TravelAwaits

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How to Take the Schnapps Hike in Germany’s Black Forest

How to Take the Schnapps Hike in Germany’s Black Forest

I’m not much of a hiker, but sell me on a catchy side plot (like hiking the island of Manhattan Broad City-style) and I’m there.

Toss in the promise of a little schnapps, and I’m there even faster. With actual hiking shoes on. And a good attitude.

While the premise of hiking and drinking schnapps might sound a little questionable to the average American, it’s just another afternoon for those who live near Sasbachwalden in southwestern Germany’s state of Baden-Württemberg.

Near the border with France, the area is blanketed in some of the thickest stretches of the Black Forest, aka the Schwarzwald. Though this popular region is visited by thousands of domestic and international tourists each year, many miss out on one of its coolest hikes.

The Schnappsbrunnenwege, which I’m calling the Schnapps hike.

It’s a nine-mile loop hike that’s dotted with cold fountains full of bottles of schnapps, which sounds a little too good to me—like the witch from Hansel and Gretel has her sights on adults, and I’m about to fall (drunkenly) into her clutches.

That being said, I’m willing to try.

Here’s how you can do the same.

Welcome to the Schnappsbrunnenwege, aka the Schnapps hike

The Schnappsbrunnenwege translates loosely to Schnapps fountain trail, which is a perfect summary of what you’ll find along the trail.

The hike runs parallel to many family-run Schnapps distilleries in the area. Many distillers put out small bottles of Schnapps for hikers, which are usually left to float in a stone basin of water to stay cool.

Hikers who want a drink drop a payment into a box, which runs on the honor system. (Don’t take the bottle!) Pour a small shot, chat it up with any other hikers who are at the watering hole, then continue on your merry way.

How to go on the Schnapps hike

The Schnapps hike is often called the Schnappsbrunnenwege—but that’s not the name of the trail that you’ll look for. Instead, keep a lookout for the Oberkircher Brennersteig, a straightforward nine-mile loop hike.

But there’s more than just schnapps waiting for you. This trail also weaves through some of Germany’s most untouched stretches of forest—the very same hollowed grounds where the legend of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves originated.

To reach Oberkircher Brennersteig, head to the town of Oberkirch. It’s worth getting lost in for a day—and maybe taking a pre-Schnappsbrunnenwege hike to the local Schauenberg Castle.

Schnapps? On a hike?

If you’ve only tasted American schnapps, forget everything you know about the liquor.

In Germany, it’s been treated as an art form since the 16th century. Local distillers don’t use artificial flavors; they create schnapps from fresh fruits like cherries, pears, and raspberries. Originally, they were distilled for medicinal purposes.

It’s high-quality stuff, in other words. You’ll do fine on this long hike so long as you sip water between the shots. Again, the schnapps is kept cool by staying submerged in water, meaning you’re more likely to feel refreshed and invigorated with each drink—even if you’re not usually a drinker.

5 US Cities with Great Run Clubs, Plus 2 International Cities

If you had asked me ten years ago what kind of travel trends I’d be covering, I would never have guessed run clubs.

Run clubs are everywhere now, a trending hobby for young adults across the country and, increasingly, the world. In some cities, like New York City, there seems to be a strong correlation between run clubs and potential romance; in others, it’s all about fitness.

For many travelers, looking into jogging routes is an exciting part of planning a vacation, even if they’re heading smack into a major city. These routes provide the perfect chance to kickstart their metabolism while also getting to know their destination.

But runners don’t need to jog around solo.

If you’re one of those travelers who likes to stay active when on vacation, then consider joining a club while you’re in town.

Some cities have a long list of run clubs that cover a range of intensity and experience levels, letting you add a short and high-octane side quest to your next trip. In fact, most Western cities are now home to around a dozen specialized running groups.

Below are five of the most active cities in the US when it comes to the number of run clubs, plus two European picks.

5 US cities with great run clubs

New York City

With its compact streets and nearly endless urban sprawl, run clubs in NYC are jam-packed with great views and fascinating turns. But forget the setting—it’s all about finding the right fit in the Big Apple.

The main difference in NYC (as with other US cities) is finding either a social club or a competitive club. I’d also recommend separating social clubs into two sections: for singles looking to mingle and just for fun.

Los Angeles

Social fun is high on the priority list for many LA joggers. Many clubs are inclusive and low-impact, making them great for everyone. Additionally, because LA is spread out, you’ll notice that some run clubs stick to one neighborhood.

