the grand tourist

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The Grand Tourist with Dan Rubinstein

Introducing the grand tourist.

Design journalist Dan Rubinstein introduces listeners to the leading tastemakers of the creative world, from master chefs to experimental architects. Join Dan on a virtual journey through the worlds of fashion, interior design, art, food, and travel—all the elements of a well-lived life.

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9. Daphne Guinness: “Everything is About Taste”

8. tyler brûlé: the editor who changed the conversation, madame clicquot: history’s champagne pioneer, 7. martin brudnizki: master of the grand fantasy, 6. murray moss: the radical gallerist who transformed design, 5. walton ford: a wildly creative life, 4. linda wells: “beauty is a word i find difficult”, 3. yabu pushelberg: building a better life, 2. alex prager: finding purpose in photography.

Amy Astley: Guiding Architectural Digest Into the Future

If there’s one magazine that truly sets the standard for excellence in design, it’s Architectural Digest . On this episode, Dan speaks with Amy Astley, the title’s Editor-in-Chief, about how she broke into magazines, her years at Vogue , breaking boundaries by launching its spinoff Teen Vogue , her thoughts about taste in the Instagram era, and the importance of embracing the new to stay relevant.

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• Show The Grand Tourist with Dan Rubinstein
• Frequency Updated Weekly
• Published September 13, 2023 at 11:00 AM UTC
• Length 1h 14m
• Rating Clean

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Is This The Grand Canyon Of Maine?

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What to know about gulf hagas, maine, what makes gulf hagas the grand canyon of maine, hike gulf hagas trails.

Anyone asked to name a canyon they know in America would name the Grand Canyon, and there's no shame in doing so, as it’s the most famous in the world and among the most beautiful destinations in the U.S. As grand and breathtaking as the Grand Canyon is, it isn’t the only canyon in the country.

The U.S. is home to plenty of canyons, including stunning ones that you probably haven’t heard of . Utah takes the top spot for the best destination for exploring these magical wonders, thanks to having the world’s largest slot canyon concentration, beckoning hikers of all levels, including the youngest adventurers.

Maine, which offers a rugged coastline, an incredible lobster scene, and an exceptional national park, Acadia, is hardly recognized for its canyon landscape. Gulf Hagas, which rests within Katahdin Iron Works Forest, while smaller and more remote, is definitely an outstanding canyon that you can find in Vacationland.

Is this the Grand Canyon of Maine? Discover the amazing similarities this hidden gem shares with Arizona’s crown jewel, and why it’s worth your time to visit

This Maine Town Is Home To New England's Only Desert

New England's only desert is a unique and magical place that offers more than its rolling sand dunes.

This slate gorge was formed toward the end of the last ice age and has a rich human history

Toward the last ice age, incredibly thick and heavy glaciers changed the landscape of Maine. Gulf Hagas is one of the many natural wonders that were carved and sculpted as the glaciers retreated, thanks to frequent flooding and the continuous flow of the West Branch of the Pleasant River.

It's a lesser-visited portion of the Appalachian Trail, and has a long human history, having been first inhabited by the Penobscot Tribe, whose cultural heritage remains significant to the area. The modern history of the park can be traced back to the mid-1800s when logging operations began. It was designated as a National Natural Scenic Landmark in 1968 and became a portion of the Appalachian Trail Corridor, which is managed by the National Park Service, in 1985.

The slate gorge’s sheer rock walls, scenic waterfalls, and breathtaking vistas give Grand Canyon vibes, except it’s much smaller and quieter

Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East, Gulf Hagas is located deep in the heart of the North Maine Woods in the 100 Mile Wilderness region, which means it’s surrounded by some of the most scenic vistas in Maine.

It might not be completely on the off-the-beaten-path but it’s an underrated gem, despite being an incredibly stunning natural wonder with scenic hiking trails and extraordinary views. Only a few travelers make it to this portion of the larger Appalachian Trail, which welcomes more than 3 million visitors every year (more than 3,000 people attempt to thru-hike the whole route) .

The hidden gem has been dubbed the Grand Canyon of Maine for many reasons, including its steep-walled gorge, which boasts a maximum depth of 400 feet and 150-foot cliff walls . This canyon isn’t even close to the grand size of the Grand Canyon, but not any less spectacular. There are plenty of lookout points to take in the breathtaking scenery of the park.

