That’s probably what Robert Frost meant when chewed through that road less traveled with 40-inch mudders.

There’s still a month left of sand spitting fun in Western Michigan, but it’s not a trip for the light at heart. Behind the wheel of a 2009 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, there was pretty much nothing my stock vehicle couldn’t do that many customized jeeps, handmade dune buggies and the swarm of buzzing quads couldn’t do. Of course, most of those drivers froze in the rain, while I turned the heat on high, turned on the stereo and blasted through hood high water. Yeeeee Hah MoFos!

That smell of exhaust, the whine of motorcycles and the heart thumping, sand digging, confederate flag flying 4×4 are all part of a weekend at Sand Lake State Park in Western Michigan. This place has more crackers than a box or Ritz.

It may not be an ideal trip of car camping and off roading, but you might be surprised how much fun it really is. A weekend outside, car camping requires as much organization as you care to give it. If every thing goes totally wrong, you can still hop into your car and leave. If it goes right, you’ll never want to leave.

As for Silver Lake, climbing a steep dune takes a little more skill then you think — as told by all of the trucks, Jeeps and homemade dune buggies seen backing back down the hill after failing attempt after attempt. Losers.

Hill No. 1 is the toughest. After that it’s all gravy. And the sights are fantastic — looking out over the blustery Lake Michigan.

As for the car camping, we stayed in Silver Lake State Park where we were crammed in with lots of yahoo beer swilling, mullet sporting, fist fight hustling, towing their off road pick up with their regular pickup driving, red necks. They were awesome, piles of beer cans aside. Personally, I would have liked to have a little more space than the 20×20 space — but in the morning as the world slept off their hangovers, I managed to walk along Lake Michigan through the birch tree as the sun rose over a few fishing boats scattered out on the still waters. It was perfect.

Really, everyone deserves or needs a weekend of camping along Lake Michigan. It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor or just bored, it’s fun and its cheap. Jack tastes better when its sipped from the bottle and chased with some Coke out of a liter bottle over a roaring campfire stoked with white gasoline. It just does.

It’s not camping, it’s an experience and for $32 a night — it’s easy money. Pack four people in your Subaru and you’ve still got space for cases of beer, two tents, sleeping bags and some firewood.

If automotive mayhem isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of campsites along the way that may not have 50 rednecks per 100 square feet, but they still offer a fantastic time. Check out this site for campsite info.

Now go forth and camp.

HTG is actually on vacation: This story is from our best of files. It originally ran Sept. 29, 2009. 

Editor’s note: This is the first of a three part series.

So you are in the Mile High City and the FBI is kicking down doors from LoHo to SoBo and hauling guys named Mohammed off to jail. The War on Terror is back and since you aren’t Jack Bauer you want to do something fun in the next 24 hours before the Terrorist Alert Level goes to Red and martial law is declared.

You are in luck. While it has been 20 years since it was the setting for melodramatic slap-fest Dynasty, Denver still has plenty of fun, entertainment and boozy shennigans to offer. Time to call that trouble making neighbor Tom Foolery and hit the streets.

1) Drink. Named by Men’s Health in 2007 (and 2004) as the Most Drunken City in America, Denver also has more microbreweries per capita than anyplace else in America. Just off the top of my head there is The Breckenridge, The Flying Dog, The Rock Bottom Brewery and The Wynkoop (Mayor Hickenlooper’s old joint). The Coors brewery is also up the road in nearby Golden and has a brewery tour with the usual sampling at the end if that’s your bag.

If fresh-brewed ales aren’t your thing there are plenty of other bars to wet your whistle at, and when I say plenty I mean an absurd amount. We didn’t get the title of Drunkest City in America by accident. Some notable stand-outs are My Brother’s Bar (former hangout of Jack Kerouac), the Cruise Room Martini Bar (modeled after the bar on the Queen Mary) and my personal favorite, SOBO 151. A bit outside of downtown on South Broadway it is a Czech bar with a remarkably good kitchen and assortment of imported Czech Republic brews.

