Gerrish Lopez

One of the most iconic New Orleans dishes, gumbo is a staple of home cooking. Many locals will say that the best bowl of gumbo in New Orleans is made by a relative, or comes from a recipe passed down over generations. It’s worth noting that Gumbo takes a good amount of time to prep, starting with the delicate process of making a perfect roux, which proves to be too time consuming for most. Fortunately, various local restaurants offer bowls of gumbo that are a worthy substitute for mama’s cooking or making it at home. Gumbo is a rich, flavorful dish—much more than just a stew—full of Creole spice. Classic versions include chicken and sausage gumbo or seafood gumbo. Traditionally, it’s thickened with okra or filé (dried ground sassafras leaves), and while some chefs put their spin on it, the roux and a mix of flavorful spices are standard elements. Served over rice, gumbo is a complete, comforting meal, though a side of grilled cheese and/or potato salad is always welcome. The dish is so revered that there are two popular festivals devoted to it. If you’re passing through town in October, you can catch the Bridge City Gumbo Festival—featuring a gumbo cookoff—across the Mississippi River in Bridge City, AKA “The Gumbo Capital of the World.” In March, the Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival in Armstrong Park celebrates the dish with a variety of gumbo styles, including vegan. For all other times of year—especially in the cooler months—here’s where to get some of the best gumbo in New Orl

New Orleans is a funky, eclectic town, and shopping in New Orleans can be equally so. Certain streets and neighborhoods are packed with shopping opportunities of all sorts, while the city also offers a slew of shopping spots for specific interests, from art and antiques to music and books. Trinkets and treasures can be found in the French Market and in shops throughout the French Quarter, but go further out to find some amazing, only-in-New Orleans treats to bring back. This is a party town, so you can find plenty of costume shops and vintage stores. All the standard big-name stores have a presence in New Orleans—shop high-end fashions at Canal Place or check out the Riverwalk for outlet shopping — but it’s much more fun to shop local here. Browse art galleries, local-made crafts and jewelry, even locally-designed clothing. If you’re looking to shop like a local, here are the best spots for shopping in New Orleans. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in New Orleans

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

Not sure where to stay in the Big Easy? Fret not; our guide to the best places to stay in New Orleans will put you on the right path to an unforgettable getaway. NOLA is much more than the French Quarter, but don’t take that as a dismissal of its most famous neighborhood; love cafes, you’ll be swooning there.  With a location that positively hugs the Mississippi River, New Orleans is a jumble of fascinating neighborhoods that offer everything from family-run restaurants to debauchery and excess in spades. Wherever you choose to stay in New Orleans, you are in for a great time, but a little knowledge goes a long way. Recommended:  🏨 The best hotels in New Orleans🏡 The best Airbnbs in New Orleans  

Nicole Alvarez is a master of multitasking. While attending Georgia Gwinnett College full time, she also works full time as a server and sommelier at Atlanta’s acclaimed restaurant The Alden. On top of her studies in Political Science, she’s in the process of taking her Certified Sommelier Certification test. She’s considering law school once she completes her undergraduate degree, but may pursue her Advanced Sommelier Certification during a break from school. Both the LSAT and the Certification require a great deal of dedication and a whole lot of studying, but Alvarez can handle it.  Photograph: Lynsey Weatherspoon Alvarez has followed in her parents’ footsteps, as they both worked in restaurants and hotels. The 24-year-old has been working in restaurants since high school. She loves the challenge of learning about wine and feels that dining is an intimate experience where people make memories with friends and family. As a sommelier, she aims to be an instrumental part of that experience. She loves witnessing special moments over meals and knows how a great wine can be an essential element. She wants to make wine selection more approachable and works with the team at The Alden in a collaborative style to find new wines that enhance the globally-inspired food at The Alden. When not studying or working, Nicole enjoys the best of what Atlanta has to offer. Here’s a look at her day. Photograph: Lynsey Weatherspoon

The New Orleans economy is driven by tourism, so the city—especially the French Quarter— is always busy with visitors. So, rather than deciding based on crowds, it’s best to consider the weather and the multitude of annual can’t-miss events when planning a trip to New Orleans. Even the oppressively humid month of August is well worth a visit, especially for those attracted to lower hotel rates and easier dinner reservations. Regardless of the weather, New Orleans has restaurants, bars, live music venues, jazz clubs and cultural attractions that can be enjoyed any time of year. There’s always something going on in the city. Each season brings a different lineup of festivals and celebrations, so read on to decide the best time to visit New Orleans (hint: you’ll want to experience every season).

