Sunday Spontaneity Flight 8:22:21
Cruises make a comeback, National Parks introduce mask mandate, and thoughts on luxury road trips
I want to talk about something that has been on my mind a lot: the news and how it relates to how we travel. Yes, it can be helpful when keeping up with restrictions, mandates, and general COVID-related rules you need to know before you go somewhere. But, it can also be overwhelming, blown out of proportion, and much, much scarier than it needs to be (I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen “surge” in a headline). And while I more than encourage making safe, careful decisions about where you travel and who you travel with, the delta variant has made me realize that uncertainty might not be leaving anytime soon. And, especially when it comes to us vaccinated travelers, we’ve done all we can and still have to live our lives.
So turn off the news. Block out the noise. Make informed decisions, expect the unexpected, and move with flexibility. And know that you are not alone in any of this. Oh, and read Sunday Spontaneity! That’s a sure way to get the news you need to know without falling down a black hole ;)
Travel News
NYC vaccine mandate goes into effect: As of this past Tuesday, NYC became the first city in the US to implement a vaccine mandate for all indoor activities that include dining, fitness, and entertainment, among many other things. This means that you need to have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to enter these establishments. San Fransisco followed shortly after with their vaccinate mandate that went into effect on Friday.
Cruises are trying to make a comeback: Yes, it’s happening. And people are eager to jump (on) ship. This past week, Gwyneth Paltrow announced that Goop — in collaboration with Celebrity Cruises — is going out to sea this fall on four Caribbean sailings that are focused on everything wellness. Also this week, Virgin Voyages set sail abroad with paying customers for the first time ever, giving strong signs that the cruise comeback (with several adjustments) is well on its way.
Mask up at National Parks: This week, the National Park Service announced that it will be implementing a national mask requirement in all of its parks. In other words, anytime you’re indoors or in an outdoor area at a National Park that is crowded — such as a narrow trail or overlook — you’ll have to mask up. I’m not exactly sure how they’ll be enforcing this rule when it comes to outside spots, but nonetheless, let’s do our part.
Fun and/or Bizarre Trends
Hawaii mania: I binged HBO’s “White Lotus” this past week, followed by an encore via listening to a “Not Over It” (Popsugar’s podcast) episode about it. And I doubt it’s a coincidence that I’ve noticed Hawaii content splashed across a lot of travel outlets, from the best Airbnbs to rediscovering the joys of travel on the Big Island. Some, like the “The Points Guy,” were more upfront about the relevancy in their story on how to stay at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea where “White Lotus” was filmed. While I don’t think these outlets should be encouraging travel to Hawaii right now (Thrillist: 1), it’s interesting how a show that creepily sheds light on the resort filled with rich white guests would make others want to go there. I, for one, would rather not.
Luxury Road Trips: It’s important to preface that this is making the list because, IMO, it’s bizarre, not fun. I stumbled across a Travel + Leisure article with a headline that caught my attention: “The Road Trip Is Going Luxe.” Huh? Yes, these days you’ll see high-design tiny homes and RVs that ultimately enhance the road-tripping experience, but turning that into an expensive attraction hosted by luxury travel companies? Just feels odd, but would love to hear reader ~thoughts~.
New York
Sat., Aug. 28: Exploring the Seaside Village of City Island (The Bronx): The New York Adventure Club is letting ticket holders experience City Island, a small seaside community right at the edge of NYC. You’ll get to explore the historic downtown area, check out the Nautical Museum, and get close to the private waterfront home featured in the movie “The Royal Tenenbaums.”
Cost: $32 (only a limited amount of tickets left)
Sat., Aug. 28: Brooklyn Summer Wine Beer & Spirits Fest (Brooklyn): Head to the Navy Yard for samples and glasses of locally-sourced beer, wine, spirits, and even kombucha. Live entertainment, games, and food vendors will also be part of the festive day.
Cost: Tickets start at $15
Connecticut
Sun., Aug. 29: Max's New England Lobster Fest - Summer Edition (Simsbury, CT): Make your way to Rosedale Farms & Vineyards for a late-summer lobster fest, featuring everything from New England clam chowder to corn fritters and — the star of the show — steamed lobster along with all fixings for a lobster bake. Come hungry.
Cost: Kid tickets are $15, adult tickets are $69.
Friday, Aug. 27 & Sat., Aug. 28 (Gales Ferry): Find the Wine: A Grown-Up Corn Maze Adventure: Put adults in a corn maze trying to find their next glass of wine, and you’ve got the Grown-Up Corn Maze Adventure at Holmberg Orchards. Wine and hard cider tasting stations are set up all around the corn maze. After you’ve found them all, stick around for some live music, bites, and another glass of wine. If you can’t make it, the event goes for two more weekends until Sept. 11.
Cost: $35
New Jersey
Sat., Aug. 28: MindTravel Live-to-Headphones 'Silent' Piano Concert (Asbury Park): Think silent disco, but with live piano performances. At Asbury Park Beach, Composer and pianist Murray Hidary will be playing real-time music on the piano that attendees can enjoy through the headphones. Wander the beach, check out nearby art installations, and let the music soak in.
Cost: Kid tickets are free, adult tickets are $35
Sun., Aug. 29: Jersey City Street Art Bike Tour 2021 (Jersey City): Take a guided bike tour through various neighborhoods in Jersey City to see all the street art and learn about the history behind them. This event is a collaboration between CANVS, the Jersey City Mural Arts Program, Mana Public Arts, and TimesUp New York. Bring your own bike or rent one from Citi Bike in Jersey City in advance.
Cost: Free
Pennsylvania
Sat., Aug. 28: 2021 Ales for Sails (Erie): At Bayfront Maritime Center’s boat shop and along the east basin is the 2021 Ales for Sails, an annual event spotlighting local breweries along the Lake Erie Ale Trail. Come for the samples, stay for the local food fare… and more beer.
Cost: $40
Sat., Aug. 28 and Sun., Aug. 29: The Art Festival on Walnut Street (Pittsburgh): If you live in the city of Pittsburgh — or if you just have an afternoon free — head over to the neighborhood of Shadyside for a day of browsing through fine art created by local and national artists.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sat., Aug. 28: Summer Road Trip Series: Saturday Baking: Hosted by The GIANT Company Nutritionists, this summer-long series — the last one being this weekend — teaches people from home how to make one special dish every session. And this time, it’s going to be New York-style cheesecake. Check out the sign-up page for a full breakdown of what ingredients and tools you’ll need.
Cost: Free
Sat., Aug. 28: Fabulous Fall Grasses and Perennials: Whether you’re a veteran gardener or just starting out, take this free class hosted by Sunnyside Nursery in Marysville, Washington, and learn all about perennials and grass varieties to plant in the upcoming fall season.
Cost: Free
Just a heads up: I won’t be sending out a newsletter next week, Aug. 29 — I’m going on my Bachelorette party (!) and I will most likely be exhausted — but I’ll be back with a new issue come Sept. 5. Travel Boldly (& Safely), friends! x