VIE Magazine September 2020

THE GREAT RESPITE HIT THE ROAD!

DRIVABLE DESTINATIONS AROUND the SOUTHEAST and BEYOND

Creating Your Own Escape

FANCY CAMPS Makes MAGIC with UNFORGETTABLE GLAMPING EXPERIENCES

ST

ORIES OF

WANDERLUST R

U

L

F

O

THE SO

September 2020

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Tim eless | Su st ain able | Des ig n

In this issue On the Cover

When you can’t travel to far-off places, what’s the next best thing? Think about creating a magical getaway in your own backyard! With the help of Northwest Florida glamping company Fancy Camps, any space in or around your home can become a dreamy bohemian paradise, perfect for turning a birthday, anniversary, or just a regular day into something extra special and unforgettable. Check out our feature story, “The New Staycation,” for tips from the experts at Fancy Camps on how you, too, can bring some of the magic of travel into your space every day.

Photo by Sarahdipity Photos (@sarahdipityphotos) Styled by Curate & Co. (@curateandcompany) Featuring Luna Nuda Wines (@lunanudawines) Vie is a French word meaning “life” or “way of living.” VIE magazine sets itself apart as a high-gloss publication that focuses on human-interest stories with heart and soul. From Seattle to NYC with a concentration in the Southeast, VIE is known for its unique editorial approach—a broad spectrum of deep content with rich photography. The award-winning magazine was founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Lisa and Gerald Burwell, owners of the specialty publishing and branding house known as The Idea Boutique®. From the finest artistically bound books to paperless digital publication and distribution, The Idea Boutique provides comprehensive publishing services to authors and organizations. Its team of creative professionals delivers a complete publishing experience—all that’s needed is your vision.

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THEIDEABOUTIQUE.COM INFO@THEIDEABOUTIQUE.COM

56

LISTEN TO THE PALM TREES RUSTLE AS YOU SIP SPECIALTY MARGARITAS POOLSIDE AT THE COLORFUL SAGUARO HOTEL IN PALM SPRINGS. CAN YOU HEAR THAT? I THINK IT’S THE GOOD TIMES CALLING.

Photo by Josh Cho Photography, courtesy of the Saguaro Hotel

FEATURE

93 L’intermission: Dining Out

30 The New Staycation: Imagination and Magic

94 Mr. and Mrs. Brown: A Bama-Meets-Florida

at Home with Fancy Camps

VOYAGER 29 36 Wherever You Roam, Do It in Style 42 Go West and Get Away from It All 49 L’intermission: Where the Wild Things Are 50 Uncharted Waters: Sailing the Moroccan Coast

56 Retro Revival: These Hotels Are a Blast from the Past

62 Petite pause: The Great Respite 64 A Table for Two: The Best Meals Make Memories

68 Down the Road a Piece: Southern Small-

Love Story

99 Petite pause: Take a Dip

C’EST LA VIE CURATED COLLECTION 100 LE MONDE 105 106 Building a World of Goodness: The Sonder Project Presses On

111 L’intermission: On Island Time!

BON APPÉTIT 112 114 The Red Bar Returns: 30-A’s Landmark Comes Back to Life

119 L’intermission: On the Rocks

Town Destinations That Are Worth the Drive

VIE BOOK CLUB: THE READERS CORNER 121

INTROSPECTIONS 75

122 Read and Be Happy!

76 Traveling the Perfumed Road

126 Listen In! VIE VIE’s ’s Podcast Picks

81 L’intermission: Girls Just Want to Have Sun

129 Petite pause: You Only Live Once

82 Musings of a Travel Writer in Quarantine

THE LAST WORD: HIT THE ROAD! 131

L’AMOUR 87

AU REVOIR! 135

88 Mr. and Mrs. Díaz: A Seaside Summer Wedding

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 13

P H OTO BY JON AH ALL EN

D e b u t s

2 0 2 0

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VIE is a registered trademark. All contents herein are Copyright © 2008–2020 Cornerstone Marketing and Advertising, Incorporated (Publisher). All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. VIE is a lifestyle magazine and is published twelve times annually on a monthly schedule. The opinions herein are not necessarily those of the Publisher. The Publisher and its advertisers will not be held responsible for any errors found in this publication. The Publisher is not liable for the accuracy of statements made by its advertisers. Ads that appear in this publication are not intended as offers where prohibited by state law. The Publisher is not responsible for photography or artwork submitted by freelance or outside contributors. The Publisher reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the editor or the Publisher. VIE is a paid publication. Subscription rates: Printed magazine – One-year $29.95; Two-year $49.95. Subscriptions can be purchased online at www.VIEmagazine.com.

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Editor’s Note

RETRO

I

Is Back IN STYLE, Baby!

n an editorial meeting to discuss this wanderlust-inspired issue a few months ago, we faced a quandary. How do we present travel to readers in a year that doesn’t allow wandering the globe due to a pandemic? In our lively conversations about this, we realized that a new form of travel is here, and we should embrace it. Humans are still exploring and searching for new frontiers, but they may be just a little closer to home and reached using our automobiles instead of airplanes.

In the blink of an eye, the world changed and somehow catapulted us back in time.

Fortunately, we remain connected with the twenty-first-century technological accoutrements we never knew we needed so badly. Zoom meetings, online cocktail parties, podcasts, church livestreams, and social-distance gatherings are sadly the new norm.

Who would have imagined that drive-in theaters would make a comeback this summer, that 1950s carhop-style take-out would be all the rage, or that jigsaw puzzles, hardcover books, camping, and glamping would be back in fashion in a big way? Puzzles were sold out in almost every store in the country, and manufacturers could not keep up with production. Book sales increased this summer. Podcasts have been popular for a while, but they seemed to hit a new stride during this season of life into which we have been thrust. I liken podcasts to a newer form of talk-radio shows from the past, which, for all practical purposes, seemed to have died out with the advent of more modern media.

Domestic travel is still happening, but plans might look different for many people in the coming year. Read “Wherever you Roam, Do It in Style” and see that RVing is not like it used to be. Luxury RVs and trailers are in this summer, and this curated roundup by our team includes some pretty luxurious travel accommodations for the social-distancing phenomenon.

We also have your camping dreams covered with our feature story on how to create an imaginative and fanciful vacation (or staycation) with Fancy Camps, whose expertise is endearingly referred to as “glamping.” Our managing editor, Jordan Staggs, chatted with owners Megan and Josh Langan about setting up a romantic or retro vacation in your own backyard or at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Fancy Camps’ partnership with Florida State Parks will also expand to Grayton Beach State Park soon. A new extension of their brand, the newly opened Kith + Kin Coffee, is a cozy throwback café at Topsail Hill Preserve that is reminiscent of a vintage truck-stop diner, only way cooler.

Check out our creative team’s podcast picks for your listening pleasure and our own podcast, VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul, hosted by moi as a new platform

we’ve introduced to the VIE family this summer.

Last but not least, the team brings you its favorite recent reads in our VIE Book Club roundup, “Read and Be Happy!” by our new intern, Samantha Accola.

Our hearts are yearning for a time when life was safer and simpler, and maybe that is why we are seemingly traveling back in time with nostalgia as our constant guide. To all of our readers, we wish you love, health, and safety. Thank you for taking VIE on the road with you this year. Life can be simple and beautiful!

VIE’s CEO/editor-in-chief Lisa Marie Burwell dons a handmade dried-flower halo created by Hilda McDonald and channels a “flower child” state of mind, celebrating the spirit of freedom and artistry.

Photo by Gerald Burwell

To Life!

—Lisa Marie Founder/Editor-In-Chief V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 21

Around the world...

and on 30A.

Local Expertise. Global Reach. Engel & Vรถlkers.

