The Son Doong Cave In Vietnam Is So Big, It Has Its Own Weather System

While seeking shelter from a storm, Ho Khanh, a farmer in central Vietnam, stumbled upon a small entrance to what would soon become known as the largest cave system in the world. He reported his discovery to the British Caving Research Association, but it wasn’t until 2009 that the cave was actually explored for the first time.

After the first expedition into Son Doong, the cave was immediately crowned the largest of its kind in the world. Follow along as we share the interesting history of the long-lost cave and how you can explore its depths yourself.

The entrance to Hang Son Doong Cave, Vietnam. — Mark and Anna Photography / Shutterstock

Where Is Hang Son Doong Cave?

Hang Son Doong, which translates to Mountain River Cave, is in Phong Nha Ke Bong National Park in the Quang Binh province of Central Vietnam. The cave is about 30 miles northwest of Dong Hoi, a coastal Vietnamese city.

The interior of Hang Son Doong Cave. — Christian Vollmert / Shutterstock

The History Of The World’s Largest Cave

Son Doong is 3 million years old and 1.35 billion cubic feet long. For context, the cave is so massive a New York City block with 40 skyscrapers could fit in its depths, and a Boeing 747 could comfortably fit in its largest passage.

In 2019, a team of divers discovered that the cave is connected to another cave, Hang Thung, making the cave system even more elaborate — and seemingly endless. The cave is so advanced it even has a weather system, rainforest, and an intriguing display of rare limestone cave pearls.

A photographer in Hang Son Doong Cave. — Vietnam Stock Images / Shutterstock

There is no evidence of the cave having been explored by humans prior to the 2000s, but other forms of life caught on to the magic of Son Doong before we did. Snakes, monkeys, flying foxes, squirrels, birds, and rats have been spotted underground; and seven new species of white, eyeless creatures (think fish, spiders, scorpion, and shrimp) have been discovered there.

Camping inside Hang Son Doong Cave. — XU GENG / Shutterstock

How You Can Visit

For $3,000, you can weave your way through the largest cave system on earth. The four-day-long excursion will be an experience you’ll never forget. On your first night, you’ll sleep in Hang En Cave — the third largest cave in the world — and then spend two nights exploring Son Doong. You’ll trek through over 15 miles of jungle and 5 miles of caves. During your expedition, you might stumble upon 400-million-year old fossils, encounter strange, eyeless creatures, see stalagmites over 200 feet tall, and even swim in the inky-black waters of the cave.

Person looking down into Hang Son Doong Cave. — hyunwoong park / Shutterstock

Oxalis is the only tour operator that takes people into the cave. The tours are capped at 10 people and run from February to August. Only 1,000 people are allowed to travel through the cave system every year, so book your tour in advance!

To make the expedition run as safely and smoothly as possible, a crew of caving experts, chefs, local guides, and park rangers are present for every single expedition. According to Oxalis, you don’t need climbing or caving experience, but visitors should have recent experience trekking rough trails and camping.

View from inside Hang Son Doong Cave. — David A Knight / Shutterstock

You can reach the entrance of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park from the small nearby town of San Trach. If you’re traveling from outside the area, you can fly into Dong Hoi Airport, which is about 30 miles south of the park.

Cau Vang — a stunning pedestrian bridge held up by two gigantic golden hands — should be your next stop after your unforgettable journey through Son Doong. Here are our tips for how to visit Vietnam’s Golden Bridge.

The Best U.S. Cities To Visit In December

Most of the time, the word vacation evokes beach scenes in Italy, springtime flower festivals in Holland, and autumn foliage trips through the UK. But December in America offers unique opportunities that vacations taken at other times, in other places often can’t. And not just because the holidays can be magical in Walt Disney World.

In fact, some of the best vacations can be had Stateside during the winter months — the off-season in many places. You’ll encounter fewer crowds, more comfortable temperatures, and loads of attractions and special events that make any one of these trips a delight.

The Chicago Bean in December. — MarynaG / Shutterstock

Chicago, Illinois

Despite being in the cold north, Chicago is one of the best cities to visit in December. The city is magical — with lights, festivals, markets, and all the museums, theaters, and zoos still going full tilt. There’s no real off-season in Chicago.