Massachusetts is known for its colonial history, New England charm, and its coastal getaways, but if you know where to look, there’s a whole lot more on offer to explore. Here you’ll find countless historic sites, nature spots and cultural landmarks for exploring.  Of course, much of the action happens over in Boston (people flock to the city for Juneteenth, Boston Pride and the Harborfest), but don’t discount the rest of Massachusetts for your next trip. Tackle the Freedom Trail first, and then consult the rest of our list for a full itinerary on things to do in Massachusetts.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Boston🍲 The best restaurants in Boston🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Boston At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Don't underestimate Vermont. The state has made its name as an incredible destination for its for its forested natural beauty, majestic green mountains, scenic hiking trails and destination-worthy skiing. But if you're headed there? There's a hell of a lot more to check out on your visit.  Think small farms, beer tours and cheese factories. Think farmers markets and museums galore. We even named Vermont's Burlington as one of the most underrated travel destinations in the whole world in March 2023. Ready to explore history, culture and Vermont's ever-growing food scene? Here are the best things to do in Vermont. RECOMMENDED:🌆 The most beautiful cities in the USA🏛️ The best tourist attractions in the USA🏞️ The best national parks in the USA🏠 The best hotels in Vermont This guide was written by Gerrish Lopez. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

They don’t call it the “Natural State” for nothing: the best things to do in Arkansas tend to be showstoppers thanks to the state’s endless landscape of wilderness. With 2.5 million acres of national forest, natural splendor soars from the famous Ozark Mountains to the Ouachitas, where you’ll find anything from hot springs to caves, rivers, waterfalls, and exceptionally-preserved parks everywhere you turn. But don’t let the natural wonders fool you, because there’s plenty of culture to explore, too. Cities like Hot Springs, Bentonville, Fayetteville, and Little Rock all offer an assortment of noteworthy excursions from must-visit museums and landmarks to historic streets with centuries-old architecture. Ready to see it for yourself? Check out our guide for the best things to do in Arkansas, and prepare for nature in all its beauty.RECOMMENDED: ⛰️ The most scenic national parks in the U.S.🇺🇸 The best hotels in Arkansas👍 The 15 best things to do in Little Rock

As the sun rises over the Crescent City, you’re bound to catch the scent of strong chicory coffee brewing. There are many ways to start the day here, be it with a cafe au lait and a fresh-baked croissant or a hearty spread starring eggs Benedict or thick French toast. Cafes and restaurants serving up breakfast in New Orleans have just the thing to fuel you up. It’s worth leaving the house a little earlier to spend your morning at these breakfast spots. From neighborhood cafes where regulars meet to start the day to famous restaurants that make any breakfast a special occasion, you’ll find classic breakfast fare and creative dishes that highlight the French, Creole, Italian and other influences that make the city’s food scene shine. You can wake up with beignets, praline bacon, pecan waffles, breakfast wraps or a simple, delicious pastry. Late risers (or those recovering from a night out at New Orleans’ best bars) can enjoy one of the city’s best brunches, but whatever time you get started, these New Orleans breakfast spots are the best way to enjoy the most important meal of the day. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in New Orleans

New Orleans has been a melting pot of cultures since its beginnings. French, Spanish, Italian, African and Caribbean influences can be seen in the city’s architecture and traditions, but nowhere is this cultural influence more evident than the incredible food scene. The best restaurants in New Orleans include century-old classics, creative modern upstarts, and neighborhood joints frequented by generations of regulars. Like the city itself, each meal can be a journey of discovery. New Orleans has a slew of bucket-list restaurants, ones made famous by their chefs, longevity or celeb status in addition to amazing food. You can find the city’s most iconic foods—including gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys and beignets—at the spots where they were created. Feast on dishes featuring an array of flavors: from Cajun and Creole Italian to Vietnamese and Haitian. The options are endless and, but wherever you dine—from a white tablecloth restaurant to a hole-in-the-wall cafe—it’s sure to be a fantastic experience. RECOMMENDED:🍸 The best bars in New Orleans🍩 The best beignets in New Orleans🍳 The best brunch in New Orleans📍 The best things to do in New Orleans🏨 The best hotels in New Orleans