2) Eat. Denver is a big foodie town. For the tourists there is the Buckhorn Exchange with 500 stuffed animals on the wall and Casa Bonita from South Park (yes, it is real), but those don’t reflect the current scene. There are top notch outfits in town with guys showing up on the Food Network and everything. Sushi is huge despite being 1,000 miles from the ocean and Sushi Den is probably the reigning champ. There is also a strong hippy flavor and many vegetarian outlets. Mercury Cafe is one everybody goes to since they have poetry slams, dancing and other stuff along with surprisingly tasty veggie options. There’s also plenty of Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese (the best are out on Federal Boulevard), German, Italian… you know what? If you want it, we have it.

3) Bike rides. Denver has a ridiculous number of bike trails, almost rivaling the number of gin joints. There are over 850 miles extending across the metro area, though everybody seems to stick to the Cherry Creek trail, clogging up my daily ride into work. These are paved and off the main roads so you can enjoy a leisurely ride without taking your life into your hands. Just stay out of the left side unless you are one of the Lance Armstrong wanna-bes who brake for nothing.

After a successful bike-share program during the 2008 Democratic National Convention, the city planned to make it permanent. Unfortunately that plan came to a screeching halt along with the economy. Not to worry though, there are plenty of places you can rent wheels while you are in town with the Cherry Creek Bike Rack, Confluence Kayak and most of the other bike shops in town offering deals. On Wednesdays during the summer, the Denver Cruisers hold a costumed bike and booze around town for those who prefer a more social ride.

– Editor’s note: Robert Mohl was not involved in any terror plot (as far as we know).

Reisenthel's e1 Bag, TouchofEurope.net

I’ve been looking for a good personal carry on bag for a while. I normally use a bigger bag to carry my purse, lap-top, camera, lunch and what-nots. The problem is, I could never find something that worked well for me.

Until now. Reisenthel gave HipsterTravelGuide a bag to test and, I have to say, this bag fits my needs.

Reisenthel’s new line of bags is called the e series and works as a weekend bag or a bag you can use like I do – as your personal carry on. The “e” is for expandable which makes this bag even better for the return home after you’ve been shopping and racking up more debt on the Visa.

With the Reisenthel e1, without even expanding the bag, I can carry all I need to start my journey. The bag starts at 24.8 inches wide by 14.4 tall and can fatten up to just over 8 inches wide. This doesn’t sound like much, but it turns out, it’s more than enough space to start a trip.

Once you expand it, you’ve got an additional 6 inches of space to fill. I haven’t needed to do this yet, but anticipate that in two weeks, I’ll be thankful I’ve got this extra space.

The bag is extremely simple, with one small zipper pocket flap inside for that tiny item you don’t want to sink to the bottom of the bag and a very handy slot on the bottom to store your transit card for the bus or train.

The strap and handle are sturdy and have lasted through one trip of being dragged around Vegas. The shoulder strap could be a little wider – with more weight in the bag, the strap digs a little deeper into my bony shoulder than I prefer. Expanded with a good 20lbs in the bag, shoulder carry on this bag would be limited.

The bag is soft sided and little larger than you might think so you do have to take care if you’re resting it on top of your carry-on luggage. It has a tendency to slide off if you’re moving fast through the airport. But the soft sides help as the bag easily fits under the seat in front of you and you’ve got all you need at your finger (or toe) tips.

The bag is available from Reisenthel through TouchofEurope.net for $29.99.

We’re going to see how well this weathers a trip around Europe for two weeks. It’ll be a true test of how well the bag can survive my abuse.

Hands off my sunglasses!

Whether it’s wearing your sunglasses at night or that you’re future’s so bright, cheap sunglasses are the way to go. Now that it’s summer, everyone wants them, and more importantly, everyone needs them.

I want them because they look cool and provide a little bit of cover as I roll my eyes at others. I need them because they block the glare, prevent me from getting more of the wrinkles I’m destined to get and, sometimes, hold position on top of my head, keeping my hair out of my face. No other accessory is as helpful.

Scott finds the time to sport his Aviators

They’ve got to be cheap because I really don’t want to spend $100 on a pair of glasses that I’ll probably lose, driver over or decide are yesterday’s news. I think that burning money may be a better waste of my money.

