7 Things to Do in Bardstown—Kentucky’s Bourbon Crown Jewel

Bardstown, born in 1780, is Kentucky’s second-oldest city—and the state’s bourbon crown jewel.

In fact, if you know a lot about bourbon whiskey, you might be making a connection: Bardstown was established right around the time that locals started distilling bourbon in Kentucky in the late 1700s.

Today, Bardstown is one of several towns on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, along with Louisville, Owensboro, Lexington, and more.

So, if you’re heading to Bardstown, you’ll probably be drinking a little bit of bourbon, especially from the local Barton 1792 Distillery, which produces multiple blends. But that’s far from the only attraction.

As I mentioned up top, Bardstown is the state’s second-oldest city. And with close to 250 years of history, visitors can expect a well-balanced destination that brings together the most iconic parts of small-town Appalachian life: good whiskey, great food, and friendly people.

Best things to do in Bardstown, Kentucky

Get to drinking at a local distillery

Wooden bourbon barrels stacked up and aging in a rickhouse in Kentucky (Getty)

The largest distillery in town is Barton 1792 Distillery, which took home a major award back in 2020 when its 1792 Bourbon blend was named World Whisky of the Year.

Aside from mint julep experiences, tours are no longer running, but you can also catch guided tasting tours on other grounds.

Aside from Barton 1792 Distillery, you can explore legendary spots like Lux Row Distilleries and Bardstown Bourbon Company. If you want to dig even deeper, head to the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience or take a course at the Bourbon Capital Academy.

Wander through Bernheim Forest and Arboretum

Ready to walk off that hangover? Head to the Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, which stretches over 16,000 acres and includes over 40 miles of relaxing trails.

Don’t forget to stop by the edible garden for a little forest snack when you’re feeling peckish. If you’re feeling full of energy, head to the ‘playcosystem’, a 17-acre playground created from natural materials.

But I’d hate to leave you with the feeling that this is just another national park. In reality, Bernheim Forest and Arboretum is privately owned. It’s open to the public, and to researchers, and even includes massive, artistic ‘creatures’ carved from wood. That’s nature, art, and science wrapped up into one can’t-miss bundle.

Treat yourself to historic delights in the Historic District—and shop vintage

Vintage objects on a flea market stall (Getty)

If you love a picturesque main street that’s lined with historic shops, you’ll fall head over heels for Bardstown’s historic district. There’s even a carriage house where you can catch a ride around town thanks to a few hardworking horses.

From florists to art galleries to boutique shops, there’s plenty to do. But don’t miss out on Bardstown’s vintage appeal.

This small town has major finds at shops like Nettie Jarvis Antiques, Homestead Bed & Breakfast & Antiques, At Mary’s Art & Antiques, The Cozy Cottage Boutique, and The Rusty Rooster.

Take a peak into the past at My Old Kentucky Home & Old Talbott Tavern

Bardstown, Kentucky, USA January 26, 2024 The Old Talbott Tavern, opened in 1779 as seen on a overcast winter day (Getty)

Just outside Bardstown is My Old Kentucky Home, a vast former plantation property with a 200-year-old mansion.

The grounds now host major events, from private bourbon tastings to murder mystery dinners to cocktail-making courses. Check the calendar over your stay—or book an afternoon to play at My Old Kentucky Home’s golf course.

If you’d rather stay in town, head to Old Talbott Tavern. The drinking spot dates back to 1779, making it older than the town itself. It’s a famous establishment that’s been visited by infamous names, from Jesse James to King Louis Philippe. Apparently, James left a few bullet holes in the wall upstairs.

Eat like a Southerner at Mammy’s Kitchen

When you’re tuckered out after a long day, head to Mammy’s Kitchen, one of the most beloved local eateries. Part sports bar, part live music establishment, and home to over 140 bourbons, you’ll get a little bit of everything at Mammy’s.

But make sure you pick out at least a few southern classics from the menu, from biscuits and gravy to chicken and waffles.

