Getting drunk: Twenty cities that don’t know how to handle their liquor

by Tom Johansmeyer on

California loves to get wasted! San Diego and San Jose are the top two cities that drink stupidly, according to a survey by Insurance.com. They lead the country in alcohol-related driving violations, a dubious distinction to say the least. So, if you step into the crosswalk in these two spots, take an extra second to look both ways.

The reasons for hitting this list vary and include proximity to colleges and nightlife, and the presence of stringent enforcement may play a key role, the survey finds. If you think a lack of enforcement puts a city at the top of the list, remember that slapping the cuffs on a lot of people increases the instances of drunk driving, which actually pushes it up. Insurance.com explains:

San Diego most likely tops the list because its police departments are aggressive in making DUI arrests, and officers there arrest lots of drunk drivers, says Mark McCullough, a San Diego police department spokesperson specializing in DUI issues.

To pull the list of 20 drunk driving metropolitan areas together, according to Insurance Networking News, Insurance.com analyzed “percentage of its car insurance online quote requests for which users reported alcohol-related driving violations.”

So, who made the top 20? Take a look below:

  1. San Diego, CA
  2. San Jose, CA
  3. Charlotte, NC
  4. Phoenix, AZ
  5. Columbus, OH
  6. Indianapolis, IN
  7. Los Angeles, CA
  8. San Francisco, CA
  9. Austin, TX
  10. Jacksonville, FL
  11. San Antonio, TX
  12. Dallas, TX
  13. Houston, TX
  14. Fort Worth, TX
  15. Memphis, TN
  16. Philadelphia, PA
  17. New York, NY
  18. Baltimore, MD
  19. Chicago, IL
  20. Detroit, MI

Boston got lucky on this one. It was excluded because of a lack of data – not because the drivers there are absolutely nuts.

Disclosure: I learned how to drive in Boston.

[Via Insurance Networking News, photo by davidsonscott15 via Flickr]

Campout! Carolina take place Oct. 8-9

by Kraig Becker on

The 4th annual Campout! Carolina is schedule to take place next weekend, October 8 and 9, throughout North Carolina, as thousands of outdoors enthusiasts head to a variety of campsites to enjoy the fall season. The event is organized each year to encourage the state’s residents, and visitors alike, to enjoy North Carolina’s environmental attractions by pitching a tent and turning off all the unnecessary electrical items for a couple of evenings.

Participants are encouraged to camp anywhere, including their own backyard or in a state park. All registered campers are automatically entered into a drawing to win some great gear, including a tent and other supplies, as well as a $50 gift certificate from REI. The company will also be providing gear for campers to use free of charge as well. Additionally, Dick’s Sporting Goods will be hosting a photo contest in which they’ll also be giving away a $50 gift card.

The Campout! Carolina website has a host of ideas for what to do while roughing it in the tent, with suggestions like taking a nature walk, telling ghost stories, and going on a scavenger hunt. They’ve even posted some fun recipes and a link to free star charts for checking out the night sky.

Last year more than 5500 people took part in this event, and the organizer of the campout, EarthShare North Carolina, is hoping to beat that number this year. If you live in, or around, North Carolina, plan on sleeping in a tent next week to celebrate!

[Photo credit: Campout! Carolina via Flickr]

Suit up: The best whitewater rafting in the U.S.

by Jason Heflin on


When it comes to whitewater, bigger is not always better. In fact, some of the best whitewater paddling experiences can be had on rivers that barely break the Class III rating. Those who love to run these rivers know the importance of the rush, but also appreciate the scenery, local culture, and accessibility of a river. Here are some of the best US whitewater destinations based on the overall experience they provide.

Nantahala River, North Carolina – Class II-III
The Nantahala is a great way to take on a whitewater challenge suitable for paddlers of all experience levels. After running this lushly forested river in a raft of inflatable ducky boaters can take out at the Nantahala Outdoor Center and celebrate with a brew and a burger at the River’s End restaurant.

