Welcome to the Most Terrifying B&B in the US: Lizzie Borden House

Nothing goes better with a quaint B&B stay than tales of axe murder.

At least, that’s what the great minds at the Historic Lizzie Borden House believe. This maybe-haunted mansion is located in Fall River, Massachusetts, a place you might know of thanks to a famous murder—one that was later turned into a Kristen Stewart and Chloe Sevigny flick.

But what really happened at the Lizzie Borden House?

And, for fans of the paranormal heading to Massachusetts, should you skip out on Salem to let the ghosts of the Lizzie Borden House scare the bejeesus out of you instead?

Let’s dive into this paranormal heavyweight.

What happened at the Lizzie Borden House?

During the 1870s and 80s, this famous Fall River mansion was occupied by Andrew Borden, his wife, and his daughters from a previous marriage, including Lizzie.

Borden was a prominent banker and member of high society. While the home remains large and impressive by today’s standards, it was below the Borden’s station in the late 19th century; rumor has it his daughter Lizzie was too embarrassed to invite her friends over, hinting at possible friction in the family.

In 1892, after occupying the home for twenty years, Andrew Borden and his wife Abby Borden were found brutally murdered in the living room and bedroom, respectively.

A subsequent trial tried to pin the axe murders on Lizzie, the eldest daughter. However, she was acquitted and went on to inherit the house. She lived out the rest of her days living nearby before passing away in 1927.

Being that Lizzie was acquitted, nobody knows who murdered the elder Bordens. At least, legally.

Off the record, however, many officers were confused and suspicious of Lizzie’s responses during interrogation. Her story changed frequently—and without a stronger suspect in the pool, suspicions have always remained that Lizzie was the axe-wielder.

How can you visit the Lizzie Borden House?

The Borden House changed hands multiple times after the murder. As mentioned above, Lizzie sold the home and moved down the street shortly after she inherited the home.

Fast forward to 1996, when a couple named Martha McGinn and Ronald Evans inherited the home. They began taking steps to refurbish and restore its original rooms with one goal: to curate a terrifying and irresistible bed and breakfast.

In 2021, they sold the property to Lance Zaal, owner of the Travel Channel show Ghost Adventures. Since then, Zaal has expanded the tour schedule that touches on both historical and paranormal elements. (He stays on the grounds, too, which means you could run into him.)

Today, The Lizzie Borden House is one of the premier attractions in Fall River. You can visit the house via tour or hotel stay.

Is it better to book a hotel stay or a tour?

The Lizzie Borden House rents four rooms and two guest suites—including the bedroom where Abby Borden’s body was discovered.

But there’s a (pretty significant) catch: tours run during the day, so you need to clear out from 10 am to 5 pm. You also need to stash your belongings to keep up the illusion for visitors.

Unless you’re a hardcore ghost hunter, a tour is probably sufficient. You can choose from house tours, ghost tours, and overnight ghost-hunting excursions. That being said if you’ll be out and about during your stay in Fall River, that 10 am – 5 pm time slot might not be hard to fill with other activities.

Will you actually see a ghost at the Lizzie Borden House?

Ghost sightings aren’t common at the Lizzie Borden House—but you might sense the presence of a ghost looming over you while you sleep at night.

According to paranormal investigators and psychics, you might see spectral cats and apparitions, rocking chairs that move on their own, and even feel the cold hands of Lizzie Borden close around your throat at night.

If you want to learn more, you can catch specials on the Lizzie Borden House from ‘Ghost Adventures’ and ‘Dead Files’.

Best 6 Compression Packing Cubes on the Market

I’ve been screaming it from the (digital) rooftops for at least a year: stop using regular packing cubes and level up your travel game with compression packing cubes.

Packing cubes can help you stay organized and turn your suitcase into an aesthetic, photo-worthy setup… but they won’t actually help you stuff your bag to the brim.

Compression cubes, by contrast, are designed to literally shrink your items. When you zip them up, they tighten and compress into a more compact shape. (Who would’ve thought?)

Not only can compression cubes help you save extra room when packing your suitcase, but they can even help you get home with more souvenirs than you bargained for.

