Joel Balsam

Read the latest articles by Joel Balsam at Thrillist

Nation

Photo by Stephanie Foden

Travel

Explore adventure guides and design a custom itinerary for the destination of your choice in and around the city.

Best Travel Guides, Cool Hotels and Interesting Events - Thrillist

Pick a town or small city in rural USA for your summer road trip and you’re bound to get a lot of the same.

Discover Louisiana's French Roots in the Heart of Cajun Country

BackyardProduction/Getty Images

JOHN DENVER WAS ON TO SOMETHING when he declared West Virginia "almost heaven" in “Country Roads," despite never having been there when he sang it: the state is a place of dizzying beauty.

America’s Newest National Park Is Packed with Scenic Wonder and Eerie Ghost Towns

Photo by Stephanie Foden for Thrillist

At a warehouse in an industrial area of New Orleans, 400 screaming fans boo and cheer simultaneously as Jassy—an evil capitalist real estate “invest-her”—gets dragged to the wrestling ring by her gigantic fake breasts.

Watch Drag Queens Smack Down at New Orleans’ Wildest Event of the Year

pisaphotography/Shutterstock

After a two-year hiatus, America’s most legendary street festival is back, baby: Mardi Gras.

Yes, Mardi Gras Is Happening This Year: Here's What to Expect

This Mexican Surf Town Is Heaven for Beach Bums and Digital Nomads

The Ranch at Rock Creek

“Anymore,” as locals here tend to start proclamatory sentences, “Missoula isn’t what it used to be.”

This Montana Mountain Town Is an Outdoorsy Paradise

John Fowler/Unsplash

New Mexico ranks in the top two weirdest states, and it sure as hell isn’t number 2.

New Mexico Might Just Be the Trippiest State in the U.S.

PHOTO BY RAY SABBAGH, COURTESY OF TOURISME MONTREAL

This Canadian Metropolis May Just Be North America’s Coolest City

Photo by Elizabeth Gartside

Montreal has a long history as a city of sin: In the early 20th century, Québecois gangs and bootleggers fueled a thirsty USA during Prohibition.

Where to Drink in Montreal, According to One of Its Best Bartenders

Photo by Eva Blue, courtesy of Tourisme Montreal

Ask anyone in Montreal to name the city’s coolest neighborhood, and you’re bound to spark a passionate debate.

The Best Neighborhoods to Visit on Your Trip to Montreal

Mon Lapin

Montreal’s food scene is more than just poutine, bagels, and smoked meat.

Where to Eat in Montreal, According to One of the City's Best Chefs

Cavan Images/Cavan/Getty

Many Americans write Canada off as our milquetoast, maple-scented upstairs neighbor—and many Americans are truly missing out.

Joel Balsam’s Recent Articles

Discover Louisiana's French Roots in the Heart of Cajun Country

Find some joie de vivre here—and po' boys.

America’s Newest National Park Is Packed with Scenic Wonder and Eerie Ghost Towns

New River Gorge finally gets its due.

Watch Drag Queens Smack Down at New Orleans’ Wildest Event of the Year

At this drag wrestling show, the phrase “slay, queen” gets taken literally.

Yes, Mardi Gras Is Happening This Year: Here's What to Expect

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

This Mexican Surf Town Is Heaven for Beach Bums and Digital Nomads

Come for the surf, stay for the fish tacos.

This Montana Mountain Town Is an Outdoorsy Paradise

Welcome to Zootown, USA!

New Mexico Might Just Be the Trippiest State in the U.S.

Art, tent rocks, and aliens are everywhere.

This Canadian Metropolis May Just Be North America’s Coolest City

There's nothing quite like Montreal's joie de vivre.

Where to Drink in Montreal, According to One of Its Best Bartenders

Santé!

The Best Neighborhoods to Visit on Your Trip to Montreal

Your personal favorite may vary.

Where to Eat in Montreal, According to One of the City's Best Chefs

Chef Emma Cardarelli wants you to know that Canada’s food capital has a lot on its plate.

The Most Beautiful Places in Canada

Oh! Canada!