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ALEXIS CORRY AND ZACHARY KAPPEL

LAUREN ATHALIA

Story and photography, “A Table for Two”

Photographer, “The New Staycation”

@lexandzachtravel

IN THIS ISSUE, WE ASKED THE CREATIVES: WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT TRAVELING, AND WHERE WILL YOU GO AS SOON AS THE WORLD REOPENS AND IT’S SAFE TO EXPLORE AGAIN?

We miss the excitement and sense of exploration of discovering someplace new. Waking up in a new city or town and not knowing what lies ahead each day instills an indescribable sense of adventure in your heart. Pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zone, meeting new people, and learning about new cultures is what makes travel so special. We are unsure of where we will go next, but India is our dream destination someday!

SAMANTHA ACCOLA Intern @samanthaccola

SARAH FREEMAN Writer, “Uncharted Waters” @setfreesarah

New wildernesses, unexpected encounters with locals, and evocative smells—from freshly picked jasmine in a Goan market to bread baking in a communal Apulian bakery—are what I miss most about travel. It’s hard to pinpoint just one thing, but I guess what unites all these is “the unfamiliar.” The destination I’m yearning to travel to once the dust has settled is Slovenia, for its uncrowded hiking trails, storybook mountain scenery, world-class wineries, and cozy kmetijas (family-run tourist homesteads) where you can even forage for your breakfast!

I miss the adventure! Traveling has changed my life, from unforgettable immersion experiences to crossing verbal and cultural barriers through caveman-like communication. It all inspires me to believe in the importance of human connection, no matter how unlikely it may seem. In the future, I would love to traverse Nepal or India to learn about their vibrant and rugged cultures. As parts of the developing world, the humble lifestyle, ancient practices, and mountainous terrain of these countries serve as faithful reminders of our limitations and what matters most. Whether “adventure” means taking a daring expedition oceans away or shopping at your local grocery store for chicken noodle soup, each day can bring hidden and great purpose. Marcel Proust put it best when he said, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”

@laurenathaliatravel

I miss it all. The jet lag in Singapore. The expense of a month in Italy. The crowds in Venice. The language barrier in Thailand. Anxious anticipation as I arrived in Europe for the first time. The crying babies on board a plane or train. The food poisoning in Florence. Taking the wrong train in New York. Rerouted flights on the way to Spain.

Cutting my toe on the rocks in Halong Bay. The bumpy tuk-tuk ride in Myanmar. The long lines in Rome. Forgetting tickets in Scotland. Running late in Switzerland. Lifting heavy luggage for weeks.

The swelling in my ankles after twenty hours of flying. Trying to find an Airbnb at midnight in London. The stress of driving State Route 1 in San Francisco in the dark. The monsoon in Barcelona. Pushy street salespeople in Rome. The lack of sleep in Frankfurt. Losing my passport in Vietnam. The exhaustion of trying to reach that elusive view in Portugal. Being rushed through the Vatican. The speeding ticket in Germany. The leaky hotel room in the Dominican Republic. The overspending in Milan. The blisters on my feet in Austria. That terrible sunburn in Jamaica. It’s easy to say you miss all the good parts of travel, but at this point, right now, I miss it all—even the bad.

WAKING UP IN A NEW CITY OR TOWN AND NOT KNOWING WHAT LIES AHEAD EACH DAY INSTILLS AN INDESCRIBABLE SENSE OF ADVENTURE IN YOUR HEART.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 25

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La conversation

Talk to Me! WE LOVE TO COMMUNICATE AND INTERACT WITH OUR READERS! AND WE LOVE IT EVEN MORE WHEN THEY PROUDLY SHARE THEIR STORIES AND POSE WITH VIE FOR A CLOSE-UP! THAT’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT: SHARING, LOVING, AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS. WE THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH AND WE APPRECIATE YOU!

@Geoff Speyrer Miss Lisa Burwell, thank you so much for believing in me and taking time out of your busy schedule to sit down with me and help share my story! A huge thank-you to you and every one of the crew at VIE magazine; I appreciate you all so much! I hope everyone gets value from this podcast and can relate to my struggles in life. If my journey helps just one person, then my life struggles were worth it. @geegeecollins Super excited to be featured in the August issue of @viemagazine! Thank you, @kbogletree, for the great article. I am far better with paint than words! And thank you, @traceyleighthomas and @jordanlstaggs.

(Also, thank you, @donnadkelly and @haugies.

What a fun photo shoot!)

@maleenapruitt #flashbackfriday reminiscing the good times I spent with everyone on this shoot for @viemagazine. Thanking talented fashion designer @romeyroe for having me walk for his line back in the #swfw days when his clothing line stole the show and won! Photo by Sheila Goode

@hillcityphoto MODEL BEHAVIOR. #throwback to South Walton Fashion Week 2016 at @csiriano’s Alys Beach runway and trunk show hosted by @viemagazine

LET’S TALK! Send VIE your comments and photos on our social media channels or by emailing us at info@viemagazine.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts. They could end up in the next La conversation! @lisamburwell Suzy Q from @q_tile rockin’ her black jumpsuit at the VIE Beach House – A Show Home that she owns with husband Jim Accola of @coastalelements30a. She’s curated the design with a team of partners to bring her vision to life!

Stay tuned. Photo by @samanthaccola

@julietandteo My daughter recently received this print for her room and it’s gorgeous. @mkoby_, I really enjoyed reading about your inspiration for this work in @viemagazine.

VIEmagazine.com

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 27

Voyager

Voyager

SEE THE WORLD

Head to Shamwari.com to learn more or plan a visit.

Photo courtesy of Shamwari

“With the aim of restoring this area of the Eastern Cape to its former glory, Shamwari Private Game Reserve was born of a need to conserve the land and its abundant wildlife, birdlife, and ecological diversity,” says the website for this award-winning scenic game preserve in South Africa. For twenty-five years, its staff has been “actively restoring both the wildlife and flora, eradicating alien vegetation, and striving to create an atmosphere where nature can flourish.” Visitors can take in the splendor while supporting the cause when they stay in one of seven luxury lodges or the explorer camp on-site for an unforgettable safari holiday.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 29

Voyager

Imagination andMagic atHome The New Staycation

with Fancy Camps B Y J O R DA N S TAG G S

This page and opposite: Photos by Sarahdipity Photos (@sarahdipityphotos) Styled by Curate & Co. (@curateandcompany) Featuring Luna Nuda Wines (@lunanudawines) 30 | SEPTEMBER 2020

When Micah and Danielle Heller founded the Northwest Florida glamping outfitter Fancy Camps, their three children inspired their creativity by piling blankets, pillows, and mattresses in the family’s backyard. They would test different tents and beds, eventually curating the ultimate at-home retreat. Then they took the concept on the road. Today, with many consumers looking for alternatives to their traditional vacations this year thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, the glamping experience is becoming even Tips for transforming more sought after. your space into a glamping wonderland:

1

G E T C R E AT I V E !

2

T H I N K L I K E A K I D.

Look around in your house for pieces that would fit in your campsite—pillows, blankets, cushions, lamps, string lights, artwork, low seating, or tables. Move things around and layer textures and colors to make a bohemian dreamland.

Remember when a sheet and a broomstick could become an immaculate castle? Channel those seven-year-old creative vibes to make much from very little. It’s all about embracing your imagination.

T

he company’s luxury camping accommodations and amenities are now in the caring and creative hands of Megan and Josh Langan. Partnering with Florida State Parks, the company offers year-round reservations for tricked-out camping experiences at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach. They also expect to reopen campsites at nearby Grayton Beach State Park in the future. Guests are invited to book one of the permanent campsites or arrange for a Fancy Camps setup at other locations—even in their own backyard.