If you’re into outdoorsy activities, be sure to rent a pair of skates at the Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon or the more traditional rink at Millennium Park.

Grab some hot cocoa or coffee from the many boutique shops along Michigan Avenue and head into the heart of the shopping district along the Magnificent Mile. Everything is open and bustling year-round, so you’ll find great service, fabulous sales, and delicious meals everywhere you go.

Don’t forget to pop into the Lincoln Park Zoo for the glorious ZooLights, grab a drink at the Hancock Signature Lounge on the building’s 96th floor, and stroll downtown at night to take in the city’s incredible light displays that twinkle from November to January. There truly is something magical in the air when Chicago’s streets are lit up — no matter how cold it gets.

Book your December getaway to Chicago today!

Palm trees with Christmas lines in St. Augustine. — artconcept / Shutterstock

St. Augustine, Florida

Of course, if building a sandman is more appealing to you than a snowman, you’ll want to consider St. Augustine, Florida, for your next December getaway. While the town sort of “shuts down” when autumn hits and the bustling tourist season ends, there are still plenty of events to attend, sights to see, and things to do.

If you’re from a cooler climate, you’ll enjoy the beaches’ warmth in December. Bonus: St. Augustine’s beaches happen to be some of the nicest on the eastern coast of Florida north of Miami. There are seasonal events going on — Nights of Lights, a Christmas Parade, and the Luminary Night at the St. Augustine lighthouse. You can also experience the eccentric Villa Zorayda Museum by candlelight, take a trolley tour through the city’s historic town center, visit the Castillo de San Marcos, or explore St. Augustine’s Victorian history at the Lightner Museum.

You’ll find really great vacation deals during December since this is St. Augustine’s off-season. Romantic inns and bed and breakfasts have lower prices while most of the attractions of the area are still open but way less busy than they are during peak summer months.

Book your December getaway to St. Augustine today!

Breckenridge, Colorado

For skiing and other winter sports, Breckenridge is the perfect spot for a December vacation. Ski season is already in full swing by December and Breckenridge has some of the best slopes in the country. Admittedly, crowds will be heavy during December, and you won’t score any off-season deals, but the ski terrain, which includes nearly 3,000 acres along Tenmile Range, promises more space (and therefore more dispersed crowds) than a lot of other ski spots in the state.

The town itself is a charming, homey sort of place full of great spots for tourists to enjoy year-round. Visit Main Street for dining and shopping at locally-owned stores, tour the world’s highest distillery — the Breckenridge Distillery — go horseback riding through the snow, or meander the streets taking in the public art displays around the town, which is gorgeous, tourist-friendly, and always active.

Just be sure to book your accommodations a few months in advance since December is the start of Breckenridge’s winter peak season.

A beach in Key West during December. — Philip Lange / Shutterstock

Key West, Florida

If you’re loving the idea of warm weather in December, Key West is a great option. The beaches may be narrow, but the water activities, hiking, shopping, and exploring are plentiful in every season, with temperatures in December hovering around 70 degrees.

With the warm air and semi-tropical waters, you can skip the slopes and take on the waves if you’re up for water skiing. Or go diving and snorkeling around the coral reefs. Charters go out from the island for fishing year-round, as well, and Key West restaurants offer fresh catches cooked up in Southern style.

Key West is great for unique revelry in winter — it is known as the place for parties, after all, with great drinking spots like the Green Parrot and Sloppy Joe’s, plus fishing tournaments, lighted bike rides, and other events and spots where (almost) anything goes.

Best of all, in Key West, you can pretty much forget that it’s wintertime and just enjoy the temperate weather while you walk or bike the island, get some shopping in, and feast on steak, seafood, and Cuban dishes.

Snow on the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville. — Gabriel Swinney / Shutterstock

Asheville, North Carolina

If you’re not looking for the giant slopes of Colorado but still want some gorgeous mountain views during your December trip, Asheville, North Carolina, will pique your interest. This beautiful town is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina. Ski slopes are nearby, hiking trails are accessible year-round, and the crowds aren’t as huge as those in the Rocky Mountain states this time of year.

