Clara Hogan

If you're looking to shop local over big box retail giants this year, look no further than the best Christmas markets in the U.S., where you're sure to get your crew unique gifts while getting into the holiday spirit.   Christmas markets began in Europe centuries ago to celebrate and prepare for the season, and the tradition later spread to America. Each market has its unique set-up and vendors who sell everything from handmade decorations and ornaments to artwork to seasonal food and drink (mulled wine is the go-to choice to keep you cozy while you shop!)  Bundle up and explore the expansive Christmas markets in cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Meander through the sparkling lights and aisles of wooden stalls selling custom gifts while listening to live Christmas music and indulging in festive fare like bratwursts, glühwein (mulled wine) and hot cocoa. The best Christmas markets in the U.S. have a little something for everyone.  RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas light displays in the USAThe best Christmas vacations for an epic holiday

Giant Santas, intricately made ornaments, tinsel and twine—these decorations and so much more await you at the best and biggest Christmas stores in the US. One things for sure, we’re not talking about the holiday decor section that pops up for a couple of months your local big box store. No, these stores take the holidays and put them on steroids. And we mean that in the best way possible.  Made for the Christmas-obsessed and those who believe it’s never too early to start preparing for the holiday season, these stores offer Christmas year-round: spring, summer, fall and winter. They range from the massive, 45-acre Bronner's Christmas Wonderland in Michigan to a charming Christmas village in the Smoky Mountains in Tennesse. Others take center stage at the best Christmas towns in America, like Santa Claus, Indiana or the North Pole, Alaska.  Step inside these dazzling (and somewhat disorienting) wonderlands featuring awe-inspiring light displays, perfected model villages, and other novelties. 'Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread the holiday cheer than by exploring the most magical, whimsical, and festive shops across the nation? 

It’s that time again. Every year, we ask thousands of city-dwellers to tell us the coolest spots in their cities. What are the places locals love and visitors flock to? Where are the exciting new openings across food, drink and culture? Where are people going out, hanging out and having fun? For the sixth year running, the results are in. Over 12,000 people had their say in this year’s shortlist, naming the neighbourhoods in their hometowns where everyone wants to be right now. Then, we narrowed down the selection with the insight and expertise of city editors and local experts who know their cities better than anyone else. To create and rank the final list, we considered factors including community and social ventures, access to open and green space, and thriving street life. In 2023, our neighbourhoods are more global than ever before. The rise and rise in post-pandemic digital nomadism has led to an explosion of brand-new community spaces, multi-purpose culture centres and more cafés than we can count on two hands. But while most of these neighbourhoods have experienced a transformation over recent years, they remain resolutely local at heart. Slick new developments and cool cafés might bring in new crowds, but neighbourhood stalwarts – from old pubs to family greengrocers – keep it real.  The world’s coolest neighbourhoods this year are, therefore, places with big personalities. Each area’s diversity is reflected in its food, culture and festivals. Community is key: local

Crispy on the outside, and pillow-soft on the inside, waffles are arguably one of mankind's greatest inventions. And they're as versatile as they are delicious. Have them piled high with fruit and syrup for breakfast or pair them with crispy chicken for a more filling dish. For dessert, choose your own adventure with toppings like Nutella, whip cream or candy. If you want to stay true to the original style of Belgium (where waffles were invented), find a place that offers them to-go with a crispy sweet coating and pearl sugar inside.  Across America, waffles are an excellent choice at the best brunch spots in America, best diners in America or the best breakfast restaurants in America. Whether you like them simple or loaded with toppings, these are the best waffle restaurants in the US.

Some places, you don’t want to break the ice—like the winter festivals held around the country where master ice carvers spend weeks creating full-scale, frigid creations from massive blocks of crystal-clear ice blocks. And while sculptures are often the star of the show, these events held at parks, hotels, and downtowns across the country typically have enough going on for full a day of fun with ice slides, performances and even sometimes fireworks.From a 20,000-square-foot depiction of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” in ice form to full-blown LED-light ice castles primed for exploring with tunnels and mazes, these art winter festivals are where man meets Mother Nature—and you’re sure to be blown away.