In the meantime, Megan has some pointers for those who wish to try their hand at creating a magical camping experience at home. Whether you’re planning a family night with the kids, a romantic couple’s evening, or an intimate gathering with friends, all you need is a creative spirit (and maybe s’mores). And if you’d like to go all out, Fancy Camps is there to help!

Channel those sevenyear-old creative vibes V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 31

Voyager

A backyard can be a guest room and a garage can be a bohemian cocktail lounge.

3

L O O K AT Y O U R S PAC E W I T H NEW EYES.

A backyard can be a guest room and a garage can be a bohemian cocktail lounge.

Glamping accommodations can be set up almost anywhere, so look again to discover what the different areas in your home could become.

4

C R E AT E A N E W K I N D O F S PAC E .

5

CALL IN THE EXPERTS!

An extra guest room, an outdoor lounge, a kids’ TV or homeschool room . . . If you feel your home lacks something in space or style, a luxury camping setup can meet your logistical needs while also adding an extra dose of something special.

Having a magical glamping getaway in your backyard does not have to be stressful. Fancy Camps will do all of the hard work for you. They create the backdrop, and you show up to make the memories. From lodging to lounges and everything in between, let Fancy Camps help make your vision come to life.

32 | SEPTEMBER 2020

Photo by Sarahdipity Photos (@sarahdipityphotos) Styled by Curate & Co. (@curateandcompany) Featuring Luna Nuda Wines (@lunanudawines) Opposite: A premier bridal glamping setup in St. Augustine, Florida, created by Fancy Camps Photo courtesy of Fancy Camps V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 33

Voyager

I n t r od ucing KITH + KIN COFFEE

The latest expansion from Fancy Camps is Kith + Kin, a cozy gourmet coffee shop located on the Topsail Hill Preserve State Park grounds but open to the public. It’s a perfect spot for campers, locals, and visitors to stop by for a locally sourced cup of coffee, gourmet sandwiches and pastries, tea, and smoothies. Eventually, live music, wine, and beer are expected to be added for a perfect evening escape close to home or camp.

“When we began to expand our operations at Topsail to include the camp store and recreational rentals on top of our preexisting glamping sites, we took the opportunity to be a little creative,” Megan shares.

“We thought a good cup of coffee would be a perfect addition to a camping trip. There is nothing like Kith + Kin in any other state park in Florida or on the west end of Scenic Highway 30-A, so it is a fun spot for locals to pop in and discover the hidden gem that exists in Topsail.”

The café’s name, derived from an old-fashioned saying used to describe one’s close friends and family, expresses what the Fancy Camps brand is all about.

“Kith + Kin is about removing the guards that keep us from forging new friendships and strengthening family bonds,” says café manager Joshua Wood, expounding on the space’s bright, comfortable atmosphere. “We think the environment, down to the coffee experience, lends itself to community. Each component of the interior and exterior design was selected intentionally to bring people safely together during these trying times. We 34 | SEPTEMBER 2020

Coffee is just another avenue for bringing people together. have witnessed conversations organically begin between our out-of-town guests and our local friends that eventually expose a common thread. We look forward to hosting events and live music and want to help you feel like friends and family while you’re here.”

“Fancy Camps was founded on a love for the outdoors, a passion for camping, and a heart for community,” says Megan. “Coffee is just another avenue for bringing people together. We are excited to welcome everyone to this sweet new spot and to be able to support other local businesses and artists in this space, while at the same time giving the community and park visitors a place to gather and be inspired. Campers and locals have a new place to come and relax, surrounded by the beauty of ‘Old Florida’ at Topsail Hill Preserve. If you are looking for good vibes and a great cup of coffee, this is your place!”

Learn more or book your glamping experience when you visit FancyCamps.com, and stop

by Kith + Kin Coffee at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park at 7525 West County Highway 30-A in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

This page and opposite: Kith + Kin Coffee, a new café by Fancy Camps, is located at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on the west end of Scenic Highway 30-A in Northwest Florida.

Photos by Lauren Athalia (@laurenathalia) V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 35

WHEREVER YOU ROAM, DO IT IN

Although there is a certain charm to the memories of loading up the old camper or the SUV and heading out for a classic family road trip, it’s safe to say that not all RVs are created equal.

We’ve rounded up some of the most incredible luxury vehicles designed to take you and your family or friends anywhere without leaving behind the amenities and comforts of home. In fact, you might just want to move in permanently!

36 | SEPTEMBER 2020

Voyager

The eleMMent Palazzo offers a greener way to experience RV travel with customizable layout options.

Photo courtesy of MARCHI Mobile V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 37

AIRSTREAM Let’s start with an American classic. Airstream has been creating travel trailers since the 1930s, and its iconic rounded shapes and chrome finishes are known worldwide. There’s just something magical about the idea of setting up your life in a cozy caravan and taking it with you to the coast, the mountains, the desert, and everywhere in between. Now, of course, Airstream’s pulling out all the stops with its latest models, making them more comfy and versatile than ever. Check out the classic Caravel if you’re looking for the ultimate live-in trailer, the sleek new Basecamp for the ultimate adventure machine, and the compact Nest for those who enjoy the small, simple things in life.

Head to Airstream.com to learn more and find your favorite.

The cockpit resembles a space-age command center, while the seating and cargo area is convertible, so whether you’re hauling the family or your whole campsite setup, you’re good to go!

ROMOTOW The engineers at ROMOTOW aim to spark a mobile home revolution with this fun and functional travel trailer! Their slogan is “room to move,” and the futuristic 38 | SEPTEMBER 2020

design of this concept vehicle was inspired by a swivel USB drive as it unfolds to create an outdoor deck for lounging and enjoying nature. The interior is beautifully appointed with a bedroom, a living space that converts to another sleeping area, a kitchen, and a bathroom. ROMOTOW is created by New Zealand architecture and design firm W2, which has begun construction on its first fleet of campers, so keep your eyes out for this baby to hit the market!

Visit ROMOTOW.com for more information.

LAND ARK A tiny house on wheels? Don’t mind if we do! Modeled after the shipping-container homes that have gained popularity in recent years, Land Ark’s two luxurious trailer models, the Draper and the Drake, are made for those ready to “embrace the pursuit of downsizing.” Picture gorgeous white-washed pine walls and ceilings throughout, a full kitchen with oven and gas range, a full bathroom, banquette seating with custom

Voyager Sunbrella cushions, a king-size loft bed, and a Brazilian hardwood deck, and you’ve got the three-hundred-square-foot Draper model. The Drake is just as beautiful, with two lofts and 357 square feet of space.

Find all the specs and more at LandArkRV.com.

VOLKSWAGEN ID. BUZZ If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a road trip in a classic Volkswagen microbus but you also want to be environmentally conscious, the ID. Buzz is coming to save the day. Expected to roll out in 2022, ID. Buzz is the electric microbus combining all the nostalgia of the original design with the hope for a better future in mind.

The cockpit resembles a space-age command center, while the seating and cargo area is convertible, so whether you’re hauling the family or your whole campsite setup, you’re good to go! “For me, the ID. Buzz concept is the most beautiful and most exciting electric car in the world,” says Dr. Herbert Diess, chairman of the board of management for Volkswagen. “These cars will offer everything—and even more—than you have seen from other electric carmakers, and they will be much more affordable.”

Read more at VW.com/Electric-Concepts.

Left: While its exterior harks back to the vintage VW microbus, the ID. Buzz features a sleek, easily adjustable layout inside.

Photo courtesy of Volkswagen Opposite top: Land Ark’s Draper model is a beautifully appointed tiny house on wheels.

