Locals Surf School, Rockaway

Learning how to surf in NYC has never been easier or more fun—just bring sunblock and good vibes

The city beach culture is one of NYC’s unique features that still largely flies under the radar. While some still make the long trek to and from the Hamptons—or even as far as Newport or Cape Cod—on summer weekends, the beaches in Queens have only grown more appealing for their immediate access and, particularly in Rockaway, the surf scene. The stretches of beach offer prime …

LeDomaine: Europe’s First Google Glass-Equipped Hotel

Old World charm meets wearable tech at this stunning 900-year-old former monastery

Situated among rolling hills of vineyards and the sprawling Douro River in Spain, the Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine luxury hotel is a portrait Old World charm. Once a monastery, the sprawling estate is located two hours north of Madrid and has seen its share of history over its 900-year lifespan. After finishing up a complete restoration in 2012, LeDomaine is now taking a confident step toward …

r180° Panorama Camera Backpack

A feature-filled bag that allows access to essentials without taking it off

Great design solves problems. For wandering photographers—whether hiking in the mountains or exploring a new city on foot—the on-again-off-again issue of accessing camera gear from backpacks always lingers. California-based Mindshift Gear caught the attention of the photo community with their 2012 Kickstarter campaign for a bag design that promised to solve this problem. Now, two years later, the r180° Panorama is the final refinement of …