Pilgrim Approved is a badge of honor for places and experiences around the world that really tickle our fancy.

It could be a tucked away treehouse overlooking the California hills that was the art project of a late (and controversial) author; a guided, off-the-grid hike along Portugal’s Costa Vicentina that ends with starlit petiscos; a camping trip along Nepal’s Narayani River, guarded from predators of the night by two grand elephants and their mahouts; a proper Sunday roast in a centuries-old establishment so magical that it inspired the authors of some of the most well-known literary classics; a particular grove of redwoods that lead you to one of Cali’s most unspoiled sections of coastline; a far-removed and quirky desert town who happens to have some of the best tamales and pickin’ sessions in the country; or an Appalachian music venue that serves up damn good homemade soup (served in a tin cup) and some of the rowdiest knee-slappin’ jams just below the Mason-Dixon Line.

Consider Pilgrim Approved a merit badge for some of the most badass places and experiences there are in this world. After carefully hand-curating our first set of honorary Pilgrim Approved badge holders, this section will showcase our selections. 

If you have recommendations for candidates worthy of a Pilgrim Approved badge of honor, please let us know: curious@pilgrimmag.com!