Tag: Travel

3×3: Dead Winter Carpenters on Kentucky Cabins, Diverse Cultures, and the Perfection of Neil Young

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Artist: Jenni Charles (of Dead Winter Carpenters)
Hometown: Tahoe City, CA
Latest Album: Washoe
Rejected Band Names: Sandpaper Mitten

 

Thank you Reno Airport for being kind to @dainesly #freerubdowns #feelinit #firstflytour #dwctour

A photo posted by Dead Winter Carpenters (@deadwintercarpenters) on

If you had to live the life of a character in a song, which song would you choose?
“My Rose of Old Kentucky” by Bill Monroe. It’s the perfect love song, in the perfect setting — a cabin on the hill somewhere in the hills of gorgeous Kentucky and forever love! Doesn’t everyone want that?

Where would you most like to live or visit that you haven't yet?
I’ve traveled almost every bit of the U.S. with Dead Winter Carpenters and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. Going from places like Montana to New Orleans really gives you a special insight into the diverse cultures, lifestyles, and landscapes that this country has to offer. The more I travel, the more I fall in love with new areas. Two of my favorites that I could see living in would be the Blue Ridge Mountains or New England. The next place I want to visit is India.

What was the last thing that made you really mad?
I can’t remember! Forget and move on!

 

Almost to @terrapinxroads after a beautiful drive up #highway1 #california #bayarea #californiacoast

A photo posted by Dead Winter Carpenters (@deadwintercarpenters) on

What's the best concert you've ever attended?
Neil Young with Promise of the Real at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, California. It was my first show at that venue and my second time seeing Neil Young. The other time was in Montreal, Quebec, and that was holding the “all time” before this one.

What was your favorite grade in school?
First Grade! Mrs. Bronzini was the absolute best teacher ever.

What are you reading right now?
Massacre on the Merrimack. I’m related to Hannah Duston, and this book is about her story, and I figured I should probably read up on my ancestor’s history.

Whiskey, water, or wine?
Whiskey

North or South?
North Lake Tahoe!

Pizza or tacos?
Tacos. Hot sauce. Yum.

A Minute in London with Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker

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Welcome to "A Minute In …" — a BGS feature that turns our favorite artists into hometown reporters. In our latest column, London duo Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker take us on a tour of their favorite listening rooms, coffee shops, and parks.

Tintico

This is Tintico, a coffee shop in Finchley, north London, near Ben's studio. We meet here before most rehearsals for a caffeine boost.

The Harrison

The Harrison pub on Harrison Street in King's Cross is the home of our very own night. The Folkroom is held two Wednesdays a month. Many of our favourite acts do a music turn down in its basement venue. Great food, great beer, and, naturally, great music

Ben's studio

This is Ben's studio (complete with Ben). This is where we seem to spend most of our time. We record all our demos here and quite a few of our previous albums.

Clissold Park

This is Clissold Park, Stoke Newington. I walk here most days. I get to watch all the seasons change from here — green leaves growing, turning orange then falling off the trees and round again. Quite inspiring images for songwriting, I find. 

Hobgoblin Music

Hobgoblin Music in Central London (Denmark Street) is where we get a lot of our music supplies. Ben can sometimes be found here trying out guitars, mandolins, etc … anything with strings!  

Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker are London residents and musicians. Their latest EP Through the Clouds is available now.

All photos by Josienne Clarke, except lede photo, courtesy of the artist.

Traveler: Your Guide to Taos

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Taos, New Mexico is 135 miles north of Albuquerque, and 6,967 feet above sea level. Bordered to the west by the Rio Grande and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range to the east, Taos is blanketed by the widest sky, with the biggest sun, brightest moon and stars ever.

Getting to Taos is a commitment — especially the last 36 miles … on a two-lane road … winding up the canyon beside the river. Once you reach the crest of the canyon, the plateau, the Rio Grande Gorge, and the mountains form a vista that causes a catch in your breath. Is it any wonder that the place has been an inspiration to artists and writers since the valley was first inhabited?

