Draymond Green last appeared in a game for the Golden State Warriors on Jan. 5 and, at that point in the season, the Warriors were 29-8 and flying high. While Golden State is still in a strong overall position, the Warriors are just 14-13 since Green exited with a back injury and, simply put, they are not a dominant force without him, particularly on the defensive end.
On Monday, however, the Warriors received some very encouraging news when Green took it upon himself to deliver a specific injury update. In particular, Green revealed that he is “targeting” a March 14 return against the Washington Wizards at home.
Only if y’all knew where I was, even 4 weeks ago… hell, even 2 weeks ago. LFG!!! https://t.co/hghBCUajv5
“That is the date that I am targeting,” Green said of March 14. “I’m excited as hell. It’s been two and a half months almost… I’ve never missed that much time during a season. I once had an ankle injury that kept me out for a very long time in high school, but it was the offseason. This is something different for me. I’m extremely excited to get back out there with my guys to try to help right the ship.”
It will be interesting to see what Green looks like when he returns, both because of how long he was sidelined and because of how important he is to the Warriors on both ends. His defensive impact is well-chronicled as one of the best in the league, but Green also unlocks Golden State’s offense as the team’s best passer and facilitator, and his partnership with Stephen Curry is dynamic to say the least.
With Green on the floor this season, the Warriors are out-scoring opponents by 9.8 points per 100 possessions. That is a title-contending baseline for any team, but Golden State hasn’t been dominant recently, and having Green at full strength is part of the team’s formula to potentially challenge for a championship in June.
The best way to escape the last week or so of winter (and general responsibilities, for that matter) is by going off the grid with a desert vacation. Turn your phone off, grab your closest friends, bring your own booze, and have a weekend by the pool with no worries other than the threat of potential sunburn. It’s a recipe for a damn good time.
When it comes to finding the ultimate desert destination in the United States, California’s three desert towns of Palm Springs, Indio, and Joshua Tree are hard to beat. Fortunately, each dry and cacti-filled enclave comes complete with a slew of badass rental properties that are basically begging to be visited. And with Coachella coming, now is the time to pick which one best fits your crew.
Below, we’re sharing the coolest and sexiest rental properties in Palm Springs, Indio, and Joshua Tree. So grab your SPF and your sunglasses, and head to one of the vacation rentals.
PART I: PALM SPRINGS
Spectacular Mid-Century Modern Pad
Airbnb
The Property:
This mid-century masterpiece features three bedrooms and fits up to six guests, making it roomy and comfortable enough for your friend group to spread out. There’s also the full-sized private pool, cushioned lounge chairs, outdoor tables, and lounge area with a couch and pool table — making the backyard the perfect place to hang, both during the day and after the sun goes down.
Aside from the amenities, the property’s chic design sprinkled with pops of neon color is exactly the kind of young yet sophisticated environment you need for a weekend in the desert.
Bottom Line:
Pool, games, spacious living room, and kitchen…check!
If you’re on the search for a massive backyard and an ultra-modern space, look no further than this newly refurbished mid-century property. The backyard features several lounge areas to kick back in, a saltwater pool and spa, and plenty of room for party games. The main living area inside the house includes porcelain flooring, a fireplace, and bar seating. It truly is the perfect place to celebrate a weekend with your friends away from home.
Plus, it’s close to downtown Palm Springs where shopping and dining options abound.
Bottom Line:
For a group of eight people in Palm Springs, this freshly upgraded rental property covers all the necessities for an epic desert vacation.
Made for a serene weekend away, this fully remodeled eco-friendly oasis fits up to four people in two bedrooms. Designed with original artwork, mosaic tiles, and a remodeled floorplan, it’s ideal for a low-key couples retreat or small group of friends in need of rejuvenation. The private property also features a large saltwater pool and in-ground spa, so you can soak in all the good energy the house has to offer.
If you feel like venturing out for an afternoon, the property is only a mile away from the bustling downtown area and only a few minutes away from several popular golf courses.
Bottom Line:
All-day ragers by the pool are great, but sometimes it’s nice to have something a little more tranquil to help you feel refreshed.
