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6 Caribbean Islands from Below Deck (Plus, Boating Tips)

6 Caribbean Islands from Below Deck (Plus, Boating Tips)

I’ve never been on a vessel longer than a few hours.

No multi-day cruises, no yacht charters, no extensive sailing excursions. In fact, I’m a little spooked by open water.

But you wouldn’t guess that based on my obsession with Bravo’s Below Deck. The series first aired in 2013, taking off in subsequent seasons.

Though I was late to the game hearing about the show, I’ve seen every single season—which includes the successful Mediterranean, Australian, Norwegian, and Southeast Asian spinoffs.

In case you’re new to Below Deck, the premise is simple. Filmmakers follow a luxury private yacht crew as they attempt to field the sometimes-insane requests of charter guests. Mishaps inevitably follow, which sometimes cuts into the final tip amount.

Each season is filmed over the course of a six-week private charter season, which gives the crew plenty of time to get to know one another. Drama inevitably ensues.

The show’s setting is its own special character, too. Below Deck’s list of Caribbean ports is the stuff of dreams, highlighting just how diverse and breathtaking the region is.

Even if you can’t manage to book a private, ultra-luxury charter, you can still plan a visit to swim in the same waters the Below Deck crew knows well. Below, I’m listing out every Caribbean Below Deck location, along with how you can get out on the water in each.

While most hourly boat rentals aren’t cheap, they’re a lot more affordable than the private yacht charters you’ve seen on the show.

6 Caribbean locations from Below Deck & how to get out on the water

Season 1 & Season 5: St. Martin

Getty

Fun geography lesson: the island of St. Martin is divided between Dutch and French overseas territories. The French call it Saint-Martin and the Dutch call it Sint Maarten; I’m going with the English spelling of St. Martin. Now onto the fun stuff.

You can rent a range of boats for day trips, hourly charters, and more. The most popular ports for chartering a boat are Anse Marcel and Marigot, so try to focus your stay around the marinas.

That being said, St. Martin is tiny. You can drive across the island in two hours—it’s only 35 miles long.

Season 2: British Virgin Islands (BVI)

Getty

Much larger than St. Martin and already hugely popular for yachters, the British Virgin Islands let you get out on the water however you see fit.

In fact, some parts of the 60-island chain, including Anegada, are only accessible by boat. However, you can find plenty of boat rental options in larger spots like Tortola and Virgin Gorda.

I recommend looking at the most popular rentals on TripAdvisor—they’re by far the most financially accessible options in the BVI.

Season 3: Bahamas

Bahamas (Getty)

The Bahamas is the nearest and cheapest option for getting out on those turquoise Caribbean waters.

Not only are flights more manageable for most Americans (head to Nassau), but hourly rentals are smaller and more agile than on other islands. That means you can jump around to different locations in a single day, take advantage of calm weather, and bundle in other opportunities like snorkeling.

I recommend finding a private charter on GetMyBoat (also listed for St. Martin) or on TripAdvisor.

Season 4: US Virgin Islands (USVI)

Magens bay, St. Thomas (Getty)

Though BVI and the US Virgin Islands are often discussed together, they’re very different in certain respects.

More rugged and remote, BVI is usually more popular for yachting and sailing fans. By contrast, USVI is home to traditional resorts for a relaxing tropical vacation. That being said, you can get out on the water any day of the week in St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John.

St. Thomas is known for its high-class marinas, home to lanes of ultra-lux yachts. That makes it easier to charter a private boat in St. Thomas, but you can also do so from other islands.

Season 8: Antigua

Antigua (Getty)

Antigua is the larger and more populated island of Antigua and Barbuda. It’s home to dozens of beaches, many of which include marinas and docks with vessels open for charter. I like Antigua because all those beaches also let you take advantage of other activities, like kayaking in a clear kayak, jet-skiing, and more.

As with other islands, you can choose between chartering a smaller vessel on TripAdvisor or via GetMyBoat. The most popular places to disembark are St. John’s and Jolly Harbour.

