In his first season in Sacramento, Brown led the Kings to the 3-seed in the West, snapping the league’s longest playoff drought in the process. Sacramento went 48-34 under Brown and transformed into the league’s top offense, as he tapped into the full potential of the De’Aaron Fox-Domantas Sabonis pairing by pushing them to play at a lightning quick pace.
Brown likewise won Coach of the Year in 2009 when he was at the helm of the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the 2023 honor came with an historic distinction, as he is the first coach to win the award in unanimous fashion, earning all 100 first place votes from the media panel that votes on the award.
NBA
Mark Daigneault earned 48 second place votes for his work getting Oklahoma City to the Play-In this year in the West, while Joe Mazzulla, J.B. Bickerstaff, Michael Malone, Mike Budenholzer, Jacque Vaughn, Tom Thibodeau, Will Hardy, Taylor Jenkins, and Darvin Ham all garnered second place votes as well. Still, there was little doubt this season who would be the Coach of the Year, and Brown’s work was also recognized by his peers, as last week he was also given the NBA Coaches Association’s COY honor as well.
Ocean will not return to headline on Sunday, April 23, for Coachella’s second weekend because he suffered “two fractures and a sprain in his left leg” in a bicycle accident days before last weekend’s set, as reported by Varietyon Wednesday, April 19.
But Weekend 2 will go on, with Blink-182 in Ocean’s headlining spot. Bad Bunny and Blackpink will repeat their respective headlining sets. And at-home fans will be able to livestream again.
As noted by Rolling Stone, “YouTube has set up six different livestream channels for the two weekends, which will all stream different artists at the same time, just like you’re really there at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.”
The YouTube description of the official teaser for Coachella’s inaugural livestream promises “an unmissable digital Coachella experience including live chat, in-stream shopping, and exclusive Shorts content from your favorite artists and creators.”
You can also set reminders for the separate livestreams dedicated to the Coachella Stage, Outdoor Theatre, Sahara, Mojave, Gobi, and Yuma.
After 20 years in the Washington Wizards front office, general manager and team president Tommy Sheppard has been “relieved of his duties” by the franchise.
Wizards have announced they have fired Tommy Sheppard. Statement from Ted Leonsis: “Tommy Sheppard was relieved from his duties as GM and Pres. of the Washington Wizards. Failure to make the playoffs the last two seasons was very disappointing to our organization and our fans.”
Sheppard joined the Wizards as the vice president of basketball operations under Ernie Grunfeld before taking over GM duties after Grunfeld’s firing in 2019 and being given an extension and the team president title in 2021. The Wizards have never been able to elevate themselves beyond the middle of the Eastern Conference during Sheppard’s tenure and have not finished a regular season above .500 since the 2017-18 season, making one playoff trip since then (a first round exit in 2021).
For years, the Wizards have chosen to retool rather than rebuild in spite of their general mediocrity. Bradley Beal is on a new supermax extension, which includes a no-trade clause, as they’ve chosen to keep Beal as the centerpiece and try to build around the former No. 3 overall pick. To this point, that hasn’t yielded the results hoped for and, coupled with not hitting on late lottery draft picks, the Wizards find themselves in one of the worst spots to be in as a franchise: stuck in the middle with little hope of moving up.
The question is, given the official statement cited the failure to reach the playoffs the past two seasons as the reason for Sheppard’s firing, will the Wizards be willing to go along with a larger rebuild to try and get there? Washington has never seemed keen on a full on teardown to try and build around a completely new core, but how much of that was Sheppard and how much was Ted Leonsis remains to be seen. We’ll find that out with who they hire and how they proceed, but this summer could get very interesting given some of the players on their roster other teams could have interest in.
When talking about craft beer, most drinkers lump Saisons and farmhouse ales together in one group. In fact, the phrase “farmhouse ale” has come to be used for Saisons, Biere de Garde, and other yeasty, funky, earthy beers by American craft brewers as a catchall. And while not every farmhouse ale is technically a Saison, in American brewing terms all Saisons do fit under the farmhouse ale umbrella.