Who doesn’t like fried dough? From donuts and funnel cakes to churros, buñuelos and zeppole, there’s nothing like this hot, fluffy treat. In New Orleans, the iconic beignet is the fried dough delicacy of choice. In their original and simplest form, the fried, pillowy squares are piled high with powdered sugar, producing a cloud of sweet joy with each bite (if you’re not covered in white powder, you’re doing it wrong). The best beignets in New Orleans include this traditional version as well as other creative interpretations both savory and sweet. From an order of three and a chicory cafe au lait at the famous Cafe du Monde to delicate, blue crab-stuffed versions at white tablecloth establishments, beignets are served at restaurants throughout the city. Innovative options include tantalizing, praline-filled beignets or indulgent beignets bursting with the likes of crawfish etouffee. You can sample some of the best and most creative versions at the annual Beignet Festival in October, or work your way through this beignet bucket list, one by one. You’ll definitely want to try them all.

at the helm, you know this Central Texas-style barbecue joint will be good. Located inside the Quickie Pickie (a big upgrade from former food truck park digs) with indoor and outdoor seating, La Barbecue serves up brisket, pork ribs, and house-made sausage. Sandwiches are tasty too, both straightforward options and over-the-top ones like La Frito Loco (pulled pork, chopped beef, chipotle slaw, fritos, cheese, and jalapeños).

Tinned fish, charcuterie, and other luxurious small plates set the stage for unique wines at this Downtown Crossing wine bar. Small producers, especially female winemakers, are the stars of the list of primarily natural wines. If you’re not familiar with natural wines, the friendly staff is willing to help. Sample from the list of wines by the glass, or—if you commit to two glasses—they’ll open any available bottle for you. For your non-wine-drinking friends, there’s also a solid craft beer list.

Head to Dorchester for traditional Irish breads and scones as well as pies, cakes, and cookies, all baked fresh. The classic Irish soda bread is top-notch, but don’t miss treacle soda bread, barm brack, or brown soda bread. There’s a whole cafe menu as well, with soups, sandwiches, and more Irish favorites like black pudding and Irish sausage rolls.

Eataly is currently hosting Boston’s only truffle-centric pop-up. Situated in the heart of Boston’s premier Italian food emporium, Il Tartufo e Il Vino is dedicated to fresh Italian truffles and fine Italian wines. Executive Chef Sam De Los Santos offers a menu full of truffle-friendly dishes; customers have the option of adding truffles to any dish for an upcharge, and those looking to celebrate can buy and enjoy an entire truffle right at tableside.

This Seaport stalwart hosts celebratory groups and corporate types for festive cocktails and a crowd-pleasing, pan-Asian menu of familiar favorites. Specialty nigiri and signature maki tantalize with interesting ingredients including marinated chinese celery, Wild Sockeye salmon, and yellow pepper sauce. The restaurant is exceptionally group-friendly, and perfect for private dinners and special occasions. A highlight for sushi-lovers is the unlimited sushi menu, available on Wednesdays starting at 5pm. 

Chef Andy Husbands has invested more than two decades of barbecue practice and planning, in the process becoming a world champion pitmaster and author. His menu showcases slow-cooked meats and savory sides such as sweet-spicy coleslaw and cornbread with honey sea salt butter. The bar carries more than 200 whiskies, and the craft beer list offers something for everyone.

Anna’s has been dishing out home-style Mexican street food flavors since 1995. With several locations around the Boston area, it’s easy to get your hands on flavorful tacos or giant, filling burritos. Start with your main filling—options include steak roja, spicy chile verde pork, chicken ranchero, grilled veggies, and even tongue—then add on your toppings (guacamole, sour cream, and the like). It's open for breakfast too, so you can start your day with egg- and sausage-filled breakfast burritos or tacos. Fast and cheap, Anna’s is a longtime favorite of area workers and servers for Mexican eats.