Maine is home to many waterfalls, including Rumford Falls, the largest in New England , and Moxie Falls, the tallest in the state . While Gulf Haga's waterfalls aren’t very well recognized, they're certainly beautiful and are part of what makes this hidden gem such a magical place that shouldn’t be missed. Each waterfall is special and unique on its own; Screw Auger Falls being the most photogenic and most popular.

The slate-walled pool below the waterfall might be smaller than other swimming holes in the U.S. that are worth hiking to , but guarantees a refreshing dip for the few swimmers who are lucky enough to get in at any point in time. Other waterfalls include Buttermilk Falls, Billings Falls, Stair Falls, and unnamed waterfalls, which come with fascinating swimming holes of their own.

7 Amazing One-Day Road Trips In Maine

Maine is one of the most beautiful states on the East Coast, and these epic road trips will help you see the best of it.

The Gulf Hagas Rim Trail and Plesant River Tote

Popular with day hikers, Gulf Hagas is a portion of a challenging section of Maine’s Appalachian Trail with scenic trails that offer a unique perspective on the area. The gorge is known for the Gulf Hagas Rim Trail, which allows hikers to travel through the heart of Maine’s wilderness, putting their hiking abilities to the test, as they discover the rugged beauty of the area.

You'll wind through some of the most striking sights in the conservation area, including Screw Auger Falls, Buttermilk Falls, and Billings Falls. It’s full of breathtaking vistas, so get ready to snap some epic pictures of one of the best hidden gems in Maine.

If you're a waterfall enthusiast, then you are in luck, as Moxie Falls is only 48 miles away, taking less than 2 hours to get to.

Gulf Hagas Trail to Cutoff

This is a moderately challenging loop trail that comes with incredibly diverse terrain. It takes an average of 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete this trail, but novice hikers may take longer as it includes some steep sections and high-water crossings. It's also muddy throughout, but definitely recommended for travelers looking for a refreshing adventure experience.

With its breathtaking waterfalls, sweeping vistas, and steep gorge, Gulf Hagas deserves the title, “The Grand Canyon of Maine.” Its scenic trails may not be as numerous as the actual Grand Canyon, but it guarantees some of the most unforgettable wild adventures you can experience in Maine.

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Discover why students love the SEU experience.

This fall, our Pathways School of Excellence students will have a new space to learn essential life skills. A grand opening ceremony and celebration will be held for the Life Skills House on Thursday, August 29, on our main campus .

The event is open to the entire community and will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Bush Chapel.

The Pathways Program

The Pathways School of Excellence is a middle school and high school program for students with special needs. The program offers an individualized curriculum consisting of independent living skills, spiritual development, and academic growth.

The Life Skills House is a designated space on SEU’s campus for Pathways students to develop and practice independent living skills in an environment similar to the real world. In addition to preparing students for an independent future, it will also help them grow their employability.

Event Details

After a brief program in Bush Chapel, attendees will be invited to walk over to the Life Skills House for the grand reveal at 6 p.m. Following the reveal, there will be tours of the house and a block party from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with carnival-style games, food and drinks, face painting, and more.

Making It Possible

The construction and renovation needed to prepare the house for its new purpose was funded through state appropriations from the Florida Legislature. 

“I am honored to support the Life Skills House initiative, as I can see the significant value it is going to add to the community and the educational need it will fulfill,” said Florida Senator Colleen Burton . “This program will help prepare and equip the young adults of Pathways to become contributing and successful members of our communities.”

Dr. Patricia Shaw, the principal of the Pathways School of Excellence, commented, “Our students needed a space outside of the classroom with the proper equipment where they could practice skills related to cooking, cleaning, laundry, and much more.”

The House’s Features

Each room of the house will be structured for the teaching of specific skills. In the kitchen, students will learn food safety, grocery planning, and how to cook. A bedroom will be staged with a Murphy bed where students will learn how to properly make the bed.

A laundry room will be available with industrial washers and dryers for students to practice washing and drying their clothes, as well as folding or hanging them up when done. There will also be a workout space equipped with weights and dumbbells for students to participate in various exercises.