That’s where Sunglasswarehouse.com comes in. Their website is easy to use, with selections broken down by gender, style, trend and special offers. You’re bound to find the style you want for the price you want to pay, as pricing starts at $8 and no pair is over $20. Easy and cheap. That’s how we should all live life.

We tested a few pairs from Sunglass Warehouse and after having kicked about in them for a few months (pictured here in DC and Detroit), they’re still in one piece. My husband may have ordered the Lady Gaga inspired flip ups and now won’t wear them but I’m still wearing mine. I’ve got a pair that shield my eyes, kind of like mirrored glaucoma glasses and a pair of polarized driving glasses with yellow lenses .

Sunglasses - Four pairs, Four styles, For fun

The polarized glasses are awesome when it’s raining or one of those gloomy days. In these sunglasses everything looks covered in pollen, everything is brighter and cast in a yellow hue.

My stylish glaucoma glasses are my go to glasses. I really like them since they keep the sun out of my eyes and there’s no leakage. The only thing I have to remember is to wear some sunscreen. I had a reverse raccoon look going after a long day in the DC sun. At least my husband thought it was funny.

This summer, go ahead and splurge. Buy a few pairs. Sunglasswarehouse.com will have styles you want at prices that’ll leave you walking on sunshine.

Sunglasswarehouse.com provided HTG with the four pairs of sunglasses tested.

Call me the Norma Rae of air travel, but I say it’s time we take back our skies and demand more from our carriers. Enough with the bag charges and hidden fees. Or, charge me extra but throw in a tasty sandwich or two. Hire flight attendants that don’t loathe the general public. There’s nothing worse than being trapped in a pressurized tin can under the oppressive wrath of a sky-bound Nurse Ratched. And adding a new plane to the fleet every once in a while goes a long way.

Smart companies know it’s about building brand loyalty, anyway. That’s why I heart JetBlue. They’ve built their business model with us in mind, and for that we’re grateful. Here’s a few reasons to fly the JetBlue skies:

1. Free snacks!—Flight attendants walk down the aisle carrying baskets of love filled with popcorn chips, cookies, nuts and potato chips. And you can take as much as you want. Really. And if you want more, they leave the basket out in the galley so you can help yourself.
2. Wider aisles— There’s nothing more annoying than pulling your carry-on behind you down a narrow aisle only to keep bumping it into other seats along the way. The people stuck behind you don’t like it, either. JetBlue thought of this and made the aisles a bit wider so you don’t block traffic.
3. Comfy seats—The seats are bigger and more plush with ample leg room to boot. However, if you’re stuck next to an obese person who’s pouring into your seat on a six-hour flight, you’re SOL.
4. Direct TV—Free premium channels, so you don’t have to miss episodes of “Mob Wives” when you’re mid-air. Just bring your own headset, or pay $2 and buy a pair on the plane.
5. Friendly attendants—No, really. Like, they actually make eye contact and smile at you, engage in conversation, and ask if you want more snacks (why, yes, I do, thank you!)—you know, all those little social skills you learn as a child when interacting with another person that make you feel humanly acknowledged. (Remember, “Please” and “Thank you” go a long way. You’re welcome.)
6. Did I say free snacks?
7. State-of-the-art terminal at JFK—I couldn’t believe my eyes when walking into their hub at JFK. New! Modern! Well-lit! Amenities! We Americans couldn’t possibly design something like this, could we? JetBlue did, and their hub has all the creature comforts you want while waiting for your flight: edible, healthy food in an open-air food court; mini spa for a quick pedi; shops a-plenty; and free Wi-Fi.  It’s almost a pleasure to get stuck here.

Below, we’ve listed some of the “Best of the Worst” merchandise items available for your purchasing pleasure.  (Prices listed do not include tax.)

SkyRest Travel Pillow—No, it’s not that comfy pillow thing that wraps around your neck; it’s more of a “douche wedge.” This ginormous inflatable bouncy-house forms a triangular wedge that rests on your tray table, allowing you to place your head down, along with your upper-body weight, to annoy the poor soul sitting in front of you. The inflatable doggie ramp is bigger than Kevin Smith and should be charged an extra ticket. Price: $29.95

Gravity Defyer Sneakers—Basically, these look like any other pair of sneakers (and no, I didn’t misspell the product’s name), except for the swimming sperm logo—yes, sperm—displayed on the sides, which the company proudly calls “The Seed of Life.” Or, “Hey, man, you missed a spot.”  $129.95 (That’s some expensive sperm.)