The weather is much milder here than it is in many other snowy destinations, so pencil in some trail hikes, a stroll along Asheville’s historic streets — where boutiques and restaurants offer a variety of unique options — and a tour of the city’s historic spots. You’ll learn about the interesting figures who built homes here, including George Vanderbilt and his 250-room castle-like chateau, which hosts diverse holiday-themed events, from Gingerbread House Tea to Candlelit Christmas Evenings.

The St. Louis Arch surrounded by snow. — The Wandering Soul / Shutterstock

St. Louis, Missouri

For a destination with moderate December temperatures and loads to do, St. Louis, Missouri is a great option. This Midwest city offers more than you might expect, from a plethora of restaurants to interesting museums and historic sites in and around the city.

Pack a coat and gloves and get outside to explore the site of the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair in Forest Park. The area features multiple attractions in close proximity, including historic sites from the fair turned into unique vantage points, the St. Louis Zoo, the Missouri History Museum, the St. Louis Art Museum, the Jewel Box greenhouse, and the historic Cabanne House.

St. Louis’s many gardens, parks, and other attractions are open year-round — like the Missouri Botanical Garden. For the kid at heart, an afternoon spent climbing the structures and viewing the artwork at the City Museum is a few hours well spent, while a drive through Lone Elk Park promises elk, deer, raccoon, and other Midwest critter sightings. And don’t forget to take a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch for spectacular views of the city, day or night.

Biloxi Lighthouse in Mississippi. — Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

Biloxi, Mississippi

Another warm destination that’s well worth the visit is Biloxi, Mississippi, home of new restaurants, hotels, casinos, and more after its post-Katrina rebuild. Temperatures in the mid-60s barely require a sweater and the sunny skies promise pleasant views.

While you’re in Biloxi, you’ll want to visit the historical sites of the city, including the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library — also known as Beauvoir — and the Biloxi Lighthouse, but you’ll also have a blast seeing the newer side of town. Visit some of the casinos — Beau Rivage and the Golden Nugget are good picks — view art at the quirky Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, and grab a pint at the Biloxi Brewing Company to round out your vacation with some of the town’s unique modern highlights.

Snowy Astoria harbor during the winter. — Jonathan Lingel / Shutterstock

Astoria, Oregon

Astoria, situated at the convergence of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean, was established as a trading post in 1810. This beautiful historic town is a great place to vacation during the off-season in December. The weather can be a bit unpredictable — it could be fair and sunny or stormy and brisk — but that’s part of the charm of the town in wintertime. During your visit, you’ll find a range of activities that no one else is participating in because no one else is visiting. If you hate crowds and love unique vacations all to yourself, Astoria’s your kind of place.

You’ll want to pop into the Oregon Film Museum for a bit to relive memories of The Goonies, which was filmed primarily in Astoria back in the ’80s. The museum is also the site of the opening into the jail featured in the film.

For wildlife viewing with a twist, plus a good pint, you’ll want to hit up the Buoy Beer Company, which has a glass floor that allows you to see sea lions hanging out below.

Astoria’s historic downtown is charming and extremely walkable, so plan to enjoy a few hours popping into whatever museums, shops, and other attractions catch your eye. Nearby, you’ll find waterfalls, beaches, hiking trails, and other splendid outdoor spaces worth exploring. Temps are moderate, hovering in the 40s and 50s all month long.

Going to vacation in Oregon? Rent a car or hop on a tour bus from Portland to visit Multnomah Falls.

These eight great warm cities to visit around Christmas deserve your consideration, too. And if you want your vacation to be all about celebrating the season, then you need to read up on the best U.S. cities for a Christmas getaway in 2019.

Thor’s Well On The Oregon Coast Appears To Be Draining The Pacific Ocean

The massive hole in the Pacific Ocean known as Thor’s Well looks nothing short of terrifying. Thor’s Well, sometimes called the Gate to Hell, appears to be swallowing the Pacific Ocean gulp by gulp. In actuality, this natural wonder in Oregon is completely benign.

Read on to discover exactly what’s going on beneath the surface — and learn how you can safely experience this incredible water phenomenon for yourself.

The Science Behind Thor’s Well

Thor’s Well is located in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area right off of the Oregon Coast Highway. It’s about 4 miles south of Yachats, Oregon.