Technicalities aside, the two terms make up a very exciting category of the American craft brewing scene. The brews are often described as effervescent or barnyard-y or even grassy… but, y’know, in an enjoyable way. To introduce you to a few gems that fit with the season, we’re ranking eight of the best American entries into the Saison/farmhouse ale style. Of course, nobody would ever blame you for grabbing a Saison Dupont or another well-known European beer — but today we want to give the States some props.
Denver’s Great Divide made Colette to pay tribute to the Saisons imbibed on Belgian farms for as long as anyone can remember. Made with four yeast strains, barley, wheat, and rice, it’s known for its fruity, yeasty, funky flavor profile.
Tasting Notes:
Funky, yeasty, citrus peels, almost barnyard aromas greet you before your first sip. The palate is all bready malts, funky yeast, more barnyard notes, fruit esters, orange peels, and a tart, dry finish. Overall fairly pleasing if not a little muted.
Bottom Line:
This is a simple, crushable take on the farmhouse style. You won’t be disappointed you cracked one open, but you also won’t be gloating to your friends about this one.
Higher in alcohol content than many of the other beers on this list, Boulevard’s Tank 7 is a Belgian-style Saison with classic yeasty, fruity flavors as well as a kick from American hops. It’s a farmhouse ale to bridge the gap between old world and new.
Tasting Notes:
A nose of yeasty funk greets you before aromas of dried fruits, fruit esters, and just a hint of floral hops. The taste continues this trend with more funky yeast, banana peels, clove, fruit esters, and a hit of floral, earthy hops at the finish.
Bottom Line:
Tank 7 is a great take on the Belgian-style Saison. Its only downfall is its high alcohol content and the fact that its hoppy nature might turn off more traditional Saison drinkers.
Name after (and the can is adorned with an image of) Bam the brewery dog, Bam Biere is a farmhouse ale brewed with Cascade and Crystal hops as well as Pilsner malt, Pale malt, wheat malt, Black malt, flaked barley, and Crystal 75 malts. It gets added flavor from spending two months in oak.
Tasting Notes:
As expected, the nose is very earthy, yeasty, and funky with notes of grass, Belgian yeast, citrus peels, and spices. Drinking it reveals funky, yeasty flavors like orange peels, fruit esters, grapefruit, tart apple, and a dry, lightly sour, crisp finish.
Bottom Line:
Another great example of an American brewery making a classic, highly drinkable Saison. It’s a little higher in the tart and sour factor for some novices though.
This popular beer from Goose Island is kind of like a sparkling wine meets a Belgian-style farmhouse ale. Brewed with 2-row malts, Pilsen malts, wheat, and Amarillo hops, it’s barrel-aged with orange peel to create a tart, citrus, funky experience you won’t soon forget.
Tasting Notes:
Yeast, biscuit-like malts, fruit ester, honey, lemongrass, sweet wheat, and just a hint of cracked black pepper give this beer a very inviting nose. The palate is funkier with more of a Belgian yeast character with honey, herbal tea, fruit esters, cloves, and more gentle spices.
Bottom Line:
This is a very unique take on the style. It’s surprisingly effervescent and so filled with flavors it will take a few pints to find them all.
This year-round favorite from the iconic Brewery Ommegang is brewed with Pilsner malt, flaked corn, and ale yeast. It gets its floral kick from the addition of Styrian Golding and Spalter Select hops. It’s bottle conditioned with orange peel, coriander, ginger, and grains of paradise to create a truly special beer.
Tasting Notes:
The nose is classic Belgian-style Saison a ton of funky yeast up front along with bananas, cloves, citrus peels, and white pepper. The palate continues this positive trend with cracker malts, more Belgian yeast, honey, fruit esters, candied orange peels, orchard fruits, and a hit of peppery spice at the end.
Bottom Line:
You shouldn’t expect anything less from Ommegang, but you’d have a hard time finding a more authentic-tasting Saison from an American brewer than Hennepin.
This year-round, Belgian-style farmhouse ale from the folks at Off Color is brewed with Pils malts and flaked wheat, Crystal and Sterling hops, and is fermented with a “secret” free-rise technique that involves fermenting with Belgian yeast as well as dry-hopping. The result is a fruity, citrus-filled, yeasty banger of a beer.