The more competitive groups that meet for fitness are usually scheduled for non-daylight hours to let temperatures cool, especially during summer.

San Francisco

Because San Francisco is spread across many steep hills, its run clubs aren’t for the faint of heart. Don’t sign up unless you’re confident about your base level of fitness—or make sure you join a club that avoids the crazier inclines. Once again, midnight runs are a popular pick, usually for more high-octane athletes.

Denver

With its love of everything athletic and outdoors, it might not come as a surprise that Denver’s clubs are diverse, popular, and often packed with people.

Looking for a family-friendly run club? I guess that’s a thing in Colorado. What about hardcore trail runners? They’re out there. What about lively social run clubs that stop for beers? They’re a staple for many locals.

In Denver, you can find your place (and pace), no matter how much experience you have.

Seattle

Seattle is home to over a dozen clubs, many of which are goal-oriented and competitive. That makes it a little harder for casual, first-time runners to find the right club—but don’t worry, they’re still out there.

One example is Diplo’s Run Club, which stops over in Seattle later this year. The 5K event includes a short route through the downtown area and a nearby park, which concludes with a live Diplo concert.

European cities with great run clubs

London

London is leading the charge when it comes to cities obsessed with run clubs. From almost every angle, there’s a run club—for casual Saturday morning social sessions, to midnight 5K practices, to invitation-only clubs, to hardcore athletics training routes.

If you’re visiting the city and want to check out the jogging culture, go with Hyde Park Runners Club or London City Runners.

Berlin

Unsurprisingly, it’s all about style and identity when it comes to run clubs in Berlin. Many clubs are smaller and tight-knit, acting like social communities with a penchant for long distances.

In fact, if you’ve visited, you might have noticed run clubs passing through the streets while playing famous DJ sets. Many run clubs are also broader athletics clubs, meaning you can potentially take part in other activities, from volleyball to rollerblading.

3 US Chateaus & Vineyards That Feel Like a French Escape

The word chateau brings to mind the stately, grand mansions dotting the French countryside.

Surrounded by manicured gardens and sprawling vineyards, chateaus offer a glimpse into France’s opulent history. Unsurprisingly, they’re often top of the list for visitors, from those eager to explore Chateau du Versailles to a more casual Airbnb castle rental.

But what if I told you that you don’t have to cross the Atlantic to soak up some of that French chateau culture?

Across the US, a handful of high-class wineries have taken on the charge of launching successful chateaus, which serve as tasting rooms, event venues, and headquarters for vineyard operations.

Some even include gorgeous hotels, which let you stay right on the grounds as you sample delicious reds and whites, learn about how vineyards run, and otherwise enjoy the view of the quaint countryside.

Ready for your French escape—without leaving the US? Head to one of these chateaus and vineyards.

Chateaus in the US that feel like France

Château Élan Winery & Resort (Braselton, Georgia)

Courtesy of Chateau Elan

Forget the rolling hills of Bordeaux—you get a front-row seat to soak up the gorgeous rolling hills of Northern Georgia at Chateau Elan. On one hand, you have the scale and views that conjure up images of rural France.

This is the state’s largest winery, and it’s home to over 3,500 acres of thriving vineyards. But the little details are also worth drooling over.

Guests can sample a catalogue of over 30 hand-crafted wines, along with five fine dining establishments. There’s a coffee shop, a French-style café, a glass atrium, an outdoor pool, and legendary afternoon tea service—just to name a few high-quality amenities at Chateau Elan.

While this resort is priced high for its luxury features, the price tag is well worth the experience. From champagne sabering to its 18-hole golf course, there’s an upscale adventure for every taste.

Chateau Montelena (Napa Valley, California)

Courtesy of Chateau Montelena

Take one look at the ivy-colored stone façade of this chateau, and you’ll know instantly that you’re someplace special—one that takes you out of California and straight into the French countryside.

Since 1882, Chateau Montelena has perfected its vineyard operations and released some of the country’s most successful Chardonnay blends.

In fact, if you’re a wino you might recognize Chateau Montelena from back in 1976 when it took home the prestigious Judgment of Paris wine competition for its Chardonnay. That blind tasting win catapulted the vineyard and California wines in terms of popularity and prestige.

Unfortunately, Chateau Montelena isn’t a resort, like Chateau Elan. You can visit during a day trip to join a tasting or take a tour. You can also shop for wines online.

Chateau Ste Michelle (Woodinville, Washington)

Welcome to Washington’s oldest winery, which has produced a wide range of blends since it got its start in the 1950s.

