play is influenced by the mountainous region that runs from north Georgia to West Virginia. Made famous by artists like Earl Scruggs and Doc Watson, the style incorporates hymns from churches as well as folk songs like “The Ballad of Tom Dooley.” It incorporates instruments like banjos, mandolins and fiddles along with guitars and upright basses.

Music in the South can be found just about everywhere, from big-name venues like the Grand Ole Opry to the front porches of private homes. So perhaps music inside a gas station isn’t that odd after all.

Catfish and Southern favorites

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The Stop N Shop convenience store sells standard items like packaged snacks and sodas, but also has a deli that is known for its fried catfish and cheeseburgers. Diners can order at the counter and pick up a cold beer on tap before finding a place to watch the performance. During the day, the deli offers Southern dishes like biscuits and gravy and fried bologna sandwiches.

But for around $10, you can get pieces of catfish filet, battered in cornmeal and fried, with fries, coleslaw and hushpuppies, a cornmeal-based item similar to cornbread. Nicholson got the recipe from a local woman who had served catfish at her restaurant.

Catfish is a popular ingredient throughout the region because of its inexpensive cost and ability to be farm-raised. They grow to be very large and are named for their cat-like whiskers. It’s even caught in the nearby lakes. The light fish is flaky in texture and adapts to flavors well. At the Stop N Shop, the breading provides a perfect crunch with a soft filet.

When it comes to dining in the South, the best places are where the community gathers together. And in Loudon, that place is a humble Highway 72 gas station.

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.

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From coast to coast, Vancouver Island’s ruggedness shines. As you weave your way around the island, Wi-Fi is spotty (if even found), forcing you to disconnect and fully tune into soothing swaths of green stretching as far as the eye can see. Roadside bear spottings become a regular treat, and you quickly give up your eagle tally when yet another white-headed beauty swoops across the sky.

Time moves differently out here; breathing space seems to have no limit. Some sort of magic dances in the morning mist, the afternoon sunlight, the twilight of a day’s final act. So that you, too, can (mindfully and respectfully) adventure across this sacred land, we’ve come up with ways to get off the grid and connect deeply with the wildlife and people who first called this place home.

How to get to Vancouver Island and where to stay

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There are countless ways to get to Vancouver Island: plane, high-speed Clipper from downtown Seattle, the Coho ferry from Port Angeles, Washington, or the ferry that travels between Vancouver to Nanaimo. About 70 miles north of Nanaimo, on the eastern shore of the island, you’ll find the inviting Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa – a wonderful place to get grounded and refreshed before moving on to more rustic adventures.

Kingfisher proves the perfect home base from which to explore the picturesque Comox Valley, including the city of Courtenay, town of Comox and village of Cumberland. Hit the wooded trails with Island Mountain Rides (who cater to all levels of bikers), before soaking up the local scene in the charming biergarten of Cumberland Brewing Co.

Once back at the resort, savor hypnotic seaside views, on-site yoga classes, unique hydropath experiences offered at the Pacific Mist Spa and the exquisite food served at Ocean7 Restaurant. To sample local seafood bounty, order a communal seafood tower stacked high with Dungeness crab, oysters, prawns, clams, mussels and scallop crudo.

Things to see and do on Vancouver Island

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To connect with the past and present of this region’s Indigenous community, allow the wonderful guides of Campbell River-based Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours (often partnering with Big Animal Encounters) to take you to Bute Inlet and through the vibrant Salish Sea.

On tours that rotate seasonally, cruise through turquoise waters to catch surreal glimpses of creatures ranging from humpback whales and orcas to lounging sea lions, playful porpoises and dolphins, dozens of bald eagles and other seabirds, among other native animals.

Depending on the time of year, you may be fortunate enough to see black bears snacking on mussels at low tide or (through late October) massive grizzlies feasting on salmon embarking on their annual run.

In any month, learn firsthand about the Xwe’malhkwu (Homalco) First Nation way of life that’s deeply rooted in language, passed-down storytelling and an inextricable connection to this revered land and its residents. Perhaps you’ll feel inspired to take notes from these wise stewards of the land, who are doing their very best “to make sure what’s here isn’t lost over time.”

During the summer season (with trips beginning to fill the winter before), consider booking a week-long adventure with BCA Tours along the wildly exquisite West Coast Trail. While backpacking this challenging yet rewarding ancient path — with a rich history of First Nations trade and travel — unplug completely to connect with the stillness and rugged beauty of the Pacific Rim National Park.