The Life Skills House will also include a meeting space for tutoring, and an area for recreation where students can earn breaks and watch TV or play video games.

On the house’s patio, a raised garden will be set up for students to learn horticultural skills.

In addition, students will learn general safety skills and practice entrepreneurship by operating their own smoothie business that will serve the SEU campus community.

Impact and Opportunity

Every Pathways student will have the opportunity to utilize the house with the accompanied guidance of a teacher or mentor. The house will also provide experiential learning opportunities for SEU students studying social work or education by working directly with Pathways students.

“The best way for our students to master these types of skills is through repetition. With increased opportunity for practice at school, in addition to their own home, they will be able to achieve mastery much quicker,” emphasized Shaw. “The impact it will have on our students and their families will be huge.”

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F1 2024 Italian Grand Prix weather forecast - latest today from Monza

Here's what the weather forecast will look like during the 2024 Italian Grand Prix at Autodromo Nazionale Monza.

Last time out in the Netherlands , Lando Norris fought back against home favourite Max Verstappen on his way to securing a dominant win by 22.896s ahead of the Dutchman.

F1 HEADLINES: Verstappen given shock FIA drugs test as star DISQUALIFIED ahead of Dutch Grand Prix

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This marks the Briton's second career win following Miami earlier this season, while Verstappen's winless streak now stands at five races.

Now heading into Monza, Norris will be looking to capitalise on his recent momentum and chip away at Verstappen's lead in the championship .

But how will the weather play out?

Italian Grand Prix weather forecast

Friday, August 30: FP1 and FP2

The weekend kicks off with a sunny day, with temperatures reaching a high of 32 degrees Celsius and a low of 23 degrees.

Despite the heat, there's a slight chance of showers during both practice sessions, with a 10 per cent probability forecast for each.

Humidity is expected to be relatively high, reaching up to 58 per cent.

READ MORE: F1 Explained: How does practice work?

Saturday, August 31: FP3 and Qualifying

The warm conditions persist on Saturday, with high temperatures remaining around 32 degrees and lows dropping to 22 degrees.

The final practice session could be disrupted by rain, with a 40 per cent chance of showers. This precipitation could also carry over into the qualifying session later in the afternoon.

READ MORE: F1 Explained: How does qualifying work?

Sunday, September 1: Race

Race day could see the highest chance of rain, with a 50 per cent probability forecast for the morning and early afternoon.

However, conditions could improve as the race progresses, with a potential for drier weather later in the day.

Humidity levels will be around 48 per cent, and temperatures will reach a high of 30 degrees.

However, it's important to note that these forecasts are subject to change. We will be updating you daily with the latest forecast, so be sure to check back in as the week progresses.

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BREAKING: Travis King, U.S. soldier who ran into North Korea last year, to plead guilty to desertion

Body of woman swept away in Grand Canyon flash flood is found

The body of a Grand Canyon National Park visitor swept away in a flash flood was found in the Colorado River late Sunday morning, park officials said.

Chenoa Nickerson, 33, was from Gilbert, Arizona, the National Park Service said in a statement Sunday. She was swept away Thursday along with her husband, who was rescued by rafters, NBC affiliate KPNX of Phoenix reported .

In a statement sent to the station Sunday, her family confirmed the news and said, "Our hearts are heavy with grief."

Nickerson's body was discovered about 11:30 a.m. near river mile 176 by those aboard a boat used for guided tours of the Colorado River, according to the park service statement and a spokesperson who responded by email.

The location of the discovery is nearly 20 miles from where she was reported missing, in the area of Havasu Canyon, according to the park service.

She was swept into Havasu Creek, according to an earlier statement, about a half-mile from its confluence with the river, and park officials had feared she ended up in the continental waterway.

The flash flood struck about 1:30 p.m. Thursday, the park service said. The area is subjected to late-summer thunderstorms every year, and this week another chance for rain was forecast for Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Some hikers in the area were stranded above and below nearby Beaver Falls and were rescued with the help of a helicopter, the park service said.

KPNX reported that 100 people were ultimately rescued.

The family's statement thanked first responders and others who pitched in to find Nickerson.