Season 9: St. Kitts

St.Kitts (Getty)

St. Kitts and Nevis is a tiny island that’s home to a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Brimstone Hill Fortress.

But I vote you ignore the history and hit the water. From Basseterre, you can book a range of charter options, from catamaran day cruises to sunset cruises to wakeboarding lessons. That makes St. Kitts perfect for anyone who enjoys water sports.

4 Northern RV Regions for Winery Tours & Tastings

If you’re gearing up your RV for a cross-country drive, you’re probably not thinking about where to find delicious wine. (Hopefully, you have a few bottles packed inside.)

But part-time and full-time RVers are always looking to the horizon for their next adventure. If you’re a hobbyist sommelier or simply like a glass of white wine after a long day, you can easily bundle winery adventures into your itinerary.

The most seamless way to do that is by planning to pass through one of the US’s winemaking regions.

The ideal time to drop in for northern wineries is usually between August and November when the harvest takes place. (Many shut down for winter.) Just make sure to call ahead to ask that you park your RV within walking distance of the winery; and consider this your friendly reminder not to drink and drive.

If you’ll be heading across the northern United States in the future, these are four wine regions that should be on your radar, along with which winery tours are worth your time.

4 RV regions for great winery tours and winemaking classes

Near the Finger Lakes, NY

An aerial shot of the Finger Lakes (Getty)

Who doesn’t love the Adirondack Mountains? And who doesn’t enjoy a winery with a view?

Whether you want to learn more about northern grape varietals or simply sample the best new wines from the region, the Finger Lakes is your portal to one of the US’s most accessible winemaking regions in terms of the number of wineries, visitor reviews, and range of tasting options.

Head to these wineries:

  • Billsboro Winery
  • Arbor Hill Grapery & Winery
  • Belhurst Winery & Craft Beer
  • Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail
  • Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars

Near Traverse City, MN

The autumn foliage in Michigan (Getty)

With the brutal winters, you might think that Michigan’s peninsulas aren’t fit for grape-growing. However, you can find over 30 wineries competing for space in the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas—and they produce some of the most critically acclaimed US wines.

Though you won’t have the same gorgeous mountain views as the other wineries on this list, you won’t be short on adventures. The region around Traverse City offers kayaking, hiking, biking, and more in parks like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Head to these wineries:

  • Chateau Chantal
  • Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
  • Aurora Cellars
  • Blustone Vineyards

Near Grand Junction, CO

Independence Monument near Grand Junction, Colorado (Getty)

If the Adirondacks aren’t quite high enough for you, head to the Rockies. Around Grand Junction, you can soak up gorgeous views of the state’s dramatic western slopes—with a glass of wine in your hand, if you play your cards right. I’d also suggest keeping a lookout for ‘ice wine’, which is made from frozen grapes during early winter freezes.

Head to these wineries:

  • Bookcliff Vineyards
  • Colterris Winery
  • Two Rivers Winery & Chateau
  • Graystone Winery

Near Boise, ID

Cervidae Peak near Boise (Getty)

It doesn’t usually take much convincing to get in the RV and head to Idaho. The state is home to the US’s most jaw-dropping and under-visited national parks, from Craters of the Moon to Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

The state is also home to specialized wineries thanks to its unique topography and varied climate. When you’ve had your fill of views and Cabernet, you can pack up and drive to Utah, Oregon, Wyoming, or Washington—other RV hotspots.

Before you do, head to these wineries:

  • Telaya Wines
  • Coiled Wines
  • Cinder Wines
  • Fujishin Estate Winery
  • Huston Vineyards

5 Reasons it’s Worth Paying More for a Local-Led Experience

Travel is often a game of trade-offs.

Cheap plane tickets come with exorbitant add-ons and frequent delays. Travel rewards can only be used under certain circumstances and within certain timeframes. Outdoor destinations are almost empty during the coldest months.

On and on the list goes.