Yes, you can have desert vibes and lakeside living in one place. Located within a gated community, this two-story, four-bedroom home that fits up to 12 guests really is a lakefront dream. Picturesque mountains and desert sunset views surround the property, which are easy to see from the backyard patio or second-floor balcony. The backyard alone features an infinity pool and spa looking over the lake, an expansive patio with a built-in barbecue, an outdoor bar, seating areas, and a fire pit for roasting marshmallows at night.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that this classic lakefront property couldn’t be more perfect for a large group. Whether you’re hosting a bachelorette party, birthday celebration, or family vacation, this property offers more than enough space for your gathering.
When you first walk up to this Indio home, you’ll notice that it’s the epitome of desert aesthetic — from the loose dirt and cacti to the stone tortoise statue guarding the front yard (hence, the rental’s name). However, the inside of the house reflects a more modern, sexy, chic design with sleek white counters and light-wash wooden and tile floors that create an open and airy space. The rental fits up to 10 people and all four bedrooms feature a king-sized bed and smart TVs.
The pool is what sets this property apart from others in the area. The private backyard includes beach-like access to the saltwater pool and an oversized spa. You’ll likely want to spend every minute of daylight wading in the water. It’s the ultimate play space for a large group gathering.
Bottom Line:
If you’re spending time in Indio, you’re going to need a good pool to cool off in. This backyard saltwater haven is exactly the remedy you’ll need.
Luxury, relaxation, and fun collide at this epic Indio rental property. It’s a little piece of paradise in an otherwise desolate desert. For starters, the backyard is so nice that you’ll likely spend most of your time in town just lounging by the pool. The large pool itself features deck jets, a waterfall spillway, a tanning shelf, multiple seating ledges, and sparkling pebble tech that glimmers in the sun for an added touch of glamour.
Next to the pool, you’ll find a four-hole, thirty-foot putting green, a ping pong table, a foosball table, Jenga, lawn darts, Connect Four, and a ring toss. When you’ve had your share of fun, you can relax in the lounge area while you watch sports on the outdoor TV. The interior of the house is just as nice as the backyard, following a rustic-style theme where cow print and wooden accents are aplenty.
Bottom Line:
This vacation rental is like an adult playground. If you’re looking for party vibes without skimping on luxury amenities, you’re going to want to book this spot ASAP.
Avid golf enthusiasts will love this vacation rental, as its right on the golf course at Indian Palms Country Club. You can watch the action on the golf course while you chill in the lap pool or spa that are complemented by waterfall fountains and the calming ambiance of the desert. You’ll also get a fire pit and an outdoor bar for when you’ve had enough time in the water.
Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for an affordable option, this rental makes a great choice. Not to mention, it’s walking distance to where Coachella is held each year. Hop on this before it’s booked for festival season!
This luxurious rental property is on the pricier side. However, it fits up to 14 people, making it more affordable for large groups. The newly renovated home is ultra-spacious and comfortable, but the backyard is likely where you’ll spend most of your time. It features turf on both sides of the heated saltwater pool that comes complete with two waterfalls and a hot tub. You’ll also find a putting green, corn hole, a ping pong table, and a barbecue, as well as a pool table inside.
Bottom Line:
Between the games, pool, barbecue, and roomy interior, this vacation rental is the perfect friend group getaway.
If I would brag about anything in this life, it’s that my taste is on point. That can be hard when covering hotels or rentals because if something is cheesy, I’m gonna catch it. While staying at Seven Arches this past qweekend, I said, at least ten times: “There’s nothing I would change about this place.” From the plates to the kitchen layout to the hot tub to the sprawling grounds (dirt bike track! cornhole! horseshoes!), it was dialed and buttoned up.
Want to get more granular? I was just there so it’s very fresh in my mind:
Best bedding I’ve ever had at a rental. Period. Soft pillows, high thread count sheets, wide beds — perfection.
Art by RealFunWow. A very stylish artist who works in earth tones that match the property’s upscale-meets-desert vibe. (In fact, I found out about this spot when I saw the RealFunWow mural being painted on Instagram.)
