Most Beautiful Public Libraries in the US: Boston, Iowa, & Beyond

Over the last 30 years, many libraries have transformed into multi-media hubs.

They offer tools like free Wi-Fi and computer access, along with scheduled programs and classes geared toward kids, young adults, and adult learners.

They even serve as an important third space. For example, public libraries are often the first option for parents to meet with children as they navigate new custody arrangements.

The library is a safe space for the community—and a free one, at that.

But they aren’t always the most picturesque locations, especially not compared to classic libraries from the old world like Oxford’s Bodleian or Barcelona’s Biblioteca de Catalunya. The average US public library has no grand halls with towering shelves, polished woodwork, and stately tables with green-tinted lamps.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few gems out there. While most of the US’s most beautiful public libraries can be found in major cities, you might surprised to learn what else is out there.

This time, we’re not judging a book by its cover—we’re judging libraries by their interiors.

Most beautiful public libraries in the US

New York Public Library

Constructed: 1895
Style: Beaux-Arts
Location: Manhattan, NYC

This famous library is the fourth-largest public library in the world—so don’t get lost. This iconic building stands out with its dominant Beaux-Arts style, which borders on Brutalism. It’s known as a local haunt for New Yorkers, who enjoy people-watching on its steps, perusing its shelves, and even getting hitched.

Boston Public Library

Constructed: 1848
Style: Renaissance & Beaux-Arts
Location: Copley Square, Boston

I can’t believe the Boston Public Library isn’t at the top of stunning library lists—and that it’s not as well-known as the New York Public Library. The McKim building looks like something out of a fairytale, calling back to Europe’s Baroque and Renaissance characteristics. Though its exterior is grand and cold, its interior is warm and stately.

If you’re in town, check out the tours offered by the library.

Los Angeles Central Library

Constructed: 1925
Style: Modernist & Beaux-Arts
Location: Downtown Los Angeles

From the outside, it almost looks like a citadel. This towering, cement structure defines part of Downtown Los Angeles… but it’s the inside that counts, once again. The Central Library has notable features like statues, sculptures, and murals, along with grand chandeliers. My favorite is the picturesque rooftop garden.

State Library of Iowa’s Law Library

Constructed: 1886
Style: Victorian
Location: State Library in the Capitol Building, Des Moines

This stunning library is part of Iowa’s State Library, located in the capitol building in Des Moines. This library is open to the public but, given the focus on law books, is most often used by lawyers and students.

Personally, I wouldn’t be too focused on the books in this library. It isn’t quite like anything I’ve seen before with its ornate, Victorian design that’s both colorful and playful.

It’s a marked departure from the austerity normally found in libraries, especially those focused on law.

Harold Washington Library Center

Constructed: 1991
Style: New Classic Postmodernism
Location: South Loop, Chicago

Who says gorgeous architecture can’t be modern? While dozens of municipalities around the US have constructed modernist libraries, Chicago’s former mayor opted for a more classic design for the 1991 rebuild of the city’s public library.

It’s absolutely gorgeous, having overemphasized those classic postmodern design features that many Americans love. It touches on many of the features of older libraries while offering a more daring, modern composition. The building also employs brick—a classic Midwestern choice.

My favorite part is the winter garden with a glass ceiling, located on the ninth floor.

Tourism Etiquette 101: How to Be a Good Tourist

If you ever felt like a graceless fool while traveling, you aren’t alone.

Travel can get uncomfortable, even when we’re doing our best to follow the unwritten rules of our destination.

But knowing how to fit in while obviously standing out is an art form—one that requires mindfulness and bravery in equal measure.

I can help you take a few shortcuts. Not only have I lived and traveled abroad for well over a decade, and graduated with a degree in Global Studies, but I’ve also made many, many blunders in my day.

Want to learn from my academic background and ample mistakes? I’ve got the down-low on tourist etiquette 101 for my fellow Americans. Here’s how to be a great tourist no matter where in the world you decide to wander next.

Tourism etiquette 101: the basics

The golden rule: be observant

Being oblivious as a tourist is never a good idea. On a more obvious level, walking around with your head in the clouds makes you a prime target for pickpockets.