The toughest trade-offs for me relate to money and culture. When it comes to going all-in on cultural excursions in a destination, we usually have two choices: buck up for an expensive but ethical travel program that’s led by locals or stay within our budget by sacrificing our comfort via hostel stays, homestays, and similar options. 

Thankfully, I’ve noticed that local-led travel programs are starting to pick up steam. They’ve become more popular with travelers who are looking for transformational experiences and exposure to new cultures—along with tourists who are sick of the same old resorts and cruises.

There’s just one catch: though gaining popularity, those highly ethical and local-led travel programs are still pricier than most other options.

Still, they might be worth your hard-earned money.

During a recent talk with Lonely Planet’s head of content, Brekke Fletcher, we dove deep into the company’s new Elsewhere project. Elsewhere is a new project where trips are built on local movers and thinkers. As Loney Planet puts it, these are ‘trips you can feel good about.’

Here’s why you need to keep local-led travel experiences on your radar, whether or not you can afford them this year.

First—what types of local and ethical experiences am I talking about?

Chinchero indigenous woman talking with tourists (Getty)

Before I start listing out why local-led trips are worth paying more for, let’s hammer out what I’m talking about.

Elsewhere, the project from Lonely Planet that’s linked above, is just one of many projects that are tilting toward a more comprehensive and holistic type of travel.

The goal of these companies is to promote and empower locals in popular destinations by handing them the reins—and the funds. Generally speaking, local-led travel initiatives work as little with third-party companies as possible to ensure a direct, streamlined, and mutually beneficial approach.

Elsewhere puts together entire trips that are created and sold from people working on the ground at the destination. It’s similar to Few & Far’s ultra-lux take on sustainability and wilderness tours. Both offer comprehensive itineraries that let travelers show up and start unwinding.

But there are plenty of smaller initiatives popping up, too. I recently covered Zapotec Travel by Lily, a company led by a local Oaxacan that nabbed a place on last year’s Nat Geo list. Plus, tour companies like Tours by Locals are available around the world, letting you take a more bite-sized sample of this new form of travel.

Here’s why it’s worth it to pay more for these types of experiences. (Aside from the warm and fuzzy feeling of knowing that you’re doing something ethical.)

5 reasons it’s worth it to pay more

Local-led safari experience (Getty)

Reason #1: You’re getting the ‘real deal’ that other travelers don’t

Travel experiences that are led by locals take you behind the curtain. Because local-led companies work with smaller groups, they’re more dynamic. You can expect to see and experience activities, places, and traditions that other travelers might not even hear about.

That’s true even for places that you’ve already visited—so if you feel like you go the short end of the stick at your last destination, you can always go back.

Reason #2: Better food, better drinks, better everything

Along with getting a peek behind the curtain at your destination, so to speak, travelers who work with locals also have access to richer experiences.

I mean that in every sense. Along with knowing where to find the tastiest meals and drinks, they know which places to avoid at all costs—which is something that travelers often find out the hard way.

From transportation to souvenir shopping to romantic date nights, you can expect a more impactful experience with locals leading the way.

Reason #3: You’ll come back with connections

If you want to go back, that’s the sign of a great destination.

And that’s even easier to do if you were relying on local companies and local tour guides while you were there. Local-led tours and travel programs (usually) introduce you to hospitality leaders directly, from restaurant owners to tour guide companies to conservationists.

And if you’re enjoying the trip, then you’re probably going to make connections to at least a few of locals. Not only can you establish a friendship (usually on Facebook or another social media platform), but you can also pave the way for a future visit.

Even cooler, you can one day host your new friends in your own country.

Reason #4: Face-to-face interactions

Like I just mentioned, local-led travel programs and initiatives put you face-to-face with locals at your destination. I’ve always enjoyed this element because it makes travel ‘realer’.

Instead of buying an experience, you’re participating in it. Groups are usually smaller, time slots aren’t as rigid, and the overall experience is designed for pleasure and exchange—not only for the end product or a photo op.

(Although end products and photo ops are still great, of course.)