Among fast food spots, Taco Bell's fandom might be the most fervent. From late-night taco runs to the chain's ubiqutous TV ads in the 90s, Taco Bell holds a special place in many hearts (and stomachs). So each time an item is discontinued—aka cut from menus around the world—their loyal base bemoans the loss. Over the years, Taco Bell has phased out items that still bring a nostalgic glean to fans' eyes. And lately, thanks in no small part to grassroots social media energy, the corporate chefs at the Bell have been on a limited-time return spree, momentarily bringing back the Volcano Menu, the Enchirtio, and the Beefy Fritos Burritos.  Other beloved items have returned, too: Nacho Fries are once again a menu staple, and the Nachos Bellgrande is essentially a newly named version of the Fully Loaded Nachos. (And menus are always changing. This list is accurate as of its publishing, and previously listed items like Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, the Spicy Potato Soft Taco, and the Mexican Pizza are now available again.) And while today people are turning to the Bell to save on food costs, it's really cemented its place in fast food history with a list of creative, "outside the bun" concoctions, from a Sloppy Joe-style burger to a Double Decker taco. Here are the discontinued items worth remembering. 

What’s better than baking Christmas cookies? One answer: eating them. So what if we told you that you could get straight to the good part without messing up your kitchen in the process? That's exactly what a select breed of brands offer every year: the ability to order the finest Christmas cookies online right to your doorstep. Yes, we know there's no denying the joy of baking your own treats—and the amazing aroma of freshly baked cookies. But let's be real: with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, not everyone has the time to spend hours carefully crafting sweets. The best cookie companies that you can order from online are beloved for creating concoctions that, unless you're a world-class baker, you likely couldn't whip up easily. Plus, they're packaged beautifully and make great gifts. From traditional favorites to avant-garde cookies, these direct-to-order cookie companies will make your holiday season a truly sweet affair.

The idea of a fun day in the water isn’t the same for everyone — some people love hitting up a beach, other people love to lay by a pool, and certain folks are all about heading to a water park. Water parks, after all, offer a little bit of everything: places to be adventurous (thrilling rides and slides), places to relax (lazy rivers and lounge chairs) and even sometimes a place to party (need we say swim-up bar?) Another perk: They don't have to be outdoors. Indoor water parks are a perfect aquatic solution when it’s not bikini weather. Their climate-controlled environment and warm waters allow year-round amusement. Even when it is warm outside, inside, you don't have the worry of applying sunscreen or a chance of rain. Whether it's the dead of winter or peak of summer, the best indoor water parks allow families a day of fun.

Summer vacations may get more fanfare, but can we talk about the greatness of a winter vacation for a moment? After all, it is in the thick of the cold and often dreary months when we so desperately need an escape from our hum-drum routines. So, if you're looking for some inspiration for your winter travel agenda, we have you covered with the best winter vacation in the U.S. Everyone’s ideal winter destination looks different. Avid skier looking to head to the mountains? Head to family-friendly Vail, CO, beautiful Lake Tahoe or underrated Sun Valley, ID. Snow-lover who wants to get cozy in a cabin for a romantic getaway? Give Jackson Hole or Nantucket a try. Eager to flee the cold for the beach? California and Florida are calling.  No matter your ideal setting or who you plan to travel with, get ready to embrace the chill (or not!) at these perfect picks for your next winter trip. 

If you're in charge of the feast (or even a side or two), Thanksgiving can be a lot of work—but it doesn't have to be. If you don't feel like dirtying the kitchen for hours on end this year, maybe it's time to let someone else take charge and serve you. Luckily in San Francisco, talented chefs at some of the best restaurants across the city are cooking up delectable Thanksgiving meals. So, consider stepping out of the kitchen and into one of the San Francisco restaurants to simply enjoy Thanksgiving fare without the prep or clean up.  When is Thanksgiving?  Thanksgiving lands on Thursday, November 23, 2023.  What restaurants are open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco?  Holiday meals of all persuasions are available at these top restaurants: classic turkey and stuffing dinners, decadent truffle-laden prix fixe feasts, and everything in between. Book a reservation at one of these Thanksgiving restaurants. All you have to bring is your appetite.

Halloween in San Francisco is a festive affair. Houses across the city go all out with decorations, making for a spooky scene, especially as the fog rolls through the city's iconic hills. Truly, when October arrives, the area transforms into spooky celebrations everywhere you look, from fun-filled pumpkin patches to chilling escape rooms to iconic neighborhoods perfect for trick-or-treating. The city also hosts a range of Halloween events that appeal to everyone. This year, Halloween events in San Francisco range from a Titantic-themed masquerade part to a must-see dog costume contest to a lively pub crawl. Whether you're seeking spine-tingling thrills, family-friendly fun, or a night of masquerade and mystery, we'll take you on a tour of the most bewitching and entertaining Halloween events San Francisco has to offer. Still want more? Check out a corn maze, a local haunted spot IRL or stay in to watch one of the best horror movies.  