Tasting Notes:
This nose is surprisingly fruity with a ton of Belgian yeast as well. There’s also a ton of barnyard-like grass, orange peels, and cracked black pepper. On the palate, you’ll find notes of cracker-like malts, honey, fruit esters, funky yeast, orange zest, lemon peels, honey, and a dry, crisp, lightly spicy finish.
Bottom Line:
To say this beer is complex and balanced is a massive understatement. This is so funky, fruity, and flavorful, you’ll want to stock this one in your fridge all spring and summer long.
There are very few farmhouse ales as well-known as New Glarus Spotted Cow. This Wisconsin farmhouse ale is brewed using American malts. It’s cask conditioned and naturally unfiltered and cloudy. It’s known for its yeasty, fruity flavor and countless fans.
Tasting Notes:
The nose is very reminiscent of a classic wheat beer. There’s a ton of yeasty bready, wheat, fruity aromas, and lightly earthy, herbal, floral notes. The palate continues this with more bready malts, yeast, sweet wheat, fruit esters, cereal grains, light citrus, and floral hops.
Bottom Line:
As farmhouse ales go, this one is really unique and memorable. Sometimes labeled as a cream ale. It’s hazy, lightly yeasty, and less funky than many on the market.
Another interesting take on the farmhouse ale, Oxbow’s Farmhouse Pale Ale was crafted using American-grown hops. It’s another example of traditional European brewing meets American craft brewing. The result is a dry, floral, lightly hoppy take on the style.
Tasting Notes:
There are a ton of funk and tart citrus aromas on the nose. This makes way for yeasty bread, barnyard, and light spices. The flavor is surprisingly crisp and refreshing with light bready malts, yeast, lemon zest, more barnyard funk, and spices. Tart, lively, and highly memorable.
Bottom Line:
While this does feel more like a sour ale or wild ale than a farmhouse ale, it’s labeled as such. We’ll take their word for it. Either way, this one is a can’t miss beer for the spring and summer months.
Frank Ocean closed out the first weekend of Coachella 2023 as the headliner last Sunday night, April 16, and it proved to be a thankless job. Fans were mostly left disappointed because Ocean’s set started an hour later than scheduled and was lackluster once it was underway.
“The accident occurred when Frank was at Coachella rehearsing his set. He wasn’t onstage, though, we’re told the mishap involved bikes used to roam around the Empire Polo Club grounds, and it was serious enough for doctors to advise Frank’s production be changed,” TMZ wrote.
The most significant alteration was scrapping an ice rink that had been specifically built for Ocean’s set for a “skating routine” involving “over 100 hockey players” cast from Los Angeles-based hockey teams last month. Instead, as Uproxx observed, Ocean’s set “felt aimless and unplanned,” with bouts where songs were just playing over the speakers without any performance element from Ocean.
Ocean’s lack of animation can officially be chalked up to his inability to move. Varietyreported on Wednesday, April 19, that Ocean “will not be performing” as Coachella’s headliner for the upcoming second weekend. The publication additionally relayed that Ocean’s headlining slot will be taken by Blink-182 this Sunday, April 23.
Representatives for Ocean provided a statement:
“After suffering an injury to his leg on festival grounds in the week leading up to weekend 1, Frank Ocean was unable to perform the intended show but was still intent on performing, and in 72 hours, the show was reworked out of necessity. On doctor’s advice, Frank is not able to perform weekend 2 due to two fractures and a sprain in his left leg.”
Ocean’s statement reads, “It was chaotic. There is some beauty in chaos. It isn’t what I intended to show, but I did enjoy being out there, and I’ll see you soon.”
Martin Scorsese has worked with a lot of actors you might not expect to see in a Martin Scorsese picture. Gwen Stefani was in The Avitator. Casey Kasem pops up (as a DJ) in New York, New York. Funny pianist Victor Borge semi0randomly appears in The King of Comedy. Perhaps you didn’t realize that Scorsese cast Ray Romano, one of modern TV’s favorite dads, not once but twice. Is that because the director of The Wolf of Wall Street is a big fan of Everybody Loves Raymond? Not at all. In fact, the first time he cast Romano he had no idea who he even was.