Reason #5: You still get to relax

Lastly, I want to point out that local-led initiatives are still relaxing. When you’re handing over a hefty sum of money to put together a trip led by locals, you might think that you need to sacrifice comfort for ethics.

That’s not the case.

Both Elsewhere and Few & Far (two sustainability-focused and local-led travel initiatives) cater to luxury travelers, so I’d hate to paint a picture in which you’re picturing a reel of volunteerism projects. Just because it’s local doesn’t mean it’s not high-class.

6 Best Types of Pizza & Where to Eat Them in the United States

I have an awful, controversial travel opinion that I’m (almost) too ashamed to admit.

Here it is: I prefer American pizza to Italian pizza.

There. I said it.

When Italian immigrants arrived in the US in massive numbers, they put more than one unique spin on how to make a pizza pie. And they’ve stuck, remaining popular and even defining what pizza means in that place.

To be fair, I think Italian pasta is unbeaten, along with desserts, from pannacotta to affogatos. But when it comes to the humble pizza pie, I’d like to humbly throw Uncle Sam’s hat in the ring.

When I say prefer American pizza to Italian pizza, I’m talking about multiple variations. New York-style pizza, grandma-style slices, weird Californian off-shoots, deep-dish, tavern-cut—it’s just the tip of the iceberg pepperoni when it comes to tasty off-shoots of the original Neapolitan pizza from Italy.

We’re a nation of pizza pies—even if we don’t pronounce Italian foods correctly. Here’s where you can find the tastiest variations of American pizza, along with the restaurants that do them best.

Before we dive into popular types of pizza…

This list includes the most popular pizza variations found in the United States. There are plenty of regional versions that I’m not including here, like Greek pizza and quad cities-style pizza. I should also point out that Italy also has its own unique spins on traditional pizza, from the cooking process to the toppings used.

Like I said, this is just the tip of the pepperoni.

6 best types of pizza in the US and where to eat them

Chicago pizza: deep-dish

Chicago-style deep dish pizza (Getty)

Invented in 1943 at Pizzeria Uno in Chicago, the original deep-dish recipe included a heftier, fluffier dough cooked inside a cake tin. Slowly but surely, the recipe evolved until, in 1966, it resulted in a fatty, biscuit-like dough. Today, you might even notice some deep-dish pies are made with cornmeal to add even more texture to the crust.

Aside from its thick crust, deep-dish is differentiated from other variations thanks to its upside-down toppings. Cheese is placed on top of the dough, followed by sauce.

Best deep-dish pizza in Chicago:

  • George’s Deep-Dish
  • Pequod’s Pizza

New York: foldable slices

Three giants pizzas in a new york pizzeria counter (Getty)

Why are the pizza slices the size of your head? It’s about convenience. New York-style pizza is known for having a massive, hand-tossed thin crust. It’s so big because the pizza was made to be eaten on the go. You can (and should) fold slices to contain the toppings, then hork it down while you rush to make the train.

The New York slice is one of the oldest variations in the US. It was taken over to the city by immigrants in the early 1900s. By 1905, Lombardi’s (the first credited pizzeria in the US) was serving up single slices for laborers who couldn’t afford the whole pie.

Best New York slices:

  • Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
  • Ciccio Pizza

Sicilian style pizza (aka ‘grandma slices’): pillowy dough

Sfincione typical oven-baked pizza (Getty)

Time to dig into pizza culture. Sicilian-style pizza is different than traditional Italian pizza in that its rectangular and includes more ingredients—from dough to cheese to sauce. Like a deep-dish pie, sauce is often added on top to avoid soaking the dough. In the US, the pizza looks similar—though cheese is often kept on top, and the recipes don’t usually call for anchovies like they do in Sicily.

As with New York-style pizza, Italian immigrants from Sicily put their spin on American pies. You’ll find them sold throughout New England, especially in areas like New York and New Jersey.

