Latest news with #Adirondack
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Spring-ready outdoor furniture that can transform your deck and yard
Fox News and its syndication partners may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom. Whether you live in the Northeast, West Coast or anywhere in between, transforming your outdoor spaces into a hosting haven is essential for memorable spring and summer gatherings. Thoughtfully selected outdoor furniture enhances the appeal of your patio or deck and provides the comfort and functionality needed for entertaining guests. Modular furniture and water-resistant materials are gaining popularity, offering versatility and durability to suit various outdoor settings and climates. To assist you in curating the perfect outdoor retreat, here are 10 furniture pieces that combine style, comfort and practicality to elevate your outdoor living experience. Most parties involve food, so an outdoor dining set that accommodates multiple guests is a must. This Mainstays 7-piece set at Walmart includes a tempered glass-top table and six stackable chairs, all with durable steel frames and a weather-resistant finish. The neutral tones complement various outdoor themes and its stackable chairs offer convenient storage options for the off-season. Consider this outdoor dining set if you prefer resin over metal, which potentially involves less maintenance depending on your situation. 11 Lightweight Backpacks That Are Perfect For Day Hikes A sectional couch is a popular indoor choice, so why not get one for your outdoor space too? This modular sectional by Birch Lane at Wayfair features handwoven resin wicker over a rust-free aluminum frame, ensuring longevity and resistance to the elements. The Sunbrella cushions provide comfort and have fade-resistant properties. Its modular design allows for customizable configurations to fit your space. If its price tag is above your budget, consider this similar set from Costway at Walmart for under $1,000. Don't forget to grab an umbrella too! Many consider Adirondack chairs a backyard staple, especially around a fire pit. Crafted from recycled plastic lumber, this Adirondack chair offers the timeless appeal of wood without the maintenance. It's resistant to various weather conditions, including rain and sun, ensuring durability. The folding feature allows for easy storage and portability. Read On The Fox News App If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. This expansive Hampton Bay offset umbrella at Home Depot provides ample shade and features built-in solar-powered LED lights to enhance evening ambiance. Its cantilever design allows for versatile placement without obstructing the seating area and the durable aluminum frame helps it withstand wind. If your mind is on accessories, you might also consider picking up a resin storage box for storing cushions, throw pillows, outdoor toys and whatever else you might need, like a colorful indoor/outdoor rug! 10 Products To Take Care Of Your Indoor Plants In The Spring You'll likely always need extra chairs if your guest count exceeds what your table allows. These Style Selections Pelham Bay stackable chairs are space-saving and feature a rust-resistant steel frame and a comfortable sling seat. Their neutral design complements various table styles, making them a versatile addition to any outdoor dining setup. Also, if you want a more casual setup, you can put the chairs around this Style Selections coffee table, add an end table or two. This budget-friendly set by Mainstays at Walmart includes a table, four folding chairs and an umbrella, offering a complete dining solution for smaller spaces for around $100. The steel frames and weather-resistant materials ensure durability, while the folding chairs provide easy storage options. And it comes in several different colors if you're looking for a more colorful option! If you prefer the earthy and chic look of rattan instead, check out this Costway set, which is more expensive but delivers a refined look. This sleek sectional by AllModern at Wayfair features thick cushions and bold lines, offering both comfort and a modern feel. The Sunbrella cushions are known for their durability and resistance to fading, making them a reliable choice for outdoor use. You can customize the configuration of this couch to suit your outdoor space best. What is the best accent for your fancy new sectional? These colorful outdoor throw cushions! They're waterproof and a set of four is under $20 on Amazon. These 8 Trending Outfits Are Perfect For Your Spring Wardrobe This stylish wicker egg chair adds a contemporary and cozy touch to any outdoor space. Made with weather-resistant wicker and a sturdy steel frame, it includes plush cushions for maximum comfort. Its unique design creates a cozy nook for relaxation. Add an ottoman to kick your feet up for the ultimate backyard lounging experience! Bring your own book and beverage. Love the comfort of a sectional and the functionality of a dining set, but don't have space for both? This versatile set at Walmart includes a sectional sofa, dining table and two ottomans in durable wicker. The sectional provides ample seating with plush cushions for comfort, while the ottomans offer additional seating or can serve as footrests. The dining table features a tempered glass top, making it easy to clean and perfect for outdoor meals. This set's modular design allows various configurations to suit your space and entertaining needs. An offset umbrella is the ideal complement; you can even add a heat lamp for chilly nights! For more deals, visit Enhance your outdoor gatherings by huddling around this smokeless fire pit, designed to provide warmth and ambiance without the hassle and mess of traditional fire pits. Its compact size makes it suitable for various outdoor spaces and the included stand ensures safety on different surfaces. Don't forget the S'mores kit!Original article source: Spring-ready outdoor furniture that can transform your deck and yard