Scientists theorize that the feature started out as a sea cave dug out by the waves. The roof of the cave later collapsed, leaving openings at the top and bottom through which the ocean now surges and sprays.

Instead of a sinkhole, Thor’s Well is actually just a bowl-shaped hole. During high tide, waves fill the collapsed sea cave until the water overflows and bursts from the rocky surface. When the tide recedes, the bowl empties once more, creating a cycle of the hole churning with water and then becoming a shallow pool.

The 10-foot-wide pit looks bottomless, but don’t let the pictures deceive you — it’s actually only 20 feet deep!

Thor's Well in Oregon. — Jeffrey Schwartz / Shutterstock

How To Visit

To spot Thor’s Well in action, you’ll want to park just south of the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center at the Cook’s Chasm pull-out. From there, you can walk directly down to the hole, or you can keep a safe distance if you’d prefer to admire its beauty from afar.

To witness the metamorphosis of Thor’s Well, we suggest visiting an hour before high tide, when the cave is almost empty. If you have the time, stay until high tide fills the cave to the brim, creating bubbles and layers of sea foam.

Even at high tide, Thor’s Well isn’t necessarily dangerous — but the Pacific Ocean is, with its volatile waves, undercurrents, and blustery winds. Visiting during the winter is more dangerous than visiting at any other time of year, since the Pacific is more violent during the colder months. If you go during the winter, make sure to pay attention to the weather and keep a safe distance from Thor’s Well.

You’ll find clusters of spectators at the supposed sinkhole on warm summer afternoons. If you don’t mind some friendly company, try to visit then!

Since the tides fluctuate throughout the year, this tide tracker will help you choose the right time to visit.

Natural Marvels Like It

If you’re all about the thrill of seeing an ocean cave up close, you’ll have to check out the two similar wonders next door! Devil’s Churn and Sprouting Horn — both within a mile of Thor’s Well — are other water wonders to visit while you’re on the coast.

Astoria, Oregon, also showcases the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest — and it’s just a 4-hour drive up the Oregon coast! Here’s why you should make time for Astoria.

Colombia’s ‘Liquid Rainbow’ Puts On A Stunning Natural Display

Once a year, Caño Cristales in Colombia transforms from a mossy river in the jungle into what some call a liquid rainbow.

Between June and November, the river explodes in bright colors unlike any you’ve ever seen before.

Read on to discover the fascinating science behind the rainbow waters and learn how you can witness the technicolor spectacle yourself.

The colorful waters of Caño Cristales. — Pedro Szekely / Flickr

Where Is Caño Cristales?

Caño Cristales is a 62-mile-long river in the province of Meta, Colombia, in South America. The river is about 170 miles south of the capital of Colombia, Bogotá.

When To Visit

The vibrant colors of the river are due to Macarenia clavigera — a species of the riverweed family. In order for the aquatic plants to strut their stuff, conditions in the water have to be just right.

The area oscillates between two extremes: the wet season and the dry season. During the wet season, the water is too high and runs too fast, which blocks the riverbed from direct sunlight. During the dry season, there isn’t enough water to sustain life under the surface.

In between those seasons — from June to November, to be exact — something incredible happens. When the water is neither too deep nor too shallow, too fast nor too slow, the Macarenia clavigera reproduce.

During this short window of time, the species transform into a rainbow of stunning colors: red, orange, deep green, and yellow, all offset by brown rocks and plenty of moss and algae. The crystal-clear water shows off every single color in stunning clarity.

A tourist admiring colorful Caño Cristales. — sunsinger / Shutterstock

How To Visit

The river has seen an increasing number of visitors over the years. In order to protect the fragile ecosystem, only 200 tourists are allowed to visit each day.

Visitors must be escorted by either a government-licensed tour guide or a tour group. It’s easiest to go with a tour group — that way, you can book in advance. Most tours depart from Bogotá; Medellín, Colombia; or Meta’s La Macarena Airport. These tours are multiday excursions that take you to the river as well as to other nearby wonders in the Serranía de la Macarena. While visiting the river, you’ll be able to swim there, too!

Caño Cristales is in the heart of the Colombian wilderness, so be prepared for lots of physical activity.