However, being oblivious can also lead to miscommunication and outright blunders.

The golden rule of fitting in as a tourist is simply to observe your surroundings. It’s easy to feel like the world is our oyster and museum as a tourist—but unless we’re at an all-inclusive resort, we’re actually stepping into someone else’s home.

If you aren’t sure how to act or feel like you’ve overstepped, take some time to observe what’s happening around you.

Learn about your destination

A little effort goes a long way when it comes to doing research. The best thing to do as an American? Just Google it. No big mystery here.

If you’re heading to Thailand, for example, you can Google things that Americans should know before traveling there. It’ll help you avoid problems like touching someone’s head. (Yes, it’s taboo.)

You don’t need to take a course on the history, language, and culture of your destination, but it’s never bad to seek out a bit of insight before leaving home.

Knowing yourself helps, too

The more you understand yourself and your cultural cues as an American, the less uncertainty you’ll face abroad.

One thing most Americans know is that we have a penchant for speaking loudly and acting boisterously. When we travel, it’s important to watch the noise.

But knowing our other cultural habits is helpful, too. For example, Americans tend to smile at strangers, if not instigate full-on small talk. In many places, that’s viewed as either strange or outright suspicious.

Obviously, you can and should smile at others! But the more you know, the more comfortable you’ll be… and the less hurt you’ll feel when no one returns your smile.

Be gracious as you learn

Here’s the last—and possibly most important—rule of tourism etiquette: Plan for failure.

I have offended people around the world despite my efforts to be a good visitor. Even with a background in intercultural studies, I still mess up. It’s not because I’m ignorant or unwilling. It’s because the world is large and diverse, and I only have one brain to take it all in.

The same is true for you.

I’ve found that being gracious and humble goes a long way when doing the wrong thing. The best way to make up for a mistake is to avoid nervous laughter, convey your apology in the most culturally appropriate way you know how, and try to help correct the mistake.

Everyone makes them, after all.

Tourism etiquette—the nitty-gritty

The tourism etiquette discussed above is more general and designed to teach you the ideas behind positive cultural exchange.

But if you want the hard-and-fast of how to be a good American tourist, here are my direct suggestions:

Learn a few local phrases. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but the effort will go a long way. Try to learn five or six short phrases that you think will be the most applicable to your trip. Bonus points for attempting local dialects.
Engage with locals at their pace. Everyone loves to get a nod of approval from locals, but let them come to you. Be mindful when you enter ‘their’ spaces and try to give them priority when possible. This might be as simple as letting a parent with children pass on the street.
Ask before taking photos. Don’t assume that it’s okay to take photos, and avoid photographing people without their permission. It tends to make people feel like they’re living inside a museum exhibit.
Support local as often as possible. Try to spend your hard-earned money at local shops, restaurants, and bars whenever you can. Avoid spending all your funds at mega-chains.
Use sustainable operators. If you’re exploring natural wonders, focus on tours that meet sustainability standards. Usually, you can find a company’s sustainability outlook on its website.
Slow down and be flexible. Americans are renowned for our hustle, but moving too quickly is sometimes viewed as a negative. It’s always a good idea to slow down while traveling and to be flexible—who knows what sorts of experiences this approach will open up?
Always say hello. You might not get a greeting back, but that’s okay. The gesture isn’t for nothing.

Musical Journeys: The Best Music Venues in Memphis

Memphis is one of the US’s musical capitals.

What New Orleans is to jazz, for example, Memphis is to blues and rock. And while Nashville might take the cake in terms of musical cities in Tennessee thanks to its booming country music scene, that doesn’t mean Memphis doesn’t have great venues and nightlife.

In fact, it’s home to many legacy bars and music halls.

In the 1960s and 70s, Memphis steered genres like blues and soul with a gritty and textured approach to lush arrangements and profound vocals. Even to this day, Memphis’s Beale Street is the US’s epicenter of blues and soul music.

The city has also left its mark on genres like hip-hop, rock’n roll, and gospel—and you can feel it all during the city’s live shows.