Toronto Sun
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Toronto Sun
Colin and Justin: Outward bound
The Adirondack chair reimagined - by Ori Muskoka, - a new take on an iconic Canadian staple. Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Must-have gadgets and gizmos for escape, innovation and pleasure This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Time spent in pursuit of leisure – at the cottage, in a trailer or simply pottering in the garden – does something for the psyche that's underscored by mind salving adventure and emotional repair. It's why the greenhouse (as well as being home to your seedlings) can be a disencumbering haven as clocks tick faster. It's why the garage, more than somewhere to station your car and stash your tools, can feel like a portal to an escapist dimension. It's why walking barefoot on grass feels curative. And why staring into the depths of a profound night sky encourages us to press pause. These points observed, herewith is a roster of must have gadgets and gizmos – the emphasis placed on escape, innovation and pleasure – to further embolden those stolen, recuperative moments. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Take outdoor illumination to new heights – Pret-a-Racket Solar Lighting from Add a lil' sci-fi style to your outdoor quarters with this trio of rocket shaped solar powered garden lights. Tug gently on the fuse cord to switch on and off, or allow to fade automatically after six hours. Great for kids, or for those who've yet to grow up… Keep it cool – Shark FlexBreeze Fan with InstaCool Mist Attachment from This cordless for outdoor, corded for indoor, rechargeable electric fan quickly transforms from pedestal to tabletop, and features a 70 ft range and a generous 20-hour runtime. For exterior use, the misting attachment connects to your garden hose to reduce temperatures by up to 10 degrees, and it's quiet, even at high speed. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Study celestial bodies – Hestia by Using your smartphone, and cutting-edge tech, Hestia captures the fascinating beauty of the sun, the moon and the universe without the need for complex setups or astronomy expertise. Simply place your phone on the eye piece lens, choose a celestial target and, in conjunction with the app, unlock a new world of charts and exploration. An updated classic – the Adirondack armchair by ORI Muskoka at Industrial designer Shinya Kominami combines Japanese know-how and iconic Canadian design in a sleek outdoor furniture range inspired by the age-old art of origami. His adventurous take on the classic Adirondack chair can be paired with a matching footstool or accent table to complete the look. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Something to tweet about – Bird Silo feeder by Pidät at Designers Mika and Julie Tolvanen have observed bird life for years. Fascinated by ornithological consumption habits, they manufactured several feeder prototypes before honing plans with their 'Bird Silo'. Best for species that feed vertically (such as chickadees, blue tits, finches and woodpeckers) fill it with sunflower seeds or peanuts and watch the avian party begin. Calling all barometric nerds – The Weather System by Tempest's Weather System and the brand's smartphone app are the ultimate tools with which to observe current and upcoming climate patterns so you can plan for, and get the best from, your home or garden. With accurate observations, intuitive learning and state-of-the-art weather pattern-modelling, you'll obtain precise forecasts and trending data to become the meteorologist you always hoped to be. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Explore after dark – 800 Pro Performance USB Head Lamp from www. Whether climbing, hiking or pottering around your garden or cottage after dark, a good head lamp will keep your hands conveniently free. Offering 800 lumens and up to 150 hours of runtime, the product is designed to fit snugly, and avoid annoying slippage, for a truly wearable experience. A slice of the action – Dome pizza oven by Claiming to be the world's most thoughtfully designed outdoor oven, this smart appliance would work well for beginners and seasoned chefs alike, reaching temperatures beyond 500°C to cook pizza in just 60 seconds. Switching easily between wood or rolling gas flames, it holds heat to create restaurant quality fare in your own backyard. And next-level pizza is just the beginning: with Dome accessories you can roast, smoke, steam and bake pretty much anything you choose. Absorbing our primer, can't you just feel the pressure ebb as your sense of adventure heightens? It's your free time, after all, so make the most of it. Your journey of discovery starts right here… Watch for Colin and Justin on City-tv's Breakfast Television and Colin and Justin's Sub-Zero Reno on Paramount Plus TV. Find the Colin and Justin Home Collection in stores across Canada. Visit Crime Sunshine Girls Sunshine Girls Toronto Raptors Toronto Maple Leafs