Photo courtesy of Land Ark Opposite bottom: Airstream’s classic chrome design gets a modern upgrade with the brand’s 2020 Caravel trailer.

Photo courtesy of Airstream

Consistently delicious since 1995!

3899 E. County Highway 30A, Seagrove ∙ 850.231.2166 ∙ Open Daily At 5 ∙ cafethirtya.com

Voyager

Living Vehicle features all the comforts of home in a sustainable, portable RV package!

Photos courtesy of Living Vehicle 40 | SEPTEMBER 2020

Photo courtesy of MARCHI Mobile

MARCHI ELEMMENT It’s time to meet the private jet of terra firma. In 2014, small-series automobile manufacturer MARCHI Mobile out of Germany introduced the world to its rolling luxury apartment, conference room, or cargo hold, the eleMMent. The eleMMent Palazzo RV brings together some of the best characteristics from yachting, private aviation, and motorsports racing in one vehicle. Its reduced fuel consumption also makes it one of the greenest in the industry. “MARCHI Mobile builds prove performance and eco-friendliness can be driving forces in the creation of Class-A vehicles,” the brand’s website states. “Our extraordinary design both inspires visionary automotive enthusiasts and sets examples of efficiency capabilities.” With prices starting in the millions, the eleMMent Palazzo is designed for customization by the buyer, and build times are typically eight to ten months.

Visit MARCHIUSA.com to see more.

“It’s a fully functioning home that can take on the mobile demands of any lifestyle, all the while promoting a revival in the appreciation of elegant simplicity in our culture.”

LIVING VEHICLE Getting “off the grid” means being self-sustainable without using energy from traditional power systems—and Living Vehicle’s aluminum travel trailer is leading the way for those seeking a sustainable life while traveling. “Living Vehicle is our contribution to providing a sustainable and intentional lifestyle,” says founder Matthew Hofmann, who is also a LEED-accredited architect. “It’s a fully functioning home that can take on the mobile demands of any lifestyle, all the while promoting a revival in the appreciation of elegant simplicity in our culture.” The brand’s 2020 model is sold out, but don’t fret—the 2021 model was just announced, and interested buyers can make a reservation on Living Vehicle’s site or schedule a visit to the Santa Barbara showroom.

Package options and more information are available at LivingVehicle.com.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 41

GO WEST AND

GET By

Horses roam the terrain at Brush Creek Ranch in central Wyoming.

Photo courtesy of Brush Creek Ranch Right: Guests enjoy horseback riding through the San Juan Mountains near Dunton Hot Springs in Colorado.

Photo courtesy of Dunton Destinations 42 | SEPTEMBER 2020

AWAY Hannah

FROM

Vermillion

IT

ALL

Voyager

he effects of the coronavirus pandemic have been felt far and wide; every type of business and industry has been affected. One result is a huge shift for the travel industry, as families and individuals are looking for alternatives to cruises and European tours for the rest of 2020 and beyond.

The desire to truly escape daily life and highly populated areas has given many Americans the chance to look for a new type of vacation, and we suggest the West! Ranches and mountain retreats are in, and that doesn’t mean just booking a cabin in the woods or pitching a tent and roughing it. A road trip or flight to any of these luxurious ranch-style resorts will open your eyes to the magical landscapes and adventures of the American West—in style!

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 43

If you really want to get remote, check out the resort’s Island Lodge at Salmon Lake and enjoy this hub for summertime activities.

THE Above and opposite top left: Stunning Montana landscapes surround The Resort at Paws Up, where you can enjoy glamping at the cliffside or riverbank campsites.

Photos courtesy of The Resort at Paws Up

RESORT

AT

P AW S

UP

Situated on ten miles of the Blackfoot River, The Resort at Paws Up combines luxury and adventure on a thirty-seven-thousand-acre ranch. Sixty square miles of beautiful Montana wilderness mean guests can enjoy activities like hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, ATV riding, cattle driving, fly-fishing, and clay shooting. Take your camping experience up a notch when you glamp in one of the safari-style tents or Western-chic cabins on property! If you really want to get remote, check out the resort’s Island Lodge at Salmon Lake and enjoy this hub for summertime activities.

Learn more at PawsUp.com.

Right and opposite top right: The bathhouse at Dunton Hot Springs is beautiful inside and out.

Photos courtesy of Dunton Destinations Opposite bottom: Fly-fishing is a popular pastime at Brush Creek Ranch Photo courtesy of Brush Creek Ranch 44 | SEPTEMBER 2020

LONE

M O U N TA I N

RANCH

Located in Big Sky, Montana, Lone Mountain Ranch was homesteaded in 1915 and has been recognized as one of the premier guest ranch resorts in the country.

Explore 148 acres where guests can stay in one of thirty rooms located in twenty-four unique cabins. Enjoy genuine Montana cuisine, exceptional service, and a stunning array of outdoor activities; there is something fun for everyone during every season at Lone Mountain Ranch. See why guests are trading their Caribbean vacations for an authentic Montana adventure!

Book your stay at LoneMountainRanch.com.

Voyager

DUNTON

HOT

SPRINGS

For the traveler with sustainability in mind, Dunton Destinations has a collection of unique resorts and homes located in striking locations across the country.

Explore Dunton Hot Springs in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, where you can stay in a perfectly restored mining town that includes natural hot springs and luxury accommodations. Take a long, rejuvenating soak in the picture-perfect bathhouse after a long day of horseback riding, fly-fishing, rock climbing, and much more, and then soak up the incredible views from your cabin.

Check it out at DuntonDestinations.com/Hot-Springs.

TRIPLE

CREEK

RANCH

If you’re planning a luxurious getaway with your significant other, Triple Creek Ranch is a great choice because this ranch resort is designed for adults only.

Nestled in the tall pines on the southern side of Trapper Peak in western Montana, this unforgettable retreat combines natural beauty with plush comfort and exceptional service. This world-class resort features unforgettable cuisine paired with an award-winning wine cellar and deluxe private guest cabins. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little of both, your dream awaits at Triple Creek Ranch.

Start planning at TripleCreekRanch.com.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 45

Voyager BRUSH

CREEK

RANCH

Enjoy an all-inclusive vacation at Brush Creek Ranch, where authentic Western adventure will surround and embrace you! Spanning over thirty thousand acres in central Wyoming, the ranch offers guests a truly magnificent luxury destination in the middle of some of the most beautiful scenery the US has to offer. Stay in one of the log cabins or lodges and explore the rich history of the Great American West. The ranch was ranked by Travel + Leisure readers as the top resort in the country for 2020, and it isn’t hard to see why.

Visit BrushCreekRanch.com/lodgeandspa to learn more.

VERMEJO

PARK

RANCH

Located in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, Vermejo Park Ranch is rich in history and diverse wildlife and boasts majestic landscapes from every angle. Guests can enjoy the views and exploration opportunities across 550,000 acres, allowing for ample year-round outdoor activities! With preservation in mind, media mogul Ted Turner purchased Vermejo in 1996 and committed to conserving the land and the threatened wildlife species that call it home. Book your stay at Casa Grande (formerly Turner’s private quarters) or the Costilla Fishing Lodge, tucked away in high country at ten thousand feet in elevation.

The mission at Vermejo is simple: connecting people with nature!

Learn more at TedTurnerReserves.com/Vermejo.

Guests can enjoy the views and exploration opportunities across 550,000 acres, allowing for ample year-round outdoor activities!

Clockwise from top left: Casa Grande at Vermejo Park Ranch lives up to its name!

Photo courtesy of Vermejo Park Ranch Brush Creek Ranch’s accommodations are modeled after historic log cabins, with all the comforts of modern day.

The Lil Wrangler Clubhouse at Brush Creek is the perfect spot for young ranch hands to enjoy fun and educational activities.