If you're looking for Thai food in San Francisco, you won't lack options. From Michelin-starred restaurants to food trucks and cozy, family-run neighborhood haunts, get ready to enjoy the bold flavors, intricate spices, and a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.  Nearly every neighborhood in the 7x7 has a Thai restaurant (or three) worth visiting. In the Tenderloin, head to family-run join like Lers Ros (a local Thai legend) to Thai Idea and House of Thai. For more modernized takes on traditional fare, head to one of the many new and trendy restaurants in the Mission, where spots like Farmhouse Kitchen and Hawker Fare are whipping up contemporary spins on classic dishes in party-like settings. And then there's Kin Khao, a Michelin-starred masterpiece that will take your tastebuds on a journey you won't soon forget. Whatever your style, the best Thai food in San Francisco ventures far beyond pad thai and yellow curry. From budget-friendly spots to upscale dining experiences, these restaurants won't disappoint with the classics and will surprise you with inventive dishes and rich with the flavors of Southeast Asia.

You can hear the Napa Valley Wine Train before you see it. Starting in Downtown Napa at the McKinstry Street Station, the train rumbles through towns like Yountville and iconic vineyards like V. Sattui on a 36-mile round trip journey to St. Helena and back. The cavalcade of railroad cars were built in 1951 by the Pullman Standard Company and  refurbished for the modern era with details nodding to the original time period such as plush booths and mahogany paneling. Passengers can choose from a variety of dining journeys, including the Gourmet Express (a multi-course meal), Romance on the Rails (dinner and wine in a private booth on the train's Vista Dome) and Murder Mystery (a murder-mystery– themed dinner). One of the most intimate option is the Champagne Vista Dome experience, which guarantees you a private table. This car features curved glass windows in the observation-style dining car that give even more expansive views of Napa's lush countryside.  The three-hour lunch and two-hour dinner rides generally stick to the rails, but if getting off and exploring the vineyards is more of your thing, opt for one of the winery tours; most go to a few wineries and include lunch or dinner on the train.

Since 1994, the old stone cottage in the heart of wine country that houses the French Laundry has stood among the holiest of holy grails not only for destination diners, but aspiring industry pros around the world. Chef Thomas Keller’s influence on the culinary world is inestimable; without him, there’d be no Noma, Alinea, Benu or Frasca Food and Wine, to name just a few iconic restaurants his mentees have gone on to open. The pilgrimage to this intimate, 17-table Napa Valley institution remains at the very top of foodies’ bucket lists. Reservations open a month in advance, with seatings occurring daily from 4pm to 8:15pm. Every meal begins with a crisp salmon tartare cornet paired with a glass of champagne. From there, diners select one of the two prix fixe menus (one for meat eaters and one for vegetarians) and are then promptly taken on a three-to-four hour culinary journey. Dishes consist of classic and refined, yet unstuffy, French cuisine that showcase California-fresh produce sourced from the culinary garden across the street. The French Laundry has served as the pinnacle of fine dining for 25 years, with hospitality as unwaveringly pristine as the food. The restaurant has been awarded three Michelin stars every year since the first Michelin guide to the San Francisco Bay Area was issued in 2007, making Keller the only American chef to have two three-star restaurants at the same time (the other being Per Se in New York.)  The restaurant recently underwent a stunning $1

Think of San Francisco’s largest Halloween pub crawl as trick-or-treating for adults. Thousands of costumed revelers take over Polk Street for drinks, music and dancing, and costume contests. This year, whether you show up on foot or via the San Francisco Party Bus, you’re sure to be in spooktacular company at 20 haunted watering holes including Mayes, Nick's Crispy Tacos, Del Mar, and Wonder SF. It’s free to join the festivities.     