As caught by IndieWire, Romano told the story — which he’s told before, years ago — on this week’s episode of WTF with Marc Maron. Romano had a supporting role in Vinyl, the short-lived HBO series about the New York City music scene in the late 1970s, which Scorsese created alongside people like Mike Jagger.
“Scorsese did the pilot and I had to go on tape for him. The cool thing was, I went on tape and the response we got back was, ‘Yeah, Marty likes it. He’s in the running. And Marty wants to know who he is. He’s never seen him,’” Romano recalled. “And my agent was like, ‘So he’s never seen the show?’ And they go, ‘No, no, no, he doesn’t know who the guy is,’ which was a blessing because he didn’t have to erase the sitcom character from his mind.”
Romano wasn’t that surprised that he didn’t know an actor primarily known for his small screen work. “I can buy that, that Martin Scorsese doesn’t watch television,” he told Maron. “So when he hired me, he liked what he saw.”
Romano also spoke about how he thought it was a “stretch” for him to play a coked-up music promoter, especially one who has a dramatic scene where he contemplates suicide. Scorsese clearly liked his work as a few years later he gave him a fun supporting role in The Irishman as shady Teamsters lawyer Bill Bufalino.
“I had one pretty big scene with De Niro in that,” Romano remembered, saying that it took three hours to shoot one scene. Afterwards he “got nothing” from Scorsese or De Niro and assumed he’d done a poor job. That night he ran into De Niro at the hotel.
“He just walks over, grabs my head, kisses me on the cheek, and just walks away,” Romano explained. “Well, I think it’s good. It’s the mafia so you never know!”
Romano’s a lot of fun in both Vinyl and The Irishman. Scorsese should add him to his stock company. Alas, he’s not in Marty’s forthcoming epic Killers of the Flower Moon, which co-star Leonardo DiCaprio claims might be the legendary filmmaker’s “masterpiece,” which is saying something.
Frank Ocean’s second headlining set for Coachella 2023 has been canceled. According to TMZ, the ankle injury that caused him to change his weekend one set at the last minute turned out to be worse than previously thought. On his doctor’s advice, he informed Coachella that he would not be able to perform this upcoming weekend.
In a statement, Frank’s reps told TMZ:
After suffering an injury to his leg on festival grounds in the week leading up to weekend 1. Frank Ocean was unable to perform the intended show but was still intent on performing, and in 72 hours, the show was reworked out of necessity. On doctor’s advice, Frank is not able to perform weekend 2 due to two fractures and a sprain in his left leg.
The last time we saw a Fast X trailer, Jason Momoa’s new villain dominated the airwaves, and I gotta say, he is doing it again, while also dominating the Dom. He’s here to yell “hey dorks!” and to declare that everyone is going to Hell while also pulling the trigger on blowing up The Vatican, and he is not here for Dom’s family, obviously. We knew that already, but it’s not getting old yet. The trash-talking factor is other-level between these two, and what else?
This trailer appears to put to rest Jason Statham’s desire for Deckard to settle his score with Han, and I’m still over here, years later, surprised that Han is back. They’re working together now, it seems, but we cannot say the same for Letty and Cipher because things are getting ugly and violent in that lab. Also, Brie Larson is here, being a badass, and surely, no one will overreact about this. Let’s quit the chaos for now, and do the official plot synopsis:
Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family have outsmarted, out-nerved and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced: A terrifying threat emerging from the shadows of the past who’s fueled by blood revenge, and who is determined to shatter this family and destroy everything — and everyone — that Dom loves, forever.
Spring is arguably the best time of year to travel to America’s National Parks. And with nearly 100 days passing without a United States federal holiday between Presidents Day in February and Memorial Day at the end of May – it’s the perfect time to take some PTO and get out there. With temperatures finally heating up, and summer vacation season still months away – consider it an adult spring breeeeeeeeeeeak.
While I’d visit nearly any National Park in April or May, there are some that I’d recommend over others. Some because of the weather, others because they have fewer crowds, and others still because there are flowers in bloom. At the end of the day, there’s a park to suit anyone’s travel goals. Check them out below!