In other words, if you’re a chronic over-packer or are heading out on a long-haul trip, you need compression cubes yesterday.

Tips on using compression cubes

Here’s the thing about compression cubes: they aren’t made equally and they don’t let you stuff them to capacity willy-nilly. Plan to save between 10-20% of your overall space if you use them correctly.

So, how should you be using compression cubes?

First, take the time to figure out which ones are worth your money. There are affordable options on Amazon that run as little as $20, which gives you the option to sample these bad buys before opting for a more luxurious choice. Below, you can find my top six picks.

Second, know that some materials shrink down more than others. Compression cubes won’t be able to magically make your wool sweaters half the size. Though you can (and should) use compression cubes to shrink your heavier winter layers, I want to point out that you can save serious space by packing synthetic clothes.

Third, don’t stuff your compression cube to the max, and then expect a miracle. Usually, you need to leave around 10% of the cube empty for maximum results. To shrink your cube, just zip it up and then push down on it evenly to remove all extra air.

Lastly, know that your items are prone to wrinkle when they’re compressed. The more carefully you fold and/or roll your pieces into the bag, the less intense those wrinkles will be.

Best compression packing cubes on the market

Top pick: Peak Design Packing Cube

The name should clue you in: Peak Design’s compression packing cubes come in a sleek and well-thought-out design. Though ‘compression’ isn’t in the product name, these cubes shrink down thanks to a second zipper—exactly like suitcases with expandable sides.

That means you can pack them like a normal cube on your way to your destination, then unlock those compression capabilities when it’s time to come home with a few extra goodies in your luggage.

Most rugged-ready: Thule Compression Packing Cubes

Need a little more durability with your packing cubes? Go with Thule Compression Packing Cubes, which are made from top-notch water-repellent nylon (known as the 100-denier diamond ripstop). As with Peak Design’s product, you have two zippers: one to open the cube and the other to shrink its size in a single go.

Most capabilities: Nomatic

Nomatic Compression Packing Cubes have a few added features that make them stand out from the pack. Along with their strong compression capabilities, you also have a mesh exterior panel and handles.

The mesh panel is great because it prevents your clothes from getting stuffy, keeping your clothes fresh and dry. Plus, you can more easily see what you’ve packed inside, unlike with other cubes.

Lastly, the handle is a nice little detail that makes carrying these cubes a bit easier.

Budget pick: Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes

I love Bagsmart products, from their barely-there fold-up totes (one of my top travel picks) and their compression packing cubes.

Their packing cubes are sleek and stylish, with a partial mesh exterior to keep your items fresh without compromising on all that shrinking power. They also come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, giving you more packing power and customization.

Coolest design (and still functional): Calpak Cubes or Beis The Compression Packing Cubes

Want to feel stylish as hell while you shrink your packing list? Go for Calpak Compression Cubes or Beis Compression Cubes.

Calpak’s come in three sizes (small, medium, and large) with five classic designs to choose from, plus another 14 unique options. By contrast, Beis lets you choose from five different designs for the same small, medium, and large setup.

5 Must-See Free Museums in Ottawa, Canada

Ottawa isn’t Canada’s most famous city—but it’s definitely one of the country’s sleeper-hit destinations.

I’m a bit partial to the capital because one of my friends dated a guy from Ottawa. He let me in on a few cool secrets about the city, like the fact that French and English are spoken because Ottawa straddles Ontario and Quebec, and that its architecture is some of the coolest in North America.

Plus, you can find gorgeous hikes outside of town, along with nature-centric events like the annual Tulip Festival. Spring saturnalias aside, winter is a great time to visit, as the city comes alive for its coldest months.

As the nation’s capital, it’s also home to a handful of top-notch museums, just like Washington DC. Though they aren’t universally free like many in Washington DC, most establishments lift their fees during a short window every week.

These aren’t just a great way to explore the city while saving a few Canadian dollars—they’re also the perfect chance to dig into Ottawa’s unique, lesser-known identity.

Want to explore Ottawa’s culture and heritage without overspending? Head to these free museums in Ottawa.