"Our family would like to express our sincere and endless gratitude to the men and women of the National Park Service Search and Rescue team for their tireless, selfless, and courageous efforts," the statement said.

The Havasupai Tribe said in a statement Sunday that it was sending "heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Chenoa Nickerson."

After the flash flood, the tribe shuttered nearby Havasupai Falls, a move supported by Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis, the community said in a statement.

Dennis Romero is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.

More From Forbes

Top things to do in hangzhou, china.

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Hangzhou, China

Beijing, Shanghai, Yangtze River. These well-known Chinese destinations are familiar to the seasoned traveler, but Hangzhou? Not so much. This eastern metropolis is rich in history and culture spanning more than 2,000 years, yet it stands in the shadow of its better-known siblings. What sets Hangzhou apart from other Chinese cities is not only its beauty but its tranquility, a characteristic that stands in sharp contrast to other, more frantically paced, parts of the country.

Here, top things to do in this below-the-radar Chinese city.

Boating on the Grand Canal

Grand Canal in Hangzhou, China.

The world's oldest and longest canal, the Grand Canal begins in Hangzhou and ends in Beijing, extending 1,200 miles between two of China's most magnificent cities. It's nearly 1,400 years old and is a beautiful, yet intricate marvel of engineering. It was created under the direction of Emperor Yang of the Sui dynasty as a way to transfer rice from the fertile Yangtze region to the masses in the north. In Hangzhou, the canal's southern tip, visitors can take a boat ride through China's changing landscape, watching stone bridges and beautiful pagodas make way for the factories and apartment buildings and other signposts of everyday life that line the banks.

Walking in the West Lake region

Jixian Pavilion of Hangzhou West Lake, China.

The West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its boat rides and the majestic "Impression West Lake" a light, music, dance, and theater production that literally takes place on the water (produced by the famed Zhang Yimou, who created the opening and closing ceremonies at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing). But the walking and hiking trails that abound in this picturesque area are equally worth exploring. Wander around under ornate stone bridges, ancient temples, and massive pagodas and you'll find solace away from the crowds. One of the prettiest walks is along the causeway connecting Broken Bridge with Solitary Hill. Created during the Tang Dynasty by Bai Juyi, governor of Hangzhou, the path is lined with hundreds of willow trees, making it a tranquil, easy-to-follow trail.

Exploring Xixi National Wetland Park

Xixi Hangzhou National Wetland Park is a national wetland park in China, located at the west part of ... [+] Hangzhou.

This expansive wetland dates back 4,000 years, and was made a national park in 2005, in part to protect its fragile ecosystem. Located in the northwest of Hangzhou, Xixi crosses six waterways and spans over 2,500 acres; 70% of which is covered by water. A boat ride along Xixi is an opportunity to see wild geese, pheasants, and egrets, along with local flora such as plum, willow, bamboo, hibiscus, and persimmon trees. There are ten scenic spots within the park; the Lotus Flower Eco-Reserve Area is the best place for bird-watching while Plum Village is a blanket of plum trees (over 3,000)—a must-see when they're in bloom. In June, the wetland is the site of one of the largest dragon boat festivals in China.

Trump Signals He May Skip ABC News Debate After Bashing Network

Real madrid coach ancelotti fires warning to vinicius jr., 1 dead, 3 injured in landslide in alaska’s ketchikan, strolling through hangzhou's botanical gardens.

Hangzhou, China, has a beautiful botanical garden area.

Koi ponds, stone bridges, a bamboo forest, and, of course, China's beloved lotus flower can be seen along the trails that crisscross these lush gardens. A day spent here is one of relaxation and leisure throughout the year. In the summer the hammock forest is in full swing; the Yulan trees are the signal that spring has begun. Autumn brings the fragrant osmanthus, and the piney woods line the horizon in winter. The showstopper is Lingfeng Hill, where more than 5,000 plum trees stand upright in a roseate blaze.

Learning calligraphy at Xiling Seal Engraver

One of the activities in Hangzhou, China, is learning the art of calligraphy.

China has a long tradition of calligraphy, dating back to ancient times. And the best place to learn the art is at Hangzhou's Xiling Seal Engraver's Society, which was founded in 1904. This group is world-known for its epigraphy, calligraphy, and painting on bronze and stone tablets. Visitors are given tools and taught how to engrave their own symbol on a stone seal.