Tons of space. There are “pretty spacious” bnbs and then there are “desert spacious” properties — spots that sprawl in a way that leaves plenty of room for chilling, eating, being loud. This property boasts the latter.
Insane degree of Instagram-ability. Be honest, we all want to tell the stories of our trips. This property was clearly designed with that in mind and by looking at IG tags, you can see how popular it’s been with influencers. Every corner begs to have a photo taken — just see my own pic below.
Organic in the best way. Earth tones. Nothing feels fake. There are jars of water at the bedsides and the forks are wrought iron. If you’re into the mushroom scene, this spot is a dream — there’s no plastic and no flashing lights from excessive electronics. Even if you’re not, you’re sure to note that the amenities are built to last.
Bottom Line:
It doesn’t get much sexier than this. Or much more engaging. There’s so much to do and the house is so incredibly comfortable, don’t be surprised if you stay home all day before spending the evening alternating between the plunge pool and the hot tub.
There’s no better place to find your zen than in a secluded desert hideaway — with the comfort of knowing downtown Joshua Tree is only minutes away. This rental property delivers an authentic Japanese experience in the desert with one-of-a-kind design pieces that are ethically sourced. The property includes a tatami room (or zen room) that’s meant to be used for gathering, reflecting, meditating, or having an intimate conversation. This combined with the two comfortable bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, private outdoor lounge area, and the record player and vinyl collection makes the property a serene desert escape.
Bottom Line:
Where else are you going to find a tatami room in Joshua Tree? If you’re in need of healing and rejuvenation, this is the place to do it.
If you want a desert escape that’s not too far out from civilization, this house is an excellent option. It’s nearby Joshua Tree National Park, local art exhibits, farmers markets, and thrift stores. You can keep yourself entertained during the day and night with the backyard amenities, which include a fire pit, hot tub, and bocce ball.
If it gets too hot, you can head inside to the game room to play vintage arcade games and shuffleboard.
The property’s interior is designed to reflect the calming essence of the surrounding area. It features classic desert colors like beige, orange, and yellow, and unique artwork of the famous local Joshua Trees.
Bottom Line:
When you’re out in the desert with your friends, it’s nice to have a wide selection of games to keep you busy. Plus, the fire pit, hammocks, and hot tub make the backyard a great place to sit back under the stars, which you generally miss out on if you’re visiting from a big city.
One of the best parts of escaping to the desert is the opportunity to connect with nature. That’s what this property is all about. The minimalist yet modern hideaway focuses on “fusing natural simplicity with contemporary luxuries.” It’s exactly the kind of place one goes to rest and reflect. The property offers several outdoor living areas, including a covered patio with a fire pit, a saltwater hot tub, and a 600-square-foot rock and cactus garden courtyard.
Yep, we’ll take it.
Bottom Line:
Overall, this property is great for a romantic getaway with someone special. The unobstructed views of the desert hills and stars, the saltwater hot tub, and the general intimacy of the property make it a sexy desert escape.
This five-acre, eco-conscious property is coined as the “Togetherness House,” and for good reason. It’s ideal for a group of friends who want to connect with nature and with each other on a deeper level, while still maintaining the comfort of modern conveniences like WiFi and high-quality cleaning services. The property’s patio and outdoor lounge spaces deliver some of the best views in Joshua Tree, where mountainous landscapes and clear skies take center stage.
Bottom Line:
Great views with good people. That’s all you really need to enjoy this intimate desert retreat.
This 1,200-square-foot ranch-style property sleeps up to six people and features brand new appliances and furniture throughout the house. The backyard comes complete with both a hot tub and a cold tub, so you can soak during the day and at night. There is tons of space to spread out in the backyard, where you’ll also find a deck, multiple hammocks, a variety of games, and several lounge areas.
The interior of the property combines rustic chic decor with pops of color, creating an inviting environment. In fact, the home was designed by one of Bravo TV’s Best Room Wins designers.
Bottom Line:
This ranch-inspired property is an affordable option that still offers great amenities and lots of space for groups. Plus, it’s only a few minutes from town, so you’ll have the option to explore the area outside of the rental.