Catch a live show at The Amp

Just outside town at the Log Still Distillery, you’ll find a grand outdoor music venue that’s called The Amp. From May through October, the Amp hosts weekly shows from local and national artists.

Given it’s located on the grounds of a major distillery, you can also expect great drinks.

Take a peak behind the curtain with the Taste of Bardstown Tour

Feeling overwhelmed by the food and drink options in Bardstown? Take the town’s iconic Taste of Bardstown Tour, which is hosted by local experts who are passionate about sharing the town’s history and traditions.

You’ll get to explore famous landmarks while wandering through the historic district and sampling the best in Bardstown.

6 Perfect Beaches in Florida to Learn How to Surf This Summer

Whether or not you have dreams of becoming a surfer, vacation is the perfect time to grab a board and hit the waves.

I had the great pleasure of learning how to surf during my first year of college in Nosara, Costa Rica. I was staying in a treehouse hostel where I was doing research on the spirituality of surfing. (Welcome to a college that promoted itself with the motto ‘the world is your classroom’.)

I had three lazy, surfer French boys to teach me how to read the swells, paddle like my life depended on it, and shout at me when it was time to pop up onto the board.

I failed relentlessly but had the time of my life. (My paper on the spirituality of surfing turned out great, if anyone was wondering.)

Since then, I’ve had a few chances to practice surfing while on vacation. Those attemps also haven’t panned out—and yet, I’ve always had fun when fighting the waves while trying to lug a longboard with me.

If you’re interested in taking a casual surf lesson (or honing your existing skills), California is one of the best places to go—but it’s also a little more nerve-wracking because of how aggressive surfers can be. (They don’t like to share the waves, especially with newcomers.)

Instead, you might find that Florida is a little more welcoming to beginner surfers.

Not only are its beaches less intimidating, but there’s plenty to do for any fellow travelers who aren’t on the hunt for the perfect barrel.

Ready for a surf’s up summer? Go to these beaches to learn how to surf in Florida. You’ll be able to find surf lessons at local clubs, along with mellow waves that won’t eat you up and spit you out.

Best beaches in Florida to learn how to surf

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is home to the original world-famous Ron Jon Surf Shop—and world-champion surfer Kelly Slater. But don’t worry—the waves in Cocoa Beach aren’t mammoths.

If you head to the beach past 11^th-19^th streets, you’ll find mellow waves that make it slightly easier to pop up for the first time.

Or if you’re totally new, you can easily find surf lessons. These make it easy to learn how surfing works, how to read the water, and how to interact with other surfers. Lessons are available at local surf shops or online via tour booking platforms like TripAdvisor and Viator.

Sebastian Inlet State Park

Just south of Cocoa Beach is Sebastian Inlet State Park, which is usually called ‘The Inlet’. Just make sure you head to ‘Third Peak’ or ‘Chernobles’, which is the most relaxed stretch.

There, you won’t face too many other competitive surfers, and the swells will be smaller. That being said, The Inlet is best for surfers who have a little experience under their belts.

Jacksonville Beach

Jacksonville isn’t a surfy town, in my opinion—but it’s home to a handful of great surfing schools that make it easy to learn the ropes. That gives you plenty of options in terms of the intensity of the course, length, and price.

Just beware that Jacksonville has some of Florida’s coldest waters, meaning you might need to wear a wetsuit—even in summer.

St. Augustine Beach

Surfer holding surf board at the pier in St. Augustine, Florida during the early morning glow of beach life. (Getty)

Just like Jacksonville, St. Augustine might not seem like a likely candidate for a surf town. However, the Atlantic Coast has some of the state’s best swells.

Plus, there are two surfing schools in town that you can sign up with, which includes an all-women The Girl Next Door All-Girls Surf Camp. I imagine its courses are perfect for all-girls trips and for anyone nervous about looking unathletic in front of the other sex.