Saus is a casual, counter-service joint offering made-from-scratch comfort foods enhanced by a plethora of condiments and toppings. There’s a whole section of poutines with toppings like carnitas, kimchi, and sambal for extra heft. There are a few tasty sandwiches and salads, plus friks—a few varieties of dressed-up beef and pork sausages served on Iggy’s brioche. But the centerpiece is the hand-cut, twice-fried fries. Choose from fifteen different homemade sauces, from basic ketchup to more creative options like hot beer mustard, Avo-Goddess, bacon-parm, or Secret Saus.

This elegant bistro in the heart of the South End overlooks historic Tremont Street; the location adds to the sophisticated, Parisian atmosphere. The traditional bistro menu includes French classics—escargot, salmon rillette, steak frites, sole meunière—and plates du jour that include seasonal ingredients. The relaxed bistro atmosphere makes Aquitaine a popular spot for brunch as well.

For a classy night out in the Seaport, Mastro’s offers luxurious surf and turf with stunning views of Boston Harbor. A national chain, this high-end steakhouse features sizzling steaks, decadent seafood towers, and a range of appetizers and entrees, from oysters and crab cakes to sushi and lamb. Classic steakhouse sides plus soups, salads, and vegetable dishes offer something for everyone. And floor-to-ceiling windows offer great Harbor views, especially at night.

Amidst the creative minds in the Seaport’s District Hall is Gather, which focuses on innovative New American cuisine. Using local ingredients whenever possible, the kitchen turns out dishes like shellfish ceviche toast, lobster cobb salad, duck tacos, and fungi ragout flatbread. Creative cocktails and an extensive beer and wine list—not to mention the large patio and Seaport views—make Gather a great place to meet for drinks. Stop by on Waffle Sunday to create your own waffle topped with anything from oreos and fluff to pretzels and cheddar cheese.

With a prime location on the waterfront, Morton’s is the place for steak in the Seaport. The stylish interior offers panoramic views of the Harbor from the bar and a seasonal patio for enjoying the breeze. With prime aged beef, signature steakhouse sides, an excellent wine list, and elegant desserts, Morton’s has the classic steakhouse experience down pat.

Fans of Haunted Mansion have yet another way to experience the beloved Disney attraction. Disney revealed that its newest ship, Disney Treasure, which sets sail in December 2024, will include a bar inspired by the popular ride. Haunted Mansion Parlor will bring a bit of haunted havoc to the high seas, alongside craft cocktails and other ghostly concoctions. The bar will feature live music from the original score and characters old and new who will mingle with the guests. The bar will be reminiscent of a first-class drawing room of golden-age cruise liners, combining a Haunted Mansion vibe with a nautical twist. The lounge area pays tribute to the attraction with purple wallpaper, a wooden mantel clock and a distinctive purple armchair. A portrait gallery features ghoulish faces that seem to stare right out at patrons. Photograph: Courtesy Disney/Mariah Wild As for the drinks, a signature margarita will arrive in a whirl of flavored smoke, with a secret message revealed only by blacklight. The non-alcoholic Ghoulish Delight will be an ube-flavored drink with hints of sweetness and nuttiness, incorporating decadent ube fudge, oat milk and tapioca pearls in a purple concoction garnished with a gummy eyeball and ube glitter. Of course, cruisers will be able to take home amazing Haunted Mansion-inspired merch too, including the mantel clock, music box, a sculpted mug and more. Find out more about Disney Treasure here. Photograph: Courtesy DisneyDisney Treasure - Haunted Mansion

Back in the olden days, you could bid adieu to loved ones right at the gate before a flight, or surprise them as they deboarded the plane. 9/11 changed all that, but a few airports have launched special programs that bring back the option. Starting November 1, 2023, Philadelphia International Airport will debut its new PHL Wingmate Guest Pass. The pass will allow some non-travelers without a boarding pass to access the terminals past security. “We receive many inquiries from friends and family members looking to escort a passenger to or from their gate. The Wingmate Guest Pass will help loved ones spend more time with their family members before take-off or create a memorable arrival experience,” said PHL Director of Marketing and Branding Megan O’Connell in a statement. To participate in the program, you’ll have to apply online one to seven days before you want to visit. If you’re approved, you’ll receive a digital Wingmate Pass via email. If you apply in advance you’ll receive an email with your status after 12am on the day you want to visit. You can also apply for same-day entrance, in which case you would receive an email within 15 minutes with your status. You’ll still have to go through security of course, but you won’t be able to use an expedited security program like TSA PreCheck. Philadelphia isn’t the only airport to introduce such a program. Orlando launched its own visitor pass program last month, and Seattle and New Orleans both offer programs for non-ticketed vi