Charli XCX is gearing up for a massive album release, with her fifth record, Crash, just around the corner. The project drops on March 18 and has been preceded by a whole slew of excellent singles, including “Good Ones,” a collaboration with Caroline Polachek and Christine and the Queens called “New Shapes,” her more recent collab with Rina Sawayama, “Beg For You,” and the latest single “Baby.”
She performed those last two onSNL this weekend, and has been on a bit of a press blitz in these last few days leading up to the album’s release. One stop on the endless press tours to promote new music is always The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and on her most recent appearance Charli and Jimmy discussed a funny story involving another of Atlantic Records’ biggest stars — Cardi B herself. Apparently, Charli had already told Jimmy the tale of when she, Bebe Rexha and Rita Ora collaborated with Cardi — all virtually — for the group song “Girls,” and how starstruck Charli was to be involved with Cardi, who she loves.
The only problem? When it came time for Cardi to promote the song and video, she shared the wrong name Charli… she called her “Charli STD” instead. But because it’s Cardi, Charli actually had no issues with the unsavory nickname. Sharing a bit of the interview in a clip on Instagram, Charli tagged Cardi and let her know she thinks the title rather iconic. “Charli std reporting for duty thank you @fallontonight & @jimmyfallon for having me and thank u @iamcardib for creating this iconic piece of Twitter history – i love you,” she wrote.
Check out the interview above and keep an ear out for that new Charli album!
Anyone who has lived in the U.S. with a nontraditionally American name knows how hard it can be to get some people to pronounce your name correctly.
My husband’s name is Javad, which is only two syllables and objectively not hard to say (juh-VAHD), but I’ve watched many people mutilate it over the years even after being given the correct pronunciation. I remember one time watching him introduce himself to a man clearly and slowly—twice—and the man still called him “Bob,” like he couldn’t even digest this name he’d never heard before, much less pronounce it.
As a kid, at the beginning of every school year or every time a substitute teacher came around, it was common for my husband to have to correct the pronunciation of his name. Not the end of the world, but annoying. I can’t imagine how much more annoying it is for people with longer names that aren’t familiar to many American ears.
A video of a teacher mispronouncing every student’s name has gotten a huge response on Reddit, presumably for the humor of it. The names she reads off the attendance list are ones that are common enough in the U.S. that pronunciation normally wouldn’t be an issue—Luke, Jacob and Hunter, for example. But she manages to bungle them anyway—yes, even Luke—and it is genuinely funny.
But saying Luke as “Luck” and Hunter as “Hoonter” did more than just give her students a giggle. It also puts every student on the same playing field. If there were students in her class with less common names that might easily be mispronounced, they now find themselves in the same shoes as all of their classmates. They no longer stand out as “the kid with the name the teacher didn’t know how to pronounce.”
If every kid has to correct the teacher, then doing so is no big deal. No one is “othered” by it. It’s just a funny thing they all do. And it also gives the teacher a chance to hear each kid’s name from their own mouth instead of trying to read it off a list without ever hearing it.
The only risk here is accidentally pronouncing an unfamiliar name correctly the first time, but that seems unlikely. And it actually would probably just add another layer of humor to the already light atmosphere. Because a teacher mispronouncing a student’s name can have a lasting impact, it’s important to do what we can to keep it from happening.
The thing about unfamiliar names is that they usually aren’t as hard to pronounce as people make them out to be. They’re simply unfamiliar.
I mean, if we can pronounce Beethoven (which doesn’t look like it sounds), Tchaikovsky (which has all those consonants) and Dostoyevsky (which has four syllables) without even thinking about it, we can learn to pronounce any name. It might take some practice, and we might have to ask people’s forgiveness if it takes us a while, but it’s not impossible.
Some people in the comments on Reddit pointed out that the teacher’s roll call was an innovative way of making every student feel equally welcomed in the classroom. But even more said it reminded them of a hilarious Key & Peele skit about a hard-nosed substitute teacher mispronouncing students’ names and getting angry when they corrected him.
A bit of a language warning in case you have little ones around, but it’s great if you haven’t seen it. You’ll never see the name “Blake” the same way again.
What if I were to tell you that legends of ’90s pop, R&B and hip-hop joined forces to recreate classic ’80s music videos in a brand new song that somehow feels completely 2022?