Photos courtesy of Brush Creek Ranch The wildlife around Vermejo Park Ranch, spanning parts of Colorado and New Mexico, includes the impressive American bison.

Photo by Sean Fitzgerald, courtesy of Vermejo Park Ranch V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 47

We’re Elevating the Real Estate Experience Along 30A

Photo courtesy of David Warren 30A Real Estate Photography

L’intermission

Where the Wild Things Are

Left to right: Dawn Dress $225; Ava Linen Top $95, Sahara Safari Short $110; Banks Button Up $110, Camden Cami $85, Dakota Pant $125 Visit TribeKelley.com or follow their Instagram @TribeKelleySurfPost and @TribeKelley. Shop in person at Tribe Kelley Surf Post in Grayton Beach, Florida, and Tribe Kelley Trading Post in Nashville.

The effortless Tribe Kelley Coastal Safari collection beckons the spirit to hop into the nearest off-road vehicle and enjoy the beautiful scenery of beach-town backroads. Roll the windows down, turn on some FGL, and embrace your inner wild child!

Love, VIE xo V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 49

UN CHARTED

Photo courtesy of Rubicon 3 Adventure 50 | SEPTEMBER 2020

WATERS Sailing the Moroccan Coast

Voyager

W

BY SARAH FREEMAN

ith its picture-book battlements, perfumed markets, French-style pastries, and exquisite Islamic gardens, Morocco awaits discovery, but from a new perspective—namely, from the water on an adventurous sailing trip along its storied Atlantic coast.

“Welcome to the snake pit!” skipper Neal exclaims, wearing a smile as wide as his Tilley hat. This is not the Amazon, but the roiling Atlantic Ocean, where our newly acquainted crew of eight amateur and seasoned sailors are grasping the naval origins of “all hands on deck!” The snake pit—so-called because it holds ropes that can quickly become a tangled web of sheets, halyards, and reefing lines—is part of our stem-to-stern reconnaissance of Hummingbird, my floating home for the next fortnight. The retired Clipper 60 (the first generation of boats to sail around the world) is one of a fleet of four vessels owned by Rubicon 3, a British company specializing in expedition-style yachting vacations on both sides of the Atlantic. Our six-hundred-nautical-mile journey from southern Spain to the Canaries via Morocco’s Atlantic coast should be plain sailing for Hummingbird, who’s clocked an impressive three laps of the globe.

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F

or fledgling mariners like myself, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar on day two of the voyage is an exhilarating first taste of life on the open water. While wind pummels Hummingbird, causing her to heel, we learn to hoist, winch, trim, feather, tie, steer, and master some basic boating knots. We do it all under the watchful eyes of experienced deckhands: Scottish skipper Neal Gwynne and first mate Alex Laline, who hails from Barcelona. During the trip, becoming an operational crew member while exploring corners of the world less accessible by land is underscored by founder Bruce Jacobs’s motto, “Sail, train, explore.”

With the northern tip of Africa thrillingly close, it’s surreal to think that forty-eight hours earlier, we were sipping Manzanilla (a local sherry) in a freiduría (fried fish bar) in Cádiz. The Andalusian city’s Spanish-Moorish charms have rubbed off on Tangier, which stands sentinel at the Strait of Gibraltar where seas and continents meet. Tussled over by the British, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Moroccans, the city has long been romanticized by artists and writers.

You can stroll through the real-life scenes of Matisse’s paintings inside the seventeenth-century casbah’s peeling walls, or sip mint tea (one of the most cherished Moroccan traditions) in one of Petit Socco’s louche cafés as Tangier habitués Jack Kerouac and Tennessee Williams did. This plants you in the heart 52 | SEPTEMBER 2020

of the city’s stepped alley and adobe-arched medina, where the first Americanowned property outside the US, the American Legation Museum, stands in all its stuccoed glory. I return to the corniche with precious cargo—a stenciled lamp and souk-bought sumac spice, the tangy star of the fattoush salad I’ve been tasked with rustling up in Hummingbird’s snug saloon-galley. The ship is equipped with a gimballed stove (which you can tether yourself to on rough days at sea!). Everyone shares duties with the cooking and cleaning on board. Expedition sailing, it turns out, is a great leveler.

After two days on terra firma, a pod of forty or so porpoising dolphins bid us safe overnight passage to our next port of call: Morocco’s oft-overlooked capital, Rabat. The upshot of velvety calm waters and motor sailing, I discover, is learning celestial navigation under wide-open skies with a sextant, an instrument used by sailors for centuries.

With the Atlas Mountains rippling on the horizon, Hummingbird makes landfall just in time for a late breakfast of fekkas (twice-baked cookies) and pomegranate juice at Café Maure, adjacent to Rabat’s Andalusian Gardens. Rabat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an oasis of date palms, air scented with orange blossoms, babbling fountains, and chirping birds, all befitting the city’s Arabic moniker meaning “a refuge.” It’s all uphill from here along the hushed alleyways of the city’s Kasbah of the Udayas—a vision of studded wooden doors and intricate geometric architecture. Next is a pilgrimage to one of Morocco’s most venerated shrines: the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, who led the country to independence from the French in 1956. Flanked by horse-mounted guards dressed as Berber warriors, the mausoleum overlooks another Rabat landmark: Hassan Tower, the twelfth-century minaret of an unfinished mosque that was intended to be the world’s largest.

This page, clockwise from top left: Guests on Rubicon 3’s Moroccan sailing adventure will enjoy traditional mint tea and cookies in the capital city of Rabat.

Colorful tiles surround you as you explore the streets and courtyards of Morocco.

A sailing adventure guest purchases produce at a Moroccan market.

Photo by Sally Golden, courtesy of Rubicon 3 Adventure Right: A guard in traditional Moroccan costume stands at the entrance of the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat.

Far right: Rubicon 3 crew members and guests chart their course below deck Photo courtesy of Rubicon 3 Adventure

Voyager

NEXT IS A PILGRIMAGE TO ONE OF MOROCCO’S MOST VENERATED SHRINES: THE MAUSOLEUM OF MOHAMMED V, WHO LED THE COUNTRY TO INDEPENDENCE FROM THE FRENCH IN 1956.

Casting off the lines at first light rewards us with a smooth fifty-nautical-mile downwind sail under cloudless skies to El Jadida, one of West Africa’s earliest Portuguese colonies. It’s a tight squeeze mooring up alongside traditional feluccas in its working harbor, which was a stopping point for spice traders heading east during the Age of Discovery. Today, burnooseclad locals haggle over the price of the day’s catch.

Preparing the RIB (rigid inflatable boat) for shore in the briny air whets my appetite for Morocco’s famous pilchard sardines, charcoal grilled to perfection at no-frills Pesca Mazagan, which overlooks the city’s pretty palm-lined promenade. The afternoon is spent strolling the ramparts of the star-shaped Fortress of Mazagan and cooling off in the dramatically lit Portuguese cistern (where Orson Welles shot scenes for his movie adaptation of Othello).

We settle at anchor for a second night and plot the next day’s passage over a meal of aromatic chicken curry, made with ingredients gleaned from local markets, before being gently rocked to sleep in our bunk berths.

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S

everal hours of timed reefing practice later and the sight of Safi’s scorched red headlands signal our arrival to Morocco’s unsung ceramic capital.

Its fortified medina has all the faded grandeur of Havana—men play backgammon propped up on plastic stools, and wheeled carts are piled high with babouche slippers and pyramids of sticky dates. I go in search of Africa’s first Gothic building, the ruined Portuguese Cathedral (reached from Souq Street), with just its choir galley and vaulted hall still standing.

