It’s nearly impossible to live in Los Angeles without some kind of a desert pilgrimage. For many, it’s poolside in Palm Springs. For others, it’s a tent in Joshua Tree. It could be a stretch of BLM land with no one around or even Badwater Basin up in Death Valley.

For me, it’s Pappy & Harriet’s. One of the uniquely Californian things I’ve stumbled upon in my dirt road outings is this concert venue bar and grill that is – for all intents and purposes – in the middle of nowhere.

Dispensary by The Leaf El Paseo – CC BY

On my way for an annual trip, after making the most of the spaghetti-against-the-wall sprawl of highways between the Palm Desert and LA, I stopped at The Leaf outside of Palm Springs. I purchased the Canndescent flight pack of pre-rolls, knowing that I’ll be equipped for whatever the situation requires. Then I hopped back on the Twentynine Palms Highway and headed due east, over the mountain pass, to the high desert.

Pappy & Harriet’s is in Pioneertown. What else is? A dirt main road featuring local art stores, two quite lucky private residences, and a couple event spaces (a barn and a bowling alley).

Motel by Adam Naples – CC BY

Oh, there’s also a motel that’s been featured in the New York Times. Lore from musician friends has it that once upon a time Pappy’s owned the Pioneertown Motel and, if you were lucky enough to have your band’s name on the marquee, all you had to do for a night’s sleep was stumble across the dirt parking lot to your room at the motel.

Not so much anymore as both spots have been blown up to a bit of cult standing with appearances from Paul McCartney, Robert Plant, and more big name acts to count. There’s a bit of money to be made and the motel rooms are worth a pretty penny.

The town itself was built in the ‘40s as a movie set for Gene Autry, the town saloon being what is now Pappy & Harriet’s. Since then, Pappy’s has changed names and hands a few times, essentially becoming a desert biker bar/honky tonk accessible only by word of mouth or to those who took the wrong way to get to where they want to be. It, like its reputation, grew over the decades to the destination it is now.

Walking down main street Pioneertown at sundown is a treat, especially after lighting up Canndescent’s Connect pre-roll. Rimrock, the next “town,” is full of foothills and mesas from the back side of Big Bear. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get high, decompress, watch the colors change over the Joshua Trees, sage scrub, and prickly pears before your show.

The central anchor of this square mile or two is Pappy’s, which is as close to an oasis as you may find. Rising from the desert, this meandering, wooden-floored, BBQ-smoke-drenched beer hall has drinks, good food, and even better bands.

There’s a back patio with ample seating, standing, and wandering around space. It’s next to the brilliantly-massive BBQ pit that’s constantly wafting oaky deliciousness with the sizzle of steak fat dripping onto hot coals. Bands often loiter there, as the easiest stage access door is under a large light in a little nook guarded by a bouncer and crowded with guitar boxes and drums.

Nikki Lane by Flaunt – CC BY

There’s also a second stage outside that looks like an old west ruin with brick poking through crumbling white paint and a partial roof covering a stage and picnic tables, the rest of the area left open to the stars.

Inside, desert dust is strewn about by cowboy boots and beer flows like water from a spring. When I asked the bartender whether I should get the corn or the mashed potatoes as a side to my skirt steak it stopped her in her tracks during an unusually busy hour. After a second or two of deep contemplation, she went with the mashed potatoes. She wasn’t wrong. They never are.

As is expected, the specialty is steak. The ribeye seems to be as thick as two hands and wide as a beavertail cactus pad. It’s the most popular item I saw on tables.

A steak dinner, drinks, and a show at a place as singularly unique and special as this makes the trek worth it and then some. Add a night at the motel and you got yourself a perfect desert getaway without a lick of chlorine, sugar-saturated tiki cocktails, or Palm Springs traffic.

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The double weekends of Coachella kick off a myriad of music get-togethers across the country, squeezing every ounce of good weather the beautiful parks, deserts and forests the country has to offer from spring until fall.

It can seem intimidating at first, splurging on a pricey ticket and embarking on a long trip for the promise of good times but here are some things you can do to ensure your hard-earned time and money don’t go to waste.

1. Prepare your body

If you want to make the most of your weekend escape, you’ll want to make sure you go into it at 100%. Showing up Day 1 already sleep-deprived and malnourished is a recipe for certain over-exhaustion. You don’t want that to be the reason you missed the headliner you came out for. Try to avoid any excessive partying the week or days before and make sure you’re getting a few good night’s sleep leading up to the festival. If you exercise, focusing on your core and lower body can bolster your stamina for all the standing and dancing you’ll be doing. Just make sure to give yourself time to recover before the festival so you’re not going into a three-day party with post-squat jelly legs.