Indeed, the impossible was accomplished. And it’s the earworm no one knew they needed.
The guest list for this nostalgia party is beyond impressive: New Kids on the Block invited En Vogue (yes), Salt-N-Pepa (you heard right) and Rick Astley (this is not a drill) to play in their new song “Bring Back the Time,” dropping ahead of the band’s MixTape Tour 2022. If this song is any indication of the tour, listeners are in for a rollercoaster ride of throwbacks. We’re talking a no-holds-barred barrage of crazy hairstyles and synth sounds galore.
The video has 12, count ’em, 12 references to songs from the ’80s. En Vogue transform into cheerleaders from Toni Basil’s “Mickey.” (You know, the song from “Bring It On?”) Salt-N-Pepa nail brazen glamor while channeling Madonna’s “Vogue.” Rick Astley kills it as David Byrne. NKOTB are fearlessly silly wearing those weird red bucket hats from Devo’s “Whip It.”
And yeah, that barely scratches the surface.
And while at first the tribute might seem only entertaining for the Gen X and millennial crowd, it’s the pure celebration of joy that makes the song instantly universal. Not to mention that ’80s sounds are totally making a comeback in the modern music scene.
Go ahead, take a listen, have a laugh, and remind yourself that “years go by, but it’s nothing we can’t rewind.”
Saturday Night Live/YouTubeFlorida’s House of Representatives recently passed the Parental Rights in Education bill, commonly known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, and it’s believed it will soon pass the state senate and be signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis.
The bill is seen as a huge step back for LGBTQ rights in the state because it prohibits “classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in certain grade levels” in Florida’s primary schools.
The bill will stigmatize LGBTQ children and those who have LGBTQ parents in Florida’s schools. “So, it applies to K through 12 classrooms, and it grants the right for any parent who believes that a conversation is happening about our families to sue a school district. It’s an aggressive attack,” Equality Florida’s Senior Political Director Joe Saunders said according to CBS.
“If children are not feeling that they are accepted or who they are and the family they come from isn’t accepted, it will have an impact on them,” Todd Delmay told CBS News’ Manuel Bojorquez.
“Saturday Night Live” veteran Kate McKinnon, who happens to be gay, spoke out about the bill on last weekend’s “Weekend Update” segment. She opened the bit by jokingly misunderstanding the bill, believing it banned using the term “gay” as a pejorative, which was commonplace when McKinnon was in school.
“I heard about this law, and I think it’s amazing!” McKinnon said. “Because when I was in middle school in the ‘90s, I was kind of tortured by the constant use of the word ‘gay,’ like, ‘That’s so gay’ or ‘Ew, you’re gay,’ and it made me feel horrible. And to hear that (Florida Gov.) Ron DeSantis has taken a stand and said, ‘No, you cannot say gay in school anymore!’ I’m so jazzed. And in Florida, of all places!”
When learning that the bill forbids the word “gay” from being used in classroom settings, McKinnon suggested a different approach to the term. Why not sing it with pride?
“If you can’t say it, then you might as well sing it!” she said before singing the word “gay” repeatedly to the riff of “Smoke on the Water.”
McKinnon’s bit inspired keyboardist extraordinaire Money Mark Nishita to perform a cover of McKinnon’s version of “Smoke on the Water.”
We live in a unique time in human history, when most of us have absolutely no idea how we would feed ourselves if we didn’t have grocery stores or restaurants to rely on. Sure, some of us know how to garden and some people know how to farm, but most of us would either starve or kill ourselves eating something poisonous if we were left to our own devices to find food in the wild.
Sad, but true.
The art of foraging is totally unfamiliar to most of us, but there’s a lot we can learn from those who do it. Alexis Nikole Nelson has made her TikTok channel an educational—and entertaining—exploration of the abundance that’s all around us, if we know what to look for.
Nelson has gained a following of millions, making and sharing videos in which she reveals various wild plants and fungi she forages and how she eats them. And it is wild.
Ever heard of curly dock crackers? Or curly dock at all? Maybe you have, but I’d venture to guess most of us haven’t. But now we have, and now I want some.