South Hutchinson Island: Jensen Beach

Sunny skies on Hutchinson Island – Stuart, Martin County, South Florida (Getty)

South Hutchinson Island has long stretches of undeveloped beaches that are great for surfing—but you won’t have a great view, full disclosure. Those untouched beaches are thanks to the presence of the Hutchinson Island Nuclear Power Plant; it’s pretty unsightly.

That being said, at Jensen Beach, you can enjoy on-site concessions and bathrooms, along with reasonable swells.

Daytona Beach

Similar to Cocoa Beach, you won’t be hard-pressed to find lessons and even surf camps in Daytona Beach. Though Daytona isn’t nearly as famous as Cocoa Beach in terms of its surfing legacy, tourists have been taking lessons here for decades.

Whether you want to take a casual single-day course or a more in-depth week(s)-long program, you’ll have options.

Delta & Airbnb: You Could Be Earning 1 Mile per $1 Spent on Airbnb

Did you know that there’s a ‘secret’ Airbnb page that’s linked to Delta?

Neither did I—and I say that as someone who books Airbnb rentals and flies Delta. Or if you already knew about this, please excuse me for being late to the party.

Very late to the party, by most metrics.

Delta and Airbnb first partnered back in 2016. Since then, the relationship has developed into a hugely beneficial program that lets frequent flyers earn miles when they book select Airbnb rentals on vacation.

Ready to start earning Delta SkyMiles during your next Airbnb stay? Let’s see what the hype is all about.

Delta & Airbnb: how does the program work?

Look for the Delta SkyMiles banner when booking on Airbnb

Delta’s partnership with Airbnb allows SkyMiles Members to book select Airbnbs and earn one mile per $1 spent on the rental. It’s really that simple. There’s no minimum spend amount or minimum number of nights spent at the rental.

Simply input your SkyMiles number to access over seven million Airbnbs around the world. Find the one that tickles your fancy, complete the booking, and then see those dollars turn into miles.

Best of all, there’s no cap on how many you can earn—so if you book a $7,000, weeklong Airbnb stay, that’s 7,000 miles into your account.

Just remember: the only way that this works is by booking through the exclusive Delta-Airbnb platform. After you put in your SkyMiles number, you’ll be taken to a familiar Airbnb page. But you should still see the Delta SkyMiles banner, like in the screenshot above.

Here’s a look at the fine print:

It might take up to 8 weeks for those Airbnb dollars to turn into miles
The name on your SkyMiles account must match the person booking the Airbnb
Only one SkyMiles Member can earn from the booking, even if more members stay at the rental

Are the Airbnb rentals actually good?

When I first learned about this offer, my shoulders sagged a little. Though the idea seems great, not all Airbnb rentals are created equally. And while Delta’s offer of seven million choices seems robust, let’s not underestimate how many duds actually exist on Airbnb.

However, I’ve been very pleasantly surprised. When you go to the Delta-linked Airbnb page, you’ll see superhosts and guest favorite stays listed first. The top stays recommended dot the United States, letting you easily shop for highly rated and trusted rentals across the country.

Plus, you have all the same categories and activities that are listed on the regular Airbnb page, meaning the experience of looking for a rental is the exact same. From what I can tell, it’s the crème of the crop.

Even when I dialed down the nightly rate to $150, I was happy with the options presented.

Is this deal worth signing up to be a Delta SkyMiles Member?

I’m not usually taken by airline loyalty programs; you usually spend thousands before you earn a few hundred in free deals. Half the time, I’m not interested in those offers, either.

That being said, I joined Delta SkyMiles because I was sick and tired of subpar treatment from budget airlines. So far, I haven’t accessed any benefits from being a SkyMiles member—but my miles are accruing, and I’m confident they’ll pave the way for a great vacation someday.

In reality, this Airbnb-Delta SkyMiles program is the most high-value offer from my SkyMiles membership. (Again, I’m still accruing miles, so this isn’t a jab at Delta.)

As someone who regularly books Airbnb rentals, this is a pretty seamless, effortless way for me to tack on more miles—no skin off my back.