New York Times
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
What to Read this Summer
Readers, get ready: Summer books are here. These are the novels destined to grow plump with pool water. They're the memoirs, biographies, histories and mysteries to lose yourself in while slathered with sunscreen or sitting strategically downwind of an air conditioning vent. They'll whisk you away if you can't escape and ground you when you're far from home. They're best served with Popsicles, peaches, soft-serve, ice water and lemonade. Cold beer, too. For some of us at the Book Review, summer reading is our Super Bowl and Oscars Night. We search for new and clever ways to wax rhapsodic about the joy of turning pages in the sun — or during a July thunderstorm or in a hammock or by the light of a campfire. (To be honest, hammocks make me queasy, and I've only slept in a tent once.) Beach reads are my bailiwick, and I've written about them so many times I now have to cross-reference previous dispatches to find out if I've already opined about my favorite chair (Adirondack), sunglasses (cat eye) and soundtrack (seagulls). But when Memorial Day weekend rolls around, I'm grateful all over again to toil in the realm of Slip 'n Slides rather than stadiums or red carpets. There's that stillness and lull, that sweaty, sandy, chlorinated, blueberry-scented sense of a break, even for those of us who are long out of school. Life's requirements loosen, the box fan gets lugged down from the attic, books beckon. The Book Review has lists of 31 new novels and 21 nonfiction books to carry you through the summer. Here are a few I'm excited about: Romance and thrills On the fiction front, I predict that Taylor Jenkins Reid's 'Atmosphere' will catch a big wave this summer, with its clandestine love story set in a 1980s space mission. Amy Bloom's novel, 'I'll Be Right Here' is as comfortingly titled as her debut story collection, 'Come to Me,' and follows a group of friends over decades and generations, beginning in postwar Paris. (Speaking of interesting jobs, one character works as a masseuse to the writer Colette.) Finally, I have my eye on 'Our Last Resort' by Clémence Michallon, whose last thriller, 'The Quiet Tenant,' stoked my insomnia at a lakeside rental with a shed not unlike the one where her protagonist was chained to a radiator. This time Michallon follows two cult escapees to a luxury hotel in the Utah desert. What can go wrong in a place with high thread-count sheets? A lot, apparently. Moms and classic rock On the nonfiction side, 'How to Lose Your Mother' by Molly Jong-Fast, is funnier than it sounds, and a tender, honest account of caring for an aging parent who happens to be famous. (Jong-Fast's mother is Erica Jong, author of 'Fear of Flying,' among other trailblazing and autobiographical works.) I'm also looking forward to Sophie Elmhirst's 'A Marriage at Sea,' about a married couple who, in the 1970s, were stranded on a tiny rubber raft in the ocean for 117 days, and Peter Ames Carlin's 'Tonight in Jungleland,' about the making of Bruce Springsteen's 'Born to Run' album. And because it too has a Jersey Shore angle, I'm curious about 'Baddest Man' by Mark Kriegel, which follows Mike Tyson's complicated, often troubling journey from Brooklyn to Atlantic City and beyond. It sounds like an intriguing accompaniment for my 'Rocky'-style workout, a leisurely stroll on the beach with occasional lunges for pretty shells. For more: Looking for a new book to read? Let us help you find one. Tariffs Foreign Policy Immigration Middle East More International News Other Big Stories Peter Orszag, a budget director under President Obama, argues it's time to worry about the national debt. We need to stop being weird about people eating alone at a restaurant, Callie Hitchcock writes. Here are columns by Michelle Goldberg on a new movie from the creator of 'Succession' and Nicholas Kristof on how to counter Trump. American men are getting worse at friendship. Only 26 percent of men reported having six or more close friends, a 2024 survey found. Polling for a similar question in 1990 put the figure at 55 percent. 'Your dad has no friends,' John Mulaney said during an opening monologue on 'Saturday Night Live.' 'If you think your dad has friends, you're wrong. Your mom has friends, and they have husbands. Those are not your dad's friends.' A writer feels this in his own life. He once had a rich world of male friendship, but he now has a more isolated adulthood. He uses his personal experience to explore a broader phenomenon. Read the story here. Your pick: Staffing cuts could make national parks a mess this summer. The most clicked article in The Morning yesterday lists five state parks to visit instead. One writing class: 35 years, 113 deals and 95 books. Ask Vanessa: How can I help my children make dress appropriately? Parenting: The Cut asks, 'Should we give our kids fewer choices?' Trending: People are talking about the season finale of HBO's 'The Last of Us.' For those unafraid of spoilers, here's a recap. Metropolitan Diary: A whiff of glamour at LaGuardia. Lives Lived: Nino Benvenuti was an Italian boxer who was named the outstanding fighter of the 1960 Rome Olympics. He died at 87. N.B.A.: The New York Knicks overcame a 20-point deficit to take Game 3 and narrow the Indiana Pacers' series lead to 2-1. Indy 500: Alex Palou won the race for the first time, beating Marcus Ericsson. Hockey: The U.S. won its first men's World Championship since 1933 in dramatic fashion, beating Switzerland 1-0 in overtime. Sixty years ago, when Muhammad Ali caught Sonny Liston with a sharp right 1 minute and 44 seconds into their title bout on May 25, 1965, a few things happened in quick succession. Liston hit the mat. Ali hovered over him, shouting, 'Get up and fight, sucker!' And, Neil Leifer, a 22-year-old freelance photographer, tripped the shutter of his camera. Read about what many say is the best sports photo ever taken. More on culture Mix Prosecco, Aperol and sparkling water to make an Aperol spritz. Shop the best Memorial Day sales. Protect yourself from ticks. Stop being so judgy. Take our news quiz. Here is today's Spelling Bee. Yesterday's pangrams were beanpole and openable. And here are today's Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections, Sports Connections and Strands. Thanks for spending part of your morning with The Times. See you tomorrow. Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox. Reach our team at themorning@
Buzz Feed
25-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
45 Backyard Products That'll Make It Your Favorite Spot
Waterproof globe lights so your outdoor gatherings can continue long into the night. Hang them along your roofline, drape them on outdoor structures, or just string them up solo to give your backyard the most magical vibe. And solar-powered mason jar lights for placing around your backyard — on tables, along fences and railings, or on stair steps — to liven up evenings and make you nostalgic for nights spent catching fireflies as a kid. A chic outdoor patio set perfectly paired with a nice rug, some pouf footstools, and boho-style pillows to really cozy it up and draw the space together. You and your BFF can park yourselves here while catching up over a drink! Decorative outdoor throw pillow covers that can go right over those boring pillows currently being used outside. They'll really help tie your outdoor furniture in with the green surroundings and make it an even cozier place to hang out. A durable, fast-drying outdoor area rug made to withstand storms and other wear and tear. It brings the whole look of your decor together and makes your patio feel like a cozy oasis. A patio table mosquito net enclosure if you're tired of getting eaten alive when you're just trying to catch up with friends and family outside. No mosquitoes are invited to this get-together! Oh, and you can tie the netting back when it's not needed. Or a high-voltage insect zapper you can set up near the grill, patio, firepit, or wherever people will be hanging out the most in your backyard. It eliminates mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and other bugs with wings that are undeniably the worst part of lounging around outside. A cosmic-themed firepit, complete with moons and stars etched into the sides, so you can set up an area for s'mores, late-night chats, and star-gazing. Cozy ambiance, here we come. Or! A tabletop glass fireplace you can place in your backyard seating area if you don't have the space for a firepit. It's not just nice to look at — it can also be used for s'mores! And a pack of marshmallow roasting sticks to keep on hand so everyone can take a turn roasting up fluffy marshmallows for the iconic campfire treat. *Technically* you can use that stick you found in the woods, but it's time to start taking your s'mores operation a little more seriously. An outdoor drink stakes set if your backyard chairs don't have cup holders — they'll keep your cold drink secure when you need to get up and walk away, and the different colors will help everyone keep track of which one is theirs. Comfortable, weather-resistant Adirondack chairs to replace your mismatched assortment of camping chairs. They're made of a plastic material that looks like real wood but is resistant to rot — a good thing since you'll want to just leave them outside parked by the firepit. Or some portable folding rocking chairs you can store when not in use — they even have cup holders so no one accidentally knocks over your drink on their way to the cooler. An outdoor daybed that'll allow you to start taking your mid-day naps outside without fear of getting a sunburn. Its retractable canopy keeps you nice and cool — and when you're not taking a snooze, it comes apart into multiple seats with a center table for group hangouts. Or a hammock so comfortable, it has reviewers swearing off their *actual* beds entirely. Pair it with a refreshing drink and a good book, and it'll become your go-to hangout (or snooze) spot. A watermelon pool ball that'll become a staple in any pool games, as it moves through the water just as easily as the air! That means you can bounce, dribble, pass, and come up with all sorts of games for *endless* hours of fun. Oh, and the tough PVC material is also durable enough to withstand multiple summers of play. A TikTok-popular inflatable hot tub to create the ultimate relaxation zone. It'll give your yard some of that luxurious spa energy without shelling out thousands — or committing to have an actual giant hot tub in your backyard year-round. A pressure washer so you can blast away all the caked-up