Coolest free museums in Ottawa—plus, tips on how to enjoy them

National Gallery

Free every Thursday from 5-8 pm

Before you make it inside, you’re going to notice that the National Gallery is guarded by a massive 30-foot-tall spider. Its name is ‘Maman’, which is doubly upsetting given that Maman is French for ‘mommy. (I say this as someone who loves spiders.)

But go see Maman for yourself—this iconic work is from a highly acclaimed artist and is one of only six spiders that reside in museums around the world.

Inside, you’ll find a gargantuan gallery (one of the largest artistic exhibition areas on the continent, in fact) that houses over 90,000 unique works from European, Indigenous, African, Asian, and Canadian artists. You can find works as old as 200 CE century, along with contemporary pieces.

Even the building itself is a bit of an artistic display. The grounds were designed by world-famous architect Moshe Safdie, the great mind behind projects like the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

Ottawa Art Gallery

Pay-what-you-can admission

The Ottaway Art Gallery houses some of the most powerful works from the region. Its exhibitions bring on modern projects, from huge murals from digital artists to artisanal crafts from Canada’s coasts.

The Ottawa Art Gallery also curates its social calendar. Along with workshops and summer camps, you can also join the community to ring in brand-new exhibitions. There’s even a new fellowship program to help educate and empower new curators.

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Free from 4-5 pm daily

Want to get a little closer to the cosmos while you’re in Ottawa? The Canada Aviation and Space Museum includes engaging exhibits and a wide range of artifacts that showcase the evolution of air travel. In fact, there are over 130 aircraft dotting the grounds, including civil and military crafts.

Take a closer look at the museum’s list of events before you plan your visit. They offer awesome hands-on workshops and classes. In April, for example, they’ll be hosting a Drone Zone event that lets you learn the basics of how to man a drone—and even a chance to fly one yourself.

Canadian Museum of History

Free every Thursday from 4-8 pm

Canadian museum of civilization and view

This museum is a site to behold. Though the National Gallery of Canada was designed by Safdie, I have to say I prefer the organic and grand scale of Douglas Cardinal’s Canadian Museum of History.

It’s a larger-than-life building that spans over 800,000 square feet. Not only is the museum used for exhibitions, but also for anthropological research.

I’d probably head to the Inuit, First Nations, and Métis exhibitions first. These showcase the history and culture of Canada’s indigenous groups. (Métis people are descended from both European settlers and indigenous tribes from the prairies.) There, you can learn about topics like Ways of Knowing and the Arrival of Strangers.

When you’re ready, you can catch up with more modern Canadian history. Aside from its First Nations exhibit, I’d likely delve into the history between French-speaking Quebec and Canada’s English-speaking provinces.

Bytown Museum

Free every Thursday after 5 pm

Located inside Ottawa’s oldest remaining stone building, the Commissariat Building, the Bytown Museum takes you deep into the city’s history through the lens of one of its most famous neighborhoods.

Apparently, Ottawa has a ‘rowdy lumberjack past’—which makes me suddenly very interested in local history. In fact, when it comes to free museums in Ottawa, the Bytown Museum would probably be my first stop.

At the Bytown Museum, you can explore more than 7,000 artifacts that showcase the city’s history, identity, and evolution. You’ll also learn plenty about the Rideau Canal which cuts through the city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Best Fried Chicken in New Orleans: 7 Great Picks

My ears perk up every time I hear the words fried chicken.

As an American who lives abroad, fried chicken immediately fills me with a warm, nostalgic feeling (and a sudden appetite).

And it’s never far out of reach. KFC is a global chain, along with Popeyes. Even a few brunch spots that have popped up in Barcelona have fried chicken and waffles on their menus.

Back at home, fried chicken is most often associated with the South—and especially the state of Louisiana. From local credit unions weighing in on the best fried chicken in the state to official selections in nationwide rankings, this dish is a matter of pride and heritage in Louisiana.

Usually, travelers who head to New Orleans are focused on sampling the best Creole and Cajun food, from jambalaya to red beans and rice, and even regional favorites like alligator.

But let’s not forget that, for how iconic NOLA is, it’s still part of a larger, state-wide identity.