Things to see and do on Quadra Island

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Keep your connection to the natural environment with an overnight (or several) on zen-filled Quadra Island – a hub for outdoors adventurers (hikers, climbers, kayakers) that connects boaters to the Discovery Islands and Desolation Sound. Explore the artificial reef HMCS Columbia, praised by the Cousteau Society, or ogle intricate native artistry on display at the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre in Cape Mudge Village.

Find ultimate serenity at the family-owned Taku Resort and Marina, located on the eastern shore of Quadra Island. The entire staff treats the resort like it’s their home; this can be felt throughout the waterfront property that’s marked by artful additions: a majestic totem pole and a moon gate that adorns the tennis court.

Accommodations here range from beachfront suites and cozy A-frame cabins to sites prime for tent and RV camping. Each option gives access to one of the most brilliant night skies you’ll likely ever witness, as well as the bioluminescent phytoplankton that twinkle in the waters below.

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About 80 miles west, down some rugged roads and clear on the other side of the island, you’ll find Moutcha Bay Resort. Settle into an absolutely dreamy luxury yurt, as you sit on your private patio to take in the views and silence of the sheltered waters of Nootka Sound.

The women-led business of Nootka Marine Adventures (NMA, which operates three fishing resorts) prioritizes catering to its guests, while also educating them on how to protect the environment, during fishing and kayaking tours, for example. NMA is already well-known as a thriving fishing company; now the staff members want to provide context as to why this is a place to cherish and protect.

This team attempts to practice what it preaches by using a diesel-run generator, eliminating plastic bags and single-use water bottles (instead, guests are gifted with refillable bottles and coolers) and implementing an extensive compost and recycling program. General manager Adele Larkin says, “With everything we do here, we are trying to make sure that our impact is relatively small in the grand scheme of things.”

A 20-minute boat ride away, sister property Nootka Sound Resort offers yet an even more remote experience at its charming floating lodge, located along the tranquil waters of Galiano Bay. The dock bustles around 5 a.m. when fishermen and women push off for day-long guided adventures; those who stick around make use of the resort’s pedal boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. In the evening, everyone swaps tales of their day over happy hour beverages and a four-course, locally-sourced dinner.

Visit the place where British Columbia was born

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For an ultimate link to this land and its original people, make your way (via float plane or boats like the MV Uchuck III) to Yuquot, the Nuu-chah-nulth word for “winds coming from all directions.” In 1778, Captain Cook was the first European to discover this mystical place with his crew; he renamed the site Friendly Cove. However, in recent years, the Nootka people have reclaimed the name Yuquot as they work to recover their culture, too.

The original stewards of the land claim to see things changing; they feel more acceptance. They are ready to welcome visitors to the spot where B.C. was born – and to finally share their side of the story, since so much of history is still told through a European lens. As one elder expressed, “It means a lot to us for the world to know. We want people to be welcome.”

Visitors can currently enjoy day trips here or rent one of six basic cabins for an overnight; it is advisable to bring a small gift for the elders as a sign of respect. If open, you can visit the workshop of Master Carver Sanford Williams. The talented artist stays aligned with a bygone era by creating stunning hand-carved works the traditional way and by using hand-picked materials from the beaches of Yuquot.

As you stroll the misty beach alongside a First Nations elder – who’s so attuned to the environment he smells a whale somewhere far off the coast – you will feel humbled by this man’s innate wisdom and the privilege to walk on the soil his ancestors have always called home.

Upon his insistence, you mindfully select a few smooth rocks to place in your pocket. “There’s something special here,” he says in a slow, methodical cadence. “You’re going to feel something important in your brain, in your heart, when you leave.”

Indeed, he is right. Thank you, Vancouver Island, for continually sharing your magnificence – and for gently forcing us to gain perspective and give thanks.

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.

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The terms “sustainability” and “earth-friendly” no longer apply to a small, niche market. They have become drivers for many consumers, and many West Coast vintners have been engaging in sustainable practices in their vineyard and wineries long before it became fashionable.

Their efforts are paving the way for other wineries to make the sometimes costly and time-consuming changes needed to operate in a manner that is kinder to the planet.

From composting waste and recycling water in California to planting cover crops and using organic materials to combat pests in Oregon, many winemakers and winery owners believe the use of natural products and reduction of their carbon footprint is not only better for the environment and the vines, but also results in a higher quality wine.

In turn, they hope their employees and visitors are inspired to make similar efforts in their daily lives and support like-minded business – a cumulative effort that just might make a difference. Here are a few West Coast standouts you should visit.