2. Hydrate or die-drate

You’ll be hot and sweaty for days straight so this one is a no-brainer. This is particularly pertinent if you’ll be drinking alcohol or partaking otherwise; you’ll be more dehydrated than normal and if you’re less-than-sober, hydration can easily slip the mind. Forgetting a few glasses of water after a night out can result in a nasty hangover, but doing so after a long, hot festival day is a surefire way to make your next long, hot festival day a nightmare. A hydration pack is a fantastic way to keep your water needs top of mind all-day and night, with the added benefit of being hands-free and attached to your body amongst the activities and crowds.

3. Pace yourself

Festivals are a marathon, not a sprint. This is the guiding principle of festival veteran philosophy. If you’re taking full advantage of your weekend you’ll be dancing, jumping, skipping, bopping and jigging– ostensibly on your feet and in the sun for several days in a row. The big headliners that command the most production and attention, the ones that you’re likely most looking forward to, are often later in the weekend and later in the night. You don’t want to miss them because you went too hard during the day. If you’re at a camping festival, or are lucky enough to be in a hotel nearby, there’s no shame in planning a midday trek back to homebase to prep for a big night. Plan for a late start to the day to keep your energy up for the night.

4. Buddy up and learn the grounds

Festival attendance at the big brand name festivals easily breaches 100k so it’s no secret that these weekends can get a little crowded. It can be worse at night when everyone’s vying for real estate closer to their favorite headliners, or when big shows end and tens of thousands of fans rush off to the next big show on the docket. These issues are compounded as the massive attendance floods the cell towers and make the basic everyday communication we’ve become reliant on to be near-inaccessible. Huge festival grounds can also often look unrecognizable from night to day so it’s prudent to explore during the day or go over the map with your group before the nighttime festivities begin. A good tip is to point out consistent meeting points for the weekend so even if someone wanders off, you can find each other in-between shows. Veteran festival-goers will bring “totems”; bright props/flags on a long pole to make finding your group easier in crowds. Just adding a few unique or light-up flairs to your festival outfit can make you much easier to spot for friends trying to find you.

5. Stay off the grid

As mentioned, cell service at festivals is nigh impossible to rely on. This is a blessing in disguise. You likely traveled far and paid a hefty price to be there, make sure you enjoy it! If you can, make sure that your family and work know that you’ll be difficult to reach for a weekend so you’re not caught trying to juggle responsibilities in the front row of a midnight show with one bar of service. Get your obligatory social posts out of the way as early as possible and immerse yourself fully in the escapist wonderland the festival producers have put so much time and money into building just for you.

The post Guide to your first music festival appeared first on Flowertown.

Between the beaches, the mountains, and the desert, California is one of the best places to get your fill of whatever nature fits your fancy.

While the idea of being able to ski and go to the beach in the same day is more myth than legend (although, may be able to be accomplished with lots of planning) that doesn’t mean that you can’t see it all through one of the many insanely beautiful through-hikes the state has to offer.

Car camping is, obviously, a fantastic way to escape and enjoy nature, but this is for those who need those few extra hours (and miles) separating them from cell service.

So if you’re in Southern California and want to trade the traffic for the trees, hit up these five great backpacking trails ASAP!

Craving some wilderness, but out of vacation days? Check out the best places for weekend backpacking right outside of LA.

Bridge to Nowhere by California Beaches – CC BY

3. Bridge to Nowhere

Nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains, the Bridge to Nowhere actually is a bridge that lives up to its name. When the road was first constructed back in 1938 it was built to link the San Gabriel Valley to Wrightwood, but a disastrous flood halted construction.

The bridge is now a famous pit stop taken while hiking the mountain, where you’ll likely find visitors bungee jumping and modern prospectors panning for gold in the river. While the trail itself is only five miles, fellow backpackers will camp out to enjoy a weekend away from it all.

For moments when the trip gets tough, don’t be afraid to turn to cannabis. Please avoid bringing anything flammable on your trip and, instead, consider using edibles or a vape to help elevate your psyche as you elevate your altitude.

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The history of yoga stems far past the borders of America. Rooted in India, yoga is a practice that grew up internationally.

So it makes sense that most yogis possess some form of wanderlust, oftentimes exacerbated by incorporating the practice into their travels. After, what’s better than shavasana after a long flow? Shavasana with ocean waves in the background.

So why not turn your next yoga retreat into a vacation?

We’ve curated a list of fantastic locations that will feed your inner need for relaxation while also calling you to your higher purpose in your yoga practice.