Assuming you know where to find them, that is.

If you’re heading to the city to catch some great live shows, these are the best music venues in Memphis.

Best music venues in Memphis

B.B. King’s Blues Club

Start where it all began. B.B. King’s Blues Club is located in the heart of Beale Street, giving you a sneak peek into the past. This legendary venue offers live music every night from B.B. King’s Blues Club All-Star Band.

Want to get a feel for Memphis-style R&B? Go to B.B. King’s.

Lafayette’s Music Room

Want some soul food with your live music? Lafayette’s Music Room offers live shows every night along with a Memphis-centric menu. You can hear live performances from local legends like Steve Forbert, Ingram Hill, and Jason D. Williams.

Minglewood Hall

Minglewood Hall is a historic venue that focuses a bit more on Memphis’s jazz influence. But this venue doesn’t offer nightly shows. It’s a massive 13,000-square-foot venue, meaning you’ll need to look at the lineup before buying tickets.

Still, it’s a great place to catch a range of local acts, from modern R&B to hip-hop to country.

Overton Park Shell

Want that same large-scale experience, except outdoors? The Overton Park Shell is an outdoor amphitheater that regularly hosts free shows for locals and visitors. The venue’s Shell Yeah series also brings on food trucks, while also allowing guests to bring their own picnic supplies.

Handy Park Pavilion

Want to keep things home-grown instead? The Handy Park Pavilion is located smack in the center of Beale Street. The informal setup sees performers take the stages almost every night, which established acts claiming the larger stage and up-and-comers doing their thing on the smaller stage.

Feel the pulse of real Memphis music at Handy Park Pavilion.

Newby’s

This venue is one of Memphis’s lesser-known musical venues. Most visitors don’t hear about it because it’s largely a college haunt. Despite its young demographic, its acts draw in crowds from around the city.

For example, the experimental jazz band Mojo Possum is known to perform at Newby’s regularly. If you like jam bands with Memphis flare, start at Newby’s.

Mr. Handy’s Blues Hall (aka Blues Hall Juke Joint)

This Beale Street staple is known for its funky and beloved reel of performers. Locals usually head to the bar when their favorite bands and performers are playing. Like many other Beale Street venues, Mr. Handy’s Blues Hall offers a lineup of weekly shows that let you sample some of the city’s coolest sounds.

Center for Southern Folklore

If you want a homegrown and grassroots look at music in Memphis, it doesn’t get any more local than the Center for Southern Folklore.

Like the name suggests, this spot sees dozens of local artists come in to do their thing—whether poetry, painting, or music. Unsurprisingly, you can hear some of the area’s most promising up-and-coming performers musical chops.

This Tool Lets You Explore Accurate Seat Maps on Any Flight

Want to know a little secret air travel hack?

With just a few clicks, you can get a glimpse of the exact seat map of your next flight. All you need to know is the airline, date of the flight, and flight number to get an accurate map of the plane.

Why would anyone bother, you might ask?

First, having a solid overview of a plane’s seating arrangement empowers you to find a great seat—and possibly even land a whole row to yourself. Second, it lets you target the right seats for your needs—like catching some Zs on a red-eye.

If you’re a nervous flyer, it might simply give you a little psychological boost before the flight. The more you know, after all.

Regardless of why you want an accurate overview of a plane’s seat map, I’m happy to announce that TripAdvisor’s SeatGuru has a winning formula. Here’s what you need to know about the platform, including how to explore its seat maps and how to leverage the site’s data to the fullest.

Accurate seat maps

As discussed above, SeatGuru has become a prime resource for travelers who want an accurate seat map of their upcoming flight.

SeatGuru offers coverage of 175 airlines and over 1,200 aircraft. Just fill out the short form about the date, airline, and flight number, then get a map of the airplane’s layout.

One feature I like is that flyers can comment on the maps, which makes them highly reliable. Crowdsourced travel information is usually the most impactful for users.

In the case of SeatGuru, those comments can help you identify precise features like where every window is placed and which rows have more legroom. This can directly inform how you strategize to get some extra space or even a whole row.