Best Things to Do in New Hampshire Each Season

When I think of New Hampshire, my mind automatically switches into winter mode.

I imagine sipping on warm, spiced drinks in homely cafes.

I picture breweries packed with revelers who just finished a long day on the slopes.

I see ice castles, towns lit with Christmas lights, and cozy cabins designed for disappearing into winter wonderlands.

But New Hampshire isn’t only a haven for fans of snow and skiing. Though small, this New England state packs a punch when it comes to things to do—no matter the season.

Right now, for example, New Hampshire is in the midst of its maple sugaring season. It’s a perfect time to sample maple treats and learn about harvesting practices.

And it’s just one of dozens of unique and seasonal activities that are available in New Hampshire. Ready to see what living free is all about? Here’s what to do in New Hampshire each season.

(As always, consult the Visit New Hampshire site if you’re interested in learning more about what to do in the state. They offer a comprehensive list of things to do and companies to do them with.)

5 things to do in winter in New Hampshire—aside from skiing and snowboarding

Mount Carrigain in the White Mountains of New Hampshire – Getty

Dog sledding

I had the great pleasure of manning a dog sled once upon a time in Northern Sweden, and it was one of the coolest, most unexpected experiences in my life.

If you’re in the mood to see what the fuss is all about, you can mush with the best at Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel. The company lets you hop on a tour or take an instructional course to learn how to drive your own sleigh. The choice is yours!

Sleigh rides

If barking dogs isn’t your thing, then try out one of New Hampshire’s horse-driven sleigh rides. Just keep in mind that these experiences are only available when there’s plenty of slow—not even the Budweiser Clydesdales could manage the sleigh otherwise.

Here’s where you can enjoy a horse-driven sleigh ride in winter: Charmingfare Farm (Candia), Stonewall Farm (Keene), Silver Ranch Stables (Jaffrey), Coppal House Farm (Lee), and more.

Ice castles

Ice castles are hand-crafted sculptures created anew each winter. There are multiple ice castle destinations around the US—but the original, and the largest and most ornate, is in New Hampshire.

Snowmobiling

Forget the dogs and horses. If you’re interested in driving your (mechanical) sleigh through the winter wilderness, you can explore thousands of miles of trails.

I’m not just talking about general hiking trails but routes that run over 7,000 miles that were made specifically made for snowmobiling. There are 11 locations around the state where you can join the fun.

2 things to do in spring in New Hampshire

Sunrise peaking over mountain with field of lupines – Getty

Maple sugaring

March is the time to maple. Not only can you dive into the New Hampshire Maple Weekend’s list of activities around the state, but you can also visit almost all 90 maple sugarhouses.

While you might not be able to take your mapling skills home with you, you can also take cooking classes that showcase how to make homemade treats from New Hampshire’s sweetest export.

Breweries

You can visit New Hampshire’s breweries in any season—but they tend to come alive when the weather turns warm. Outdoor beer gardens and patios open up, making space for larger crowds and live performances.

With over 90 independent breweries dotting the state, you’ll have more choices about where to drink homemade brews than you’ll know what to do with.

3 things to do in summer in New Hampshire—aside from hiking

Mountain View Grand Resort in Whitefield, New Hampshire – Getty

Get out on the water

New Hampshire has a small stretch of coastline, along with thousands of miles of lazy rivers and sprawling lakes. Along with cruises that take you onto lakes and even the Atlantic, you can get out on the water by canoeing and kayaking.

I’d probably go for the white water rafting adventures. At the moment, three companies in New Hampshire will take you into the rapids: Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, North Woods Rafting, and Northern Waters Outfitters.

ATVing

Were you surprised to hear that New Hampshire has over 7,000 miles of snowmobiling trails? Get ready—the state also has 1,000 miles of interconnected ATVing (and UTVing) trails known as the ‘Ride the Wilds’ system.

On top of that, there are 75 miles of ATVing trails in Jericho Mountain State Park. Just make sure to wear a helmet.

