500 Adrenaline Adventures (Frommer's) - Lois Friedland [135]
Visitor center, Torenstreek 20 ( 31/519/531-641;www.nationaalpark.nl/schiermonnikoog). Tourist office, Reeweg 5 ( 31/519/531-233;www.vvvschiermonnikoog.nl).
Tour: Stichting ( 31/59/552-8300;www.wadlopen.com).
Amsterdam (2 hr. to Lauwersoog).
45 min. from Lauwersoog.
$ Hotel van der Werff, Reeweg 2 ( 31/519/531-203;www.hotelvanderwerff.nl). $ Pension Westerburen, Middenstreek 32 ( 31/65/221-2287;www.westerburen.nl).
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Texas Grape Stomp
The Lone Stomp State
Locations throughout Texas, U.S.A.
Your feet are purple, your clothes are ruined, and there’s a grin as big as Texas on your face. You must be at a grape stomp, one of the Lone Star State’s newest adventures. Though better known for beer and barbecue, Texas has a wine industry that’s been gaining attention among oenophiles nationwide, and what better way to celebrate the state’s newfound status as a wine-producing region than with a good, old-fashioned grape stomp?
A handful of wineries located throughout central and west Texas sponsor grape stomps on a monthly or annual basis. Some of these events are competitive—very competitive—and individuals or teams stomp ferociously to see who can squeeze out the most juice from a barrel of grapes, with proceeds going to local charities or youth groups. Grape stomping may seem easy, but it’s a real workout; 10 minutes of stomping grapes can exhaust most weekend warriors.
After a long afternoon of stomping grapes, slake your thirst by sampling some fruit of the vine—most wineries that sponsor grape stomps also offer wine tastings. At many events, you can also expect to find live music concerts, food-and-wine pairings, grape picking, and wine classes. And be sure to bring the kids along, because most festivals also sponsor a kid’s grape stomp, as well as other family-friendly fun. —ML
Grape stomping in Texas.
Great Grape Stomp Championship, 8484 Hwy. 46, New Braunfels, TX 78132 ( 800/303-6780;www.grapestomp.com). Caprock Winery, 408 E. Woodrow Rd., Lubbock, TX 79423 ( 806/863-2704;www.caprockwinery.com). Pleasant Hill Winery, 1441 Salem Rd., Brenham, TX 77833 ( 979/830-VINE;www.pleasanthillwinery.com). Bernhardt Winery, 9043 C.R. 204, Plantersville, TX 77363 ( 936/894-9829;www.bernhardtwinery.com). Messina Hof Winery, 4545 Old Reliance Rd., Bryan, TX 77808 ( 979/778-9829;www.messinahof.com).
When to Go: Summer and autumn; check local normals for festivals and dates.
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Chapter 5: Great Journeys
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Jbel Toubkal
Northern Africa’s Tallest Peak
High Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Morocco is magical—and climbing Jbel Toubkal, the highest mountain in Northern Africa, is one of its most spellbinding experiences. But it’s no small feat; it takes will, determination, and a spirit of adventure—not to mention a sturdy pair of hiking shoes and strong legs. The best time to go is during the late spring and summer, when you can ascend without special climbing skills or equipment.
Just 64km (40 miles) south of Marrakesh, the eco-friendly Kashbah du Toubkal—a secluded mountain retreat run by the local Berber community—makes a perfect starting point for your trek and feels much farther than it is from the bustling city. Unless you recognize it from Martin Scorsese’s film Kundun, arriving at this “Berber hospitality center” feels like uncovering a hidden palace. For the 90-minute ride from Marrakesh, you can take a bus or hire a car and driver. Toward the end of the journey, you’ll wind along a steep mountain road until you reach the village of Imil, where it’s time to start using your legs.
Along with a guide and a couple of mules to carry your luggage, your adventure begins. You’ll walk for 15 minutes or so along a gravel path, up some stairs,