Other than a complimentary upgrade (and of course a seamless, delay-free, hassle-free flight… we’re not holding our breath), the best thing that can happen on a flight is when the seat next to you remains empty. You can stretch out without worrying about bumping into your neighbor. Qantas Airlines knows the feeling, and is testing out a new neighbor-free seating concept that will let you pay to keep the seat next to you open for a lot less than buying a second seat. The Australian carrier is introducing the option on international flights, including seven routes between the U.S. and Australia. The option has been available on select domestic routes within Australia, and the success of the trial prompted the airline to expand to international routes. "The data shows it's most popular with customers on our longer flights between the east and west coasts, so rolling it out to our international flights makes a lot of sense," Catriona Larritt, Qantas' chief customer and digital officer, said in a statement. So how does it work? Purchasing a neighbor-free seat will cost around $142.29 USD each way between Australia and the U.S. If a flight is not at full capacity, Qantas will contact passengers 48 hours before the flight to offer the option to select a neighbor-free seat. The seat is not guaranteed until departure, so if the seat is taken by a last-minute ticket purchase, the customer will receive a refund. Passengers who bought seats with extra legroom, requested an upgrade or are

Surely you’ve heard of Pizza Rat, the infamous rodent seen dragging a slice of pizza in an NYC subway station. NYC is known for its rats and rat culture, but surprisingly, it’s not the rattiest city in the U.S. How do we know this? The pest control experts at Orkin have released their annual ranking of Rattiest Cities. Stop reading now if you want to remain blissfully unaware of the “winners.” For the ninth year in a row, Chicago tops the list of rattiest cities. The unseemly status may not be something to celebrate, but Orkin produced a t-shirt for Chicagoans to commemorate the title, which quickly sold out. Los Angeles moved up in the rankings, coming in at number two, while NYC moved down the list to number three. Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Denver, Detroit and Cleveland round out the top 10. Cities that moved up the list the most include Greensboro, N.C. and Albuquerque, N.M.—both moving up 17 spots—Charlotte, N.C. (up 16 spots), Orlando-Daytona beach (up 12 spots) and Houston (up 10 spots). The rankings are determined by the number of new rodent services, indicating demand and efforts taken by residents and businesses to treat rodent issues. So, while it’s an unfortunate designation, at least something is being done about the problem. According to Orkin, rats tend to enter homes between October and February as they look for shelter, so get your home prepped now if you’re in one of these infested cities. Find out more info about the study and

New Orleans is known for good times, fabulous food, a top notch cocktail scene and an intriguing history. But lurking alongside those bon temps are chilling tales of hauntings, ghosts and other paranormal activity. Based on Google Trends data reflecting searches for haunted cities, New Orleans comes out on top as the spookiest city in the U.S. From Jean Lafitte and Marie Laveau to Anne Rice’s famed vampire Lestat, there’s no shortage of stories documenting ghostly happenings around the city. New Orleans has inspired the likes of True Blood, Angel Heart, American Horror Story: Coven and more creepy pop culture phenomena. Wander through New Orleans cemeteries—known as Cities of the Dead for their above-ground tombs that resemble small buildings—to get a sense of the spirit world, and take a tour with Save Our Cemeteries to hear the stories that lie within. Take a ghost tour with a group like Haunted History Tours to hear about hauntings throughout the French Quarter. You might spot William Faulkner’s ghost sitting at his writing desk at Faulkner House Books, catch a glimpse of Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan — former owner of the building that is now Muriel’s restaurant who committed suicide when he lost the house in a poker game — appearing as a glimmer of light, witness doors opening and objects moving on their own at Old Absinthe House or see a lonely ghost dancing under a chandelier at The Bourbon Orleans , among many other potential sightings. New Orleans is tops if you’re