What To Know Before You Go

The area takes conservation seriously, so leave your sunscreen and bug spray at home. Your guide will not allow you to use either, because both products contain pollutants that could potentially harm wildlife.

Make sure to bring proof of yellow fever vaccination, anti-malaria tablets, and cash, because the only ATM in the area is notorious for not working well.

Even though there’s a good deal of preparation required to visit Caño Cristales, swimming in a technicolor rainbow is definitely something to write home about!

Before your embark on your journey to the rainbow river, read about how to spend 48 hours in Bogotá. And, if you’re not sure the wonders waiting for you in Colombia are worth the long trip, here are some reasons why you should book a trip to the country soon!

Weekend Getaway To Janesville, Wisconsin: The Best Things To Do

If you’re after an active weekend getaway, you’ll be pleased to find an abundance of beautiful parks and recreational areas in the mid-sized city of Janesville, Wisconsin. Janesville, located an hour and 30 minutes southwest of Milwaukee on the Rock River, features rolling hills, a small-town vibe, and the verdant woodlands of scenic south-central Wisconsin.

Here’s how to make the most of a weekend there.

Head To The Market

If you’re traveling to Janesville in the fall, it’s a great time to visit Skelly’s Farm Market. Pick your pumpkins, squash, and gourds, or enjoy one of their fall activities, which include corn mazes, wagon rides, and apple cannons. Then stop by the bakery for apple cider donuts, apple crisps, cookies, and pies, plus homemade caramel apples.

If you can’t make it in the fall, don’t worry; Skelly’s Farm Market has a strawberry season and summer season that are well worth visits, too. Admission to the corn mazes costs $8 for the day; $5 buys you unlimited wagon rides for the day.

If your Janesville visit puts you in town on a Saturday, you’ll find fresh produce, meats, cheese, eggs, baked goods, plants and cut flowers, soaps, and other hand-made products at the Janesville Farmers Market. From May through October, this outdoor market sells only local foods and products. There are plenty of food vendors selling kettle corn, tacos, pastries, and more.

The Devil's Staircase on the Ice Age Trail. — MarynaG / Shutterstock

Get Outdoors

You’ll discover some of Wisconsin’s most beautiful natural areas along the thousand-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail — one of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the country.

You can enjoy a variety of day hikes starting at different parts of the Ice Age Trail. The suggested hikes are included in a free download from the Ice Age Trail Guidebook and Google Map driving directions will lead you to the access points. Before you go, check the online trail map to read trail condition reports on the trail you intend to hike.

Janesville’s most scenic segment of the Ice Age Trail is the Devil’s Staircase that ascends the bluffs by Rock River in Riverside Park. You’ll hike 1.7 miles on this moderately difficult trail.

Wisconsin Explorer explains the difficulty: “Its linear 1.8 miles are mostly easy walking but also include a few short climbs [on] stone steps — these climbs and its sometimes narrow and precarious route make it a moderate level hiking path.”

In addition to the Ice Age Trail segment in Janesville, you’ll find 60 parks and 30 miles of paved off-road hiking trails around town, so there’s plenty of opportunities to get outdoors — whether you prefer hiking or biking — and enjoy the beauty of the area.

If golf is your game, you’ll find more than 20 golf courses within a 45-minute drive from Janesville.

Tour A Brewery Or Winery

There’s something for everyone — even those who prefer not to consume alcohol — on a tour of Gray Brewing Company. One of the nation’s oldest family-owned beverage companies, Gray Brewing offers a full line of beers including their award-winning Gray Oatmeal Stout and Gray Honey Ale — an American blonde ale brewed with honey — plus root beer and gourmet sodas.

Sample one of Gray’s gourmet old-time soda flavors like grape soda, root beer, ginger beer, strawberry, or orange cream. Their signature soda, the Belfast Ginger Beer, leverages a recipe passed through the generations that uses “the finest oils, essences, extracts of lemon, as well as the purest Jamaican ginger.” The brewery takes care in its selection of the ingredients as well as the time-honored brewing process.