Upper Gauley River, West Virginia – Class III-V
Consistently named one of the top whitewater rivers in the US and the world, the Gauley is a thrilling ride. Not for the faint of heart, the Gauley drops 650 feet in 24 miles and features over 100 rapids. The Upper Gauley should only be run by experts or with a guide service. River Expeditions provides guided trips throughout the summer months and during September and October when the dam is released and the river really goes wild.

Arkansas River, Colorado – Class IV
The Arkansas is a popular river, and for good reason. It touts heart pumping whitewater close to a major city, Denver. The Browns Canyon run is the best way to get away from the highway and sometimes the crowds. As the river drops into a gorge it runs fast and narrow and supplies plenty of hair-raising rapids.Dechutes River, Oregon – Class III
Paddling through the white caps of this Class III river will keep one focused on the task at hand. Between running rapids, take a look around and notice the ancient lava flows that carve the landscape. Playful river otters also provide entertainment along this beautiful stretch of river.

Colorado River, Arizona – Class IV+
Twisting its way through the Grand Canyon, the Colorado river is an icon of the American West. Running the river with a commercial service will ensure not only safety but passage on the river. The coveted non-commercial permits are first-come first-served and must be requested at least one year in advance.

Klamath River, California – Class IV-V
Fishing and irrigation rights have been hotly debated on the Klamath for some time. But, what is truly hot are the series of runs that carve their way through the upper section of the Klamath river near Hell’s Corner.

Cumberland River, Kentucky – Class III
The mostly serene Cumberland takes a wild turn as it enters the Big South Fork National Recreation Area. Boats must maneuver around house-sized boulders as the “below the falls” run descends toward Tennessee.

Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho – Class III
The remote location and strict permit system on the Salmon river help protect the pristine wilderness experience it provides. These isolated rapids can be run May through August.

New River, West Virginia – Class III-V
Despite being named the “New” river, this is the second oldest river on the planet. The lower New river has something for everyone, from roller coaster style rapids to the huge raft-sucking holes. Rafters can even pass beneath or take out under the massive New River Gorge Bridge, home each year to the Bridge Day festival.

Getting out of the city and into the rapids of a whitewater river is the perfect way to challenge yourself. If spectacular scenery and the thrill of a rushing river are what you crave in a paddling trip, these rivers are sure to please.

Fall escapes to the North Carolina Mountains

by Gadling Staff on

Fall is almost here and with it come crisp, blue skies and leaves of yellow and red. Enjoy the season with a quick, inexpensive getaway to the North Carolina mountains. The hard part is deciding which getaway to choose.

Kings Mountain State Park: If you like the great outdoors, camping at Kings Mountain State Park is a low-cost option. Whether you have an RV or prefer to pitch a tent on one of the 115 campsites, there’s a place here for you. Campsites consist of packed gravel and have electrical and water hookups. In addition to camping, the 6885 acre park has picnic tables and shelters, boating, a general store, hiking and nature trails, equestrian facilities, fishing lakes and a Living History Farm. The park is adjacent to Kings Mountain National Military Park.

Chimney Rock Park: Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, Chimney Rock Park is home to The Chimney, an elevation of 2,280 feet that provides a 75-mile view. There is also a walking trail and Hickory Nut Falls, a waterfall of 404 feet. There are gift shops and diners, or carry a picnic lunch to eat by the stream running through the community.Chimney Rock has provided a backdrop for scenes in various movies, including The Last of the Mohicans, Firestarter, and A Breed Apart. Just minutes down the road is Lake Lure where Dirty Dancing, the 1987 movie starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey was filmed.