You can find mouthwatering, beloved fried chicken eateries throughout New Orleans. Though I highly recommend you also sample the best eats (and drinks) in Crescent City, don’t forget about fried chicken.

Here’s where to eat the best fried chicken in the Big Easy.

Best fried chicken in New Orleans

McHardy’s Chicken & Fixin’

This local fixture has been a favorite for eating in, taking away, and catering for years. The secret is a perfect, crispy fry on the chicken—which is always made fresh to order and served up on a piece of white toast.

Here’s what Kodaq G. on Yelp says, “Even after more years than I can count (before Katrina) I continue to eat and rate their fried chicken the BEST in NEW ORLEANS.” (April 28, 2024)

Willie Mae’s Scotch House

Want to take a bite out of a NOLA legend? Willie Mae’s Scotch House is a Tremé staple that first opened in 1957. The restaurant is run by the founder’s granddaughter—and this family business only keeps getting tastier.

If you recognize the name, it might be because Travel Channel and Food Network have both dubbed Willie Mae’s as home to ‘America’s Best Fried Chicken’.

Dooky Chase’s Restaurant

Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, located near Willie Mae’s, is often a visitor’s introduction to the Tremé neighborhood. Opened in 1941, the atmosphere is just as homely as when it opened, with walls filled with personal photos from staff and owners.

But the real star is the fried chicken (and the red beans and rice). Just make sure to reserve a seat—Dooky Chase’s Restaurant is NOLA royalty.

Picnic Provisions & Whiskey

That catchy name isn’t just a marketing trick—Picnic Provisions & Whiskey delivers a funky menu full of delights. When it comes to fried chicken, go for the ‘Crazy Crispy Chicken & Champagne’ dish.

Instead of waffles, your perfectly golden and crispy fried chicken comes with a glass of champagne. Very French. Very demure.

Key’s Fuel Mart

Fuel like a true New Orleanians at Key’s Fuel Mart. This late-night hotspot serves up some of the crispiest fried chicken in the state and is a regular stopover for locals. Yes, you can also fill up your gas tank when you stop in for some chicken.

Brothers

Key’s Fuel Mart isn’t the only gas station in NOLA that offers delectable fried chicken. Meet Brothers. Perfectly golden and crispy, affordable, and the choice between light and dark meat, this late-night spot is ideal for picking up a bite to eat before heading home after the bar. Or hitting first thing in the morning to stave off that sazerac hangover.

McKenzie’s Chicken-in-a-Box

Dubbed the best fried chicken in New Orleans, McKenzie’s Chicken-in-a-box is a casual eatery that specializes in wings. You can pick up other southern staples, too, from sweet potato fries to boudin balls. Just know that this spot is perfect for picking up—not dining in.

8 Montana Rodeos to Keep on Your Calendar This Summer

Rodeo country is vast, stretching across the Midwest, South, and Rocky Mountain regions.

From Colorado to Wyoming to Arizona, rodeo competitions regularly bring in thousands of spectators. They’re one of the best settings to soak up the cowboy spirit and feel that pure American spirit.

From barrel racing to team roping, events showcase the unique skills and rugged-ready nature required for ranchers and other country folk.

For visitors, rodeos also offer a way to get to know—and support—local culture.

While you can find rodeos in major cities from Houston to Scottsdale, I’ve always dreamed of catching a live rodeo competition while traveling through more rural zones. In states like Montana, which just made rodeo its official state sport, adding a rodeo to your itinerary lets you dig even deeper into the local lifestyle.

You’ll rub elbows with thousands of fans, learn about different types of roping and racing events, and get the chance to sample a few delicacies at the food stalls.

Ready for a little cowboy fun? These are the best rodeos in Montana this summer. Don’t miss out.

Best rodeos in Montana in summer

Home of Champions

July 1-5 (Red Lodge, MT)

Red Lodge is celebrating its 95^th year of rodeo fun—so make sure to stop by to celebrate with hundreds of fans. Though Home of Champions is almost 100 years old, Red Lodge’s rodeo legacy started a bit early.

In the 1890s, cowboys gathered to ride exhibition broncos at the local stockyard. By the 1930s, the next generation had purchased 180 acres of land where they eventually built the grounds where ‘Home of Champions’ takes place today.