Camping

There’s a camping adventure in New Hampshire for every comfort level. If you’re not usually a fan of the great outdoors, head to a glamping site.

Those cruising around in an RV can find a great hookup in multiple parks. Or if all you need is your trusty tent, you’ve got even more options. From summer camp-style campgrounds to more upscale resorts, you can camp to your heart’s content all summer long.

3 things to do in autumn in New Hampshire

Follow the changing foliage

Want an unbeaten view of vibrant fall foliage? You can track the turning of leaves with the New Hampshire Peak Foliage Map, which is updated weekly as soon as the first leaves drop in autumn. Using the fall foliage tracker, you can carefully plan out your trips to make sure they coincide with the most stunning displays.

Take a train ride

One of the best ways to enjoy those fall foliage displays is by taking a scenic train ride. In New Hampshire, you can choose from six different enchanting routes that cut through some of the state’s most stunning natural corridors. (In winter, there are also Santa Express-themed trains, so keep these rides on your radar even when the trees are bare!)

Harvest fruits and veggies

New England is one of the best places in the United States to harvest your own fruits and vegetables when the weather turns cold. From apple orchards and cider-pressing programs to pumpkin carving and hayrides, there are 31 options for you to get your hands dirty with a little autumn harvest.

The 7 Best Neck Pillows in the Travel Industry

If you follow my travel tips and product recommendations here on Travel Awaits, you know I have a few controversial travel opinions—ones that I swear by.

Here’s the weirdest of them all: I always bring a plushie pillow with me when I travel.

While I’m not usually one to fall asleep on planes, a plushie is my key to getting a good night’s rest when I finally land. It’s also one of the most viable solutions I’ve encountered to help me catch a few Zs on a flight.

Don’t worry—I’m not recommending you buy a plushie as a travel sleep solution. (Unless you want to. You’d be in very good company.) Instead, I’m counting down some of the most lauded and popular neck pillows.

As with almost every travel topic imaginable, the humble neck pillow has undergone a revolution over the last few years. Or, more appropriately, several revolutions.

If you’re ready to learn more about the types of science-backed solutions that travelers are buying, keep reading. I’ve uncovered the best neck pillows on the market.

7 best neck pillows on the market

Turtl

Turtl is a wrap-around neck pillow that has a rigid but comfortable support system—one that’s been backed by science and verified as ergonomic. It will hold your head in place without causing neck or back strain. It’s also lightweight, compact, and easy to carry with you.

The downside? There’s a reason it’s called turtl.

Snugl

The Snugl is a larger and uniquely shaped neck pillow that can be adjusted into a variety of positions. As a bonus, some of those positions are designed for you to be able to wear over-ear headphones—which is a pretty thoughtful feature, in my opinion.

Plus, the Snugl will conform to your shape thanks to its unique composition. Unfortunately, it’s not the most compact option out there.

Sarisun Wrap Around

The Sarisun neck pillow isn’t actually a pillow—it’s a soft-sided apparatus that wraps around the back of your airplane seat to hold you in place. I’ve read rave reviews on the Sarisun, along with subpar reviews.

The big hangup? Some Sarisun users said it started to get uncomfortable after an hour of use. But it’s one of the most trendy new airplane sleep solutions, so I’ll let you decide for yourself.

BCozzy

BCozzy combines the wrap-around ideology of the Sarisun with the soft-sided adjustability of the Snugl. The result is a narrow, comfortable pillow that’s designed to wrap around your neck more than the average pillow, firmly supporting your neck, chin, and back.

It’s also machine washable, which I don’t see from too many neck pillows.

Huzi Infinity Pillow

Huzi Infinity Pillow is almost identical to BCozzy, except that it’s larger, looser, and designed to be more like a scarf. (It’s also machine-washable!)

The scarf element is important, as Huzi can be used as a neck pillow that wraps around your shoulders, or stuffed against the window like a traditional pillow. You can eve wrap it around your ears for a little noise cancelling action.