WE LOVE A FREE SNACK #learnontiktok #tiktokpartner #curlydock
Nelson’s knowledge is vast. She grew up with parents who were outdoorsy and started learning about wild, edible plants at a young age. She forages in her own yard, in parks and in the woods, where she finds all different kinds of mushrooms.
“It’s like Disney World, but full of plants and much cheaper food,” Nelson told NPR. “You walk in and you see this very vibrant ecosystem that we are a part of. And there’s something so fulfilling about it, right? You’re just like, I pulled this out of the ground, and now it’s sustaining me! So I look into natural spaces and I just see wonder.”
Each of her videos is fascinating, full of free food finds from the forest. And they’re entertaining as heck.
“Don’t die!” she always jokes at the end of her videos. It’s a real warning, as eating wild plants and fungi can be a risky business if you don’t know what you’re doing.
My first time cooking the tender new growth of Resinous Polypore and it SMACKS!! #foraging #resinouspolypore
But there are plenty of books on wild edible plants that can help you distinguish between perfectly edible and deadly poisonous, and Nelson often explains the difference between certain lookalikes.
Nelson is a vegan, but she managed to make some “acorn bacon” that actually looks like bacon.
Apparently it doesn’t taste like bacon, though. C’est la vie.
Kelp is used in lots of cuisines around the world, but it’s not super clear how it gets from beach to brunch. Nelson shares some insights as she makes kelp chips.
Nelson’s bio says she’s a “Black forager” and she says that distinction matters.
“Any time you are moving through a space that is not yours, the color of your skin can very easily come into play,” she told Kitchn. She said she gets a lot more questions like “Where are you gathering? Whose land are you on? Is that a park?” than her white, male foraging counterparts. “I also get my knowledge questioned a whole lot more,” she said.
In one of her videos, she explained more about why it’s important for her as a Black woman to be sharing her foraging experiences, from the history of trespass laws to the fear of lynching in outdoor spaces to the fact that she knows what it feels like to be the only person of color involved in an activity.
William Barr, attorney general under both George H.W. Bush and Donald J. Trump, is on a rehabilitation tour right now. It hasn’t been going so well. But he does have a forthcoming memoir, with a semi-profane title, in which he turns on the latter, a little over a year after resigning in disgust over his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. He’s clearly trying to fix a reputation tarnished by his association with the most notorious president in American history. But there’s one catch: He’d vote for Trump again.
Bill Barr, after saying that Trump lied about the election and caused the attack on Congress, refuses to rule out supporting Trump in 2024 because Democrats are “the greatest threat to the country.” pic.twitter.com/2KFbz2c9cX
During an interview with NBC’s Today, Barr was asked what he’d do if the man he’s called “manic and unreasonable” as well as “off the rails” makes good on his endless teases to run for the highest office in the land a third time. Barr’s answer was surprising — well, not that surprising, honestly.
“I have made it clear that I don’t think he should be our nominee,” Barr told Today’s Savannah Guthrie. “I believe that the greatest threat to the country is the progressive agenda being pushed by the Democratic party.”
Guthrie pushed back. “So even if he lied about the election and threatened democracy,” she charged, “[he’s] better than a Democrat?”
“As of now, it’s hard for me to conceive that I wouldn’t vote for the Republican nominee,” Barr told her.
Trump, meanwhile, would almost certainly not re-hire Barr should he wind up back in the White House. Last week, the former president sent a strange letter to NBC News anchor Lester Holt, trashing his former AG, who, among other things, straight-up lied about the contents of the Mueller Report before a partially complete version was made public.
“Bill Barr cares more about being accepted by the corrupt Washington Media and Elite than serving the American people,” Trump wrote. “He was slow, lethargic, and I realized early on that he never had what it takes to make a great Attorney General.” He also provided a negative review of his new book, which he hasn’t read. “I would imagine that if the book is anything like [Barr], it will be long, slow, and very boring.”
But yes, it’s progressive politics that are worse than an uncontrollable madman with authoritarian leanings with a proven track record of despising free and fair elections, probably because he’s never won the popular vote.