Livingston Roundup

July 2-4 (Livingston, MT)

Established in 1924, the Livingston Roundup celebrated its centennial last year, making it the oldest rodeo in the state. But you’re not too late to join the fun.

Every year, Livingston Roundup grows in size and excitement. This year, keep a lookout for Miss Livingston Roundup events, in which you can see Rodeo Queens do their thing to ‘make the rodeo spectacular’.

Bigfork Montana Rodeo

July 5-8 (Bigfork, MT)

Sheep riding, image courtesy of Visit Montana

Last year, Bigfork Montana Rodeo was voted ‘Rodeo of the Year’ by Medium. You can expect a fast-paced and high-energy show at Bigfork, along with a family-friendly environment that includes a separate kid’s area. Just remember to wear red, white, and blue on Saturdays—it’s the time to ‘show your colors’.

Big Sky PBR

July 17-19 (Big Sky, MT)

PBR stands for professional bull-riding—and it’s center-stage at Big Sky PBR. You can expect to see some of the country’s best cowboys take on the biggest and baddest bulls around. You’ll also have a great view as you enjoy the show.

Looming above the battlegrounds in Big Sky is nearby Lone Mountain, which stands at over 11,000 feet tall.

Kootenai River Stampede

July 25-26 (Libby, MT)

Horse races, Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, image courtesy of Visit Montana

Though the Kootenai River Stampede is relatively young compared to other Montana rodeos (this year is its 19^th annual show), you’re still in store for plenty of non-stop entertainment. From tie-down roping to ladies barrel racing to steer wrestling, there’s something for everyone.

Bear Paw Roundup

Aug. 7-8 (Chinook, MT)

This rodeo has been around for almost thirty years—and it’s scaling up quickly. After taking home awards in both 2023 (Small Rodeo of the Year for the Montana Circuit) and 2024 (WPRA Most Improved Ground for the Montana Circuit), the rodeo spirit in Chinook is stronger than ever.

Cascade Pro Rodeo

Aug. 8-9 (Cascade, MT)

Horse races, Miles City, image courtesy of Visit Montana

It’s all about the next-gen of cowboys with Cascade Pro Rodeo. Back in 2009, the association was formed with the goal of educating high schoolers in the arts of rodeo. By 2014, Cascade managed to join the PRCA circuit. Since then, Cascade Pro Rodeo has taken off, with Justin Boots taking home the ‘best footing award’ in 2018.

Montana’s Biggest Weekend Rodeo

Aug. 29-Sept. 1 (Dillon, MT)

Montana’s Biggest Weekend Rodeo includes three days of non-stop events—which include a PRCA rodeo event and a Labor Day parade. Though this year’s lineup hasn’t yet been announced, there’s usually a live musical performance. Off the grounds, the town of Dillon comes alive.

4/20 is Approaching—Ready to Learn About Cannabis Festivals?

Here in Europe, I get asked a lot about whether cannabis is legal in the United States.

There’s no straightforward answer. Cannabis is legal in 39 states for medical use and 24 states for recreational use. Federally, it’s illegal, but prohibition isn’t enforced in states that have launched medical and recreational markets.

It’s a gray area on top of a gray area—which isn’t actually unique when it comes to smoking a little green.

I live in Barcelona, Catalonia, where the laws surrounding cannabis are just as complex. Within Catalonia, it is legal to grow and smoke your own supply—but not to sell or distribute.

If you’ve visited the city, you may have been invited to an ‘association’. The association is technically a social club that you join; instead of ‘buying’ a gram or two, you’re contributing your ‘share’ to the club. (They also do this with bars to keep costs for drinks lower, but that’s another story.)

That’s about as liberal of a policy as you’ll find in Europe—one that could be reversed as the city council pushes back against cannabis-based tourism. Nobody wants an Amsterdam situation.

The US, for all its gray areas and complexities, has an overwhelmingly open approach to cannabis. Though social and legal acceptance is still very new, and markets are subject to state-by-state regulation, every 4/20 ‘holiday’ gets a little grander.

In some states, 4/20 festivals have been going strong for decades… all the way back to 1971 in California, if you want to dig into the origin of the date.

