Shopping for coolers and ice chests that stays cool is fraught with choices, especially if you’re an outdoor enthusiast like me. I’ve spent countless days paddleboarding, kayaking, and lounging in the hot California sun, and a reliable cooler is essential for keeping drinks cold and food fresh. I always carry cold beverages and fresh guacamole …
Four Sonos speakers live in this house. An Era 300 anchors the office, a Move 2 follows me between the kitchen and the back patio, a Roam 2 has come paddleboarding more than once and somehow keeps working, and an old Sonos Five holds down the living room. For years I controlled all four through …
For those seeking exemplary dining experiences, these are the best restaurants in Detroit you can find and dine at. The city is full of life, so come prepared to make reservations, have a plan B if you’re winging it, and don’t be afraid to sit at the bar and dine. Detroit offers a stupendous amount …
Mushroom foraging for morels is far from glamorous. After a day spent traipsing through the woods, my pockets may have been filled with mushrooms, but my bare feet held together a displeasing combination of bear scat and red dirt. The area around Mount Shasta had received plenty of rain during springtime and was primed for …
Discover the best breakfast in Sacramento, where every morning offers a culinary adventure suited for every palate. Whether you’re a local resident or a traveler eager to taste the best of the city, Sacramento’s vibrant breakfast scene is a delightful blend of locally sourced farm-to-fork dishes and classic greasy spoon comfort foods. These restaurants, often …
The Banana Old Fashioned arrives at the table as a problem to be solved. Guests catch banana on the rim, glance up with the expression of someone bracing for a Bananas Foster shooter, and sip anyway out of politeness. Then they ask what is in it. I have poured this drink for people who turned …
In this episode of Spark Chasers, Michael Kahn engages in a fascinating conversation with Chris Glab, the innovative mind behind Wildbrine and the Chief Innovation Officer at Bubbies Fine Foods and Fermented Food Holdings. Recorded at the bustling Natural Products Expo West, this dialogue delves into the intricate world of fermentation and food cultures, showcasing …
Badwater Basin, nestled in the heart of Death Valley National Park in Inyo County, California, holds the title as the lowest point in both North America and the United States, plunging 282 feet below sea level. Remarkably, it lies a mere 84.6 miles from Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, showcasing …
I spent a few days kayaking Death Valley National Park and lived to tell the tale. Whether you want to kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, this is a proper guide full of tips gleaned from kayaking alongside folks who live in the park and first-hand experience. Kayaking on Lake Manly, nestled within the striking landscapes of …
In February 2024 I paddled an inflatable kayak across roughly four miles of water in the middle of Badwater Basin. The water was a foot deep at the center and ankle-shallow at the edges. By March 4 the National Park Service had pulled the kayaking allowance, and as of the May 7, 2026 NPS conditions …