Hidden Litter Box—This litter box is quite creative: it disguises itself as a tree in a clay pot, so your cat can crap in a tree in your living room in complete comfort and privacy. The only problem?  You have to remove the huge tree top portion of the box each time Whiskas makes a mess, which would get tiring and impractical after a few days. You can always opt out of clean the litter, and leave your guests to wonder why your fern smells like feces. $89.95

Lightsaber Chopstick Set—This makes the perfect housewarming gift for the man-panion in your life who’s moving back into his mother’s basement. Now he can finally enjoy that delicious bento box while protecting the galaxy against the perilous evils of Darth Maul. Connect to the sticks to form a double-bladed lightsaber big enough to satisfy Princess Lea.  $21.99

Hidden Message Collar Stays—First off, what guys (excluding New York metrosexuals) actually use collar stays in their shirts when packing? These stainless steel tabs feature trite love messages (“You make me feel like a (heterosexual) queen;” “You smell irresistible”) to be tucked away as a sign of your undying love for your honey while he’s away. Really?  I’d rather leave Post-Its in his shoes (“These smell”) and some tucked away in his boxers (“Thanks for forgetting the garbage. Again.”) $37.95

Bigfoot Garden Yeti Sculpture—Where is Bigfoot? Not only in your pants, but now your garden, too. This two-foot tall resin statue of Sasquatch makes the perfect ornament if you want a nasty-gram from your homeowners’ association or if you forgot to buy presents for the holidays: Simply place the Yeti behind the Christmas tree and tell the kids Santa got brutally mauled. $98.95

TouchTec Gloves by Gaspar; photo Gaspargloves.com

Freezing temperatures are here. If you’re traveling up north, you’ll be bundled up from head to toe. Hat, coat, scarves and gloves. All essential to survive the frigid chill in the air.

But, how do you function in today’s world where everything is a touch screen and you’re bundled up? Icy cold fingers won’t operate your iPhone and neither will fingers swathed in leather and thinsulate. Nobody wants to take off their gloves every time they need to use a touchscreen.

Enter Gaspar Gloves and their new TouchTec gloves. These gloves have magic in them that enables the wearer to have warm fingers and still be able to use any touchscreen device. Amazing magic, indeed.

Really, the gloves aren’t magical, they just seem that way. The TouchTec technology possess antimicrobial qualities that mimic the body and will actually work better than your naked fingers, depending on temperature. TouchTec is completely invisible and the gloves look and feel like any other leather glove available.

The magical test gloves.

But they’re not like any other glove. These gloves let you operate any type of touch screen without having to be removed or take off a finger tip. You’ll stay warm when you’re punching in an address on your nav screen or walking down the street unlocking your smart phone.

The gloves are leather, lined with thinsulate. They’re warm and stylish. The ones I tried were purple and black, the black part having the TouchTec magic inside. All of the fingers worked on the screen, even the back part of the index finger, showing the years of glove making experience Gaspar used when designing the gloves. Whether I used a finger tip or a knuckle, all of my entries were accepted.

The gloves, available on line at GasparGloves.com, come in a wide array of colors and styles for the fashion conscious. Pricing starts around $165 which will have you double checking that you have your gloves with you, not left behind on an airline seat. But, they’re worth the price once you realize you won’t have frostbitten fingers the next time you’re using a touchscreen.

Gaspar Gloves provided the test gloves to HTG, with the provision that they’re sent back once we’re finished with them. After using the gloves, we realized we liked them so much we’re just going to purchase them.

