Photo: Elgin Akin/Shutterstock
An Insider's Guide to Seeing the Smokies’ Synchronous Fireflies
Here's something I just learned: there's a rare species of firefly that blinks in perfect unison. Fireflies are already a bit of magic on their own, one of the small wonders of summer. Now imagine thousands of Photinus carolinus fireflies flashing together. And the Smokies are about the only place in the US where you can reliably see it happen.
The catch? Everyone wants in. As a Tennessean, it's no surprise the Smokies is the most visited national park in the US. The park's public lottery draws hundreds of thousands of applicants for a shot at Elkmont, and most walk away empty-handed. Good news: there's a quieter, less crowded way to witness the show, plus a fascinating firefly experience built to run year-round, no lottery required.
Grab your red cellophane (you'll need it) and read on.
-Kelsey Wilking, newsletter editor
T R A V E L
Santiago’s Oldest Neighborhood Is Also Its Coolest. Here’s What to See.
Photo: Hannah D. Cooper
Santiago isn't a city that hands you its charm right away. But spend a weekend wandering Barrio Yungay, the capital's oldest neighborhood, and you'll find cobalt-and-salmon cités, hidden French-Chilean bistros behind a 19th-century barbershop, and murals honoring the folk singers and activists who shaped modern Chile.
It's the kind of place that rewards slowing down and a good appetite.
G U I D E
Six Places Where You Can See Real Dinosaur Footprints
Photo: Danielle Beder/Shutterstock
Every kid went through either a train phase or a dinosaur phase. I don't make the rules. There are still a few naysayers out there who doubt dinosaurs existed at all, but fortunately, us humans are lucky to have evidence of their many years on Earth all around us, especially for people who live in North America.
Here are six sites around the US to visit to see dinosaur footprints in their natural environments.
E V E N T S
Reno's Artown Festival Is the Best Reason to Visit the City in the Summer
Photo: Visit Reno Tahoe
Reno keeps remaking itself with color, creativity, and community, not to mention hotels that break from the gaming script. If you're stuck on any old vibes or bad reputations, you might start changing your tune along with the locals.
There's no better event to brighten that tune than Artown, an annual month-long festival that takes over the city each July.
C R U I S E
The Georgia Island Where the Rockefellers Wintered Is Now Public
Photo: Tammy McCracken
Jekyll Island is one of Georgia's Golden Isles, a chain of barrier islands along the state's southeastern coast, that's protected by state law from overdevelopment.
The Jekyll Island Club Resort occupies two properties on the island — one within the 240-acre Jekyll Island National Landmark Historic District, the other, the Ocean Club, on the island's beach side. Here's everything you need to know about the resorts.
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The Matador Editorial Team
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