UTAH – ALL OF ‘EM
Emily Hart
Shoulder season in Utah is actually a prime season, with bearable temperatures and somewhat lessened crowds. With five incredible parks in the state, spring is the perfect time to take a road trip to one – or five. I’m going to break them out below but seriously, if you’re going to Utah for National Parks — now is the time!
ZION NATIONAL PARK – UTAH
Emily Hart
Zion has exploded in popularity throughout the last few years and even with a slight drop in visitation in 2022, was still the third most visited major US National Park out of 63 with 4,692,417 visitors. Its somewhat easy access from Las Vegas or St. George along with the adrenaline-pumping and Instagram-famous Angels’ Landing and Narrows hikes keep visitors steadily streaming to the park’s otherworldly red rock formations.
While spring will still see crowds in the park, the trade-off of bearable weather is worth it – summer temps can soar and make hiking dangerous.
Average April Temperature High / Low(°F):66° / 36° Average May Temperature High / Low(°F): 69° / 42°
WHAT TO DO:
Hike! Zion is a hiking park, as Zion Canyon is not accessible to private vehicles – only park buses stop at the popular trailheads along the road. I recommend getting your feet wet – literally – by hiking a portion of The Narrows first, then Angel’s Landing if you dare (and get a permit), or the similar view from Zion Canyon Overlook Trail. You can also bike through the park, then be sure to grab some ice cream and relax on the Zion National Park Lodge lawn.
WHERE TO STAY:
Under Canvas has outposts near many National Park sites, and the Zion location is particularly magical. The safari-style tents provide elevated amenities with the rustic environment you came for.
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK –UTAH
Emily Hart
Bryce Canyon sits at the highest overall elevation of any of the “Mighty 5” National Parks in Utah – with elevations reaching 9,100 ft – so unsurprisingly its average spring temperatures are slightly lower, but with the park’s proximity to Zion and Capitol Reef, it’s still a great time to extend your road trip and knock another National Park off your list. The famous hoodoos that cover the landscape are unlike any other park in Utah or in the entire United States period. A visit truly feels like stepping into another world.
Average April Temperature High / Low(°F): 52° / 24°
Average May Temperature High / Low(°F): 62° / 32°
WHAT TO DO:
Hike if you can! There may still be snow (sometimes several feet) covering trails in April, but as time passes more will be accessible. Mossy Cave Trail is an easy jaunt into the canyon that is accessible for nearly all ability levels, whereas Queens Garden/Navajo Loop Trail is a moderate option that is by far the most popular in the park.
WHERE TO STAY:
Bryce Canyon is in a fairly remote area of Utah, but there are plenty of hotel and motel options. I stayed at the more upscale Stone Canyon Inn on my last trip and loved the location, on-site restaurant, and private luxury bungalow accommodations after a day spent outside.
CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK – UTAH
Emily Hart
Canyonlands National Park is the kind of park a lot of people know of, and have maybe visited briefly due to its proximity to Moab – but it’s not a park that has ever felt overrun or crowded to me. With over 520 square miles of protected lands, the park is divided into four distinct districts: the Island in The Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves – the Colorado and Green. Island in the Sky is the most popular due to its proximity to Moab and also the most visited.
Average April Temperature High / Low(°F): 67° / 37°
Average May Temperature High / Low(°F): 78° / 46°
WHAT TO DO:
The options are nearly endless in this expansive park, but if you opt for Island in the Sky I’d recommend spending some time on the scenic drive, stopping at the overlooks then hiking the short and social-media famous Mesa Arch Trail – try for sunrise if you can – and Gooseberry Trail if you want a challenge.
WHERE TO STAY:
You’ll likely want to stay in nearby Moab which has plenty of options for any type of traveler. I’d recommend Under Canvas Moab for a glamping experience or the historic Moab Springs Ranch for an upscale oasis after a day amongst the red rocks.
ARCHES NATIONAL PARK – UTAH
Emily Hart
Arches National Park in Moab Utah is endlessly fascinating and unique. It is also fairly small in comparison to other Utah parks, spanning just 76,000 acres. With one entry and exit and its close proximity to the city, it gets crowded very quickly, and as such timed entry reservations are required to enter from April 1 – October 1. With some planning in advance, timed entry tickets shouldn’t be too difficult to acquire, and well worth it to see the over 2,000 documented natural arches that the park protects and preserves.