After all, one of the best ways to become a savvy flyer is simply to start digging into the details, from knowing which rows you find most comfortable to knowing what sorts of seats you want to avoid at all costs.

Comparison charts

Another unique feature of SeatGuru is its comparison charts. These let you comb through the world’s biggest airlines to figure out who has the largest seats, along with what types of features they come with—like video entertainment or laptop chargers.

Once again, this type of information is invaluable for those who want to strategize how to make their flight more comfortable. It gives you a leg up, in other words. And all for free, too.

SeatGuru covers these features on its comparison charts page:

Seat pitch
Seat width
Video entertainment
Laptop power
Type of power
Wi-Fi
Seat type

Best of all, SeatGuru segments these comparison charts based on the type of flight. You can explore comparison charts for these types of flights:

Short-haul economy
Short-haul first/business class
Long-haul economy
Long-haul premium economy
Long-haul business class
Long-haul first class

How to Use & Redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards for Travel

Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of the most popular credit card programs for Americans who want to use their points for travel.

Chase’s program is flexible and adaptable for most travelers, while also offering benefits like no expiration and a solid range of redemption options.

Those redemption options are particularly important, as Chase offers a variety of ways to use them—and that’s doubly true when it comes to travel.

Along with cash back, gift cards, Amazon purchases, and Apple purchases, Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be applied to a fantastic range of travel offers.

If you’ve slowly been accruing Chase Rewards points and want to use them for an upcoming trip, you need to know about your options.

The most straightforward is using the Chase Travel Portal^SM to book hotels, flights, car rentals, and more. Or, alternatively, you can also transfer your points to partners to book directly.

Want to learn more about how to use and redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards for travel? Let’s dive in.

Which cards earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points?

Before trying to redeem points, verify which credit cards offer points that can be used to access the Chase Travel Portal^SM or used to book directly with travel partners. Remember, not all cards let you use rewards points for travel.

These cards let you accrue Ultimate Rewards points that can be used for travel:

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
Ink Business Cash Credit Card
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Flex

Does the welcome bonus matter?

Some of the cards listed above come with a high-value welcome that puts Chase Ultimate Rewards points straight into your pocket. Here are programs with noteworthy welcome bonuses:

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card’s welcome bonus hands you 60,000 points if you spend $4,000 in the first three months of opening up your credit card
Chase Sapphire Reserve’s welcome bonus is worth another 60,000 points if you spend $4,000 in the first three months of opening up the account—but this card’s points are worth slightly more when booking travel rewards (more on this below)
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card’s welcome bonus gives you 90,000 points for spending $8,000 in the first three months of the account’s opening

Are Chase Ultimate Rewards points worth differing amounts?

As outlined in the section above, points from Chase Ultimate Rewards are worth differing amounts depending on the card you use and how you redeem your points.

The most important factor for you to think about is point redemption value. In other words, how much is each point worth when you actually start redeeming them?

Here’s what you need to know about point redemption value:

Cash-back cards like Chase Freedom Flex are worth 1 cent
Preferred cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card are worth 1.25 cents
Reserve cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve are worth 1.5 cents

How to book using the Chase Travel Portal^SM

The Chase Travel Portal^SMmakes it easy to book travel deals using your points—no transfers needed. Simply log into the portal, then start shopping around for deals.

Because the offers are through the portal, you won’t see any deals that you can’t book—assuming you have enough points, that is.

Here, you can find, book, and then purchase everything you’ll need for a great vacation. That includes flights, car rentals, hotels, and even tours.

The main reason that some members would choose to book through the portal versus via partners is to combine points from various cards and earn even more on bookings—up to ten times, in some cases.

How to book by transferring points to partners

If you’d rather book directly with a travel provider, then you need to redeem your rewards. When you redeem your awards, you’ll be prompted to transfer them.

You then need to transfer those points to eligible travel partners from Chase’s network. From there, you book your travel like you normally would. Just make sure that the name on the Chase account matches the name on the account you want to transfer to.