Tablas Creek Vineyard | Paso Robles, California

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Sustainability is more than a buzzword for some West Coast wineries; it’s a way of life and always has been. But Jason Haas, partner and general manager of Tablas Creek in Paso Robles, says consumers are finally showing greater interest in supporting wineries that are earth-friendly, which in turn inspires more wineries to join the party.

He says, “I feel like this is a part of a larger consumer trend where people want to know that the products they consume are produced in a way that is in keeping with their ethos.”

Haas adds, “When we started in 1989, we were the only vineyard in Paso Robles farming organically and sustainability wasn’t even a term anyone was using. Fast forward thirty years, and the majority of Paso Robles vineyards have a sustainability certification.”

Villa Creek Cellars | Paso Robles, California

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Talk to almost any vintner and they say wine’s magic begins in the vineyard. While that might infer great care goes into protecting the environment surrounding a vine’s deep roots and thin-skinned fruit, that’s not always the case.

In Paso Robles, Villa Creek Cellars cofounder JoAnn Cherry cautions,”The wine industry is kind of the last frontier in terms of the ability for winegrowers and winemakers to do virtually whatever they want in the vineyard and cellar. Consumers have no idea what actually ends up in their glass and most assume wine is a natural product.”

But the wine industry has seen an uptick in the number of producers like Cherry, who don’t view wine as just a commodity. They’re passionate about their product and are committed to protecting the environment they depend on as farmers, despite the cost and effort.

Cakebread Cellars | Rutherford, California

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Cakebread Cellars’ vineyard director Lise Asimont explains, “Sustainable winegrowing takes into account the three E’s of our farming practice: socially equitable practices, the economics of our system, and the environment and environmental impact of our work. Sustainability is a continuum wherein improvement is ongoing and perfection is never achieved, but we hope that our momentum helps shift the tides.”

Cakebread, a leader in sustainability for decades, has a popular tasting room in the heart of Napa Valley, offering numerous tours and tastings and was among the first in the valley to be awarded certifications for their environmental efforts.

Ponzi Vineyards | Sherwood, Oregon

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A visit to the tasting room of Ponzi, just 40 minutes from Portland, Oregon, provides spectacular views of the Chehalem Mountains and charging stations for eco-friendly automobiles. Sustainable pioneers in their state for 50 years, Ponzi uses cover crops rather than chemicals for soil health. Winemaker Luisa Ponzi says, “It also ensures we do not deplete the land of essential nutrients needed to grow high quality grapes.”

The cover mix is tailored to each vineyard site, Ponzi explains, “Predominant use of legumes (fava, sweet pea, vetch) and nitrogen-rich plants like crimson clover feed the soil, while plants like wild radish have deep tap roots which break up and aerate the soil.”

Balletto Vineyards | Santa Rosa, California

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At Balletto Vineyards in Sonoma, founder and owner John Balletto says, “We compost all our grape pomace (solids left after destemming and pressing) from our winemaking process for 9 to 10 months before spreading and tilling back into our vineyard soil the next spring.”

Wine tastings here are often held outside under a trellis of vines. Balletto says, “Our vineyards are like an extension of our family, so we treat them accordingly.”

Ehlers Estate | St. Helena, California

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Pest control (without the use of harmful chemicals) is another daunting task for sustainable and organic farmers. At Ehlers Estate in northern Napa Valley, head winemaker and general manager Laura Diaz Munoz, uses spore traps to monitor fungus and pests.

She says, “This tool allows us to space out the spraying, doing it less frequently if it’s not really needed and helps us decide what product to use.” The products are all organic and include things such as wettable sulfur and PureSpray Green oil.

Visitors to the rustic yet elegant tasting room (circa 1886) at Ehlers receive a side of organic education with their tasting flight.

Hahn Family Wines | Soledad, California

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In Santa Lucia Highlands, Hahn Family Wines has long set the pace for sustainability in central California, using insects such as beetles, ladybugs and lacewings for natural pest control.

Guests take Jeep tours through the rolling vineyards where they can view Hahn’s complex water conservation system and clever boxes that emit sounds of a deer in distress to keep the hoofed animals from coming into the vineyard to destroy the fruit.

Bonterra Organic Vineyards | Hopland, California

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How does such intense effort in the field translate to the glass? Joseph Brinkley, director of vineyards for Bonterra Organic Vineyards in Mendocino County says, “What we have seen over the years is that farming organically leads to healthier vines, more flavorful grapes and better wines.”

