This Top-Rated North Carolina Restaurant is Actually at a Gas Station
Courtesy Catherine Smith
People rarely rave about the meals they eat at gas stations, but that is not the case in Franklin, North Carolina. Hungry diners – locals and tourists alike – happily line up in the Hot Spot gas station parking lot, waiting for a table at Caffe Rel, a European bistro offering a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.
Random Acts of Canine Kindness
Cedric the Dog heals his wounds after an ill fated attempt to shut down an illegal puppy mill in Tennessee.
You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog. – Harry S. Truman
MORE Dog Quotations10 Walking Mistakes You May be Making
Courtesy Wendy Bumgardner
Walking is great exercise: It’s easy on joints and doesn’t require special gear or a gym membership. There’s more to an effective walking workout than simply putting one foot in front of the other though. Learn how to correct these common trip-ups.
MOREBranding for a Changing World
Courtesy Gary Szenderski, Book of Szen
Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes of a great brand? Have you thought it must be some kind of “secret sauce” or unique algorithm that makes it so great? What about your own brand? Are you sure how to take advantage of what makes it special? You have questions. We have answers. Join me beginning April 1st as we explore the science and art of branding.
MOREMushing Mania
This winter kicks off mushing season in Alaska, with festivals and races that are legendary worldwide. Here’s how to have an adventure with these animal athletes any time of year.
MORESome Very Interesting World War II Facts
Four of every five German soldiers killed in the war died on the Eastern Front.
Over 100,000 Allied bomber crewmen were killed over Europe.
Had it been necessary for a third atom bomb, the city targeted would have been Tokyo.
The Siege of Stalingrad resulted in more Russian deaths (military and civilian) than the United States, Canada and Britain sustained (combined) in all of World War II.
MOREMeet the Woman Who Helped Book Hotel Rooms for 80 Homeless People in Freezing Chicago
View Video Here11 Etiquette Rules You Probably Didn’t Realize You Should Follow When Flying
Courtesy Carina Wolff
When it comes to traveling, most of us spend our time trying to figure out what to pack and what our itinerary looks like. With all that hustle and bustle, we can sometimes get so caught up in ourselves that we forget some etiquette rules to follow when flying. Spending long hours in a cramped space can cause some sticky situations, but if you’re doing your best to be courteous and polite, you’ll help yourself and everyone have around you have a more enjoyable journey. Plus, you would want everyone else to act the same, right?
View Video HereLA Road Trippin’ – A Musical Map of Los Angeles
Courtesy Air New Zealand
When you think of Los Angeles, it’s easy to imagine sun-drenched streets, impossibly-beautiful people – and, of course, great music. This is a guide to the top musical hotspots in LA which continue to inspire today’s musicians, from areas which launched rap superstars to the cities which have inspired thousands of great songs.
If you’re flying to LA, take some time out to explore its musical history and get closer to the places which inspired the music you love.
MOREPaul McCartney’s Lost ‘Bruce McMouse Show’ Film Heading to Theaters
The Bruce McMouse Show opens with Wings performing “Big Barn Bed,” after which the camera travels through the stage into an animated world where the McMouse family lives. While Bruce McMouse shares stories from his past with his family, his son runs in and informs him that Wings are currently playing right above them. Bruce decides that the band needs his help as a producer, and as the concert continues, a host of animated mice flock to the stadium to enjoy the show.
MOREThe Coolest New Things Coming to America This Year
Courtesy Thrillist Travel
As a species, we are forever enamored of new things. As we look ahead to what 2019 will bring, we at Thrillist get particularly hyped about what new attractions we can expect.
MOREHow to Meditate
Courtesy David Gelles
Meditation is a simple practice available to all, which can reduce stress, increase calmness and clarity and promote happiness. Learning how to meditate is straightforward, and the benefits can come quickly. Here, we offer basic tips to get you started on a path toward greater equanimity, acceptance and joy.
MOREA Taste of Iceland
Courtesy Tony Tedeschi, Never Stop Traveling
8 Popular Destinations Where Air Pollution Could Ruin Your Trip
Air pollution does a lot more than cause canceled or postponed vacations — it kills millions of people worldwide every year, according to the World Health Organization. Some of the worst places for air pollution are also home to bucket-list-worthy sights. But missing them might be the least of your problems if smog ramps up during your visit: Symptoms of air pollution sickness include nausea, coughing, headache, itchy eyes — and air pollution can cause long-term breathing problems.
Here are some of the worst destinations for smog, especially if you already suffer from asthma or other respiratory problems.
India
The Taj Mahal attracts thousands of travelers every day, but the city it’s in is one of the worst in the world for air pollution. Smog in Agra can cut visibility so dramatically that you can’t see much more than an outline of the giant tomb, and visitors who don’t cancel their trip during a period of heavy smog can be seen wearing face masks to visit.
MORENude Resort Etiquette Rules You Need to Know
Courtesy Patricia Magaña
Aside from a few key considerations, nude resort etiquette is general resort etiquette. There’s also the fact that most everyone is naked. Skip the potential awkwardness at a clothing-optional experience and go with an open mind, plus these helpful tips.
Dont’ stare
Nude resort newbies may experience initial shock at the sight of a sea of nakedness. It’s fine to look. What is not OK, however, is to stare. You’ll quickly get the hang of it, but if you’re not used to engaging in eye-contact and conversation with someone who’s totally exposed, wear sunglasses whenever appropriate.