Similar to Chateau Montelena, its vineyards have produced award-winning wines for decades with a special penchant for delicious Rieslings. The handcrafted stone façade of the main building might also bring to mind the Napa Valley counterpart.

Once again, there’s no grand hotel on the grounds, nor a resort-style setup that includes golf and pools. Instead, you can sample the wines and explore the grounds in a number of ways.

The most popular is via tasting lunches that include small meals from the onsite restaurant and are wine-specific. You can choose a ‘high end red’ tasting, for example.

Uniquely, there’s also an outdoor amphitheater on the grounds. During the warm months, Chateau Ste Michelle hosts live outdoor performances. I can’t think of a better way to end a long day of sipping fine wines.

6 Funky Boutique Hotels in the US That You’ll Want to Visit Twice

Many travelers nix boutique hotels from their lists, usually for fear that a smaller and more specialized hotel might cost too much.

It’s common to conflate boutique hotels with luxury hotels, especially becuase many boutique hotels are, in fact, a bit more upscale.

However, the word boutique signifies that the hotel is smaller and offers more personalized service. Technically speaking, boutique refers to hotels with 100 rooms or fewer. But let’s focus more on quality rather than quantity.

More importantly, a boutique hotel also has a specific focus, whether historical angles or a kitschy atmosphere or a unique approach to hospitality.

What makes a hotel boutique can run a huge gamut. Just know that the main differentiator isn’t price—it’s the hotel’s dedication to doing things in their own idiosyncratic way. Operations are more tailored and boutique, and that small room count is usually due to a specialized approach more than size considerations.

Some are funkier than others, packing a powerful punch for even a single-night stay. I personally love these types of stays because they extend the travel fun to your hotel room, delivering a stronger impression than a standard hotel or rental.

Caught your interest? I’ve selected a few of my favorite boutique hotels in the United States. There’s a pick for every adventure.

6 funky boutique hotels in the US

6 funky boutique hotels in the US

TWA Hotel in JFK (New York, New York)

Courtesy of TWA Hotel

This well-known boutique hotel is located at JFK, the tri-state area’s largest airport. Built in 1962 by Eero Saarinen (that’s the same guy who built the Lumon building, aka Bell Works), it’s a midcentury modernist feast for the eyes. But the TWA Hotel, which has been active since 2019, isn’t just gorgeous from the outside.

Inside, you’ll find a stylish look into the past, with 60s-style sitting areas, restaurants, and hallways. The rooms are a bit more modern, but the entire aesthetic is endlessly attention-grabbing.

The Dive Motel and Swim Club (Nashville, Tennessee)

Courtesy of The Dive Motel and Swim Club

If you like the 60s-style aesthetic of the TWA Hotel, you’ll fall in love with The Dive Motel and Swim Club in Nashville. The traditional motel grounds have been restored with a groovy-but-tasteful design. From the bar to the pool to the rooms, it’s a retro feast for the eyes.

At The Dive Motel and Swim Club, there’s also a strong emphasis on atmosphere, as this hangout is open to non-guests. If you’re just passing through and don’t need a room, you can grab a drink at the bar as you lounge poolside.

Hotel McCoy (Tucson, Pullman, & College Station)

Courtesy of Hotel McCoy (Tucson)

With the motto ‘vintage vibes, modern perks’, you might be noticing a pattern: a lot of contemporary boutique hotels are showcasing retro tastes. It’s not just a look into the past in terms of aesthetics, but also a harken for the ‘good old (social) days’ when people hung out to listen to music, swim, play shuffleboard, and more.

In fact, Hotel McCoy isn’t a traditional boutique hotel—it’s a chain with locations in Arizona, Texas, and Washington. If you’re looking for an affordable, accessible, and exciting introduction to boutique stays, start with McCoy.

Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choo (Chattanooga, Tennessee)

Courtesy of the Hotel Chalet

Don’t let the words choo choo throw you off—this is an upscale boutique stay. The Chattanooga Choo Choo is a former train station and complex that now includes a hotel, the Hotel Chalet.

Guests can choose between a standard hotel room or staying in defunct Victorian train carriages. That historical angle adds a sense of effortless luxury, which you’ll feel throughout the grounds, from the pool to the restaurant.

Hicksville Pines (Idyllwild, California)

Courtesy of Hicksville Pines

If character is a priority for you, then consider a boutique hotel like Hicksville Pines. This casual hotel includes 10 unique rooms set inside painted A-Frames that are nestled in the mountains.