Best Sicilian-style pizza:

  • Prince Street Pizza (NYC)
  • Riccardo’s Pizzeria (NJ)

California: unlimited toppings

California-style pizza

California pizza is the youngest type of pizza on this list. It combines the size and thin-crust style of New York pizza with the Californian palate. Wolfgang Puck first encountered California-style pizza after working with a Berkeley chef named Ed LaDou back in 1980. From there, Puck popularized the daring new take on pizza: putting anything you want on top.

California-style pizza opened up a new era in pizza pie constructions through the 1980s, 90s, and into the early 2000s. Toppings like truffle, goat cheese, prosciutto, ricotta, and pate took off—but soon, new bastardizations like pineapple would also make their way into the California-style pizza zeitgeist.

Best California-style pizza:

  • Bestia (LA)
  • Mama D’s Italian Kitchen (Newport)

Detroit: like deep-dish, but slightly burnt

Detroit Style Meat Lovers Pizza (Getty)

Two elements define Detroit’s unique deep-dish pizza: burnt edges and brick cheese. Like Chicago deep-dish, high-sided pans produce a thick, delicious crust.

It’s also kept more hydrated than other doughs, which creates a chewy inside and crunchy outside. The brick cheese is also firmer than others and tends to hold its shape.

Rather than pile on sauce at the end, Detroit deep-dish sticks with the traditional arrangement of crush, sauce, and then cheese. Most importantly, the cheese should also hit the sides of the pan and get crusty. According to local legend, this spinoff of the Sicilian pie popped up in the late 1940s.

Best Detroit-style pizza

  • Buddy’s Pizza
  • Supino Pizzeria

St. Louis: super-thin crust

Homemade St Louis Style Pepperoni Pizza with Cheese (Getty)

Can’t stand a thick crust? Head to St. Louis (or New Haven, as we’ll discuss below). St. Louis-style pizza is known for having a crusty, thin layer of dough, which almost turns into a cracker. The cheese used is also distinct from other parts of the country; locals like me also like extra-creamy provel cheese.

In St. Louis, this type of pizza is synonymous with Imo’s, a chain that opened in the mid-1960s. Since then, other purveyors of ultra-thin-crusted pizza have popped up, but they don’t hold the same weight. Like deep-dish pizzas, St. Louis-style pizza is cut into rectangular slices.

Best St. Louis-style pizza

  • Imo’s Pizza
  • O + O Pizza

New Haven: super-thin crust, but slightly burnt on bottom

Homemade New Haven Clam White pizza with Oregano and Bacon (Getty)

New Haven-style pizza is usually called apizza, descended from ‘na pizza’, which is just Napolitan for ‘a pizza’. It’s by far the most similar variation to the original Italian version of pizza, with thin crust and standard topping offerings, like margarita. Notably, however, the pie’s crust is charred in a coal-burning stove.

Since it popped up in the 1930s, this type of pizza has remained popular in New Haven and the surrounding area. It’s even taken off across the pond in London, where locals are loving apizza.

Best New Haven style pizza:

  • Zeneli Pizzeria
  • Modern Apizza

5 Under-the-Radar Destinations in Mexico for 2025

Mexico is a tried-and-true destination for millions of Americans.

Hyper-popular spots like Tijuana, Cozumel, Cabo, and Cancun aren’t the only mainstays anymore. Tourists are also eager to explore places like Tulum, Mexico City, and Oaxaca City on the hunt for unspoiled nature, metropolitan trends, and unique cultural experiences.

That being said, the added action from American tourists might have you feeling overwhelmed and crowded in a once-calming destination.

If you like to avoid crowds while on vacation, you might want to avoid the hotspots listed above. In 2025, you have the option to visit unexpected and drool-worthy destinations in Mexico that offer a balance of culture, history, and gorgeous views.

I’m counting down five top suggestions from Lonely Planet’s Brekke Fletcher, an expert traveler who knows where to go for a pleasant surprise in Mexico.