Top: Picturesque cliffs on the Atlantic coast at Safi, Morocco

Crafted not to crumble are the city’s renowned wood-fired ceramics, baked in earthen kilns at hobbit-esque Potters’ Hill. Some seven hundred artisans work barefooted at wheels, as their ancestors did, in forty cooperative workshops. I watch a potter deftly mold the conical shape of a clay tagine, which slow-cooks its namesake stew by “catching” the steam.

Above: Guests share duties on and below deck during their Rubicon 3 sailing adventures.

Bidding ma’a salama to Morocco, Hummingbird’s final twenty-four-hour sail from Safi to the Canaries is the ultimate test of our crew’s seafaring mettle. Spirits buoyed by flasks of tea, our group (on watch for four-hour shifts) scan the horizon for minesweepers and take turns at the helm.

Left: Writer Sarah Freeman at the helm of the Hummingbird

54 | SEPTEMBER 2020

Photo courtesy of Rubicon 3 Adventure

Photo courtesy of Sarah Freeman

Voyager

“THE SEA, ONCE IT CASTS ITS SPELL, HOLDS ONE IN ITS NET OF WONDER FOREVER.”

The waterfront of the Bou Regreg river in Rabat, with the city’s Kasbah of the Udayas and medina creating the skyline.

With the wind in my hair and sun on my back, the last push to Lanzarote’s rocky volcanic shores is champagne sailing, but our final berth in Puerto Calero’s sun-kissed marina is bittersweet. In the words of Jacques Cousteau: “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”

Visit Rubicon3Adventure.com for more information about this trip.

REVIVAL

THESE HOTELS ARE A BLAST FROM THE PAST

BY J O R D A N STAG G S

Live your desert dreams at the Saguaro Hotel in Palm Springs, California.

Photo by Josh Cho Photography, courtesy of the Saguaro Hotel 56 | SEPTEMBER 2020

Voyager

IT’S TIME TO PACK UP THE STATION WAGON OR THE VW BUS AND GET READY TO GROOVE! WHEN YOU GRAB YOUR ROOM KEY AT ANY OF THESE OLD-SCHOOL–STYLE ACCOMMODATIONS, YOU’LL FEEL YOU’VE BEEN TRANSPORTED BACK IN TIME IN THE BEST WAY. HITTING THE ROAD INSTEAD OF THE SKIES LOOKS TO BE THE PREFERRED WAY TO GET YOUR TRAVEL KICKS THIS YEAR, AND THESE ALL-AMERICAN GETAWAYS ARE WAITING FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP.

Saguaro Palm Springs

Coachella Valley is calling your name, so it’s time to book your California adventure at the Saguaro Palm Springs. This rainbow-hued retro wonderland is a favorite among celebs, trendy brands, and influencers as it hosts parties during the famous annual music festival. Guests are encouraged to get some color in the vast swimming pool between the hotel’s colorful walls and beneath a canopy of crisscrossing palm trees.

Each room has a private balcony with views ranging from the pool to the mountains, the city, or the garden. The pool bar is fully stocked, while Rocco’s Electric Patio offers coffee, breakfast, Southwestern bites, Taco Tuesday and Thursday specials, and an expansive tequila menu.

The Saguaro is an event planner’s dream, with spaces for weddings, meetings, private parties, and bigger throwdowns. Its newest area, the Sago Ballroom and Terrace, features an industrial-chic indoor space and an adjacent deck with pool and mountain views, so your guests get the best of both worlds! Live like royalty in a king or queen suite with a poolside view worthy of a classic James Bond film, or grab your friends and snag a two-bedroom suite. Whether you’re at Saguaro to chill, explore nearby parks and attractions, hit the gym and yoga studio, or celebrate a special event, this is one place where being a “deserter” isn’t such a bad thing.

See more from Saguaro Palm Springs and its sister property in Scottsdale on Instagram @saguarohotels and visit TheSaguaro.com to book now.

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Voyager Beachside Hotel & Suites

When pastel shades and midcentury-inspired design meet in a charming beachside boutique hotel, you might be in sunny Florida! Just off the Atlantic at Cocoa Beach, with a prime view of the occasional rocket launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Beachside Hotel & Suites is newly renovated but kept the old-school vibes alive and well. It was built in 1965, and the website cheekily states: “This is the Cocoa Beach your grandma remembers. (If your grandma was a hip sun goddess of the ’60s.)” Embrace your inner sun deity when you stop by the hotel’s courtyard pool and lazy river, score a classic umbrella drink and other libations at the Duck Dive pool bar, enjoy complimentary breakfast in the retro-chic lobby and dining area, and take advantage of specials like the Mars Rover Launch Package or Christmas in July. Visit the website for the most recent deals!

the boardwalk like the cool cats when you head to the Cocoa Beach Pier just a mile away, and don’t forget to stop by the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop for all those tchotchkes and souvenir T-shirts. Other nearby attractions include the Eau Gallie Arts District, Jetty Park, Historic Cocoa Village, Brevard Zoo, and I Dream of Jeannie Lane, which celebrates the area’s TV history (the popular series I Dream of Jeannie, which aired from 1965 until 1970, was set in Cocoa Beach).

Cross your arms and nod your head—and if that doesn’t work, head over to BeachsideHotelCocoaBeach.com or Instagram @beachsidehotelcocoabeach to see more and book your stay!

The beach is the star of the show, but it’s hardly all there is to love about staying at this colorful hotel. Cruise

The Dive Motel

This next stop will have you saying “Oh, behave!” You have to get into the groove when you check in at Nashville’s Dive Motel. With guest rooms decked out in shag carpet, 1970s-inspired color schemes, psychedelic murals, and disco balls, they make it pretty easy. This hip hideaway is located on the Old Buffalo Trail, a few minutes’ drive from the city’s vibrant downtown nightlife and live music venues.

With twenty-three rooms, it’s the perfect retreat for those looking for something off the beaten path when it comes to accommodations—but be prepared to mingle, because the Dive Bar is open to the public five nights a week and the Swim Club offers annual memberships. Each room is uniquely decorated to fit the retro theme, and the best part is that each comes with a disco ball fully programmed with party channels and a sleep channel for your in-room playlist and mood-lighting needs!

Did we mention there’s a VHS library for rentals?

Originally the Key Motel, the Dive Motel opened in summer 2019 with newly designed spaces curated by hotelier Lyon Porter, who also owns the Urban Cowboy hotels in Nashville, Brooklyn, and the Catskills. The website calls The Dive, “a mixture of classic motel Americana meets Pantone-inspired romantic nostalgia.

58 | SEPTEMBER 2020

FROM THE HANDPICKED VINTAGE DECOR TO THE ORIGINAL ’70S WALLPAPER, WOOD PANELING, SHAG CARPET, AND SOAKING TUBS, SHE’S A BLAST FROM THE PAST, BACK TO CLAIM HER FORMER GLORY ONE MORE TIME!

From the handpicked vintage decor to the original ’70s wallpaper, wood paneling, shag carpet, and soaking tubs, she’s a blast from the past, back to claim her former glory one more time!”

VisitTheDiveMotel.comandInstagram@thedivemotel to learn more and make reservations.

Austin Motel

This homegrown hideaway in one of Texas’s most happening cities is a feast for the eyes and an enchantment for the soul. Its history, as colorful as its neon carport, began as early as 1888, when the Eck family bought the property in Austin’s South Congress neighborhood. For decades, they owned and operated several businesses in the area and even installed the first telephone south of the Colorado River. Like any good Texas story, there was also a legendary outlaw—this

Above and left: The Dive Motel is Nashville’s latest retro-inspired hot spot with decor channeling a 1970s vibe, complete with a disco ball in every guest room.