The grounds are kitschy and fun, offering a full arcade (free), along with shuffleboard and ping pong. Every room has a unique theme, from Christmas to Mondo Trasho to Dita Von Teese. Also, it’s 4/20 friendly.

I’m not really sure which thread to follow—the unique rooms, the gorgeous A-Frames, the mountain setting, the 4/20 friendly status. It’s a surprisingly well-balanced blend of adult, summer camp-style fun.

Capital Reef Resort (Torrey, Utah)

Courtesy of Capital Reef Resort

I’m sure you’ve noticed by now: every boutique hotel sets its own agenda and has its own style. At Capital Reef Resort, you can soak up a boutique take on glamping.

The Conestoga Wagons are handcrafted to closely resemble the covered wagons that pioneers used hundreds of years ago. You can also choose to stay in a state-of-the-art teepee or a traditional cabin.

From there, you can take on the 58-acre property at your own leisure. The goal here is to encourage total relaxation, whether you want to hike, lay poolside, or go on a more adventurous outing, like horseback riding or a llama excursion.

Top 5 Adult Summer Camps in the United States (Yes, They Exist)

I like to talk about adult summer camp-style experiences, especially when covering larger, resort-style campsites.

It all boils down to one of my favorite travel experiences: heading to the Philadelphia Experiment Music Festival in the mid-2010s. This small-scale music festival brought in around two thousand partiers like me from around New England. We gathered to dance and socialize (see: rave), but that was hardly the only offer on the table.

Set in the Maryland forests on the actual site of a recurring summer camp for kids, we had the choice of camping, staying in bunk-bed laden rooms, and even purchasing a meal ticket—which included access to a buffet in a dining hall.

There were roller blade-disco competitions, themed parades, large-scale artistic pyres, arts and crafts workshops, interactive mazes, and more. The cherry on top was the large barn that was turned into a new experience every year, from an Indy-style Temple of Doom to a Cold War-style spy bar. To drink at the latter, you had to present a microfiche.

I could keep going, but I hope I’m painting a strong picture: summer camp nostalgia is alive, and it’s driving unique adult summer camp experiences around the country.

While I missed out on summer camps as a kid, that hasn’t stopped me from becoming a summer camp adult later on in life.

If the scene I laid out about doesn’t sound appealing, don’t worry—that was my music festival variation. You can find an adult summer camp that suits your (retro) interests in dodgeball, obstacle courses, bonfires, and more. Here are a few of my favorite adult summer camps in the United States.

5 best adult summer camps in the United States

Full-throttle fun: Club Getaway (Kent, Connecticut)

Let’s kick off the list with the most faithful recreation of summer camp bliss—this time, repackaged for adults. The camp includes all those familiar elements; it’s lakeside, there’s outdoor gear for any and every type of adventure, and the entire experience is centered around cabins and a dining hall.

But there’s also more advanced adult adventures, like water skiing, late-night DJ parties, treetop adventure courses, and more. The adult summer camps center around letting you unleash your inner child—so if variation is top of mind for you, head to Club Getaway. You won’t even know where to start.

Best for dropping off the map: Camp Rahh (Samish Island, Washington)

Club Getaway is a high-octane adventure by most metrics, and might not be ideal for more introverted types. If you like the nostalgia factor of summer camps but shy away from all that shouting and splashing, head to Camp Rahh on the other side of the country.

For four days each year, Camp Rahh brings on adults from across Seattle (and beyond) for a week of slightly quainter fun. I’m dubbing Camp Rahh a hit for more introspective adults, as most activities are centered around alleviating stress, having fun, and feeling more connected to others.

Activities include yoga, rock climbing, dancing, kayaking, archery, live music, and plenty more. The grounds are also suitably adorable, and the lodging options are lined with classic bunk beds.

Exactly like childhood: Camp No Counselors (NY, CA & TX)

Camp No Counselors is similar to Club Getaway in that you’ll quickly recognize all the markers of a classic American summer getaway: pool and lake-centric activities, tons of outdoor gear, and competitive team activities. The main difference? There’s a ‘premium’ edge, as the camp comes with branded t-shirts and has state-of-the-art equipment.

Plus, Camp No Counselors goes above and beyond to make their environment inclusive. Their motto is ‘don’t be an asshole’, so if you’re worried about really letting your inner child let loose, start here. With programs running in California and New York (plus Texas in 2026), it’s a bit more accessible than other camps on this list.