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10/11/23: Our First Travel Edition

Sail down the nile; get tips from a trailblazing hotelier; find the best cocktails in milan; and learn about all the best new hotels around the world..

You’re reading The Grand Tourist Curator, our weekly newsletter with the latest handpicked news and insights from the worlds of art, design, style, food, and travel.  Sign up here  to get The Curator delivered directly to your inbox.

Setting Sail: Our First Travel Edition I’m Maura Egan, and I’m excited to bring you the first travel edition of The Grand Tourist Curator. As a longtime travel editor—formerly of Departures , T Magazine , and others—I love helping friends and family plan their trip, divulging a small hotel in Antwerp or a house museum in the outer reaches of London. (My guilty pleasure is telling people where not to go, but that’s for another newsletter.) For the Curator, I’ll be sharing my handpicked list of new hotels, emerging neighborhoods, exciting restaurants, dynamic museums, as well as the under-the-radar tastemakers making it all happen. It could be some far flung spot or right around the corner, but it’s all a part of the well-lived (and well-traveled) life. —Maura Egan

Traveling the Nile in Style There’s no better way to travel up the Nile than on one of the traditional dahabiya of the Nour El Nil fleet. We suggest the trip Maura took on the Agathe boat last spring. While she felt she was a bit late to the party getting there, it turned out to be a trip of a lifetime for her. Currently the company operates seven sailboats that make stops at villages like Edfu, home to the Greco temple dedicated to Horus, and Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile god, during the five-night journey. Still, there’s plenty of time to relax on board where guests (former guest Luke Edward Hall was sailing on one of the other boats in her fleet) can linger over communal meals and watch the Nile unfurl. After you disembark in Aswan, stop by the Old Cataract Hotel, an art deco gem that has been recently restored.

The journey starts in Luxor. Do yourself a favor and book a few extra days at Al Moudira . Located on the West Bank of the Nile, it truly is an oasis, ideal for relaxing after touring the spectacular tombs of the Valley of the King and Queens and the Temple of Hatshepsut. The rooms have frescoed walls, iron canopy beds, and hand-carved furniture. The property, dotted with gurgling fountains and hidden pathways, has recently expanded with a six-room villa filled with flea market finds and antiques, as well as a private pool. Make sure to check out the hotel shop, curated by Margarita Andrade, the wife of one of the owners, who sells colorful ceramics from the Fayoum Oasis and her own hand-embroidered Malaika linens .

N.B. The new iteration of Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum, which houses over 100,000 ancient artifacts as well as King Tut’s treasures, is finally open for private tours and will open fully later this year. It’s been touted as the world’s largest archeological museum.

The Hotelier Transforming Iconic Locations Into Stunning Hotels The Experimental Group always has their finger on the pulse when it comes to the next destination, whether it’s revamping a Belle Epoque grande dame into the innovative Regina Experimental in Biarritz or turning a historic estate into Cowley Manor , a stylish rural retreat near the Cotswolds. Among the group’s future projects is a small hotel in Rome and an Americana-style lodge in the French ski resort in Val d’Isere, which Pierre-Charles Cros, who founded the company with his childhood friends Olivier Bon and Romée De Goriainoff in 2007, explains “will have a Ralph Lauren ranch look to it.” We asked Cros about what inspires him:

What do you think determines a good hotel? I think the little details are important but I am much more sensitive to the fundamentals. You need to be able to live, work and eat in your hotel room so the essentials—a comfortable bed, good lighting, a quiet space—need to be right. It’s not about the Instagram shot.

What’s a hotel pet peeve of yours? Well, I hate when technology takes over the room and then you have to call the front desk to ask how to work the lights or the television. It’s embarrassing and disruptive. You just want to be able to settle in.

Is there a hotel you’d love to live in or operate? I went to Reid’s Palace , a Belmond hotel in Madeira, Spain this summer and loved it. It’s this 125-year-old property that’s perched on the cliffs with a rock swimming pool. It’s got lots of charm—it’s got both old-world and James Bond vibes.