There’s a reason they call Paris, France the city of love. From the countless proposals under the Eiffel Tower to the fanciful candlelit dinners (did you know escargot is commonly considered as an aphrodisiac?) to the beautiful and unique architecture that surrounds the city streets, romance flows endlessly through the City of Light. Spending even just a few days there breeds the hope of your life turning into an IRL romantic comedy.
Its dreamy atmosphere — along with its legendary food scene, intriguing history, and its appeal to partiers and cultural travelers alike — is what drew travel pro Kiersten Rich to the city. Rich is the founder of the award-winning travel blog, The Blonde Abroad, which specializes in solo travel for women. Ranked one of the Top 10 Travel Influencers by Forbes, The Blonde Abroad is a major online resource with thousands of curated travel guides for destinations around the world.
That means you can trust her judgment when it comes to which popular tourist destinations are actually worth a visit. And Paris? It’s 100 percent worth it. “No matter what budget you’re working with — whether you’re a student or on your honeymoon, you can find so many cool things to do in Paris,” Rich says.
Below, we asked Rich to share her guide for an unforgettable trip to Paris.
Paris can be so many things to so many different people. It’s one of the best destinations to travel solo, great for a mother-daughter trip, of course, a top romantic destination for a honeymoon or couples getaway, and perfect as a family holiday. From iconic sites to history to foodie delights, there’s really something for everyone.
What’s one thing that every first-time visitor should see or do in Paris?
That’s so hard to narrow down as there are so many quintessential Paris moments to have, but if I had to pick just a few, I’d say grab some cheeses, wine, and bread and go have a picnic on the Seine. Wake up early to walk around Montmartre before it gets busy — the old artist village is located just down the road from Sacré-Coeur (which is the highest spot in Paris), so you’ll get a fantastic view of the city and then wander the neighborhood. The bakers get in early, the cobblestone streets are empty, and it feels like you stepped back in time.
And then, of course, you’ve got to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle! No matter how many times I’ve seen this, it’s equally as magical each and every time. There are tons of vantage points throughout the city, so take your pick. It sparkles every hour on the hour once the sun goes down.
@theblondeabroad
Go-to French bakery for a morning coffee and croissant?
It truly depends on what neighborhood I’m staying in, and honestly, there are so many wonderful boulangeries and cafés around the city, you can’t really go wrong!
Fun fact: Did you know that there is an annual competition to find the best baguette in the city? They judge for things like density, crispiness, size; France takes their bread and pastries VERY seriously. I’m not sure who judges it or how one becomes a judge…but I definitely volunteer as tribute!
@theblondeabroad
The absolute best meal you’ve had in Paris?
Oh my goodness, you’re asking all the tough questions! Like I mentioned above, Paris is such a foodie city. I can’t say I have a favorite restaurant but I’m a sucker for quiche and salad. Oh, and a perfectly simple French omelette. *chef’s kiss*!
Food is one of the main reasons I travel — learning how the locals eat, sitting alone at a cafe to people watch, and, obviously, indulging in the flavors of the destination! Paris is one of the best cities to have a next-level foodie experience.
Best bar in Paris to enjoy a glass of champagne or a cocktail?
I love old historic bars and cafés and Paris is FULL of them! Café de la Paix, Café de Flore, and Les Deux Magots, for example, are all beautiful brasseries built in the 1800s and made popular by iconic artists in the 1920s (think “Midnight in Paris” vibes).
@theblondeabroad
Best way to take in the city’s iconic architecture?
I personally think walking around the city is the best way to experience it! Grab a pair of comfortable shoes (Parisians are known for their sneaker game), and go explore. Get a Metro pass so you can hop from neighborhood to neighborhood.
There are so many beautiful hotels in Paris, but definitely check what’s on offer on sites like Airbnb. I’ve rented some incredible apartments with Eiffel Tower views for much less than a hotel.
That said, I LOVED my stay at the Mandarin Oriental Paris! The location is amazing—walking distance to the Louvre.
@theblondeabroad
A must-visit museum in Paris?
