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Australia’s Double Wild Appeal: Big City to Outback

AFAR sent writer Leslie Jamison to the Indian Ocean island nation with just 24 hours’ notice. Arriving with no preparation and no plan, she caught a ride to the war-torn north to find out what kind of traveler she truly is.

For cross-country skiers, one winter destination rises above the rest: humble Hayward, Wisconsin, where, for a glorious weekend, their obscure sport is king.

Argentina at a Gallop

Cheap eats can sometimes be tough to find in Toronto, but if you’re keen on quality street treats, you could do worse than sampling from the armada of food trucks parked opposite Nathan Phillips Square. Some of these trucks have been on premise for the better part of three decades.

This beautiful Neoclassical house, built in 1809, is maybe the best historic home open for tours in a city dripping with history. The interior (note the gorgeous elliptical staircase) and lush gardens are open to visitors, including for occasional candlelight tours.

Al Mahara, whose name means “the oyster shell,” has long been one of the most popular restaurants in Dubai’s renowned Burj Al Arab, the iconic hotel shaped like a sail out in the gulf waters. You reach the restaurant, on the hotel’s ground floor, by walking through a tunnel to emerge into a space with floor-to-ceiling glass walls. You’ll feel as if you’re in an aquarium, because those walls enclose countless colorful and exotic fish of all species. A new restaurant opens in this space in October 2016, and while the chef and even name will change—Britain’s Nathan Outlaw is behind the new seafood menu at the restaurant which will soon be known as Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara—the aquarium will remain. After your meal, be sure to head up to the Skyview Bar on the 27th floor for jaw-dropping views of the gulf and the city.

In business since 1983, Enjou Chocolat specializes in customized chocolate creations. Owner/founder Wendy Taffet has over 50,000 different molds at her disposal, which she expertly employs to manufacture confectioneries in every shape–from corporate logos to pink stilettos. Her wizardry has garnered much media attention from places like the Food Network, but Wendy still thinks Enjou is Morristown’s best-kept secret. All chocolates are made in house. Requests are welcome.

Just a stone’s throw away from luxury hotels and name-brand shopping is one of Hong Kong‘s most well-known cultural hubs. Located on Nathan Road, this complex consists of residential space, guesthouses, restaurants, shops and other services. The maze of buildings is also known for offering Hong Kong’s cheapest accommodations, but keep in mind that you will get what you pay for... Chungking Mansions is a cultural phenomenon; with its harried pace and tight quarters catering to multinational visitors and market-like businesses, the building has also been featured in a popular movie, “Chungking Express”, by famed Hong Kong director Wong Kar Wai. There are an estimated 5,000 residents living in the Mansions, and it is a hub for ethnic minorities living in Hong Kong. The bustle of the crowds, and the many curry restaurants the buildings house, make it an experience to seek out during your visit to Hong Kong.

Coney Island’s history dates back to the 1800’s, when it was envisioned as a working man’s paradise. For pocket change, you could enjoy rides and hot dogs. While you’ll need a little more than pocket change now, this venture outside Manhattan has a true charm, and can connect with most anyone’s inner child. Over the summer you’ll find packed beaches, Friday night fireworks, and the famous Nathan’s hot dog eating contest on July 4. But if you’re coming from Midtown or the Upper East/West Sides, be sure to take an express train or you’ll be in for a ride not quite as amusing as the Cyclone.

A clandestine spot to imbibe in Gastown, the Diamond is the speakeasy when you’re in Vancouver. Bar none, one of the best bars I have been to on recommendation from Nathan at Judas Goat. They will make you anything here, like a tasty pisco sour. Plus, they give you these really cute glasses with flowers on them. We didn’t try the menu, but if it’s anything like the drinks, I’ll be returning for a meal.

Greg Johnsman is well known in Charleston kitchens for his Geechie Boy Grits, which he mills on Edisto Island and ships around the world. A partnership with Nathan Thurston, who launched Stars on Upper King, lured Johnsman into the restaurant business. Their breakfast-all-day joint was a rare opening on Lower King when it debuted in early 2018. There’s no need to wait until the weekend for brunch—Millers’s Southern-focused kitchen dishes out biscuits and gravy, waffles doused in caramel and sorghum, and a towering bacon, egg and cheese sandwich on brioche until 3 p.m. every weekday. It’s also one of the few spots in town where Hoppin’ John is on the regular menu, a local heritage dish that features Carolina Gold rice and Sea Island red peas, bolstered by a corn muffin. The small assortment of grocery items makes for excellent take-home gifts: a jar of hot pickled okra, hickory syrup, or their trademark grits.

It’s amazing what you can do with clogs—nothing like versatile shoes while traveling! Swedish Clog Cabin sells footwear that is made in Sweden, but hand-painted in Vail. The variety is endless!

Freshies is a small all-organic market that makes food to go, or they can even deliver groceries to you. Check out the daily specials—the prepared items are made only with certified organic or wild ingredients.

This restaurant is one of the best in Beaver Creek, and features French/Belgian cooking and fine wine. While it’s a fine dining experience, it’s also family friendly, with a separate children’s menu. It’s located inside a charming old home.