Do you have a person who has inspired you? There’s been a ton of designers but the person who really still inspires me is Anthony Bourdain. It’s very sad that he has left us but whenever I am going to a new place, I watch one of his old episodes of “No Reservations.” He didn’t take himself too seriously but he knew where to eat and what to explore.

Is there a place you return to? I’ve been going to Pantelleria, off of Sicily, for the last three years. My favorite seafood spot is this place, Il Principe e il Pirata . It’s got lots of charm and sea views. I stay at a house but people like Parco dei Sesi . The island is so simple and yet sophisticated. Only Italians can do this.

Underrated destination? Menorca. A few years ago we opened a hotel here. It’s the quiet island of the Baelerics. The nature and the light are just stunning. It’s much bigger than Ibiza and it’s just untouched.

Where do you want to go next? Japan. I’ve never been and so many friends have gone. I need several weeks so I can go deep.

Beyond Bar Basso Meredith Erickson’s “Alpine Cooking” (Ten Speed Press), which came out in 2019, is one of our favorite cookbook-slash-travel-slash-coffee table books. It’s a compendium of recipes and stories from the small restaurants and refugios in Europe’s largest mountain range spanning Italy, Austria, France, and Switzerland. This inspired us to investigate Switzerland’s Engadin Valley this summer (more on that another time). Now Erickson, who’s based in Milan, has entered the spirits world with Doladira, a rhubarb-based aperitivo inspired by the Dolomites. It’s launching stateside this month and you can find it at places like Le Rock and Superiority Burger . It’s delicious with club soda and ice and tastes more grown-up, less saccharine, than say the ubiquitous Aperol spritz. She’s a fan of Milan’s Bar Basso , of course, but here are her other favorite spots to enjoy an cocktail in the city:

Si Ma Townhouse: “My friends Sima and Massimo are the owners. Massimo is an architect so the place is very chic. It’s very much a New York vibe in Milan and something Milan needs.” Cantine Isola: “The floor-to-ceiling shelves at this wine bar are packed with wine with handwritten prices and notes from the staff. They’ll open a $2,000 bottle of wine and pour you a glass. You don’t have to buy the whole bottle.” Onest: “This wine bar is open for lunch and dinner on weekends, which is rare in Milan. They go deep into the French and Champagne list.” Taveggia: “This is an old school local stori. I come here after work for a quick Americano and chips and olives to melt away the day.” Enoteca Naturale: “I like it for its outdoor seating in the summer and overall energy.”

Raffles Billion Dollar Bet; Ramdane Touhani’s Alpine Adventure; High Design in Oaxaca In a city filled with grand hotels, enter the OWO Raffles . After a $1.76 billion dollar renovation, Raffles opened recently in London’s Old War Office, one of the city’s most important historical buildings. Once the HQ for British military operations during both World Wars, today it houses 120 rooms and suites, as well as nine restaurants, including two from star chef Mauro Colagreco .

21c debuts their latest outpost in St. Louis, Missouri. Housed in a former YMCA building downtown, the property boasts a blue-chip art collection, including works by hometown favorite, Katherine Bernhardt . But what’s more impressive is the new Director of Community Impact position, who is charged with local outreach. More city hotels should follow suit.

Although Morocco experienced a terrible earthquake in early September, tourism brings much-needed funds for relief, and most of Marrakech is up and running again. And now there’s even more reason to go: Laurence Leenaert, the Belgian-born, Marrakech-based talent behind cult design label Lrnce , has opened the Rosemary , a five-room affair showcasing her Matisse-meets-Moroccan tribal aesthetic.

Ramdane Touhani , the polymath genius behind Cire Trudon and Officine Universelle Buly, has entered the hospitality business with Drei Berge Hotel , bringing his forever-fresh look to the Alpine aesthetic. Perched on a mountaintop village in the Bernese Oberland, this 19-room hotel in Mürren is only accessible by cable car, train or the hotel’s own Defender.

Otro Oaxaca , the latest property from Grupo Habita in Mexico, is now open. The 16- room property looks unassuming from the facade but opens up into a series of hidden courtyards, floating staircases, as well as an elegant rooftop. Grupo Habita, who is known for working with designers like Joseph Dirand and Dimore Studio , teamed up with architect João Boto Caeiro, to create an elegant study in local materials like raw concrete and reclaimed wood.

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