So many! While the Louvre always tops the charts, it’s massive and can be very overwhelming. For a much more intimate experience, check out Musee de L’Orangerie where you can see Claude Monet’s famous water lily painting series “Les Nymphéas” — it’s massive and takes up the entire room. Another favorite is Musée d’Orsay, which is housed in a former railway station and has mainly French art from the 1800s.
For something that’s off-the-beaten-path, check out Musée de la Vie Romantique in the 9éme, just at the foot of Montmartre. It’s an old cream-colored building with light green shutters, complete with a greenhouse, garden, and paved courtyard…and it’s just as romantic as it sounds!
The spot was once the meeting ground of many 19th-century artists and writers like George Sand and Eugène Delacroix. Today, you’ll find everything from French literature to paintings, antiques, jewelry, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time. As an added bonus, the greenhouse-turned-tea-room serves up delicious treats and is a lovely spot for lunch or tea.
@theblondeabroad
Best time of year to visit?
April or May are great! You always hear about people saying “Paris is so dreamy in the spring…” and they aren’t wrong! While April is still quite chilly, you’re greeted with gorgeous cherry blossoms all over the city. And, this might just be me, but it does kind of seem like people are happier as they’re shedding the big winter coats and daylight is getting a bit longer.
Another great time to visit is between September and October. The weather is relatively mild — not too hot, not too cold — and most of the tourists from the summer have left.
We live in a unique time in human history, when most of us have absolutely no idea how we would feed ourselves if we didn’t have grocery stores or restaurants to rely on. Sure, some of us know how to garden and some people know how to farm, but most of us would either starve or kill ourselves eating something poisonous if we were left to our own devices to find food in the wild.
Sad, but true.
The art of foraging is totally unfamiliar to most of us, but there’s a lot we can learn from those who do it. Alexis Nikole Nelson has made her TikTok channel an educational—and entertaining—exploration of the abundance that’s all around us, if we know what to look for.
Nelson has gained a following of millions, making and sharing videos in which she reveals various wild plants and fungi she forages and how she eats them. And it is wild.
Ever heard of curly dock crackers? Or curly dock at all? Maybe you have, but I’d venture to guess most of us haven’t. But now we have, and now I want some.
WE LOVE A FREE SNACK #learnontiktok #tiktokpartner #curlydock
Nelson’s knowledge is vast. She grew up with parents who were outdoorsy and started learning about wild, edible plants at a young age. She forages in her own yard, in parks and in the woods, where she finds all different kinds of mushrooms.
“It’s like Disney World, but full of plants and much cheaper food,” Nelson told NPR. “You walk in and you see this very vibrant ecosystem that we are a part of. And there’s something so fulfilling about it, right? You’re just like, I pulled this out of the ground, and now it’s sustaining me! So I look into natural spaces and I just see wonder.”
Each of her videos is fascinating, full of free food finds from the forest. And they’re entertaining as heck.
“Don’t die!” she always jokes at the end of her videos. It’s a real warning, as eating wild plants and fungi can be a risky business if you don’t know what you’re doing.
My first time cooking the tender new growth of Resinous Polypore and it SMACKS!! #foraging #resinouspolypore
But there are plenty of books on wild edible plants that can help you distinguish between perfectly edible and deadly poisonous, and Nelson often explains the difference between certain lookalikes.
Nelson is a vegan, but she managed to make some “acorn bacon” that actually looks like bacon.
Apparently it doesn’t taste like bacon, though. C’est la vie.
Kelp is used in lots of cuisines around the world, but it’s not super clear how it gets from beach to brunch. Nelson shares some insights as she makes kelp chips.
Nelson’s bio says she’s a “Black forager” and she says that distinction matters.
“Any time you are moving through a space that is not yours, the color of your skin can very easily come into play,” she told Kitchn. She said she gets a lot more questions like “Where are you gathering? Whose land are you on? Is that a park?” than her white, male foraging counterparts. “I also get my knowledge questioned a whole lot more,” she said.
In one of her videos, she explained more about why it’s important for her as a Black woman to be sharing her foraging experiences, from the history of trespass laws to the fear of lynching in outdoor spaces to the fact that she knows what it feels like to be the only person of color involved in an activity.
Now is the best time for rose hips imo!! 🌹 They get sweeter and softer as winter goes on!
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