Poolside by Absolute Sanctuary – CC BY

Thailand

Thailand is known for affordable, beautiful, tropical travel. Dazzling islands and exciting city adventures make Thailand a go-to destination for vacations.

Absolute Sanctuary Yoga boasts unlimited yoga classes and meditation sessions. Meals are provided 3 times a day, and all accommodations are covered under one set price.

Guests have the option of adding massages to their packages and can adjust their stays to 7 days or more depending on travel needs.

While on Ko Sumai island in Thailand make sure to check out Chaweng beach, a beautiful tropical hangout that will allow you to get away from the group to recharge.

Jungle Meditation by Soulshine Bali – CC BY

Indonesia

What’s better than chicken soup for the soul? Some beachfront yoga.

Soul Shine Bali is a yoga retreat oasis that matches luxury with the spiritual tranquillity of yoga practice. Breathe deep into your present moment while in Ubud, a tropical setting that transitions you into the rainforest of Bali.

This yoga retreat is famous for nourishing meals and adventure with local attractions like the Jalan Monkey Forest and the Puri Lukisan Museum.

Another great perk is that you don’t have to choose one retreat. This location offers multiple renditions that are hosted by different practitioners all focused on various aspects of yoga practice.

Yogagoa by Purple Valley Yoga – CC BY

India

Looking for a more fast-paced, urban yoga retreat but still the luxury of massages and top of the lines meals? Purple Valley Yoga is the answer to your holistic prayers.

Located in the city of Goa, this retreat is near markets and local shopping, so you don’t have to venture far to get a taste of the local community.

This yoga retreat prides itself on a quiet location that is perfect for leisure and tranquillity. After a long day dedicated to your study enjoy a body scrub and fresh fruit massage or a traditional Ayurvedic treatment.

Beachside by Jakes Hotel – CC BY

Jamaica

With raves reviews, Jakes Hotel enjoys oceans views in studio style rooms. Located in Calabash Bay, the retreat offers daily bike riding, swimming, and TRX fitness.

Your stay also includes full access to the Sports Park which has tennis courts, basketball courts, and ropes courses.

Chefs at the Jakes cook specialty foods based on your dietary needs using locally grown foods from farms no more than 25 miles from the hotel.

An added perk? Your practice works around your schedule. So if you are an early starter, you can begin your day with sunrise training or start after lunch if you can’t bend and breathe without coffee first.

Class by Blue Osa – CC BY

Costa Rica

Surf, yoga, and wildlife in Santa Teresa Costa Rica will give you your biggest bang for your buck. With huge discounts depending on the season of your travel, you could enjoy a yoga retreat with serious vacation vibes for under $1500 USD.

If you love surfing, no matter your level, you can enjoy morning surf excursions before your afternoon yoga sessions.

Experience Costa Rica wildlife with horseback riding or a canopy tour in Malpais that can easily be added to your package.

In fact, more and more athletes have begun using cannabis as a way to elevate their practices and get more out of their mind, body, and soul. Just like how yoga intended.

Take a look at how you can start using cannabis to help you recover and perform better your yoga classes.

The post Five bucket list yoga retreats appeared first on Flowertown.

Canada is always an exciting destination, full of fun excursions and scenic vistas. No matter what kind of traveler you are, there’s something for everyone, from thrillseekers to cultural sponges. Now that these friendly Canucks have legalized cannabis, however, planning a Canadian vacation is getting much more interesting.

From the West to the East Coast, Canada’s provinces have something unique to offer with the new ability to complement your experiences with cannabis consumption. Legalization is brand new, so locals are still working out some regulatory hurdles, but there’s still plenty of merriment to help you to elevate your next trip north.

Vancouver & Whistler

Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver is already often referred to as Vansterdam or New Amsterdam. In fact, there’s even a cafe with the latter name featuring a vapor lounge that allows patrons to smoke cannabis while they sip their coffee.

As the city transitions to recreational marijuana sales and consumption, medical marijuana consumption is currently the easiest method. Alternative Med Tours provides cannabis tours of Vancouver starting at 99 CAD that all start with a trip to a doctor for authorization. These expert-attended, intimate tours allow a maximum of four people, include trips to two dispensaries, and end with a visit to local vapor lounge. Couples can book a more private tour that includes a pit stop at a photo-worthy landmark.

Whistler is much more restrictive than Vancouver and hitting the slopes under the influence is strongly discouraged.

If fresh mountain powder is calling your name, know that Whistler is much more restrictive than Vancouver and hitting the slopes under the influence is strongly discouraged.

Otherwise, as long as you’re not infringing on anyone else’s mountain air or resort policies, you’re free to enjoy your flower.