Getting There

Taquitos at Mike's Mini-Mart

Most people fly into the Albuquerque Sunport and drive north on I25 connecting to US 285 through Española — a route known as the “Low Road.” This is the most direct route and will take you about two hours and 20 minutes without stops. But you will find places you want to stop, depending on the season. Velarde is the village right at the base of the canyon. A fruit growing community, Velarde is loaded with roadside fruit stands in the Fall. But, for a winter snack, stop at Mike’s Mini-Mart on the right hand side as you enter the village and grab a couple of taquitos — homemade fast food at its finest. Taquitos in hand, turn into the narrow canyon and head up to Taos. It’s impossible to get lost. The river is on your left and rock cliffs on your right. Just point north and go.

Lodging

A room at Casa Betita

More and more people are discovering that Taos is much more than a day trip from Santa Fe and are choosing to stay for more extended exploration. Perhaps the most special place to stay is Casa Gallina B & B just a bit southwest of Taos Plaza. As a certified introvert, I don’t generally opt for the traditional B&B experience given the demand for interaction and challenged privacy, but Casa Gallina is anything but traditional. Every room is different, private, and lovingly appointed. The attention to detail is unparalleled; Richard and Matt, the hosts, are warm and generous; the vistas are gorgeous; and the eggs — the gallina in Casa Gallina — are fresh. 

If you want to pretend you live in Taos, try Casa Betita, a fully restored 100-year-old adobe home under the shade of one of the oldest Willow trees in the valley. Casa Betita offers the finest elements of the 21st century with the charm, colors, textures, and décor of true New Mexico, including hand-plastered walls, Kiva fireplaces, vintage rugs, and the artwork of local artists. To stay right in the palm of art and literary history, stay at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House — it's more of a retreat-style hotel and a pleasant walk from Taos Plaza. 

Mornings in Taos

Fruit stands in town

Join the regulars for coffee and a delicious cardamom coffee cake at World Cup — a postage stamp-sized coffee bar on the corner of Taos Plaza. Perch on one of the few barstools or share a step and a bench outside to catch up on all the “news” or just ponder the sky. A little further north on the main drag, you will find two other local favorites for caffeine — the Coffee Spot and Elevation.

My favorite breakfast spot is Michael’s Kitchen Coffee Shop and Bakery, a family-owned gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere reminds me of many places from my childhood: Western, rustic, friendly, and just plain good. Everything is plentiful, old school, and made from scratch. My go-to dish is huevos rancheros with green chile and a sopaipilla with honey. Another favored spot is the Taos Diner. It's a diner through and through — nothing fancy, just simple good food.

Food/Comida

Cheese and bacon at Parcht

New Mexico is known for its cuisine, blending Native American and Hispanic influences and traditions. Taos holds high the traditions with an emphasis on red and green chile and locally sourced ingredients. Most of the restaurant offerings through town reflect the agricultural and farming nature of the community. El Taoseńo has some of the best northern New Mexico food in town.

Head to El Meze for a special night out. Everything is beautifully prepared, regionally sourced, and inspired. The chicharrones are a shared plate you won’t want to share. The grilled romaine salad could quickly become a craving, and the prepared-to-order mini-cardamom doughnuts served with a caramel chocolate sauce are divine. Try also Aceq and Sabroso — both a little farther north in the village of Arroyo Seco. The former has a lovely wine list, and the latter makes the best fresh-squeezed lime margaritas.

Music and Drink

The Taos Inn

Speaking of drink … Taos does drinking establishments up right, and most of them present live music. Every day of the week, there are several live music offerings to choose from — be it local bands, up-and-coming “touring in the van” bands, or known headliners. There are brewpubs aplenty — Taos Ale House, Eske’s Brew Pub, and the Taos Mesa Brewery, which is also one of the main music venues in town with an affiliated radio station that has a fantastic Juke Joint Series for seven bucks.