Napa Valley’s BottleRock festival is back this year for its first “normal” event since 2019. The festival was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19 and, in 2021, it was delayed until the fall and had pandemic precautions in place. This year, BottleRock is back in all its glory in its usual slot, Memorial Day weekend, with big-name headlining artists from Pink to Metallica and Luke Combs. Other performers include Twenty One Pilots, Kygo, Pitbull, Alessia Cara, Vance Joy, and Amos Lee. The event will also host a slew of other activities from famous chefs and celebrities on the culinary stage to an impressive food and drink line-up and a series of more intimate performances outside of the main event.  We’ve rounded up answers to all of your questions to give you everything you need to know about BottleRock 2022. We also have you covered on where to go, eat, and sleep in Napa Valley should you want to explore more.  What is BottleRock?BottleRock Napa Valley, presented by JaM Cellars, is a three-day music, wine, craft brew and culinary festival that started in 2013.  When is BottleRock? BottleRock 2022 will run Memorial Day weekend, May 27-29, in downtown Napa at the Napa Valley Expo fairgrounds. How do I buy BottleRock tickets? Three-day tickets are sold out, but one-day general admission tickets for Friday and Saturday are still available through the BottleRock website. You can also still buy sold-out passes through the official ticket exchange Lyte. How much are BottleRock tickets?

The local coffee scene across American cities has exploded in recent years — but which city loves its coffee the most? That would be the City by the Bay, at least according to one recent report. San Francisco is the number one coffee city in America, ranked by a survey from the personal-finance website WalletHub. The calculation compared the 100 most populous cities across the US using 12 key metrics, including the average spending on coffee per household, the share of homes with coffee makers, the number of coffee shops and manufacturers per capita, and the number of coffee-centric events.  After San Francisco, Seattle, Orlando, Honolulu, and Portland rounded out the top five coffee cities.  Source: WalletHub Coffee has played an important role in San Francisco's history: the first cup of restaurant coffee in the West was served there, large coffee brands such as Hills Brothers and Folgers started in the city, and the Italian espresso houses of North Beach were popular meeting spots for famous Beat poets. Today, the "third wave" of coffee shops has meant a coffee boom.  San Francisco's top coffee shops are independent, full of local personality, and spread throughout the city. Favorites include Ritual Coffee, Andytown Coffee Roasters, and Farley's. A few of the factors for SF's number one rating — it had both the highest number of affordable coffee shops and cafes rated 4.5 stars or above per capita, as well as the highest number of manufacturers. It also ranked number on

Add another must-do to your San Francisco bucket list: the Presidio Tunnel Tops, a project 30 years in the making. The new federal parkland is now officially open, offering 14 acres of space to play along the bay and take in stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.  Tunnel Tops, located within the Presidio, a national park formed out of a former military outpost, debuted on July 17 to an outpouring of crowds eager to see the city's newest national park destination. It is a creative solution to creating usable green space in a densely packed city, located on top of the busy Presidio Parkway highway tunnels and connecting the center of the Presidio to the park’s Crissy Field waterfront. The unique design feat was a perfect fit for James Corner Field Operations, the firm behind New York City's High Line, which also found ways to connect urban streets to more peaceful, nature-focused settings.  The park is already a hit with locals and visitors alike, featuring picnic sites, a campfire circle, trails, native plant gardens as well as the Outpost, a sprawling two-acre, nature-inspired play area for children.    Photograph Courtesy of the Trust for the PresidioTunnel Tops   Getting to the Tunnel Tops is easy from most places in the city. Several of the city’s MUNI lines stop at the nearby transit center and there's a free PresidiGo shuttle from downtown.  If you get hungry, you can count on a variety of food trucks and carts nearby, in addition to a slew of eateries offered with

