Thank you for choosing Sunday Spontaneity! Email attendants, prepare for takeoff… okay, the airplane puns stop here (for now).
HELLO. Whether you signed up for this newsletter through following @nomadicnicoletta on IG (or my normal account @nicolettanne) or you’re a loved one supporting my love for travel (hi mom!), I’m so glad that you’re here. If you know me, I love to talk, but I’ll keep this short and get to the good stuff: here’s the travel news, fun (read: bizarre) trends, and things to do next weekend (NY/CT/NJ/PA) that you came here for:
Travel News
For whatever reason, I’ve been thinking about how badly I want to travel out west (even though I was just there) and do some stellar stargazing. Okay… I do know why. Thrillist has been on their stargazing coverage game, including the most recent reminder that the annual Perseid meteor shower is happening Aug. 11 and 12, which NASA says is likely to be the best meteor shower of 2021.
In the last few weeks, many of us have started to view our summer travel plans in a new light due to the COVID delta variant (if you haven’t already, please get vaccinated). If you’re a vaccinated traveler, it doesn’t seem like any travel restrictions will be put in place anytime soon, but it’s smart to do your research on the destination you’re traveling to and keep checking sources for any updates.
Northern California is currently battling an intense wildfire called The Dixie Fire, which has destroyed much of the town of Greenville. Consider donating to the American Red Cross, plus these other organizations.
Outside of the US, Greece and Turkey are both experiencing tragic wildfires that are ripping through villages and cities as Europe is facing one of the worst heatwaves in history. Consider donating to help with relief.
Fun and/or Bizarre Trends
Okay, technically this is from last month, BUT I can’t not get your thoughts on this. IG user @felixunholz posted this video (which I originally found via @uniquehotels) of himself in a hotel bathtub, which is on a track that leads him outside, overlooking a scenic view in Switzerland… and giving other guests a scenic view in return. I vote no and creepy, but each to their own.
One might not consider this travel-related, but IKEA’s meatballs transport me to another land every time. The mega-retailer released a candle that smells like their cult-favorite Swedish meatballs, which I’d imagine is wonderful while cooking up a meaty dish in the kitchen. I’m 100 percent pro-food candle, fwiw.
Things to Do Next Weekend
New York
Sat., Aug. 14: The Bronx Night Market (The Bronx): Come to this annual open-air market that features 30+ food vendors from around the city. In addition to cultural cuisine that showcases the city’s diversity, there are also family-friendly activities (and be sure to bring your pup — the event is dog-friendly, too).
Cost: Free
Sat., Aug. 14: For the Love of Black Businesses Pop-Up Shop (Brooklyn): Head over to the Gloria Jean Community Art Center to shop everything from jewelry to plant-based skincare products and local cuisine. Come out to support local Black-owned businesses in NYC.
Cost: Free
Connecticut
Thurs., Aug. 12 - Sun., Aug. 15: Hey Stamford Food Festival (Stamford): For the next two extended weekends (Thursday - Sunday), head to Mill River Park for good food, good music (Nelly, One Night of Queen), good beer, etc.
Cost: Some events are free while others require a ticket. Check out pricing on their event page
Sun., Aug. 15: Peach Brew Fest on the Farm at Lyman Orchards (Middlefield): Lyman Orchards and CT Brewers Guild are holding their annual brew fest. The event will have 20+ CT breweries, food trucks, and live entertainment by Brother Other and Slewfoot. Plus, you can pick your own peaches.
Cost: Adult tickets are $30, kids are $5
New Jersey
Sat., Aug. 14: Artisan Chocolates and Truffles Class (Jersey City): Learn how to make chocolates from scratch in this hands-on workshop, taught by a chef who seems to have a pretty impressive portfolio (he has apparently cooked for four US presidents). The class takes place in the chef’s home, too, so you’ll be fully immersed in the experience. (Note: there are only two seats left as of when this newsletter was sent out!)
Cost: $69 per person
Sat., Aug. 14: Jersey City Pride Bar Crawl (Jersey City): For the sixth year in a row, join the Hudson Pride Center as they do a walking tour in downtown Jersey City, stopping at a handful of local bars. All proceeds will benefit the Hudson Pride Center.
Cost: $10 when you pre-register, $15 at the door
Pennsylvania
Friday, Aug. 13 - Sat., Aug. 14: Nissley Summerfest - Music In the Vineyards: Live music at a vineyard — the perfect summer combination. Pick from a variety of beverages (wine, beer, slushies) and local bites from food trucks, and this weekend’s entertainment is 3rd Power Family Soul and Vinyl Groov. If you can’t make it, the series is happening every weekend in August.
Cost: $10 per person
Sun., Aug. 15: Glass Succulent Terrarium Workshop at Bube’s Brewery (Mount Joy): Learn how to create an arrangement with a variety of succulents. You’ll receive everything you need (plants, glass terrarium, soil, stone, moss) and expert guidance on how to take care of your succulents after you take them home.
Cost: $45 for the petite glass terrarium, $55 for a large
Virtual
Sat., Aug. 14: Gentle Yoga for Terrible Times: Los Angeles-based yoga teacher Joyce Yu offers free yoga every Saturday via Zoom. Her mission is to make yoga accessible and inclusive for everyone, especially during tough times.
Cost: Free
Friday, Aug. 13: Reduce Burnout: Using Your Time Wisely Workshop: Professional training and development solutions company Dale Carnegie is hosting a free workshop to help with time management during a time that burnout is the norm. Learnings include understanding where time is spent, tools that can help keep tasks on track, and ways to “work smarter, not harder.”
Cost: Free
Final thought:
Y’all, I still haven’t watched “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy” but GOOD NEWS: my partner purchased YouTube TV for the next month and now I can!!! I’m so ready to witness Tucci’s charm, Italy’s gorgeous scenery (which I miss… so much), and boatloads of pasta, pizza, and every carb under the sun.
Until next week, friends! Travel Boldly (& Safely) x