mud, dirt, and dust on your deck, patio furniture, fences, and rugs — and rediscover what your outdoor surfaces *actually* look like. A lighted umbrella because shade is a *must*, so add some cover to your hangout spot — it'll also help illuminate the area when the sun goes down. No more squinting and shielding your eyes while you're just trying to have a conversation. Or a sunshade triangle to block the sun while still letting the breeze pass through. It's a little less bulky and more out of your way than an umbrella, especially if you don't have a good table for mounting. An outdoor misting system if the only thing keeping you from spending more time in your backyard is the blazing heat, especially during those dog days of summer. This'll cool the area by up to 20 degrees with its gentle mist, which will probably make you question why you'd ever want to pay to go to a water park again. Just hook it up to a garden hose and hang it under a patio umbrella, pergola, trees, or anywhere else you want to designate "The Chill Zone." Faux ivy for placing along a fence to shield your yard from the view of your neighbor's messy backyard — and to enhance the beauty of the space and make it feel more natural. You can also line the top of a pergola with these vines for some shade, letting a bit of dappled sunlight pass through for gorgeous effect. A hammock chair everyone will be fighting to sit in during bonfires and cookouts. The cotton rope hammock style adds lovely boho vibes and is so comfy, you'll want to park yourself in it with a good book and cold drink on nice days. A dog spot repair solution for addressing the dirt patches in your backyard caused by pet damage. It's made from a combo of mulch, seeds, and soil designed to help healthy grass regrow in no time. A mildew remover to rescue your patio furniture and other outdoor surfaces from a buildup of mold and mildew, because absolutely no one wants to sit on that. This formula cleans away stains without any heavy scrubbing needed — just spray down whatever you're trying to clean, let it sit, then rinse it off with a hose to finish the job. A tall table-cooler combo you can place in the firepit area, by the pool, or wherever people are hanging out so no one has to walk allll the way into the house for another beer. It also gives you another place to put food, drinks, and s'mores supplies on top! Or a portable rolling cooler that can follow the party wherever it goes, complete with a built-in bottle opener so no one ever has to go scrambling for one in the kitchen. It can hold over 100 cans or over 55 bottles, so you can load it up with everyone's favorite drinks with room to spare. A discreet pair of waterproof, LED-lit Bluetooth speakers for hanging around your firepit, patio, or table so whoever's DJ-ing can control the tunes right from their phone and keep the party going all night long. And because there are two of them, you can position them on opposite sides for a ~surround sound~ effect. Some flame colorant so you can pretend you're a wizard when you drop a couple of these packets onto your bonfire and green, blue, purple, and yellow flames start to emerge. This one's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. A pair of flexible magnetic lights — secure these to your grill, and you'll be able to keep the crowd well-fed even after the sun's gone down. Nothing better than enjoying some kebabs by the light of a flickering fire. And a rechargeable, waterproof cooler light so people don't have to whip out their phone flashlights every time they get up to go for another drink. Colorful outdoor inflatable ottomans you can put by the pool, on your patio, or in the garden for not only chic decor, but also places to sit or rest your feet. They can withstand over 500 hours of direct sunlight without fading! 10-inch speckled hanging planters to ~elevate~ the look of your backyard patio and let your precious succulents or hanging plants thrive. By hanging some of your greenery, it'll make your yard feel more like a tropical getaway. A rainbow collection of flower pots so you can throw some color onto your fences and railings. These cheery pots will give your backyard a welcoming feel, but they're just as practical for your plants, with draining holes and hooks so they're easy to water and hang. Solar-powered light-up flowers that'll come on as the sun goes down, transforming your yard and garden into a whimsical fairyland. You can mix them in with your real flowers, or if you don't have an actual flowerbed, stick them into the ground. A light-up palm tree if you're constantly planning your next vacation — this can tide you over by channeling some of that tropical ambiance into your own backyard. Besides, one can never have too much funky lighting! A highly rated projector so you can designate an area as the outdoor movie spot and host your own watch parties in the open air. Just pair it with a good screen, and your backyard will be the new go-to hangout on warm evenings. A mounted outdoor fan, because keeping the air circulating won't just keep things cool; it'll also help cut down on the bugs that linger while you're outside trying to enjoy the fresh air. A stylish, functional garbage bin to replace your eyesore of an outdoor trash can — it has a latching lid to help protect against harsh weather and hungry critters. An outdoor pizza oven because nothing satisfies a big crowd more than some 'za. From