MORE
Question: The Beatles pioneered electric guitar feedback on what hit single?
Scroll down for the answer
Beginner’s Guide to Train Holidays: Swiss Glacier Express
There is something glamorous about taking a train holiday. You’re traveling the world, but you also get the chance to relax and enjoy the journey. Sip tea, listen to live music, enjoy a five-star meal, all while the gorgeous scenery provided by Mother Nature glides past. The Swiss Glacier Express is all that and more.
The World’s Most Sung About Cities
An interesting piece of research has revealed The World’s Most Sung About Cities and 12 of the top 20 are in the US.
With a total of 161 songs mentioning The Big Apple, New York has been officially revealed as The Most Sung About City In The World, with LA and Miami also appearing in the top five.
Over 200,000 songs have been analyzed to create Music Mapped – a first-of-its-kind interactive music map that plots the places around the world that have been mentioned the most in songs since the 1960s.
MORELive the Dream on a Romantic Adventure in Africa with African Travel, Inc.
There’s nothing more magnificent than celebrating a special romantic occasion in Africa. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, wedding or anniversary, you’ll experience the romantic trip of your dreams with African Travel, Inc. by touching an ancient culture, discovering the magic of the wild and relaxing in spectacular luxury.
MOREMartin Scorsese’s Film on Bob Dylan’s ‘Rolling Thunder Revue’ To Be Released
By Chris Willman, courtesy Variety
Netflix describes Scorsese’s look at Dylan and famous friends in ’75 as part documentary, part concert movie and part “fever dream.”
For years, rumors have circulated among Bob Dylan fans that a documentary about his legendary, star-studded “Rolling Thunder Revue” tour of 1975-76 was in the works, and occasional whispers had a name attached: Martin Scorsese. Now, the cat can come officially out of the bag. Variety has exclusively learned that Netflix plans to release the movie in 2019, with the director’s name actually in the title: “Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese.”
MORERevolutionize Your Healthy Travel Game
Courtesy Well and Away
Traditional guidebooks are handy for learning about museums and city landmarks. But would you ever reach for one to explore a new city like a local?
We had this challenge, and for years traveled with bookmarked pdfs and digital lists from friends, but the research that went into curating the perfect itinerary that balanced cool hidden gems with healthy destinations. So together with a small team of travelers, designers and wellness junkies, I’ve created Well + Away to offer the guidebook of the future: one that will show you a new city from the point of view of a hip-healthy local.
MORETypical French Restaurant Vocabulary: How to Order in Paris
Words and Phrases You’ll Need to Eat Out
Courtesy Courtney Traub
Are you a bit nervous about eating out in Paris or elsewhere in France, worried you may not be able to get by without fluent French? Use this guide to learn basic expressions and understand most signs and menu headings at restaurants in Paris.
MORE15 Surprising Things TSA Allows Past Airport Checkpoints
By Benet Wilson
Some items — like guns (real or replica), large scissors and flammable liquids — are never allowed. But the agency continues to make changes when it comes to what can get past the checkpoint.
Below are 15 surprise items you can actually take past the checkpoint. But in case you still have questions, you can take a photo of the item and send it to either AskTSA on Facebook Messenger or via Twitter. Staff are online with answers from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET during the week and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays
MOREBurping Is Good Manners & 25 Other Global Etiquette Surprises
Courtesy The Daily Meal Staff
In Italy, Never Order A Cappuccino After A Meal
When you’re dining the Italian way, be sure to order an espresso or a coffee after a meal. Do not order a cappuccino, as Italians believe milk beverages slow down digestion.
Inuit Tribes: Passing Gas
You’re probably not visiting any Inuit tribes soon, but it’s interesting to know that this culture shows appreciation through… flatulence? Yup, a good meal is praised by letting one rip afterward.
MORE Global Etiquette Surprises
The Spring
By Lord Byron
Now that the winter’s gone, the earth hath lost
Her snow-white robes, and now no more the frost
Candies the grass, or casts an icy cream
Upon the silver lake or crystal stream;
But the warm sun thaws the benumbed earth,
And makes it tender; gives a sacred birth
To the dead swallow; wakes in hollow tree
The drowsy cuckoo and the humble-bee.
Now do a choir of chirping minstrels bring
In triumph to the world the youthful spring.
The valleys, hills, and woods in rich array
Welcome the coming of the long’d-for May.
Now all things smile; only my love doth lour;
Nor hath the scalding noonday sun the power
To melt that marble ice, which still doth hold
Her heart congeal’d, and makes her pity cold.
The ox, which lately did for shelter fly
Into the stall, doth now securely lie
In open fields; and love no more is made
By the fireside, but in the cooler shade
Amyntas now doth with his Chloris sleep
Under a sycamore, and all things keep
Time with the season; only she doth carry
June in her eyes, in her heart January.
Send Deb your favorite travel poems
Beatle Beat Trivia Answers
Question: The Beatles pioneered electric guitar feedback on what hit single?
Answer: In the opening note of the 1964 song, “I Feel Fine,” Paul plucks a note on his bass, which causes John to get amplifier feedback from his guitar. The idea was the brainchild of John, who plays the lead-guitar intro riff.