JPillow

Awarded the British Invention of the Year, the JPillow takes the neck pillow in a new direction. It almost looks like a three-armed octopus (I should be able to come up with something better, but I’m at a loss), which partly wraps around the neck while also offering support to the side of your head.

There’s also a scarf that wraps from one end to the other to keep your head in place.

Cabeau Evolution

Cabeau Evolution lets you pull out all the stops, as it wraps around your neck and the back of your seat to keep your noggin secure. It’s also made of memory foam, giving you total comfort as you settle in for a long flight.

As a final coup, Cabeau Evolution is designed with materials that let your neck breath, making it great for passengers who tend to overheating.

5 Tips for Dealing with Overcrowded Tourist Zones

Travelers are often on the hunt for the latest ‘undiscovered’ destination.

As popular destinations become overrun with tourists, more and more travelers are seeking to skip out on the hustle and bustle. (Hence, the popularity of the detour destination.)

But it’s a vicious cycle.

As travelers unearth more of these ‘undiscovered’ destinations, they cease to be novel or new. The search continues; more destinations are ‘discovered’, then packed with resorts, hotels, and brunch spots.

Tulum paints a striking portrait of this type of swift development. Ten years ago, it was a shiny new gem in the Riviera Mayan crown, but is slowly transforming into a Cancun-style resort town. Oaxaca, meanwhile, has become the latest frontier in Mexican tourism for Americans.

The unending search for the next ‘hidden’ spot also has ethical implications, but I’m not going to dig into those here. I’m an optimist who believes that the onus of managing tourism lies with local tourism authorities who decide what is and isn’t allowed, along with the investment groups that fund tourist infrastructure.

Instead of pointing you to a lesser-known destination today, I’m offering up tried-and-true ideas on how to deal with overcrowded tourist zones.

After all, the planet has finite frontiers, especially when it comes to travel. New trends will always come and go—but people will keep packing into Le Louvre, Times Square, Koh Samui, and similarly popular destinations.

In these cases, you might want to know how to enjoy your time in a bustling, sweaty, and hectic overcrowded tourist zone.

5 tips to enjoy your time in a overcrowded tourist zone

Tip #1: Noise control

As someone who is easily overwhelmed in crowds and as someone who lives in the smack center of Barcelona (am I masochist?), I regularly use headphones and earbuds to cut myself off from the unending lanes of slow-moving tourists.

Though listening to a podcast, the sounds of nature, or my favorite new songs doesn’t make the tourists disappear, it calms me by cutting off the bulk of their noise.

If you’re going to be heading into the heart of a bustling tourist zone, use headphones to keep your cool. Just be careful that your belongings are secure—you could be a target for pickpockets with your headphones on.

Tip #2: Go in the early morning or late at night

Most tourists come out to play from 11 am to 6 pm. If you’re heading to major museums or landmarks, try to get there first thing in the morning or as close to closing time as possible. That will ensure lines and crowds are kept to a minimum.

Tip #3: Bad weather is your best friend

Speaking of opportunities, bad weather is yet another time that you might get a destination all to yourself. If you notice rain showers are likely at a certain time of the day, it might be prime time to get in and out—just make sure you bring your umbrella and poncho.

Tip #4: Pre-purchase everything you can

Don’t ever show up to a popular site and expect to get in. In Italy, you need to pre-purchase tickets for just about every major museum and landmark.

I recommend treating any ultra-popular destination in a similar fashion. Get your tickets as soon as you know when you’ll be there. (And pray for bad weather.)

Tip #5: Don’t stay in the hotspot

This might go without saying, but you’ll halve the number of headaches you face if you stay outside a main tourist drag. You might even want to stay way far away from the tourist center.

For example, I recommend travelers heading for Barcelona stay in the nearby seaside town of Sitges. Whenever I need a retreat from the city, I book an Airbnb from Mariam (a superhost in Sitges who I’ve had great experiences with) and kick my feet up for a week or so.

You’ll be in the city’s overcrowded tourist zones after a short 30-minute train ride—and then back on the beach before you know it.