Little Switzerland: Get to this destination early in the fall because some of the businesses close during the winter and re-open in April. The Big Lynn Lodge and Little Switzerland Christmas Tree Farm stay open year round, so cozy up in a room with a view or camp out in the Bear Den Campground. There are many things to do in Little Switzerland, including hiking, shopping and dining. Try Hearthside Handmades, Simple Pleasures or check out The Switzerland General Store. If you’re a booklover, lose yourself in Little Switzerland Bookstore that’s full of books, nooks and crannies.Asheville Biltmore House and Gardens: A mansion awaits you in Ashville, NC. Specifically, the Biltmore House, situated on 8,000 acres of rolling hills. George Vanderbilt’s 250 room French Chateau was finished in 1895 and gives a glimpse into the past to show how people worked and lived in America’s largest home. Admission includes a self-guided tour of Biltmore, all-day access to the gardens and Antler Hill Village, complimentary wine tasting at the Winery, dining and shopping opportunities and free parking.

Boone, NC: Travel up to the High Country to visit the mountain town of Boone, NC, home to Appalachian State University. Spend the day fishing at the well-stocked Grandfather Trout Farm or try your luck at the Magic Mountain Mini Golf and Gem Mine. Still not tired? Try out the Rock Dimensions Climbing Tower where rock climbing guides and instructors are there to give a hand. Take the youngest ones to the Children’s Playhouse, a non-profit museum, art center and play space, or visit Apple Hill Farm or Moretz’s Mountain Orchard.

Tweetsie Railroad: All aboard! Time to go to Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock, NC. Play cowboys and Indians by taking a ride on Steam Engine #12, a train so famous it’s listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. There’s also a Country Fair, Miner’s Mountain for panning for gold, the Arcade and Shooting Gallery and Deer Park, home to deer, goats, miniature horses and pot-bellied pigs. If you’re planning for Halloween, the attraction is open Friday and Saturday nights from October 1 through October 30 for the 2010 Ghost Train Halloween Festival.

Mount Airy, North Carolina: Visit the Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy, North Carolina, Andy Griffith’s hometown. The museum is home to Andy Griffith and Matlock memorabilia donated by Andy Griffith himself. Betty Lynn, who played Barney Fife’s girlfriend, Thelma Lou, is a resident of the town, and there are upcoming opportunities to meet her.Take a tour guided by Emmett Forrest, who grew up with Andy Griffith and is a lifelong friend of the actor. Actor George Lindsay, who played Goober, will donate some of the wardrobe he wore during the filming of the show to the museum. Additionally, the 21st Annual Mayberry Days Festival will take place September 23-26 2010.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: Want to really relax and let go? Then book a ride on a train with the Great Smoky Railroad. Depart from Bryson City, NC in a First Class Coach for a 4 1/2 hour, 44 mile round trip ride along the Tuckasegee River into the Nantahala River Gorge with a one hour stop at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. First Class includes lunch, a souvenir tumbler with all you can drink coffee or soda, and a GSRD totebag.

Top five cities for travel spending … and the bottom of the barrel, too

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Hey, Arlington, Virginia residents, why are you spending so much on travel? Do you really want to get out that badly? According to a report by Bundle.com, the folks who live in Arlington spent twice the national average on travel last year: a whopping $3,534 per household. Nationwide, the norm came in at $1,571 for 2009. Meanwhile, Detroit residents spent a meager $1,158 per household on travel last year due largely to the dismal economic conditions there.

The top five cities for travel spending last year (i.e., people who live there paid to go elsewhere) aren’t terribly surprising, in that they tend to be affluent and close to major airports.

1. Arlington, VA – $3,534
2. San Francisco, CA – $3,460
3. Washington, DC – $3,409
4. Scottsdale, AZ – $3,372
5. New York, NY – $3,274
And if there’s a top five list, there must be one for the bottom, right? Garland, Texas residents either love the place so much they don’t like to leave or simply have little appreciation for the outside world: they spent an average of $647 per household on travel last year.

5. Greensboro, NC – $820
4. Lexington, KY – $809
3. Memphis, TN – $683
2. Chula Vista, CA – $676
1. Garland, TX – $647

[photo by Beverly & Pack via Flickr]