Is Your Dog Ready to Fly? Exclusive Interview with Rover Pet Expert Nicole Ellis

One of the toughest parts of travel is leaving our beloved dogs behind.

I could be staring at a wonder like the Northern Lights or the Grand Canyon when, in a split second, my mind drifts to my little chihuahua. Suddenly, I’m removed from the experience, wondering how my dog is faring without me back home.

After all, the best way to travel is with a pet.

Hitting the road with Fido is a beautiful experience that exposes your dog to new wonders while also deepening your bond. Still, as someone who has flown across the Atlantic with a dog, traveled long distances by train with a dog, and driven cross-country with a dog, I know first-hand that it’s not for the faint of heart.

Flights can be especially trying.

Even when everything goes right, it takes mindfulness, care, and forethought to get you and your furry friend to your destination without incident.

The first question that pet parents need to ask before booking tickets is:

Is your dog ready to fly?

To answer that question, I’ve enlisted the help of one of the world’s most trusted and expansive pet-sitting and pet-care platforms: Rover.

Here’s what you need to know about flying with a dog, according to expert panelist and certified professional dog trainer Nicole Ellis.

Is your dog ready to fly? Here’s what Ellis has to say

What are some signs that your dog is ready for a flight?

According to Ellis, dogs that do well during car rides might also do well on planes—but there’s no fast and clear answer. All pet parents must recognize their dog’s unique predispositions.

However, generally speaking, the better they do with travel (in cars, trains, etc), the more likely they are to handle a flight well.

What are some signs they might struggle on a flight?

If your dog is easily stressed out or anxious during long car rides, they might not be ready to take flight with you. Similarly, dogs who aren’t comfortable and calm in their carriers aren’t likely to do well on a plane.

Remember—dogs usually need to stay inside a carrier the whole time. Even in the case of airlines that allow dogs to occupy a seat, your pup should be calm for the duration of the flight.

How do you know if your dog should go on the trip?

According to Ellis, pet parents should also think long and hard about why they’re bringing their pup 35,000 feet into the air.

In my case, I traveled domestically in the US and internationally with my chihuahua because I was moving around a lot—not because I wanted my dog to tag along on a particular adventure with me.

So, how should you know if your dog wants to travel with you? Here are some thoughts to consider. First, will your dog enjoy the destination? A dog that lives in the country might not enjoy a trip to the big city. Simultaneously, many attractions don’t allow dogs.

If there isn’t a concrete reason for your dog to travel with you, then it’s best to avoid flying with them.

Is it safe for dogs to go into the cargo hold?

Ellis advises using extreme caution when putting pets into the cargo hold. If you have a snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dog like a Frenchie or a pug, it could be dangerous. The same is true for senior dogs and dogs that are prone to anxiety.

In these cases, your pet is probably better off at home. (With a Rover sitter, nonetheless.)

Are there any dog breeds that perform better or worse on flights?

The most important thing to keep in mind before making the decision to fly with your dog isn’t solely about breed—it’s also about their character.

Pet parents should be honest about whether or not their dog will do well on a plane. On top of that, Ellis advises that pet parents invest in training beforehand. Dogs on planes must be calm, obedient, and comfortable.

How do you handle bathroom breaks while flying?

According to Ellis, the best way to prepare for bathroom breaks is to research pet relief areas at your departing airport and destination. Pet parents should be taking their pooch to the potty right before a flight and directly after a flight lands.

Ellis also recommends wiping down paws after using these areas. Because so many pets use the relief area in a day, it’s sanity to wipe down your pup.

Flight prep for your pup

Is your dog ready to fly? If you answered yes, then here’s how you can expect to prep for the big day:

Invest in dog training so that your pup is obedient and also has a positive relationship to their carrier.
Evaluate your dog’s character along with their training level to determine whether they’ll do well on a plane.
After booking tickets, research pet relief areas at the departing and destination airports.
Use products like a ThunderShirt and a calming pheromone spray to set your pup up for success at the airport.
Before boarding, take them to go potty at the nearest pet relief area.
After landing, immediately head to the pet relief area.
If traveling internationally, visit the necessary in-airport veterinarian office for a health check-up.