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Central Macedonia

The Wines of Greece's Central Macedonia Region - Mythic roots and family tradition

Mount Rushmore

Campfires, hiking, and plush tents set the stage at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore, a new property close to the iconic monument

Summer calls for a road trip, and I was excited for a long weekend exploring the great outdoors of South Dakota’s Black Hills, a small mountain range in the state’s scenic western corner — and the home of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Some 2.5 million visitors come to Mount Rushmore every year, and many of them stay in the bustling town of Keystone. It offers plenty of hotels and motels (with giant buses parked right out front) and tourist shops hawking Mount Rushmore T-shirts and hand-carved totem poles. I, however, was looking for a property that would provide an experience more in keeping with the area’s wild open spaces.

I’ve never been one for roughing it, so I was excited to learn that Under Canvas — a company that operates high-end “glamping” tents at popular National Parks including Moab, Grand Canyon, and Great Smoky Mountains — had just opened its Mount Rushmore location. I could enjoy starry nights, pine-scented air and around the campfire, but still have the luxury of a plush bed, high thread-count sheets, and a hot shower.

Inspired by luxurious African safari camps, the Under Canvas founders, Sarah and Jacob Dusek, believe that ethically experiencing the outdoors doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the creature comforts. The Mount Rushmore camp is Wi-Fi-free and, embracing the brand’s leave-no-trace commitment, the property utilizes solar energy. Amenities include an in-room wood-burning stove, daily housekeeping, and — for our tent — an en-suite bathroom. We enjoyed the high backed wood chairs on the private deck overlooking the dark, dense national forest as well as the natural butterfly chairs near the wood-burning stove inside when the night grew chillier.

In the main tent, which houses the restaurant, Embers, the staff offered everything from hot cocoa to a full breakfast menu, picnic lunches as well as smoked, grilled and roasted entrees for dinner. Guests could participate in sunset yoga, if they wished, on the adjoining deck. One night, while enjoying Mount Rushmore’s evening lighting ceremony from the property’s main tent, we sampled the house-smoked chicken and grilled vegetables, followed by s’mores on the open fire. We took in the massive sculpture of the four presidents from the Under Canvas grounds and closer up, after a short 10-minute drive along the twisty and scenic Iron Mountain Road.

Under Canvas is also environmentally conscious. All of their camps use low-flow toilets, faucets that automatically turn off and, showers that run only when guests pull a chain. (This keeps the water flowing but the shower itself quick.) Solar power is used as much as possible in the 80-tent property. And, to minimize waste, Under Canvas uses no plastics and recycles and repurposes wherever possible. Their plan: by 2020, to produce zero waste.

The Under Canvas staff is enthusiastic, and wonderful brand ambassadors. After I had asked Alex, the assistant manager and a nature-loving Chicago native, a couple of questions, he invited me to hop into a golf cart to give me a tour, including his favorite tents and vistas along with plans for development next year. This is his fifth Under Canvas; he helped open this property at the start of the summer, after working at those in Moab, Zion, Glacier, and Yellowstone National Parks.

The final verdict? For those looking for a unique way to see one of America’s most famous attractions, Under Canvas Mount Rushmore is a game-changer. It has a remarkable, ends-of-the-earth setting in the lush Black Hills, and all the conveniences you could imagine.

Nicaragua by Volcano

Nicaragua's rise to the top of your must-visit list is inevitable, with its colorful colonial towns, unspoiled beaches with world-class surfing, and pristine Lake Nicaragua, sprinkled with tiny islands. 

With 19 active volcanoes in the chain running northwest to southeast, a visit to Central America's largest country must include a climb or two, along with a sandboarding adventure.

Masaya

Masaya Volcano is located in the country's first and largest national park, less than a half hour's drive from the capital city of Managua. Nicaragua's most active volcano has been at it for centuries; the Spanish first described Masaya in 1524. It was feared by both the indigenous people and their conquerors; the Spanish dubbed it "La Boca del Infierno" or "The Mouth of Hell."  

Visitors can peer over the very edge of Masaya and gaze into this impressive crater. Visits are kept to just a few minutes to limit inhaling the smoke and sulfur gases. Masaya is especially impressive at night. The crowds are largest just after sunset. Go and see for yourself if the nearby cross, La Cruz de Bobadilla, (in honor or Father Francisco Bobadilla), planted in the 16th century, has been successful in exorcising the Devil.  

This volcano continues to fascinate adventure travelers, explorers and volcanologists. The National Geographic Society is currently shooting a documentary. 

Mombacho

The Mombacho Volcano is one of Nicaragua's most famous, not only due to its proximity to colonial Granada but also its lush, cool cloud forest, home to countless orchids, vocal howler monkeys and friendly red-eyed tree frogs. Keep a close eye out for the Mombacho salamander, endemic to this area. The hour-long drive uphill on a single-lane, winding brick road is quite steep and guarantees a memorable ride with spectacular views. After a two-hour hike around one of the volcanoes four craters, you'll enjoy vistas of Granada and Lake Nicaragua, as well as Laguna de Apoyo. Mombacho’s crater is reached by massive natural rock tunnels and is blanketed by trees and foliage. Afterwards, be sure to stop at one of the working coffee farms along the return for a cup of Nicaragua's famous brew. For those seeking some adventure, it is even possible to go zip-lining over coffee plantations on the slope of the volcano!

To enjoy unparalleled views of Mombacho Volcano before tackling this hike- or after, celebrate having tackled - this hike,  indulge yourself with a stay at Jicaro Island Ecolodge. This nature resort, recognized by National Geographic Lodges of the World, is located on a private island in the Granada Isletas in Lake Nicaragua.

Cerro Negro

Thrill-seekers and adventurers head to Cerro Negro in the middle of the Maribios Volcano Mountain Range. This young but mighty black sand volcano is active, with eleven large eruptions in the 20th century. 

Travel + Leisure featured my piece about this unforgettable experience.

A volcano tour is a trekking trip only Nicaragua can offer, with a variety of options and so many beautiful active volcanoes, so close together and accessible.