Opposite bottom: The Dive Motel makes its home in the former Key Motel on Old Buffalo Trail.

Photos courtesy of The Dive Motel Opposite middle: Take a dip in the lazy river pool at the Beachside Hotel & Suites in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Photo courtesy of Beachside Hotel & Suites V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 59

Voyager one by the name of Ben Thompson—who spent time with the Ecks and could often be found gambling and gunslinging (and, strangely, sometimes enforcing the law as a marshal) around the area. Word has it that Thompson left a diamond ring at the Eck family’s pawnshop before he headed off to gamble in San Antonio, where he was later found dead along with fellow outlaw John King Fisher.

Descendants of the Eck family still own the ring.

The motel itself was established in 1938, when the great American road trip was becoming a popular pastime as more people began to buy automobiles. Jennie Eck Stewart and her husband, Earnest, saw the opportunity for a new business to accommodate those travelers, and the Austin Motel’s neon sign lit up South Congress Avenue for the first time and has stood proudly ever since. (Speaking

DECOR AND FURNISHINGS REFLECT THE ORIGINAL BUILDING’S 1962 MOD DESIGN SENSE. THE LOBBY ALSO INCLUDES MUSEUM EXHIBITS, A BAR AND LOUNGE, EVENT SPACES, AND MORE SURPRISES. 60 | SEPTEMBER 2020

of the sign, the staff wants you to know that, yes, they see it too!) Today, the motel’s pool and bar are open to the public (reservations required). Its forty-one retro-chic guest rooms and suites are expected to reopen as COVID-19 safety regulations are established. Visitors and locals alike love the motel’s proximity to the river, downtown, the Texas State Capitol, shops, and restaurants. In turn, the motel loves its visitors and locals and often hosts community events, such as recent swimming lessons held with Tankproof, a local nonprofit that helps underserved youth.

Austin Motel will start booking overnight guests as soon as possible, so check AustinMotel.com and Instagram @austinmotel for updates or to make pool reservations.

TWA Hotel

Catch me if you can! We’ll be having a nice layover as soon as we get the chance to book our round-trip to the TWA Hotel at JFK International Airport in New York City. Architect Eero Saarinen’s worldfamous TWA Flight Center received a revamp in 2008. The hotel didn’t come on the scene until 2019, when it gained interest among the architecture and hospitality industries alike with its masterpiece twohundred-thousand-square-foot lobby housed in the main terminal area. Decor and furnishings reflect the original building’s 1962 mod design sense. The lobby also includes museum exhibits, a bar and lounge, event spaces, and more surprises. Taking “window seat” to the next level are the swimming pool and many guest rooms with runway views.

Of course, you have to meet Connie, the 1958 Constellation airplane-turned-cocktail lounge, “where the martinis and the atmosphere are first-class.” If you’re not staying long or are just in the mood to see the sites at Terminal 5, try a Daytripper pass. It allows you to stay in one of the immaculate guest rooms, make pool reservations, dine, exercise, or just relax with rentals available in stackable four-hour intervals.

Whether you’re at TWA for business or pleasure, it’s sure to be a trip to remember!

Visit TWAHotel.com to book your flight—I mean, your stay—today.

The 1960s architecture of The Island by Hotel RL in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, shines brighter than ever after a recent $15 million renovation.

Photo courtesy of The Island

The Island

Another beachside getaway has gotten a recent makeover. The Island, located on Okaloosa Island in nostalgic Fort Walton Beach, Florida, takes on a new life by the Gulf of Mexico after a $15 million renovation was completed this year. The resort, built in 1966, saw many changes throughout the decades but was always a mecca of fun in the sun for all ages! Countless memorable moments were made in these beach towers and its first-class dining and entertainment spaces. Concerts featuring international superstar bands like Heart and the Beach Boys and visits from celebrities like Bob Hope and Joe Namath come to mind. This summer, The Island is ready for guests so it can show off its new digs!

Above left and opposite bottom: Travel in style when you visit the newly opened TWA Hotel in the 1966 Terminal 5 at JFK International Airport. Its museum wing includes memorabilia such as retro TWA uniforms and this vintage suitcase packed with boarding passes, luggage tags, and more.

Not to miss today are the lagoon pool—where you might even see the resident mermaid, Misty—the Island Fish House and the Island Grille for fresh Gulf seafood, Tripp Tide Beach Bar for those late nights, and the Grotto Bar for that magical under-the-sea feel by the pool. This destination makes a perfect day trip for those already on the Gulf Coast or an excellent venue for an elegant wedding overlooking sugar-white sands. The Island by Hotel RL has it all.

Photos by David Mitchell, courtesy of TWA Hotel

For reservations and more information, head to TheIslandFL.com or find it on Instagram @theislandfl and @theislandweddings.

Photo by Nick Simonite, courtesy of Austin Motel

Opposite top: It’s a Texas trip back in time when you book a stay at the Austin Motel!

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Take a pause and marvel at the beauty of nature. This scenic sunrise at Western Lake, just off Scenic Highway 30-A in Northwest Florida, depicts one of Mother Earth’s rare phenomena. These freshwater lakes bordering (and sometimes flowing into) the saltwater Gulf of Mexico are part of a geological system only found in a handful of places on the planet.

Photo by Chandler Williams ModusPhotography.com Prints are available online and at Modus Photography starting at $45, ranging from 12 × 18 inches to 40 × 60 inches. Custom framing is available. See this photo and more in the gallery at 39 Logan Lane #9, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

62 | SEPTEMBER 2020

Petite pause

The Great Respite

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TA BL E

A

FOR TWO

THE BEST MEALS MAKE MEMORIES STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY

A l ex i s C o r r y a n d Z a ch a r y Ka p p e l 64 | SEPTEMBER 2020

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rips and vacations don’t have to take a week or two from your schedule to be a relaxing and romantic reset. Often, Lex and I squeeze in a romantic weekend somewhere to clear our minds and experience something new and exciting. Earlier this year (pre-COVID), we were in Europe for a few weeks for work, and I wanted to plan a last-minute weekend trip before we flew back home to Pittsburgh. When looking for a weekend getaway, both home and aboard, I always focus on two things: a unique place to stay and unwind and great food to complete the experience. After taking a quick look at surrounding cities in France, I swiftly decided on Lille.

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he week prior to arrival, I browsed the Relais & Châteaux website and discovered the Clarance Hotel. We booked a room and decided to wing it on the dining, as we often do. Upon arrival, we were blown away at the charm and beauty of the hotel. Eighteenth-century French architecture was met with a modern twist in the decor. After settling in to our room, we strolled the hotel grounds and caught our first glimpse of the hotel restaurant, La Table. We were instantly drawn to the welcoming atmosphere and incredible menu—we knew we had to try it during our stay.

On Saturday morning, we walked the city of Lille to take in the local culture and get a grasp of the area. Casual shopping and sightseeing eventually led to our discussing where to find an afternoon snack, ahead of our epic dining reservation for that evening. When traveling, I usually try to incorporate a fun afternoon snack or light meal to give us a break and recharge from exploring without spoiling dinner. Depending on where we are traveling, we look for local breweries,

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AS THE DISHES RO L L E D O U T C O U RS E

BY C O U RS E , W E W E R E C O N T I N UA L LY I N AW E O F T H E S H E E R B EAU TY O F T H E P R E S E N TAT I O N .

T H I S WA S N ’ T J U S T A M EA L , I T WA S A WO R K O F A RT . wineries, or anywhere we can indulge with a local product. We identified a cheese and wine shop nearby, and it was an excellent respite. They had a few tables upstairs where we could relax while the shop owner spoiled us with a variety of local cheeses and wines—absolutely perfect! We were recharged and ready for a memorable night.