5 under-the-radar destinations in Mexico for 2025

  • Nicoya like never before: Bacalar, Quintana Roo
  • Natural tranquility on the west coast: Costa Careyes, Jalisco
  • Skip the bustle in Mexico City: Puebla de Zaragoza, Puebla
  • Surfer vibes in Oaxaca: Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
  • Close to Home: La Paz, Baja California Sur

5 under-the-radar destinations in Mexico for 2025

The Riviera Maya like never before: Bacalar, Quintana Roo

Welcome to Bacalar (Getty)

You might not have heard of Bacalar before. This coastal town, located near Belize, has a long history that’s similar to Tulum’s; both locations served as Mayan settlements before Spanish colonization.

Today, Bacalar remains one of Mexico’s ‘Magic Towns’ thanks to its unique blend of history, culture, and natural wonders.

The top destination for visitors is the Lake of Seven Colors, the second-largest freshwater lake in the nation. But with lush jungles surrounding the coastal town and crystal-clear Caribbean beaches, the Lake of Seven Colors is just the start of an adventurous trip in Bacalar.

Plan your trip:

  • Where to stay in Bacalar
  • What to do in Bacalar

Natural tranquility on the west coast: Costa Careyes, Jalisco

Costa Careyes architecture (Getty)

This isn’t quite like the other destinations on this list—Costa Careyes isn’t a city but a private community that’s located near Puerto Vallarta. Founded back in 1968, the enclave is dotted with bungalows, small houses, and even castles in an iconic local style.

And yes, you can rent a place to stay in Costa Careyes.

You’ll have full access to the beach, plus great views. In fact, the Costa Careyes community spans over 35,000 acres of protected coastlands—which includes a sea turtle preserve. From unexpected tropical gardens to world-class wellness programs to water sport adventures, it’s an unexpectedly awesome find.

Plan your trip:

You can find places to stay and things to do directly from Costa Careyes.

Skip the bustle in Mexico City: Puebla de Zaragoza, Puebla

Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (Getty)

Mexico City isn’t just the nation’s capital—it’s also one of the largest cities in the world based on metro population.

Though it isn’t as dense as New York City, the urban sprawl shouldn’t be underestimated by travelers. For that reason, you might do better in Puebla de Zaragoza, usually just called Puebla.

As the fourth-largest city in Mexico, you’ll get all that big-city bustle—from architecture that stretches back to the Spanish colonial period to famous dishes like mole poblano to modern art museums to solid public transportation. The adventures never end in Puebla.

Plan your trip:

  • Where to stay in Puebla
  • What to do in Puebla

Surfer vibes in Oaxaca: Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

Puerto Escondido (Getty)

To be fair, Puerto Escondido isn’t so escondido after all. (Escondido is Spanish for ‘hidden’.)

If you’ve been following the rise of Oaxacan tourism, then you might have this beach town on your radar. It’s known for its laidback surfer lifestyle, which bodes well for sleepy artists, backpackers, and other eclectic types.

As you might have guessed, the beaches are renowned in the pro surfing world—so you can catch competitions along Zicatela Beach, if that’s your thing. Or if you’d rather rub elbows with the animal kingdom, you can go on whale-watching tours on the coast or head inland to a lagoon that’s popular with birdwatchers.  

Plan your trip:

  • Where to stay in Puerto Escondido
  • What to do in Puerto Escondido

Close to Home: La Paz, Baja California Sur

Puerto Balandra, Baja California Sur Mexico (Getty)

If you enjoy tropical beaches, then plan your trip to La Paz—a coastal town in Baja Sur that Jacques Cousteau once dubbed ‘the aquarium of the world’. While many people know La Paz as the jump-off point for Cabo San Lucas, its stunning waters and walkable promenades are worth a separate visit.

Getting out on the water should be your focus. Visitors have multiple beaches to explore, along with islands that you can explore via private boat tours.

Scuba divers will have access to some of the world’s most vibrant reefs—while snorkelers have international art galleries to explore when their time in the water comes to an end.

Plan your trip:

  • Where to stay in La Paz
  • What to do in La Paz

7 Cowboy-Core Picks for Your Scottsdale Adventure

The Southwest and Rocky Mountains region aren’t short on cowboy-caliber adventures.