For the laaaaaadies: Camp Hot & Social

Don’t let the name throw you off—this isn’t a romantic, ladies-only summer camp. (Although it is women-only.)

This is a new adult summer camp project that’s designed for women in their 20s and 30s who have found it difficult to make friends as adults. While there’s plenty in the way of traditional summer camp fun, from lakeside activities to barbecues, it’s more tightly focused on social time.

Additionally, this is a short three-day camp that provides transportation to and from NYC and the campgrounds in rural Pennsylvania. If you’re a woman who’s a little worried about going all-in on a longer camp and are located in NYC, Camp Hot & Social should be on your radar.

The non-camp pick: Summercamp, Martha’s Vineyard

What if you want the nostalgia and atmosphere of a summer camp without actually staying in bunks or swimming in manmade lakes?

Head to Summercamp on Martha’s Vineyard. It’s designed to hit all those retro notes from a design and atmospheric standpoint, meaning you can play a game of Twister or eat a creamsicle, then head back to your high-class mattress.

What Does the Death of Pope Francis Mean for Jubilee Attendees?

It’s a jubilee for the books.

The 2025 Jubilee is centered around finding hope, but only months after opening the Holy Door in the Vatican, Pope Francis passed away at age 88 on Easter Monday. It’s made this year’s jubilee theme of ‘Hope Does Not Disappoint’ even more poignant.

Given reports of the Pope’s ebbing health, the news wasn’t a surprise for thousands of pilgrims and tourists flocking to Rome. Still, it’s brought up concerns and questions for anyone with plans to attend the jubilee celebrations.

Tourists heading to Rome likely have questions about whether the jubilee will continue and, if so, in what form?

After all, the Vatican is one of the most rigidly organized entities in the world—and the death of a pope kicks off a highly ornate and hush-hush series of events. (Some traditions date as far back as Ancient Rome, just to give you context for how involved and historic the proceedings are.)

Let’s cover the basics for anyone who has plans to visit Rome and the Vatican for the 2025 Jubilee.

Is the 2025 Jubilee canceled?

The 2025 Jubilee is not canceled. Following the pope’s death, Catholics enter a nine-day mourning period that includes Pope Francis’s funeral and burial.

Though most Popes choose to be buried in the Vatican under St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis has instead elected to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome.

After the burial, cardinals from around the world will gather in the Vatican to elect a new pope. This group is known as the College of Cardinals. If you saw 2024’s Conclave, you have a basic understanding of how this highly political process works.

When will a new Pope be named?

Around 120 Cardinals will gather to debate amongst one another before voting for a new pope. On the actual day of voting, the Sistine Chapel will be closed off and all eligible voting Cardinals will be locked inside. Candidates must receive a 2/3 majority to take the (papal) crown next.

The vote isn’t always quick or easy. When Pope Francis was elected in 2013, the decision took around a day and required multiple votes.

But there are famous cases in which the next pope wasn’t confirmed for years.

In other words, we don’t know when a new Pope will be named, and that’s what will likely impact any jubilee trips scheduled for this year.

It’s expected that the College of Cardinals will gather to start debating and voting within a month after the funeral. Every day that they gather without selecting a new pope, they release a literal smoke signal—black, to signify a decision hasn’t been made.

It’s likely that the new pope will be chosen fairly quickly after the conclave has gathered, and a decision on a new pope could come as early as the end of May.

Once the decision is made, the ballots are burned in the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, and white smoke declares to the world that a new pope will be announced shortly.

How does a new pope affect the jubilee? And should visitors change their plans?

This isn’t the first time a pope has passed away during a jubilee year, but it does pose a unique situation. Popes get to steer the tone of each jubilee; this year’s emphasis on hope is one that Pope Francis chose.

His replacement could choose a new theme, theoretically.

That’s unlikely to happen given this jubilee is already underway and many pilgrims have already booked their trips. Thematically, it’s already well underway.

Instead, the better question is how long it will take the College of Cardinals to elect a new pope.

Though most turnovers are relatively fast, there’s no guarantee that things will wrap up quickly—and that means one thing for visitors: don’t expect access to the Sistine Chapel.

As mentioned above, the College of Cardinals forms a sequestered enclave in the Sistine Chapel to debate a new pope and cast their votes.

And those votes must be a 2/3 majority, which means multiple votes can be taken in a single day. For anyone heading to Rome in May, don’t expect to get inside.

If the possibility of not making it into the Sistine Chapel throws a wrench into your plans, you might want to consider a few backup plans—especially if you’re visiting in May or June.