Sunday Spontaneity Flight 8:15:21
Europe travel confusion, axe throwing bars, and RHONY x Airbnb
I got a push notification from ShermansTravel that today is National Relaxation Day, and while unofficial holidays are — to put it lightly — quite annoying, there’s nothing that I want more than to jet off to an island, put my feet in the sand, sip on a Mai Tai, and not think about tomorrow being Monday. But then I remembered: while I don’t have a tropical getaway on the cal, I do have this Sunday Spontaneity newsletter to keep the Sunday Scaries at bay and look ahead to next weekend. Because hey, it’s only five days away starting… right now.
Travel News
San Francisco and New Orleans vaccine mandates: This week, San Francisco followed NYC’s lead by announcing the city will require proof of a COVID-19 vaccine to enter indoor restaurants, bars, gyms, and theaters starting on Aug. 20. Similarly, New Orleans announced that starting tomorrow, indoor activities will require proof of a COVID-19 vaccine or negative test within 24 hours. In other words: let’s get vaccinated!!
To travel to Europe, or not to travel to Europe? This seems to be the question on everyone’s mind as summer vacations have become disrupted due to the delta variant. Just a few months ago, the European Union added the US to their approved list of countries for entry, giving Americans the green light to go forth with their 2021 travels that were supposed to happen in 2020. But now, news is circulating that the US might be taken off the list yet again if numbers don’t improve.
Fun and/or Bizarre Trends
Axe throwing bars: I haven’t gotten into the whole axe throwing craze, which came out of the woodwork (pun intended) a few years back and has been praised as a fun team building activity or group outing ever since. And this recent article from T+L isn’t persuading me any further. Manhattan just opened their first axe throwing bar, as in you sip on drinks in between throws. “You can have your drink nearby while throwing for a little liquid confidence.” As a lightweight, I politely decline that dangerous combination.
RHONY meets Airbnb: The latest celeb to partner with Airbnb is Dorinda Medley of RHONY fame. She’s opening the doors to her Blue Stone Manor in the Berkshires and making it available to rent on Airbnb. You know what I’d really like to know? How Dorinda really feels about strangers sleeping in her beloved Fish Room. But for a pretty penny, she’s making it nice for others.
Things to do Next Weekend
New York
Sat., Aug. 21: Afro Carnival Fest (Coney Island Art Walls, Brooklyn): This event celebrates music, food, and cultural expression from the African diaspora. Attendees are treated to a jam-packed lineup of DJs, artists, and dancers, plus there will be access to food vendors, activities, and art installations.
Cost: $60 per general admission ticket
Sunday, Aug. 22: Full Moon Yoga (Rooftop Reds Winery, Brooklyn): Join this 75-minute yoga class hosted by Brooklyn-based studio YO BK. Come for the views of the full moon, stay for the glass of wine from Rooftop Reds Winery (and take a bottle home with you, too).
Cost: $50
Connecticut
Sat., Aug. 21: The Highly Caffeinated 5K + Music Festival (Bethlehem): Come participate in a 5K race followed by a day-long music festival featuring over eight artists and bands (and, as the name suggests, plenty of coffee will be provided). Proceeds go toward granting two wishes for children in CT through Connecticut’s Chapter of Make A Wish Foundation.
Cost: Tickets start at $35
Sat, Aug. 21: 2021 Divinity Fit Festival (Berlin): This outdoor event features everything from physical workouts by local fitness experts, to panel discussions that help answer questions and educate others about leading a healthy life. Food, raffles, and music will also be part of the day.
Cost: $65
New Jersey
Thurs., Aug. 19 - Sunday, Aug. 22: Makers + Shakers Pop Up Market at Pier Village (Long Branch): Attend this seasonal pop-up marketplace to support local designers, makers, artisans, and collectors — and to bring something special home with you, too. In addition to shopping, there are plenty of oceanfront restaurants and bars to make a full day of it.
Cost: Free
Sat., Aug. 21 through Sun., Aug. 22: Hackensack Riverkeeper's Moonlight Paddles (Secaucus): Led by an experienced guide, this two-hour nighttime paddle takes participants through marshes of the Sawmill Creek Wildlife Management Area in Secaucus. While availability is limited for this event, another paddle will take place the weekend of Sept. 19.
Cost: $30
Pennsylvania
Sun., Aug. 22: Sistah Soul Series 2021 (Philadelphia): This summer series celebrates and spotlights independent Black women vocalists in the Philly area, and the last event of the summer will feature actor and singer Monica Fleurette. In addition to the musical performance, guests can purchase french toast bites, tacos, and plenty of other food from local vendors.
Cost: Free
Sat., Aug. 21: 2021 Corgi Fest (Erie): You don’t have to own a corgi to attend this corgi fest. Activities include dog races, a costume contest, a photo booth, and plenty of corgi-obsessed merch to purchase.
Cost: Humans are $5, corgis are free
Virtual
Sat., Aug. 21: Van Gogh Museum - Amsterdam: Livestream Art Tour Program: Led by non-profit Washington, DC History & Culture, take this virtual guided tour through the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, where the largest collection of van Gogh’s masterpieces exist.
Sat., Aug. 21: Daybreaker LIVE // A Totally Rad 80s Dance Party: If you’ve ever attended an in-person Daybreaker rave, you know what to expect: a lot of energy, costumes, strobe lights, and performers that will have you breaking a sweat before lunchtime. Their virtual events are no different.
Cost: Free
Final thought:
I’m actually super excited for this week, mostly (entirely) because of Dunkin’. The coffee chain announced that starting Wed., August 18, customers can start grabbing their pumpkin spiced beverages. If you follow me on Instagram, prepare to see one in hand, embracing my best “move over, summer — fall is better” life.