If you’re curious about what cannabis festivals are like and whether or not you should join, consider this your intro.

What happens at a cannabis festival?

At festivals, the focus is on cannabis in all its forms. Though smoking for recreational purposes is one of the main affairs at festivals with legalized markets, it’s far from the only one.

You’ll notice plenty of cannabis products on sale, from textiles made of hemp to THC-free oils that can be used medicinally.

Most importantly, you do not need to smoke to attend.

Depending on the festival, you might be offered samples or invited to smoke with someone, but you can always decline. You won’t be the only one not partaking.

Some festivals also offer a strong counter-culture lineup of activities. You can learn about traditional ‘hippie’ fairs like off-grid living, sustainability causes, and other tenets of alternative lifestyles. Plus, expect tons of art—from live music to workshops to galleries to seminars.

Some cannabis festivals are also more business-oriented; you might notice plenty of marketing and networking. As new states build their cannabis markets, both long-time cannabis fans and first-time 4/20ers are rubbing elbows to explore new ventures.

Caught your interest? Below, I’m listing out some of the largest and most unique 4/20 festivals around the country.

Famous 4/20 festivals in the United States

Hash Bash (Ann Arbor)

Like I mentioned up top, the first usage of the term 4/20 dates back to California in 1971. Only one year later, students at the University of Michigan decided to celebrate 4/20—with a political motivation.

Students were celebrating a decision by the Michigan Supreme Court, which had ruled that the laws used to jail a cultural activist for his possession of two marijuana joints were unconstitutional.

In 2019, Michigan’s governor even joined thousands of attendees at Hash Bash to celebrate the legalization of recreational use. This year, Hash Bash celebrated its 54^th birthday. Just note that this celebration is held in early April instead of on April 20^th.

420 Hippie Hill (San Francisco)

Hippie Hill is a famous incline in Golden State Park, with a gradual and grassy slope that’s perfect for gathering with friends. It gained notoriety in the Summer of Love back in 1967, when a lot more than marijuana was on the ‘menu’.

Today, 420 Hippie Hill is one of the most famous cannabis gatherings in the country—one that harkens back to San Francisco’s free-wheeling, free-love era.

If you’ll be in the area on April 20^th, I’d suggest passing through Golden State Park to catch a glimpse of the madness on Hippie Hill. But only join the crowds if you’re okay with smoke—it’s a relatively small area that will be packed with revelers armed with lighters.

(It looks like organizers have also added ‘rest and decompression tents’, so keep those on your radar if you join!)

Mile High 420 Festival (Denver)

Looking for a music festival vibe? While 420 Hippie Hill offers live performances, Denver’s Mile High 420 Festival is a proper single-day production.

This year, the event is led by the one and only Tommy Chong and will include performances from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Cordae.

Despite the high production value, general admission isn’t too steep at $20. Just be mindful that Denver (and Colorado as a whole) has some of the priciest cannabis products around. Bring some extra cash.

SweetWater 420 Fest (Atlanta)

The state of Georgia has not legalized medicinal or recreational cannabis use.

Despite the state’s stance on cannabis use, SweetWater 420 Festival has been around since 2004. Back then, the focus was on ‘music, beer, and the environment’… plus, a little smoke. The event is thrown by SweetWater Brewing Company, which offers a flagship ‘420 Extra Pale Ale’ brew.

Over two decades later, the state has yet to legalize cannabis—or THC-infused beers. Still, SweetWater highlights the consistent intersection between 4/20 festivals and interest in sustainability and alternative lifestyles.

Seattle Hempfest (Seattle)

Back in 1991, Seattle Hempfest began as a ‘humble gathering of stoners’ who wanted to support the legalization of cannabis in Washington State.

Fast forward almost 35 years and Hempfest is now the world’s largest cannabis gathering, welcoming over 100,000 guests annually.

Like you might imagine, Hempfest is an all-out celebration and exploration of marijuana. You can watch live performances and veg out if you want. Or if you’re interested in politics, Hempfest also has rally events. There’s also plenty to do in the way of shopping and attending arts and crafts events, from workshops to exchanges.