Paris sounds lovely right about now, oui? Whether you’re looking for an Autumn getaway, a chance to spend the holidays abroad or thinking of a romantic Valentine’s Day rendezvous, France is a top destination to celebrate. While flights to Europe have soared recently, TravelPirates the online source for deals on vacations, flights and hotels—has found round-trip flights from cities around the country to the City of Love for as low as $309. Too good to be true? Nope, these are real Paris flight deals and plenty of dates and departure cities are available. You can find deals on flights in November, December, January and February from cities including New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco and even Pittsburgh and New Jersey. Some of the well-below-average roundtrip fares to Paris found on the site include Boston ($309), Miami ($366), Chicago ($430) and Los Angeles ($468). The deals are sure to go fast, so snag them while you can. To find all available dates and departure cities, head on over to the TravelPirates website. Then start prepping for your bon voyage to the land of croissants, baguettes, pain au chocolat, fashion, art and so much more.

When visiting a city for the first time, of course you’re going to see the major must-see (and often crowded) attractions, but if you need an alternative to the throngs of tourists—or if you’re one of the many travelers revisiting a city for a deeper exploration—HawaiianIslands.com analyzed little-reviewed but highly-rated spots around the country to reveal the ultimate hidden gems to visit in each state and major city in the U.S. The survey is eye-opening and will have you updating your U.S. travel bucket list. You might even find a spot in your own state that you haven’t heard of. So how did HawaiianIslands.com land on these gems? They found the highest-rated attractions in every state with 100 or fewer—but at least 25—Tripadvisor reviews. After finding the top hidden gems in each state, they broke it down into underrated museums, landmarks, parks and historic sites. Some intriguing findings are revealed. The top-rated hidden gem in California is the Consulate of the “micronation” (on 11 acres of desert) of Slowjamistan in San Diego. The top underrated attraction in Hawaii is a Hamakua Chocolate Farm. Virginia’s top hidden gem is a pair of statues—Scotch and Soda—that flank the steps of a Norfolk mansion. Nevada’s top spot is a cigar outlet in Vegas. The study’s analysis of major cities offers some surprises too. NYC’s top hidden attraction is Bill’s Place, a jazz club in Harlem. In Boston, Little Brewster Island and Lighthouse takes the top spot. When visiting Chicago, che

Can’t get enough of haunted happenings during Halloween? Hot on the heels of their latest Halloween Horror Nights offerings, Universal has announced its first permanent horror experience is coming to Las Vegas. Universal Horror Unleashed will offer immersive, bone-chilling action for horror enthusiasts all year. Though details are scarce—the opening date has not been set—the unveiling of the name has already set spines a-tingling. If it’s anything like their popular Horror Nights, Universal Horror Unleashed will be packed with serious scares. The attraction will feature multiple horror experiences, horror-themed restaurants and bars, and of course, plenty of sure-to-be-amazing merch. The experience will be regularly updated and will host seasonal events so you can get your scream on again and again. "Universal Horror Unleashed is another way we are using our unique style of horror storytelling to engage fans of this genre," Page Thompson, president of new ventures at Universal Destinations & Experiences, said in a statement. "We look forward to bringing frightful fun to Las Vegas year-round." Universal Horror Unleashed will anchor an expansion of Las Vegas’s AREA15 entertainment district. Horror fans are no doubt anxious to hear more; Universal Destinations & Experiences “looks forward to sharing additional details as plans for Universal Horror Unleashed continue to develop.”

The best bars in the world have been revealed in a ceremony held in Singapore. Sponsored by Perrier, The World’s 50 Best Bars celebrates excellence in the drinks industry each year, recognizing the most stunning, creative bars and bartenders on the planet. The list includes bars from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas. Coming in at number one, the absolute best bar in the world is revealed to be Sips in Barcelona. The award is well-deserved, but we are quite proud that NYC’s own Double Chicken Please has been ranked number two in the world (as well as best in North America). Five U.S. bars total made the 50 best list, making it one of three countries—tied with Italy and the U.K. — with the most in the top 50. NYC, rivaling Mexico City for the most number of bars on the list, is home to three of the best bars, while the other two are located in Miami and New Orleans. Here’s the breakdown: Following Double Chicken Please at number two, the U.S. bars making the cut are Overstory in NYC at number 17, Café La Trova in Miami at number 24, Katana Kitten in NYC at number 27 and Jewel of the South in New Orleans at number 49. Prior to announcing the top 50, a list of the best bars from 51 to 100 was released. The U.S. earned six more spots, with four bars in NYC, one in Los Angeles, and one in Chicago. Find the full list here. Want to know how the list was compiled? World’s 50 Best Bars explains: “The list is compiled by votes from The World’s 50 Best Bars Academy, which c