Average April Temperature High / Low(°F): 69° / 40°
Average May Temperature High / Low(°F): 79° / 49°
WHAT TO DO:
Arches is, like all the Utah parks, known for some incredible hikes. From the social-media (and Utah license plate) famous Delicate Arch trail to the Devil’s Garden Trail. It’s also very accessible for the non-hikers among us with incredible viewpoints just steps from the road.
WHERE TO STAY:
There are tons of lodging options in Moab, but I’d opt for the nearby Red Cliffs Lodge on the Colorado River.
CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK – UTAH
Emily Hart
Of all the National Parks in Utah, Capitol Reef is the least visited – but not for any lack of beauty. The park is one of my favorites and still feels like somewhat of a hidden gem due to its remote location. There are three districts in the park: the historic Fruita District (where most people visit), Cathedral Valley, and the Waterpocket Fold preserving 241,904 acres of land.
Average April Temperature High / Low(°F): 64° / 37°
Average May Temperature High / Low(°F): 73° / 46°
WHAT TO DO:
No surprise here, but you’ll want to hike in Capitol Reef! Try the easy Capitol Gorge or the more strenuous Chimney Rock Loop. Also, be sure to stop by the fruit orchards in Fruita – in the park just a few minutes past the visitor center – remnants of the pioneers that once inhabited the area, the orchards are still producing fruit today and have u-pick areas.
There are also amazing opportunities for scenic driving in the park including the main road from the visitor center into Capitol Gorge and the unpaved Cathedral Road that winds into Cathedral Valley.
WHERE TO STAY:
Cougar Ridge Resort in nearby Torrey, Utah is an upscale and luxurious, family-owned property with everything you need to relax and recharge after an adventurous day.
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK – WASHINGTON
Emily Hart
April may not be the month most people would recommend visiting Olympic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, but it’s always my go-to. I have visited the park several times – twice in later April and once in early May and all three of those times, while I did get rained on, I also was able to find incredible solitude that wouldn’t be possible in the summer months. For example, in 2022, April saw just over 92,000 visitors and May saw over 133,000 recreational visits with June jumping up to over 224,000 – the amount in April and May combined. So if solitude in one of the country’s most peaceful places (a spot in the parks Hoh Rainforest is quite literally the quietest place in the continental US) is important to you, this is the perfect time to head northwest.
Average April Temperature High / Low(°F): 42° / 26° (14 days of rain on average)
Average May Temperature High / Low(°F): 49° / 28°
WHAT TO DO:
Olympic is one of my favorite parks to visit and to recommend because it is so varied. From hiking through the Hoh Rainforest to watching a sunset on Ruby Beach to climbing the strenuous Mount Storm King or just kicking back at one of the historic and beautiful lodges on the Peninsula – there is something for everyone. I’d recommend a counterclockwise route around the Penninsula, and heading up to Cape Flattery (outside of the National Park but on the Penninsula) to experience the beauty of the furthest northwest tip of the contiguous United States.
WHERE TO STAY:
If you’re a fan of Twilight you’ll probably want to opt for one of the many lodging options in Forks. Otherwise, I’d try to stay at a National Park Lodge – some options are Kalaloch Lodge which is open year-round, Lake Crescent Lodge which opens at the end of April, and Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort which opened for the season at the end of March.
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK – TEXAS
Emily Hart
Located in far West Texas on the southern border, Big Bend National Park is as remarkable as it is remote. Due to its remoteness, it does not receive nearly as many visitors as some other parks in the West, and due to its scorching summer temperatures, the best time to visit is definitely spring or fall. With mountains, desert, and canyons this is a bucket list-worthy park that will absolutely surprise you.
Average April Temperature High / Low(°F): 77° / 55°
Average May Temperature High / Low(°F): 83° / 61°
WHAT TO DO:
Like many things in Texas, Big Bend is big – larger than the entire state of Rhode Island. You’ll need several days to get close to seeing much of the park, but any visitor should be sure to head down to Santa Elena Canyon, hike the Lost Mine Trail, and cruise the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
WHERE TO STAY:
Lots of unique lodgings have popped up near Big Bend in the last several years, my favorites being the retro airstreams at Tin Valley Rentals and the unique bubble and lotus tents at Basecamp and Adventure Terlingua.
DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK – FLORIDA
Emily Hart
Dry Tortugas, the National Park comprised of a string of 7 islands in the Gulf of Mexico west of Key West, is a park I recommend for many seasons – but spring might just be the best. Before hurricane season begins in June, but after the holiday and spring break rush in South Florida, this is a great time to get out on the otherworldly crystal blue waters and explore Fort Jefferson. With options to travel to the island via ferry or seaplane from Key West, it is an easy trip that will take you to a truly unforgettable experience.
Average April Temperature High / Low(°F): 83° / 71°
Average May Temperature High / Low(°F): 86° / 74°
WHAT TO DO:
When visiting Dry Tortugas you will be transported to Garden Key, home of the monstrous Fort Jefferson. While the Key itself is small, there is no shortage of activities. Explore the history of the fort, relax, swim, or snorkel on the pristine beaches, bring your own kayak to paddle on the bright blue water, or camp for the night for epic stargazing.
WHERE TO STAY:
The only option to stay in the park itself is camping which is pack-in, pack-out. Many visitors also opt to stay in Key West where there are endless lodging options. I love Parrot Key Hotel & Villas with its spacious rooms and multiple pools
Maybe it’s not so hot an idea to start a war with the biggest company in the state you govern. That’s the harsh lesson Ron DeSantis may soon learn. Once seen as the future of the Republican party, the Florida honcho has hit a streak of bad luck. He’s cratering in the GOP presidential primary polls (before he’s even thrown his hat in the ring, no less). And his recent return fire on Disney — including threatening to build a prison adjacent to the Magic Kingdom — is backfiring on multiple fronts.
Let’s start with a prediction his mentor-turned-archnemesis Donald Trump made, namely that Disney may grow so weary of being attacked by DeSantis that they may pick up their toys and find another home. That could very well happen, thanks to him. As per The Daily Beast, a North Carolina legislator has filed a measure beckoning the House of Mouse their way.
It’s called “Mickey’s Freedom Restoration Act,” and it seeks $75,000 to explore the possibility of stealing Disney World and its enormous employment opportunities. “North Carolina is a great place to do business,” reads a release, suggesting that the Tar Heel State’s Democratic governor won’t cross ethical lines by punishing them for daring to not hate LGBTQIA+ people.
Democratic senator Michael Garrett, who introduced the bill, dragged DeSantis, saying, “Politicians who put their state’s economy at risk to boost their own selfish political ambitions are a liability.” He added the state would “welcome The Walt Disney Company and all other businesses seeking refuge from the culture war madness currently gripping the great state of Florida.”
Democrats are taking Disney’s side over DeSantis, but what about fellow Republicans. Well, some of them think he’s being a short-sighted bully, too. According to The New York Times, not only is Trump trashing him for being “absolutely destroyed by Disney,” so is Trump’s former buddy Chris Christie.
“I don’t think Ron DeSantis is conservative, based on actions towards Disney,” the former New Jersey governor said at an event on Tuesday. “Where are we headed here now that, if you express disagreement in this country, the government is now going to punish you? To me, that’s what I always thought liberals did, and now all of a sudden here we are participating in this with a Republican governor.”
Advisers to Trump have been taking advantage of the beef, which they reportedly believe will be damaging in a general election, and in the primary, too.
Other Republicans who’ve come for DeSantis include Mike Pence, who trashed the fight back in February, and the editorial board of The Wall Street Journal, who on Tuesday wrote, “You’d think the former president would be critical of Disney’s woke turn, but his only abiding political conviction is personal advantage.”
Meanwhile, Disney doesn’t appear to be taking DeSantis’ threats all that seriously. They cleverly circumvented his diabolical attempt to strip them of control over their portion of Florida land. And soon after he threatened them with a nearby prison — again, all because they criticized his so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill — seemed to troll him by casually announcing a Pride Event at Disneyland in California, whose governor actually lets students and teachers use the word “gay.”
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