Rock County Brewing Company is located in Janesville’s historic Carriage Works building. This nano brewery produces hand-crafted beers in small batches. If you haven’t tasted a nitro beer, try the Dry Stout, one of Rock Country’s newest offerings. It’s a creamy traditional dry stout with a smooth taste on the tongue.

If you’d rather take a southern Wisconsin wine tour, stop by Fermenting Cellars Winery, located in a log cabin home. They ferment a variety of dry and sweet, red and white wines, plus a dessert coffee wine. Next stop is Northleaf Winery, where you can sample guided wine and cheese pairings or wine flights with cheese and crackers. Then head to Timber Hill Winery for the last stop on your Janesville winery tour. This boutique winery produces smaller quantities to achieve the best quality. Their latest addition is a mead made with local honey, fruit, and herbs.

Inside the Rotary Botanical Gardens. — Tracy Immordino / Shutterstock

Stroll The Botanical Gardens

Prepare to be wowed at the Rotary Botanical Gardens, an award-winning 20-acre non-profit botanical showcase. The location of the gardens was originally the site of an abandoned sand and gravel quarry. More than 15,000 yards (800 truckloads) of topsoil were hauled in to form the garden beds. Now you can take a guided garden tour or explore on your own the 24 different garden styles highlighting 4,000 varieties of plants. Admission is $7 for adults and $6 for those 65 and older.

Take A History Tour

Start your history tour at the Rock County Historical Society. This resource center features the Lincoln-Tallman House, a mansion built in 1857; a Traditional Tour narrative that teaches about how prosperous Victorian families lived in the area; and a Help Wanted Tour where you can view Victorian life through the eyes of a servant. Admission is $10 for adults.

Tour the Milton House, the last certified Underground Railroad station in Wisconsin. Opened as a stagecoach inn in 1844 by Joseph Goodrick, the Milton House is one of the oldest standing poured grout buildings. A stop on the Underground Railroad, there’s a tunnel connecting the Milton house to a log cabin. Walk through the tunnel and learn about the Stagecoach Inn and how it was a successful part of the Underground Railroad. Admission is $8 for adults.

To discover more of the city’s local history, take a self-guided historic walking tour. There are 13 historic districts in Janesville that lend themselves perfectly to a walking tour. Download the free Clio app for Apple or Android to learn about the history and architecture of the area. There are more than 80 sites listed on the app that are within five miles of downtown Janesville.

The Wissota Chophouse in Janesville. — Wissota Chophouse

Eating In Janesville

Dining in Janesville brings traditional Wisconsin staples like cheese curds and supper clubs, but you can also enjoy seasonal selections created by innovative chefs.

Breakfast

At Citrus Cafe you’ll enjoy fresh ground coffee, orange juice squeezed by the glass, plus bacon specially cut by a local butcher. A local favorite, the cafe was named Reader’s Choice Best Breakfast Restaurant for seven consecutive years by the Janesville Gazette. If you’re an early riser, you can savor one of their delicious breakfasts for just $5.99 thanks to the daily early bird breakfast specials that run from 6 to 9 a.m.

A downhome breakfast is in your future at Kealy’s Kafe. The cinnamon roll French toast is a local favorite as is the homemade bread with strawberry jam. Janesville Gazette readers voted Kealy’s Kafe number one fish fry in Janesville, so you may want to make a return visit for one of their Wednesday or Friday fish fries.

Lunch

The Whiskey Ranch’s themed decor, with its hardwood floor and sheet metal lining the bar — plus a collection of guitars decorating the space — create a Southern rockabilly atmosphere. You’ll snack on a complimentary bucket of peanuts while you wait for your meal. Try one of the menu’s award-winning burgers. Or get your fill of Wisconsin cheese with the mac and cheese burger topped with Swiss, American, and cheddar jack cheeses, plus macaroni and cheese, and bacon.

For more than 20 years, Milwaukee Grill has been serving fresh approaches to classic American fare. The Signature Fried Chicken is a favorite that comes with either two or four pieces of chicken and your choice of a few sides. At the bar you’ll find Wisconsin draught beers, bottled microbrews, wine, and seasonal drinks and martinis.