pizza parties with friends to intimate date nights, your backyard can transform into a professional-style pizza kitchen anytime you need it. A set of color-changing inflatable pool balls for when the sun goes down but no one's ready to get out of the pool. They're completely waterproof and solar-powered (lasting about eight hours on one charge), and you could even hang them from the trees for a magical forest vibe. A vintage camper birdhouse to invite the birds to stay a while. It'll make your backyard their personal campground (and double as unique retro decor for the trees). And a picnic table feeder you can set up to distract those mischievous squirrels from getting into the birds' food. It has a screw to hold a cob of corn and a hole to hold a little bowl for other snacks. Now, when you're sitting outside at your table, you'll get to watch your backyard squirrel enjoying a meal at his, too. Also: A drip- and bee-proof copper feeder (invented by a former zookeeper!), because we can't forget about the hummingbirds! Stick it into your flowerbed to turn your backyard into a local aviary. Interlocking teak tiles to cover a surface that has seen better days. Durable and weatherproof, they'll instantly kick your backyard aesthetic up a notch and make it look sharp and put-together. You chilling in your backyard after making it a beautiful, peaceful place with the best vibes: The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
Boston Globe
24-05-2025
- Boston Globe
When I want to get away from it all, these are the places I dream about
Advertisement We spend days getting push notifications about trade wars and stock market plunges. If we aren't fretting about our 401(k) plans or the latest climate disaster, then there's more bad news about another Disney live-action remake (Why, Disney? Why?). Back in the 1980s, folks could escape their daily troubles by filling a bathtub with bubbles and pleading, 'Calgon, take me away.' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up These days, we need something stronger than Calgon. Sometimes, a physical getaway that involves leaving a cellular coverage area helps, and I have ideas. Even if my suggestions don't get your travel bug chirping, think about the beauty of occasionally getting away. If it's just for an afternoon, that works, too. Advertisement West Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Plainfield, Mass. Sometimes hiking trails sound like a good place to escape into nature, but then you find yourself backpack-to-backpack with others who had the same plan. An easy fix is to go west, as in Western Massachusetts, where the trails tend to be less cluttered. The West Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary in Plainfield is 1,800 acres of wilderness with an easy-to-navigate 2-mile trail. , Prospect Street. 413-584-3009, westsanctuaries@ Inside the elaborate Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey in Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, Quebec. Christopher Muther/Globe Staff Eastern Townships, Quebec A shed on the Westman Islands of Iceland. Westman Islands, Iceland If you're seeking solitude, there's plenty of places to find it in Iceland. Outside of Reykjavik and away from the tourist-laden Golden Circle, you can go hours, or longer, without encountering another soul. My preferred place to escape in Iceland is the AMC Maine Woods International Dark Sky Park By definition, dark sky reserves are devoid of people, otherwise light pollution would get in the way of stargazing. The AMC Maine Woods International Dark Sky Park is the first and only in New England, and on a clear night it feels as if the galaxy is at your fingertips. AMC has three lodges where you can stay to enjoy the more than 75,000 acres of largely uninhabited forest in central Maine. Just try getting a decent cell signal here. Advertisement Cherry trees in bloom at VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver. Christopher Muther/Globe Staff VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver You don't need to be a botanist to see why the 55-acre 5151 Oak St. 604-257-8463, I didn't think much about the herd of horses drinking from a pond in the Magallanes region of Chile until I looked down and saw this horse's perfect reflection in the water. Christopher Muther Torres del Paine National Park, Chile A view of the mountains in Torres del Paine National Park in Magallanes, Chile, as seen from the Hotel Rio Serrano. One of the best decisions I've ever made while traveling was skipping a famous guided hike in Cats loiter near an Adirondack chair, ready to sit with an available human at the Lanai Cat Sanctuary in Hawaii. Christopher Muther Lanai , Hawaii Lanai is the smallest of Maui County's populated islands, with a population of just over 3,000. It has one small airport, but most visitors arrive by ferry, and because many of its attractions can only be reached by dirt roads (there are no traffic lights), it tends to keep many Hawaii tourists away. What it does have is a 40-acre cat sanctuary where more than 700 cats live in paradise. The refuge is vital for protecting the local bird population, but it's also the happiest place on earth for visitors who can spend time with the cats. It's easy to forget about the world when you have some of the sweetest creatures on the planet vying for time to sit on your lap. Advertisement Christopher Muther can be reached at