Halloween is just around the corner, and haunted houses nationwide have sprung up to induce screams of terror in those willing to cross their fearsome thresholds. If you’re a Halloween fiend, you might want to take things a step further and drive America’s most haunted roads or stay in a haunted Airbnb. For an even deeper dive into the spirit of the season, Smokymountains.com has just revealed a ranking of the spookiest states in the U.S., where you can experience the most scares in one spot. To determine the spookiest states, Smokymountains.com tallied up the number of Halloween stores, haunted houses, actual haunted locations (including tales of ghostly sightings), and Google searches for info about hauntings in each state, assigning a ranking on their Spookymeter. They’ve identified the most haunted locations in the U.S., as well as a few haunted hotels where you can stay on your ghostly galavant. California tops the list of spookiest states, with 172 Spirit Halloween stores and 128 haunted houses. It’s also home to Alcatraz, the abandoned prison that’s officially the most haunted location in the country. Alcatraz housed notorious criminals like Al Capone, and it seems to be very active with restless ghosts. You can take a haunted tour of the facility at night, if you dare. The second most haunted location in the U.S. is Union Station in Utah, which is reportedly the site of high paranormal activity as well as many stories of terrifying ghosts. Utah comes in second on the

The surging cost of air travel is old news at this point—a cherry on top of the often hassle-filled flying experience—but new data reveals just how much prices have increased, and which airports have seen the highest fare hikes over the past year. A new study by LendingTree shows that the average cost of a domestic flight has increased 9.8%—from $347.56 to $381.55—in the first quarter of 2023 compared to 2022. That’s a pretty steep increase, but the numbers also reveal steep increases topping 20% at four U.S. airports. Miami International Airport tops the list with average fares increasing by 23.9%. Fares at Portland International Jetport in Maine increased by 22.3%, and both Southwest Florida International and Long Beach Airport in California saw increases of 18.9%. Those four airports aren’t the only ones with much higher fares: Dane County Regional-Truax Field in Madison, Bill and Hillary Clinton National-Adams Field in Little Rock, City of Colorado Springs Municipal in Colorado Springs, Gerald R. Ford International in Grand Rapids and Myrtle Beach International in Myrtle Beach all saw fare increases between 15% and 19%. Dane County Regional is also the most expensive departure airport, as the average ticket costs $537.70. A few airports did show a drop in average prices, including Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York (with the highest average price drop at 8.3%), Kahului, Lihue and Ellison Onizuka Kona International at Keahole in Hawaii, and Metro Oakland

It can be hard to leave your furry friend behind when you travel. You know the deal when it comes to flying with a pet, but can you bring your dog on Amtrak? Riding the rails is becoming more popular as travelers seek to avoid the hassle of flying, and Amtrak does allow pets to ride along with you — with restrictions. Amtrak welcomes small dogs and cats (sorry, no parrots, snakes, fish, lizards, hamsters or any other companion critters) in a carrier, and the combined weight of the pet and the carrier must be under 20 pounds. So all you Doodle, Lab, Boxer and Dane people are out of luck. But if you have a petite pup, you can bring them along, for a small fee. Pets are welcome on most routes that are up to seven hours. Your pet must be at least eight weeks old, up to date on all vaccinations and non-disruptive—meaning, not the barky or hissy type. Here’s the catch, though: the total number of animals allowed on a train is five, so you’ll need to make a reservation well in advance to snag a spot. To reserve a ticket for you and your pet, go to Amtrack.com. You’ll have the option to add a pet to your reservation. Depending on the route, fees range from $30 to $40 per pet. You’ll have to read and sign a Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement before getting to the station. A few rules to note about traveling with your dog or cat on Amtrak: your pet carrier counts as a piece of luggage and must be placed under your seat (not in front of you). Your pet must stay in the carrier at