Madisen Ward and Mama Bear recently played a lively show at the KTAOS Solar Center. The Adobe Bar at the Taos Inn, otherwise known as the living room of Taos, has live music every night of the week, every day of the year. In recent months, Lucinda Williams, Mary Gauthier, Tinariwan, and Los Lobos have all come through town. Suffice it to say, music in Taos is plentiful and eclectic. By far, my favorite discovery is the recently opened Parcht Bottleshop + Bites, an intimate wine bar hidden away on the east side of Taos Plaza. The proprietors, Nicolette and Hunter, have created a convivial atmosphere punctuated by a wonderful selection of wines by the glass and the bottle, a cheese named Purple Haze, and spicy caramelized bacon — the perfect adult clubhouse.

Flavorfull!

Ski Taos

There is so much more to Taos than food and drink. The natural beauty of the place means that outdoor activities are paramount and determined by the season — world class skiing at Taos Ski Valley in the Winter; Class 3 rapids through the Taos Box in the Spring; hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and camping in the Summer. Taos is rather untamed and, as such, has attracted the wild, the eccentric, and the unconventional … musicians, artists, writers, freethinkers, and soapbox preachers.

Favorite Discoveries

The Paseo — a street festival of installation, performance and projection art. 

Michael Hearne’s Big Barn Dance

Taos Pueblo — a World Heritage site, continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years.

Rio Grande Del Norte Monument and the Gorge Bridge

Two Graces Gallery

HorseFeathers

The Harwood Museum — most especially for the Agnes Martin Gallery where you can take a yoga class on Wednesday mornings.

Abe’s Cantina y Cocina

Fiestas de Taos

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa

The Bavarian — the sun-soaked deck is, by far, my favorite resting spot while skiing with stunning scenery at the base of Kachina Peak, best enjoyed with a mug of hot mulled wine.

All photos by Melissa Howden

A Minute in Ojai with Perla Batalla

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Welcome to "A Minute In …", a BGS feature that turns our favorite artists into hometown reporters. In our latest column, Ojai's Perla Batalla takes us on a tour of her favorite haunts, from the post office to the public radio station.

The Coffee Connection

I live in the Ojai Valley and, much like my friend Kevin Ruf (pictured here), I am not a morning person. I love the coffee at the Coffee Connection — and much like Kevin — I need at least two double espressos to get me going. The owner, Jon Furness, and his well-trained staff make impeccable cappuccino with organic milk and coffee that is locally roasted, organic, and fair trade.

Ojai Post Office

Most days, when I am not on the road, I start my day by going to collect my mail at the Ojai post office. I love the Post Office tower. It is an iconic landmark located right in the center of town. Downtown Ojai is only about a block long, so keep your eyes peeled or you’ll miss it.

Libbey Park

Next to the Post Office is Libbey Park — home of the famous Ojai Music Festival. Most importantly, it is also home of the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation’s annual Martin Luther King Celebration, produced entirely by students. I am pictured here with Marty Van Loan on guitar and Claud Mann on cajon.

KPFK

Whenever our local public radio station, KPFK, does a fund drive, I head down the highway and join in the fun. More and more, it seems that public radio is the only real support independent artists have. I jump at the chance to sing their praises and support them back.

Knead Baking Company

Afternoon coffee and pastry breaks are an essential part of my week, especially if I can kibbitz with my best pal and wonderful photographer Heather Benton. Knead Baking Company is a glorious setting on a sunny day. Try their home-made bagels.

The Ojai Vineyard

I have a very warm spot in my heart (and my stomach) for great wines, and some of the very best are made right here in Ojai. Winemakers Adam Tolmach, of the Ojai Vineyard, and Bob Levin, at End of the Road Winery, are both masters of their craft.

End of the Road Winery

End of the Road Winery is magical place. I feel so lucky to get to be involved in the process of picking, bottling, and, most importantly, tasting!

My home

Nothing beats the evening view just outside my window. There are magical sunset skies in the early evening no matter which direction you look.

People always ask me where to find the best food in Ojai. The secret is … it’s at my house. My husband is celebrated chef Claud Mann (host of TBS’s Dinner & a Movie). I always know when he gets that certain look of deep concentration in his eye that he is plotting something scrumptious and the end result will mean perfect happiness for me and our invited guests.

