Photo: Bridget Shirvell
The Best Seafood Trip in Alaska Isn't About Salmon
When you picture Alaskan seafood, you probably think salmon. Thousands travel north just to fish for it. But in the tiny, road-less town of Cordova, a small group of farmers is betting on something different: kelp and oysters, grown on ropes suspended in some of the coldest, cleanest water in the world. Their regenerative mariculture is quietly reshaping what Alaskan seafood can be, and for travelers willing to make the trip, it means oysters pulled hours earlier, locally smoked kelp, and a kelp beer called the Sour Sea Witch.
Here's why the best seafood trip in Alaska has nothing to do with salmon.
D E S T I N A T I O N
The 5 Coolest Cenotes to See Near Playa Del Carmen
Photo: Simon Dannhauere/Shutterstock
Beneath the beaches of Playa del Carmen lies something even better: cenotes, crystal-clear sinkholes carved into the limestone over millions of years, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
From the famous "Two Eyes" of Dos Ojos to the quiet, turtle-filled waters of Cenote Cristalino, here are five of the coolest ones worth seeking out.
T R A V E L
A New Flight to Alaska Will Drop You Under the Midnight Sun (Literally)
Photo: Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock
Speaking of Alaska, getting there just got easier. A new seasonal Southwest route connects Phoenix directly to Anchorage, running through September 8, and it's a dream for anyone chasing the midnight sun.
Here's what to know about the flight built for summer travelers heading north.
O U T D O O R
How Northwest Arkansas Became a Destination
Photo: Virginia Brown
Northwest Arkansas is having a moment, and it starts on the Buffalo, America's first national river, before winding into Bentonville's world-class bike trails, free-to-visit Crystal Bridges museum, and a food scene racking up James Beard nods.
Here's how to spend a few days in one of the country's most quietly ambitious destinations.
S T A Y S
This Carlsbad Resort Makes the Family Vacation Work
Photo: Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
Omni La Costa in Carlsbad pulls off a tricky balancing act: eight pools, two championship golf courses, a spa, and a churro flight that steals the show, all with equal appeal for business travelers, families, and couples. Here's what it's like to stay at one of Southern California's most versatile resorts.
Travel Well
The Matador Editorial Team
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