Here’s the low-down on this upscale find:

The Digs-

While on property, you are worlds away from the Phoenix you think you know. The resort lives up to its name—it’s a true sanctuary of private casitas on rolling terrain and lush landscape. I stayed in a Spa Casita room, a 650 square-foot haven of modern décor with a sunken-in sitting area (couch, reading chair and flat-screen TV) and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private patio out back. The bathroom was nice enough to live in, with an over-sized tub (and soaking salts), a separate shower, two sinks, and loads of plush towels. Turn-down service each night left the roomaglow with tea light candles and mellow music lilting in the background—always a nice touch after a long day. My only gripe was the mini-bar prices: While I’ve come to expect paying four bucks at resorts for the privilege of enjoying a crisp and delicious Diet Coke in the comfort of my own room, I’d at least appreciate a proper 12-ounce can, not a scale model of a soda bottle that I clear in two sips.

The Eats -

Opened in 2001, the resort’s signature restaurant, Elements, is headed up by executive chef and culinary celebrity, Beau MacMillan, a bear-hug kind of a guy from Plymouth, Massachusetts who’s put Sanctuary on the map with his haute cuisine. He’s known for creating innovative seasonal dishes made with fresh, local ingredients from organic farms, and loves to come out from the kitchen to visit his tables during dinner to chat with guests about his food. He’s one hell of a cook, too: He beat Bobby Flay in an American Kobe beef smack-down on The Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” and has appeared on NBC’s “Today Show.” Signature dishes include butter braised scallops with sugar snap peas and arugula pesto; a miso glazed organic salmon with roasted vegetables and coriander; and a bacon wrapped filet of beef with chanterelle mushrooms and merlot demi glace.

The Spa-

The Asian-inspired, full service spa is a respite of relaxation centered around an outdoor meditation garden and reflecting pond, aligned in view of Camelback Mountain. The sprawling space (12,000 square-feet) is large enough to accommodate 12 indoor and outdoor treatment rooms; both the mens’ and womens’ locker rooms have changing areas, steam baths, showers, hot tubs, and pre-treatment sitting areas with water and fresh tea. The most impressive treatment area was The Sanctum, a private, outdoor treatment area scattered with fresh flowers and votive candles, used primarily for couples and bridal parties. The open-air, walled enclosure features side-by-side massage tables, a rainfall shower, a whirlpool, and a separate sitting and small dining area, all under a sun-shade canopy and a small dining table for catered meals. Call in advance to schedule a treatment—appointments book up fast.

The Pool-

Although I never got to swim in it, the infinity-edge pool looked painfully inviting from the veranda above, where I watched guests float the day away while nursing their fruity umbrella-ed drinks in the cerulean water as sweat soaked through my shirt in the searing 103-degree heat sun—a dry heat, they tell me. The pool itself is on the small side, but the expansive frame of Camelback Mountain in the background makes it seem larger somehow. Come back at night for an evening swim when there’s less of a crowd and more of an eclectic ambiance: the pool’s multi-colored lights create a shimmering, ethereal glow.

The Skinny-

To get the best rates, book during the summer months—yes, it’s hot, but it’s a dry heat, the resort is less crowded, and the pool is wet. Check their website for ongoing specials and promotional packages throughout the year. The best views are from the mountain vista casitas, which are more expensive; if you’re staying in one, make sure to bring sneakers to walk up and down the steep hill to and from the main resort area, or call the main desk for a golf cart shuttle. Expect prompt and courteous service. Sanctuary is best suited for couples, girlfriend getaways, family reunions and special events.

For those taking this bovine frock idea a little too far — there are butchers who will make the dress for you — one Brooklyn butcher said he’ll slice up a costume for you for $1,500 to $2000, according to the Palm Beach Post.

Of course a Where’s the beef outfit does come with warnings according to a N.J. butcher who says slapping on tenderloin could lead to some sanitary concerns, there’s also the chance the meat will fall off because there’s no connective tissue, and dogs might get a little extra frisky seeing a walking beefcicle.

Of course, for about $4.99 you could buy a couple of packages of pre-cut ham and some Elmer’s glue, but this may be ill advised as well.

There are some much cheaper options that don’t involve spoilage.

Brandsonsale.com offers a Ribeye version of the dress for $59.99 (though the entire outfit would cost $114 if you add in the wig, tights and shoes).

Esty.com offers a more realistic cloth version for $120.

And if you want the costume to look even better, add some bacon, with the bacon wallet from mcphee.com.