From Cody, Wyoming to Fort Worth, Texas, you can mix and match the experiences that excite your inner cowboy or cowgirl.

I’d recommend heading to Scottsdale, Arizona, instead. Though Scottsdale is often associated with luxury resorts, top-notch golfing, and fine art galleries, this city was once the domain of cowboys in the 1800s.

In fact, despite its proximity to the metro Phoenix area, it’s been dubbed ‘The West’s Most Western Town’.

Ready to see what makes Scottsdale such a hotspot for cowboy culture? I’ve got recommendations on where to stay, what to do, and which shops, restaurants, and bars are worth exploring.

Giddy-up!

7 cowboy-core picks in Scottsdale

  • Stay at The Hermosa Inn
  • Get your degree from Cowboy College
  • Uncover history at Western Spirit
  • Feel artsy at the Cattle Tracks Arts Compound & Native Art Market
  • Shop at Rancher Hat Bar & Boot Junky
  • Grab dinner at Roaring Fork
  • Drink at The Rusty Spur

7 cowboy-core picks in Scottsdale

Stay at The Hermosa Inn

Located on the edge of Scottsdale, this gorgeous little boutique lets you sleep in storied cowboy luxury. In fact, The Hermosa Inn is infused with cowboy culture.

It was built back in the 1930s by Alonso ‘Lon’ Megargee, a famous cowboy artist who created the famous painting ‘The Last Drop from His Stetson.’ He was also an architecture buff. You’ll feel the Spanish and Mexican influencers that inspired The Hermosa Inn, which has been painstakingly preserved for almost 100 years.

Get your degree from Cowboy College

Yes, Arizona has a Cowboy College and, no, they don’t actually offer degrees in higher education. This is a family-run operation that’s been around since 1989.

That being said, it’s still a legitimate school—and you can take an official course that includes things like cow-horse knowledge, roping skills, cattle breeds for beef and sport, ranch operations, and more. Or if that’s a little too involved, take a riding lesson instead.

Uncover history at Western Spirit

It’s not just any old museum—Western Spirit is Scottsdale’s absolute ode to cowboy culture. Their motto of ‘Old West. New West. True West.’ is fitting.

Not only will you learn about the heyday of the cowboy era, but you can also learn about how it has steered modern cowboyisms and ranching. Thanks to its gorgeous artwork and exhibits, you won’t feel like you’re slogging through a school lesson.

Feel artsy at the Cattle Tracks Arts Compound & Native Art Market

Native Art Market

Learning about cowboy culture is good and fine, as is gaining skills like how to rope a calf—but let’s not forget about one of the most popular reasons that people visit the Southwest: art. The Southwest has inspired incredible works of art, which you can explore at Cattle Tracks Arts Compound and Native Art Market.

The former is an artistic retreat that dates back to the 1930s. Currently, there are just under ten artists who live in the compound as they create works inspired by the desert and Western culture.

The latter is a former pop-up that became a brick-and-mortar art gallery. At Native Art Market, you can purchase unique pieces from native artists from the area.

Shop at Rancher Hat Bar & Boot Junky

Let’s imagine you get in touch with your inner cowboy or cowgirl—you might want a pair of boots and a ten-gallon hat to take home with you.

If you need a hat, head to Rancher Hat Bar to get a tailored hat that suits your tastes.

If boots are more your thing, head to Boot Junky for over-the-top and handcrafted boots. Even if the rustic cowboy style isn’t for you, Boot Junky should have another attractive offer.

Grab dinner at Roaring Fork

The Roaring Fork offers a great balance between rustic sensibilities and fine dining. But what sets its menu apart is its emphasis on open-fire cooking methods—which is just about as cowboy as any kitchen can get.

Drink at The Rusty Spur Saloon

The Roaring Fork offers a modern and daring take on cowboy eats, while The Rusty Spur is a more faithful take on the Old Scottsdale way of life. In fact, this is officially the oldest bar in the city—and it still has the same original swinging doors as its saloon days. Enjoy live music and swing dancing at The Rusty Spur.

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