From my first camping trip at four months old to my most recent hiking expedition in the Adirondacks, I've spent the majority of my life camping and hiking my way through the world—laying under the stars in a tent across 15+ US states and Canadian territories, exploring dozens of national and state parks, hiking up mountains and through forests, and otherwise enjoying (or being subjected to) every type of weather, terrain, and wildlife. Being the youngest member of an enthusiastically outdoorsy family means that I know a thing or two when it comes to picking out gifts for those that prefer to spend their time surrounded by nature. Whether you're looking for something practical, like a new pair of hiking socks or boots, or want to gift something a little more exciting, like a sleek, inspirational coffee table book or a Stanley pour-over set, these are some of the best camping gifts for hikers, campers, and backpackers right now.
Some of the Best Parts of Cincinnati…Are in Kentucky
16.10.2024 - 17:41 / matadornetwork.com
Just across the Ohio River, the cities of Northern Kentucky are still very much a reflection of neighboring Cincinnati, OH. You’ll see plenty of Bengals and Reds gear, as well as that of FC Cincinnati, the city’s Major League Soccer Club. But you’ll also find more of that unbridled Kentucky spirit. It’s a little more independent, a little more raucous — perhaps even saucy — and a little more real.
Speaking of spirit, there are plenty more Kentucky spirits here, too. Sure, Cincy is a bourbon town, but when you head over into the Bluegrass State, the status of that barrel-aged whiskey is elevated to near religion.
So if a trip to Cincy is in your future, make sure to include the city’s other half — in Northern Kentucky. (By the way, if you fly in you’ll be off to a great start, as the airport is actually in Northern Kentucky. The airport code “CVG” is named for Covington, KY.) Ready to explore?
Ninety-five percent of US bourbons are made in Kentucky, and the northern part of the state is your gateway to it all. This is the home of 11 of the best bourbon bars in the nation, according to The Bourbon Review, which also once named the region the “Best Bourbon Weekend Trip.” And the locals have made it easy for you. Their bourbon trail is called The B-Line® and includes a collection of craft distilleries, bourbon bars, and restaurants that specialize in the spirit.
The bourbons are outstanding, but don’t skip the gin...
New Riff Distilling has been crushing it since it opened its doors in 2014. Both their signature bourbon and rye whiskeys and their two gins won double gold awards from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. And while the bourbons are outstanding, don’t skip the gin. I don’t generally like gin but was encouraged to try it at one of their tastings. I eventually broke down and took a sip…and bought a bottle on the spot. Sip it neat, it’s that good.
Photo: Gage Dailey / New Riff Distilling
You'll want to try them all...
The first bar in the region devoted to bourbon, the Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar (or OKBB) presents you with a mind-boggling list of more than 700 bourbons—plus 200 more American whiskeys. Definitely ask the knowledgeable servers about the “dusty bottles” released from their bourbon vault at various times.
Photo: Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar
Perhaps the apex of it all...
For a more upscale scene, hit the lobby bar at the award-winning Hotel Covington. There’s a craft cocktail menu with rotating seasonal options as well as a much more extensive bourbon menu that’s two pages long (in small type). Perhaps the apex of it all, though, is the 1 ounce of The Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve that will set you back $400 (though don’t worry—there are plenty of other great bourbons on offer that are
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In Stuttgart, Germany, Come for the Wine Festival and Cars, Stay for the History and Culture
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United Just Announced Its Biggest International Expansion Ever. Here Are the New Routes
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After 5 years in tech, I wanted something new. An internship on a tea farm in Japan was the wake-up call I needed.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Cherie Luo, a content creator and entrepreneur. Luo spent 5 years working in tech in Silicon Valley. She graduated from Stanford Graduate School of Business in June. Business Insider has verified her employment and education history. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
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