The Thacher School

As a member of this community, I am lucky enough to be invited to concerts that are presented by the Thacher School, and the most recent was a mind-blower. Ladysmith Black Mambazo performed a glorious a cappella concert of South African song.

Perla Batalla is an Ojai-based singer/songwriter who tours and records internationally. 

All photos by Perla Batalla.

Traveler: Your Guide to Glasgow

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It may not be Scotland's capital city, but Glasgow — just a half-hour from well-heeled Edinburgh — offers arguably the most vibrant and exciting city life north of the border. From the busy footfall of Sauciehall Street to the beautiful greenery of the West End, from Merchant City to Southside, this manifestly walkable city contains richly diverse neighbourhoods and some of the most fun-loving people you'll meet in the UK.

Getting There

You can fly direct to Glasgow from the east coast, but you’d be robbing yourself of one of the prettiest railway journeys that Britain has to offer. The train from London speeds you through the length of England, its lovely hills and green pastures rolling past your window for a little over four hours. The scenery is particularly breathtaking once you pass Preston and enter the Lake District, whose beauty inspired a generation of romantic poets from William Wordsworth to Robert Southey.

Lodging

[A deluxe room at Blythswood Square. Photo courtesy of BSG.]

If you’ve cash to splash, Blythswood Square is a smart, luxurious hotel complete with spa — a riot of modern décor that sits beautifully within a classic historic town house. It’s even got its own private cinema. Cheaper, but no less hip, is Hotel Indigo, a boutique hotel that’s centrally located … and has an extremely well-stocked minibar.

Coffee

[It's always cuppa time in the UK. Photo courtesy of Willow Tea Rooms.]

There’s a thriving coffee scene in Glasgow, not least because the city has always had a large Italian population. Fratelli Sarti is one of the best-loved authentic Italian restaurants in the city, and you can pop in for a coffee or its famous homemade gelato. Tinderbox (189 Byres Rd, G12 8TS) is the go-to for those who like their stuff strong and black (and has been operating far longer than its hipster competitors). But this is still the UK, so if you prefer a real British drink, head to the Willow Tea Rooms for a cuppa. It’s elegantly designed by art nouveau’s chief architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Food

[A plate of goodness at Café Zique. Photo courtesy of Café Zique.]

Glasgow is the city that first gave the world the Deep Fried Mars Bar, and its cuisine has been somewhat maligned, as a result. But there are plenty of wonderful places to eat, not least in the West End, Glasgow’s leafy and good-living district. Top of the class is the Ubiquitous Chip on picture-postcard Ashton Lane and its sister restaurant Stravaigin, both of which champion Scottish cooking. Close by is Cafézique, a more casual but no less delicious proposition, which serves a wonderfully hearty breakfast. Humbler still, and operating a BYO policy for those on a budget, is the Wee Curry Shop, one of the best Indian restaurants in Scotland.

Drink

[A wee dram of whiskey. Photo credit: IntangibleArts via Foter.com / CC BY.]

You can’t visit Scotland without tasting a wee dram of its namesake liquor. The Pot Still holds a collection of some of the finest Scotch whiskies you can drink, and its bar is as warm and inviting as what’s in the bottle. If you want a more vibrant, modern take on Glasgow drinking, head to Nice’N’Sleazy, the city’s most infamous dive bar, where you can drink beer — and dance — til late into the night.

Shopping

[The Style Mile. Photo credit: marsupium photography via Foter.com / CC BY-SA.]

Style Mile is aptly named. You can browse this shoppers’ heaven — a pedestrianized area which wends through the centre of town along Argyle, Buchanan, and Sauchiehall Streets — for hours. But, if you want something a bit less Main Street, head to the Merchant City district, where its independent boutiques, designer couture, retro retailers, and thrift stores offer a lively and quirky alternative.

Music Venues

http://www.monocafebar.com/[Music and meals at Mono. Photo courtesy of Mono Café Bar.]