So when I heard of an upcoming retreat in Phoenix called the “Mind, Body and Spirit Boot Camp” by Chat, Chew & Chocolate, a social group for busy women looking to network, relax and regroup, my initial reaction was a mixture of curiosity, doubt and a sense of challenge: The trip would force me to face my “issues” regarding group functions, matters that trace back to my dark days as a Girl Scout being dumped at dreaded summer camp, armed only with a toothbrush and lanyard. I had to face my demons.

View of Camelback Mountain from the casita / Gayle McCarthy

I arrived in Phoenix on a sunny, desert afternoon, the thermometer reading a balmy 107 degrees. In October. (Perhaps the pilots had fallen asleep and inadvertently landed in Dubai?) The tony Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain in the pristine Paradise Valley section of Phoenix, is an oasis of flowers, fountains, and serenity, the kind of resort where you check in and instantly dread the inevitable moment when you have to check out.

My fellow female cohorts and I (16 in total) met up at the hilltop casita called Casa Montaña for our first “meet-and-greet.” There we were introduced to our host, Dena Patton, a life /business coach who formed Chat, Chew & Chocolate in 2004 as a way for active women (or “Superwomen,” as Dena calls them) to connect, reflect, and relax. Since its inception, CC&C has 10,000 members in nine states; members meet once or twice a month at a designated venue—usually a restaurant or a host’s home—for fun, food and networking.

We kicked off the retreat with a brief but relaxing yoga and meditation session led by wellness specialist Randi Smith and life coach Randy Kamen-Grendinger. I was concerned that we’d be doing pretzel-twist head poses from the start—I’m no fitness guru— but the class was go at your own pace and easy to follow along.

Preparing for morning Tai Chi / Gayle McCarthy

The next morning, however, was a different story. We met on the “grassy knoll” of the casita for a sunrise Tai Chi session. I’d never done Tai Chi before, but it always looked so graceful, fluid and easy when I’ve watched other people practice, so I figured it would be an easy stroll on the knoll. Perhaps I’m not so gracefully fluid after all—the simple act of holding your arms out for extended periods of time proved to be shakingly painful (I visualized fuzzy puppies on a beach), and the series of round-house leg kicks we did left me sore for days in places I didn’t even know I had muscles. Glad I brought my Aleve. (As painful as Tai Chi was, a group hike along the trail on Camelback Mountain would have been a welcome addition to the exercise schedule.)

A good chunk of time was spent “in session” listening to presentations and motivational speeches from such notables as celeb Ali Vincent and best-selling author and life coach, Martha Beck. Ali, the first female to ever win the hit show, “The Biggest Loser,” spoke of her ongoing struggle with weight and low self-esteem, and how her determination to win the show was fueled by her catchy mantra, “Believe it, be it.” She shed a grand total of 100 pounds over the course of five months, and has continued to maintain a healthy weight since her win three years ago. Next, we listened in awe to Martha Beck’s spiritual stories; her soothing presence blanketed the room with a sense of peace and humility. She taught us how to practice this wild, Jedi-like mind trick (really, a guided meditation exercise) where you “soften” one’s defenses with an exchange of positive energy. (I normally don’t believe much of that stuff, but this really worked.)

The retreat meals were prepared by holistic chef Nancy Banner and featured fresh, organic dishes like a morning fruit salad, mushroom quiche, and an heirloom tomato salad. Although I love fresh, organic foods, I’m not used to eating so healthy, so I squirreled a lot of Nutri-Grain bars and indulged in copious amounts of dark chocolate. Even with the choco-binge, I wound up losing a pound or two over the weekend and did have a

Ali Vincent talks about her weight loss on "The Biggest Loser." / Gayle McCarthy

bit more energy, but I’m not sure whether to chalk that up to a change in diet or simple starvation. By the end of the weekend, my system was screaming for salty French fries and a crisp Diet Coke. Old habits do die hard.

So, take heed, fellow anti-groupies! I stand before you, a changed traveler, open to endless group functions and limitless opportunities. After experiencing this womanly wanderlust weekend, I faced my darkest issues and left the Sanctuary feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to lead a bus tour of senior citizens across Europe. Remember to keep an open mind, stretch it out, and, as Dena recommends, leave your drama at the door.