Whitehorse

Catching the Northern Lights is one of the best reasons to visit Canada and Whitehorse is one of the best places to do so. The area has a thriving Airbnb community, but nothing is quite as picturesque as this yurt.

Will you need to wear a jacket inside? Probably, but the wood stove will keep you much warmer than you might expect. The Mongolian yurt, perched within 21 acres of private land, sleeps up to five people and offers breathtaking views of the mountains and Crowley Lake. Smoking isn’t allowed, but this is the perfect place for a warming, lasting edible to help you connect with nature.

Toronto

Ontario is arguably the friendliest province when it comes to cannabis consumption and Toronto is an excellent case study to that effect. Like Vancouver, you can enjoy cannabis tours of the city, but you have a greater power of choice. The two main companies, CannaTours and Canadian Kush Tours offer extensive ranges of packages, stemming from cooking classes to spa experiences to limousine tours of vapor lounges.

In a city known for its food, an evergrowing trend has sparked in Toronto of coffee shops that are also dispensaries. From Cannabis and Coffee to Tokyo Smoke, the city is encouraging the growth of a new type of establishment that’s just begging you to do a coffee shop crawl.

Prince Edward Island

A tourist trap you never want to free yourself from, Prince Edward Island is a lovely summer getaway, but it can be stunning year-round. While other provinces grapple with where people can smoke marijuana, Prince Edward Island is allowing visitors to consume cannabis in its hotels, bed and breakfasts, and motels.

Of course, you should check with the establishment beforehand since they reserve the right to enforce their own policies, but local business owners seem ready to embrace the green tide.

The post Oh, Canada: a cannabis-inspired road trip appeared first on Flowertown.

When you are thinking about road tripping to Vegas with your friends, you’re probably thinking about loading up on snacks, pit stops, and all the things you want to do when you get there. One thing to consider for your trip is planning your cannabis use when you get there.

 Planning Your Trip

The nearly five-hour drive to Vegas is one that can be a fun bonding experience with your friends, especially when great music and snacks are involved.

You can choose to hop on the 10 west or the 15 south, depending on which direction you are coming from. It’s always best to hit the road before rush hour traffic starts around 6 am or later on in the evening when it ends after 7 pm. Avoiding heavy traffic can cut a five-hour trip down to four hours, but also remember to drive safely!

Making sure your car is ready for the trip and you are fully stocked up on snacks are a must, but what about packing your cannabis with you?

While it may seem like a great idea to store your favorite flower or concentrate in your backseat, it’s 100% illegal to transport across state lines.

Unfortunately, this choice could lead to a misdemeanor or felony charge. But no worries–you’ll have plenty of options to make up for it when you get to your destination.

Hitting The Road

You’ve loaded all your friends in your car and you’ve checked that you have everything you need (don’t forget the sunblock as it gets extremely hot there). So what about stopping for the essentials during your drive?

Barstow is a famous pit stop on the way to meet lady luck. The quaint town is a good two-hour midpoint between Los Angeles and Vegas going both ways, with gas stations and fast food options to quickly refuel.

On the way to Barstow, think about taking a small detour and traveling up the historic route 66. Here is where you’ll take a step back in history from old diners to antique shops and even an ostrich farm. It’s not the easiest task to find the route, so try a website like this one if you are nervous about your GPS. Remember when you are driving that your phone service may go in and out, so having a map handy won’t hurt.

Places to Visit

You made it! Now what? You’re probably ready to head out with your friends, or relax a bit. Since cannabis use is legal in Las Vegas, there is a myriad of dispensary options for your taste.

Essence Vegas is located right across from the Stratosphere hotel at the southern end of the strip. The store boasts over 50 strains of flowers including topicals and concentrates. Guests can also enjoy a discounted Lyft ride using the code provided on their website.

The Apothecary Shoppe is also another highly rated location because it’s the only cannabis shop on the strip open 24/7. Guests can order online and pick up without hassle, just show your I.D. and you’re good to go.

Budtender by The Apothecary Shoppe – CC BY

Another cool dispensary to try is NuWu Cannabis, the only drive-thru shop in the city. They are also known for having one of the largest selections. If you are willing to venture away from the strip, this may be worth a try.

After consuming, you’ll be ready to get on with your stay. The beauty of Vegas is that it’s definitely not lacking in things to do. If you arrive at the city early in the morning, consider ziplining down the historic Fremont Street. At night, check out of the shows (J-Lo is performing!) before hitting the clubs or casino with friends.

Just remember, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”.

The post An Angeleno’s road trip guide to cannabis in Vegas. appeared first on Flowertown.