Sure, Edinburgh can claim a world-renowned festival. But Glasgow has always been Scotland’s true music capital, where the sound goes on late into the night in gritty dive bars and loud, heaving nightclubs. The city is still mourning the recent closure of its best-loved venue — and artistic hub — the Arches. But the gigs go on, in up-and-coming venues like Mono — a space favouring more experimental sounds — and established indie houses like Stereo, where local bands find a truly passionate audience. City Halls and the Fruitmarket play host to a welter of alternative music, and Barrowland is a former ballroom-turned-Glasgow’s favourite nightclub. For stadium rock, head for the Hydro.

Local Flavor

[The Kelvingrove Museum. Photo credit: dun_deagh via Foter.com / CC BY-SA.]

Glasgow is the British city for modern art. From the Centre for Contemporary Art to the Mackintosh designed Glasgow School of Art, from the Hunterian Gallery to Kelvingrove, the city is at the cutting edge of art and design, and the evidence is all around. For something truly unique, head to the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre, where mechanical sculptures perform extraordinary choreography. Soccer is also a big deal in this city — and a historical source of feud between its Protestant and Catholic communities, represented by the Rangers and Celtic teams, respectively.

Lede photo credit: brownrobert73 via Foter.com / CC BY-SA.

Traveler: Your Guide to Chattanooga

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Once one of the dirtiest cities in the country, Chattanooga, TN, is now known as America's Scenic City … and that's not a title given lightly. Surrounded by mountains, bolstered by a thriving arts community, and situated along the banks of the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is a gem of the Southeast, one that's now known for its growing tech scene as much as it is its long-beloved outdoor culture. A native Chattanoogan myself, here are some of my favorite spots in the quickly growing city.

Getting there

If you're in the Southeast — particulary around Nashville, Knoxville, or Atlanta — getting to Chattanooga is a piece of cake. Unfortunately, however, you can no longer take the famed Chattanooga Choo Choo, which now serves as one of the city's more interesting hotels. 

Accommodations

[Photo credit: J. Stephen Conn / Foter.com / CC BY-NC]

If you're gonna Airbnb it, check out upcoming neighborhoods like Southside or, for a room with a view, look for rentals on Lookout Mountain. If you'd like your stay to be a bit more historical, book a room at the aforementioned Chattanooga Choo Choo or stay at the Read House, a historic hotel known around town to be haunted. 

Food

[Photo credit: Lorenia / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND]

Chattanooga's food scene has grown exponentially over the years. With new restaurants popping up every day, you're sure to find good eats no matter what part of town you hit. Some highlights include the tiny breakfast joint Aretha Frankenstein's (Don't leave without trying the pancakes!), farm-to-table eatery the Farmer's Daughter, and the game-filled Southside Social. If you're in need of a caffeine boost, head over to Rembrandt's in the Bluff View Art District, which is conveniently located at the end of the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge and offers easy access to several restaurants, as well as the Hunter Museum of Art. 

Drink

[Photo credit: Larry Miller / Foter.com / CC BY-NC]

Chattanooga may be small, but it's drink scene is not. The Chattanooga Whiskey Company recently opened the Tennessee Stillhouse, where guests can sample the first whiskey made within Chattanooga city limits in over a century. You can also hit up breweries like Chattanooga Brewing Co. and Hutton & Smith Brewery, both of which have taprooms and food for a more leisurely drinking experience. Check out basement bar the Bitter Alibi and the multi-level Flying Squirrel when you need a nightcap after a long day exploring.

Local Flavor

[Photo credit: Kay Gaensler / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA]

There's too much to do in Chattanooga for one weekend trip, but a great way to experience a touch of the local culture is to take your own walking tour. Start with the locally owned shops and galleries on Frazier Ave., take a stroll and a carousel ride in Coolidge Park, cross the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge, and visit the Hunter Museum of American Art in the Bluff View Arts District. If you have the time, don't miss the Tennessee Aquarium, one of the country's largest freshwater aquariums, and be sure to head up Lookout Mountain for my own personal favorite Chattanooga landmark, Rock City. (If you go during the holidays, be sure to go check out the Christmas lights at night.) There are also outdoor activities galore — from hiking to climbing to SUP — so be sure to pack your outdoor gear, if you really want to see the best the city has to offer. Chattanooga was voted Outside Online's Best Town Ever, after all.