Located north of Sonoma in Hopland, Bonterra only opens for visits and tours on select dates.”It’s an exciting time,” says Brinkley, “because organic farming and earth-friendly practices have always been central to our mission, and now consumers are right there with us.”

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.

Cruising is quickly becoming among the most popular ways to see the world. Unpack once and take in the sights of the world’s rivers and seas from your floating hotel.

More than 30 million people are expected to cruise in 2019, according to the Cruise Lines International Association, and that number is likely to grow year over year. More than 50 cruise lines set sail in all seven regions of the globe, and more than a dozen new vessels are introduced each year. The sheer variety of cruises can be overwhelming.

To help you narrow it down, we’ve asked a panel of cruise industry experts to nominate their favorite lines and ships across 10 categories. Help us name the best by voting for your favorites each day until voting closes on Monday, December 16 at noon ET. The winners will be announced on 10Best on Friday, December 27.

Click on each category below to vote:

Best Adventure Cruise Line

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If you think cruising is all about lounging on the lido deck, piña colada in hand, think again. With these 20 cruise companies, nominated as the best in the industry by our panel of cruise experts, cruising becomes an adventure for active travelers, where exploring an exotic destination might involve kayaking through remote fjords, getting up close and personal with icebergs aboard a Zodiac or walking atop a glacier.

Vote: Best Adventure Cruise Line »

Best Boutique Cruise Line

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Boutique cruise lines, like these 20 nominated as the best of the best by a panel of cruising experts, elevate your vacation experience with extras like small ships, attractive passenger-to-staff ratios, luxury amenities, unique onboard activities and excursions or all-inclusive fares. What’s your favorite boutique cruise line?

Vote: Best Boutique Cruise Line »

Best Cruise Ship for Dining

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Gone are the days when fixed seating meals in a single dining room are your only option aboard cruise ships. Modern cruisers enjoy their choice of several restaurants – over two dozen aboard some of the bigger mega-ships – cooking classes, creative menus and dishes created by some of the world’s top chefs.

Vote: Best Cruise Ship for Dining »

Best Cruise Ship for Families

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Thanks to their excellent travel value, more and more families are turning to cruising when planning their vacations. These 20 cruise lines, chosen as the best in the industry by our panel of cruising experts, cater to young passengers in many ways, including family-friendly at-sea experiences (bumper cars, bowling and water parks to name a few), family cabins and kid-approved dining options.

Vote: Best Cruise Ship for Families »

Best Large Cruise Ship

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Sometimes the journey is more important than the destination. That’s often the case when you board one of these giant floating hotels. These 20 cruise ships represent some of the biggest and newest at sea, each with a capacity of over 3,000 passengers. With such size comes loads of onboard activities, entertainment options and dining venues.

Vote: Best Large Cruise Ship »

Best Mid-Sized Cruise Ship

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Some cruise ships are like floating horizontal skyscrapers with all the bells and whistles, while others feel more like a private yacht. These 20 ships with a capacity between 1,000 and 3,000 passengers, chosen by a panel of cruising experts as the best in the industry, strike a balance between big ship amenities and small ship service.

Vote: Best Mid-Sized Cruise Ship »

Best Ocean Cruise Line

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Whether you prefer long days at sea or ample time in diverse ports of call, mega-ships packed with features or intimate yachts, more restaurants than a resort or a single luxury dining room, there’s a cruise line out there for you. What’s your favorite ocean cruise line?

Vote: Best Ocean Cruise Line »

Best River Cruise Line

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River cruising has been exploding in popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. You check in, unpack your bag and let your floating hotel take you on a journey of discovery down some of the world’s great waterways, with experiential guided excursions along the way.

Vote: Best River Cruise Line »

Best River Cruise Ship

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From the Seine to the Danube, the Mekong to the Chobe, the world’s great rivers have become a hot spot for cruising over the last decade. Riverboats serve as floating hotels, allowing passengers to unpack once and explore an entire region.

Vote: Best River Cruise Ship »

Best Small Cruise Ship

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While large ships come with certain advantages (bowling at sea, anyone?), some cruisers prefer the intimacy, personalized service and destination-focused itineraries of a smaller vessel. These 20 cruise ships and yachts, each with a passenger capacity of under 1,000, can get to smaller ports inaccessible to larger ships and offer a more social atmosphere where it’s easier to get to know your fellow guests.

Vote: Best Small Cruise Ship »

Remember, you can vote once per day in each category. The 10 nominees with the most votes in each category will be announced on 10Best.com on Friday, December 27.

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.