Dinner

Whether you’re craving steaks or seafood, you’ll find both at Wissota Chophouse. If you’re going to enjoy an Angus steak, why not enjoy it to the max? For $60, you can indulge in a 18-ounce dry aged, bone-in ribeye, or for $70, try the 3-ounce Japanese A-5 Wagyu Beef. Consider adding the Three Cheese Truffle Mac “side for two” for $11 more.

If seasonally-driven dishes are more your preference, stop by Lark Restaurant. You’ll enjoy a variety of American comfort foods served as small plates or entrees that incorporate locally sourced ingredients. Lark offers mixology classes and themed events like their BBQ and Bourbon Dinner — a four-course dinner featuring the chefs’ creative takes on barbecue, plus cocktail pairings made with Wisconsin’s J. Henry and Sons bourbon. Or just enjoy one of Lark’s original craft cocktails made with fresh ingredients and artisan spirits.

Shopping In Janesville

There’s a variety of shopping options in Janesville, whether you prefer boutiques or antiques and consignment stores. Antiques, collectibles, and housewares are abundant at Carousel Consignments. Angie’s on Main has three floors of eclectic, handmade, antique, and consignment items. If art is your interest, Raven’s Wish is an art gallery filled with art crafted by local artisans. Fulfill your gourmet coffee and tea cravings at The Bodacious Brew, which boasts a gourmet selection of coffee and tea from around the world.

Touring Wisconsin? Set your sights north of Janesville and prepare to enjoy these 12 Things To See And Do In Elkhart Lake.

Meet Popeye Village, The Whimsical Abandoned Movie Set In Malta

Malta is known for its transparent turquoise waters and romantic cities overlooking the sea. What visitors might not know is that an old Popeye film set is right in Malta, just waiting to be explored.

Follow along as we fill you in on everything you should know in preparation for a day trip to Popeye Village.

Popeye Village in Malta. — cge2010 / Shutterstock

The History Of Popeye Village

Popeye Village, also known as Sweethaven Village, is located in Anchor Bay on the coast of Mellieha, Malta. Popeye Village was the film set of the 1980 production of Popeye — a live-action reimagining of the spinach-eating, pipe-smoking sailor so many of us know and love.

When construction began in 1979, logs were imported from Holland and the shingles on the rooftops were imported all the way from Canada to create the 19 wooden buildings that make up the village. The creation of the massive film set required a construction crew of 165 people and seven months of intensive work.

The streets of Popeye Village. — Pit Stock / Shutterstock

The film was produced by Paramount Pictures and Walt Disney Productions. Popeye starred big-name actors like Robin Williams as Popeye and Shelley Duvall as Popeye’s love interest, Olive Oyl.

Filming wrapped nearly 40 years ago. Since then, Popeye Village has transformed from a neglected film set to a theme park fit for the whole family.

Characters in Popeye Village. — Pit Stock / Shutterstock

What You Can Do There

When you enter the theme park, you’ll be greeted by costumed Popeye characters who will entertain you as you explore.

Popeye Village isn’t known for its grand size, but there’s still plenty to do. During your day trip, you can meander through a small museum that guides you through the history of the comics and watch a short documentary about the filming process. Then enjoy a drink at the winery, where you can admire the sea in all its shimmery-blue splendor. For dinner, grab a bite to eat at Seafarers Bar and Restaurant in the park.

If you visit during the warmer months, you can take a 20-minute boat ride around Anchor Bay. During the holiday season, Popeye Village opens Santa’s Toytown — a Christmas celebration featuring elves assembling presents.

There’s something to do year-round, and the whole experience is family friendly!

How You Can Visit

Malta is just south of Sicily, so traveling by plane from Italy is a quick way to reach the island. The island country can be accessed via most major airlines.

Once in Malta, you can travel to the village by car, bus, or taxi. If you rent a car, you can visit the theme park by following signs to Anchor Bay. If you’d prefer to learn about Popeye Village from an expert, day tours are available, and several cover the history of Malta as well.

The theme park is open year-round, with extended hours during the spring and summer. Ticket prices vary from season to season, so keep an eye out for up-to-date prices on their website.

It doesn’t matter if someone grew up loving Popeye or has never even heard of him — Popeye Village will be a fun stop during your ocean escape in Malta. While in Malta, don’t miss these fantastic and fascinating things to do around the island.