Lede photo courtesy of C Simmons / Foter.com / CC BY-NC

Traveler: Your Guide to Asheville

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Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, NC, is one of the most scenic cities in the Southeast. A truly eclectic place, the town of just under 90,000 residents packs in art, food, beer, culture, and, of course, the outdoors, making for weekend trips that leave you saying, "We've gotta come back for more soon."

Getting there

For my trip to Asheville, the drive from Nashville was an easy one — about five hours by car. (That doesn't take into account the time change you encounter going from Central to Eastern.) It's a scenic drive, too, especially as you get closer to Asheville itself. And for the UT fans out there, the drive goes right through Knoxville, so you can make a pit stop for all your DayGlo orange needs, if you feel so inclined.

Accommodations

While there's certainly no shortage of Airbnb's right in town, it's worth your while to check out some of the cabin rentals (also found on Airbnb!) in the surrounding area. Many of them offer beautiful views and hiking access, and are a mere 15-20 minutes from the heart of the city.

Food


[loveandlocal / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA]

Asheville is definitely a food town. If you're feeling like a fancy night out, chef John Fleer's Rhubarb won't disappoint with an extensive menu that features lobster corn dogs, to name just one of the many delicious dishes. Check out Tupelo Honey Café and Sunny Point Café, if you're looking for something a little more casual. And, of course, don't forget that many of the breweries around town also have food options that rival the quality of their amazing beers. 

Drink


[jpc.raleigh / Foter.com / CC BY-NC]

If Asheville is a food town, it's most certainly a beer town, as well, with more breweries per capita than any other city in the United States. You can spend your entire trip visiting breweries alone and, luckily, many of the breweries are located so close together that doing so is an easy (and legal!) feat. If you don't know where to start, check out the Asheville Ale Trail, a definitive guide to the 13 breweries located in Asheville. A couple favorites from my trip were Green Man Brewery, One World Brewing, and Asheville Brewing Co, the last of which also provided the perfect pizza lunch to fuel our drive back to Nashville.

Local Flavor


[vlasta2 / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND]

If you're into the outdoors, Asheville is the perfect destination. The Blue Ridge Mountains offer a number of hiking options, from easy strolls through the city's Botanical Gardens to more difficult treks, like the Cold Mountain Trails. When your legs need a break, be sure to take advantage of Asheville's art scene which includes the River Arts District, a group of historic buildings by the French Broad River housing a number of artists and studios. And, if you have time to catch a show during your stay, be sure to hit the Orange Peel which, in November alone, features shows from the Milk Carton Kids, the Infamous Stringdusters, and Shakey Graves.

Lede photo courtesy of davidwilson1949 / Foter.com / CC BY

The BGS Life Weekly Roundup: Toasted Deities, Super Blood Moon Eclipse, Faux Shabby Chic and More

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We're not just into music here at the BGS. We want to paint an entire picture for you, knitting together the lifestyles, talents, and culture of this Americana quilt we love so dearly. That's why we've taken the time to scour the web and collect the best food, style, travel, and lifestyle pieces that are affecting hearts and minds in a positive way. Here are some of our favorite stories of the week below. Do you have any recommendations? Let us know in the comments!

Culture

Image c/o Oxford American

• An Oxford American writer considers her Confederate ancestor. 

• The art of the audiobook. 

Food

Photo c/o Saveur

• Saveur's fall food travel guide is here. 

• Finding the Pope in your toast really isn't all that weird. 

Style

Photo c/o Sploid

• Why have normal new furniture when you can have new furniture that you've intentionally made to look old? 

Nature

Photo c/o National Geographic

• Did you catch last night's Super Blood Moon Total Eclipse? Check out some amazing photos at National Geographic.