イギリスの金融商品比較サイト、Money.co.ukは新しい分析調査を実施し、LGBTQ+コミュニティーに最も友好的な世界の都市ランキング『The most LGBTQ+ accepting cities』を発表した。 分析に使われたのは、さまざまなデータ。例えばSocial Progressから入手した各国の受容度に関する世界的な指標、人口10万人当たりのLGBTQ+施設の数を示すTripadvisorのデータといったもの。出生証明書や運転免許証の性別表示変更が州相当レベルでどれだけ容易か、成人におけるLGBTQ+自認の割合、子育てをしている25歳以上のLGBTQ+成人数なども含まれている。 その結果、世界で最もLGBTQ+の人々を受け入れていのは、アイスランドのレイキャビクとなった。同地のLGBTQ+受容度スコアは満点の10ポイント。LGBTQ+専用のバーやクラブが最も多くあり、それらの質も高いことが結果に反映されたようだ。 2位、3位はオランダのアムステルダム、ロッテルダムが続いた。アムステルダムは、惜しくもレイキャビックにトップの座を譲ったが、スコアの差はほとんどない。受容度も9.8ポイントと非常に高く、ナイトライフについても数、質ともに大差がなかった。ロッテルダムは、LGBTQ+向けの施設の数が上位2都市に比べると少ないため、この順位になったようだ。 4位に入ったのが、アメリカのサンフランシスコ（アメリカの都市として1位）。同地は、人口10万人当たりのLGBTQ+施設の数が全都市中2番目に多く、それらのTripadvisorの平均評価も星4.2つと高い。サンフランシスコが高順位になったことは、この都市がLGBTQ+コミュニティーにとってリベラルで進歩的な避難所であるという長年の評判や、LGBTQ+運動の歴史を考えると大きな驚きではないだろう。 このランキングのトップ20を見てみると、、アメリカからはボストン（11位）、シアトル（12位）、ロサンゼルス（16位）、シカゴ（17位）の5都市がランクインしている。 ただ、同時発表されたアメリカの州別ランキングで1位になったのは、カリフォルニア州ではなく、ハワイ州だった。同州では人口の4.6％がLGBTQ+を自認。労働安全や出生証明書の性別表記を変更する手続きなどでも高い評価を受け、LGBTQ+コミュニティーで子育てをしている割合が30％と、上位5州の中で最も多い。ハワイに続く2位にはメイン州、3位にはバーモント州がランクイン。カリフォルニア州は4位となった。 ランキングと分析内容は、Money.co.ukの公式サイトで確認できる。 原文はこちら 関連記事 『ブライダル大手が同性婚のためのウエディングプランを紹介』 『東京、学びのクィアスポット6選』 『日本のジェンダー観や婚姻制度のあれこれ、もう一度社会の前提を疑おう』 『ニューヨーク歴史協会がLGBTQ+博物館の設立を発表』 『6年で日本は「ジェンダー平等」に近づいたのか、公平な制度の実現へ』 東京の最新情報をタイムアウト東京のメールマガジンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら

A new study shows which cities around the world are the most friendly toward the LGBTQ+ community, and we're not that surprised at the winners.  The study, conducted by Money.co.uk, analyzed cities based on a variety of criteria, including a worldwide indicator sourced from Social Progress on the level of acceptance in each country, Tripadvisor data showing the number of LGBTQ+ establishments per 100,000 people, as well as how easy it is at the state level to change the gender marker on your birth certificate and driver's license, the percentage of adults who identify as LGBTQ+, and how many LGBTQ+ adults over 25 are raising children, among other factors.  In the United States, San Francisco came out on top as the number one most accepting city in America, and fourth in the world. The city has the second-highest number of LGBTQ+ establishments per 100,000 people and has an average rating of 4.2 stars.  San Francisco coming in the first place isn't a huge surprise, given the city's long reputation as a liberal and progressive haven for the LGBTQ+ community and its history of LGBTQ+ activism. Out of the top 20 most accepting cities, five are based in the US: Boston ranked 11th; Seattle ranked 12th, Los Angeles placed 16th and Chicago came in at 17th. At the worldwide level, Reykjavik, Iceland was number one. That was followed by Amsterdam and Rotterdam in the Netherlands.  In terms of states in the US though, California wasn't number one. It came in fourth. Hawaii actually cam

Napa Valley is a bucket-list destination for every wine lover – the rolling vineyard hills, award-winning wineries, and gourmet California cuisine make it a foodie mecca that people around the world flock to. And one of the most magical ways to take in all that wine country has to offer is aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train.  The wine train is an iconic piece of Napa that’s been operating for more than 30 years, running directly through the valley on a rail line originally built in 1864. It was on a long hiatus during Covid, but officially re-opened in May. And now it's bringing back its popular Murder Mystery rides starting this month through October. The themed rides include 'Crime and Punishment,' 'Death of a Gangster' and a 'Wizards and Witches' tour that sounds perfect for Harry Potter fans (wizarding robes and hats are highly encouraged).  Photograph: Courtesy Napa Valley Wine Train While aboard the refurbished 1951 Pullman coaches, guests will have two hours to solve a murder (all while being served a multi-course fine-dining experience). On the Wizards and Witches tour – which takes place October 2, 9, and 16 – feel free to dress up as your favorite Hogwarts character and imagine you're aboard the Hogwarts Express!  Not into dress-up? The train offers a variety of other tours. Choose from various experiences and times, including daytime and evening rides, an intimate meal in the Champagne Dome, as well as those that includes stops at wineries and special ones like j