After getting cleaned up and dressed for the evening, we started our experience with a cocktail at the hotel bar. The chef stopped by and introduced himself to us and gave us a few teasers of what to expect for dinner—fresh fish, lobster, vegetables, and local herbs—it all sounded incredible. Upon being seated on the terrace, we learned that the herbs weren’t just

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local, they were grown tableside! The sous chef comes out and harvests what he needs before each evening. As the dishes rolled out course by course, we were continually in awe of the sheer beauty of the presentation. This wasn’t just a meal, it was a work of art. Our server presented the sauces before each course and explained the ingredients and how they meld to create an unforgettable meal. It was as if the dishes took on lives of their own.

Working our way through each course, we had fun laughing and exchanging overwhelmingly positive adjectives and exclamations with every bite. The lobster was so tender and rich; the crab melted in your mouth; the vegetables, herbs, and flowers tasted earthy and delicate. After experiencing these truly ingenious preparations, we had to ask the chef how he did it! Chef Thibaut Gamba explained his ideas and the inspirations for the dishes we had experienced. He even let us in on a little bit of the magic and shared a recipe with us, forever memorializing a true culinary adventure.

The beautiful thing about our getaway, we realized, was not so much the need to adventure into the unknown, but to embrace one of the simplest pleasures of travel: the food. Regardless of your destination, near or far, there is one guarantee—the experience of taste will always be original.

Inspired by their love of travel, Alexis Corry, owner of the Lex & Lynne brand boutiques, and her husband, Zachary Kappel, welcome readers to explore their adventures and findings from around the globe with their luxury travel diary at LexandZach.com. You can also find their wanderings on Instagram @lexandzachtravel.

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DOWN the ROAD a PIECE Southern Small-Town Destinations That Are Worth the Drive B y C A R O LY N O ’ N E I L

While we may not be able to jet off to any farflung global adventures right now, the highways and byways of America beckon many travelers seeking new horizons closer to home. The great American road trip has become more appealing than ever and, thanks to affordable gas prices, even more approachable.

A new survey conducted by Virtuoso shows that 70 percent of US travelers are choosing vacation destinations less than 1500 miles from their homes.

Happily for residents of the southeastern United States, there are lots of beautiful destinations worth the drive, many with world-class accommodations ranging from updated historic favorites to sleek new lodgings. So, hitting the road doesn’t have to mean cutting corners. Atlanta-based Virtuoso travel advisor Jennifer Falk Weiss of Currie & Co. Travels Unlimited says, “Just because this is the season of the road trip doesn’t mean vacation plans have to be scaled back. I can help plan amped-up on-the-road adventures with specialized tours, luxury hotels, gourmet meals, and wine tastings, and I’ll check on what’s open and what’s not. All you have to do is get behind the wheel and drive!”

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“

Domestic travel is hot right now, especially for travelers seeking outdoor activities in a natural setting, such as hiking, fishing, and swimming.

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hile it’s certainly possible to do your own online search for travel news and tips, using a travel advisor is becoming even more essential for travelers today because these professionals are up for the challenges presented by travel right now.

They keep track of COVID-19-related cancellation policies and recommend the places doing the best job of practicing updated safety and sanitation protocols.

Virtuoso represents a total network of twenty-two thousand travel advisors and two thousand partner destinations and properties worldwide.

Southeastern destinations, hotels, and resorts are mindful of and making improvements based on the very latest in consumer travel trends, including increased demand for wellness escapes, outdoor adventures, seclusion, and local culture tours. “Domestic travel is hot right now, especially for travelers seeking outdoor activities in a natural setting, such as hiking, fishing, and swimming,” says Misty Belles, managing director at Virtuoso travel network. “And we’ve found that includes a desire to have a positive impact on the communities they visit.”

But before you pack your things and back out of the driveway, here for your consideration are some Southern road trip destinations newly ready to welcome visitors with a quiet charm perfectly fitting for the times.

Above: The Great Smoky Mountains as seen from the top of Clingmans Dome on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina.

Left: A blue crab caught in a net along the banks of Mobile Bay in Fairhope, Alabama Photo by Fontaine Howard Opposite: Take a walk or dine on the docks at Fishcamp on 11th Street for a view of shrimp boats at Port Royal near Beaufort, South Carolina.

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Beaufort, South Carolina

Right: After your drive to beautiful Beaufort, South Carolina, why not take in the gorgeous natural surroundings from a different perspective—the water?

One hour from its big sister neighbor Charleston and forty-five minutes from nearby Savannah, charming Beaufort is situated in the tidal low country of South Carolina. Marshes alive with birdlife make a beautiful backdrop for sunsets that cast the area in an even more magical light. This small town lined with great oaks is a true village of little shops, restaurants, cottage homes, and historic antebellum mansions. There’s a lot to see and do, from carriage tours to kayak adventures.

Beaufort promises salty breezes, sweet tea, and savory coastal seafood. Don’t miss sampling shrimp and grits, a local specialty you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

If you care to put your book down and venture out of your hammock, head into town to visit the Pat Conroy Literary Center, which preserves the legacy of the noted best-selling author who graduated from Beaufort High School and later taught English there.

Where to Stay

Take a short drive to the long boardwalk at Port Royal for a stroll, or set out for Parris Island to learn about the history of the United States Marine Corps outlined in the Parris Island Museum.

Where to Dine » Saltus River Grill offers elegant dining in downtown Beaufort.

SaltusRiverGrill.com » Head to Fishcamp on 11th Street for waterfront dining on Port Royal’s shrimp docks. Fishcampon11th.com

There are a number of historical B and Bs in Beaufort, with many located in the historic district. » One noted inn is the Anchorage 1770, which is pet friendly, on the water with fabulous rooftop views, and within walking distance of Bay Street, Beaufort’s pretty main thoroughfare. Anchorage1770.com For visitor information, head to BeaufortSC.org.

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“

There’s a societal shift, and people are acknowledging that it’s okay to rest. There is wisdom in finding balance, and it’s refreshing.

Walland, Tennessee Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, where the thick morning mist gives the hilly region its name, Walland is where you’ll find one of the most celebrated properties in the southeastern United States: Blackberry Farm, a Relais & Châteaux resort.

The younger sibling to the renowned Blackberry Farm is Blackberry Mountain, designed to be genuinely unmatched with wellness and outdoor activities and an endless number of experiences that highlight fitness adventures—from trail biking and rock climbing to mountaintop yoga and meditation.

Pampering is still key, but with more active physical adventures and mental stimulation. At Blackberry Mountain, guests choose activities with guidance provided by on-property experts, even if their goal is simply to relax.

“Most people live in a state of constant stimulation. How rare is it to actually slow down and pause?” says Dr. Jill Beasley, the holistic health specialist at Blackberry

Mountain. This emphasis is even more important than ever, thanks to this year’s lessons in self-care and a newfound appreciation for solitude and privacy.

“There’s a societal shift, and people are acknowledging that it’s okay to rest. There is wisdom in finding balance, and it’s refreshing.”

Serenely set on over 5,200 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Mountain offers culinary discoveries as well with small group cooking and mixology classes featuring locally sourced ingredients, including those foraged from the wild by the property’s chefs.

Above: Relaxing and exploring nature are at the top of the itinerary at Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain in scenic Walland, Tennessee.

Above left: At the end of a long day, enjoy gourmet farm-to-table meals prepared by Blackberry Farm’s chefs.

Photos by Beall + Thomas Photography, courtesy of Blackberry Farm

For more information, visit BlackberryMountain.com.

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Palm Beach, Florida Once you cross the bridge over the yacht-lined Intracoastal Waterway from the lively city of West Palm Beach, you’ll be greeted by stately royal palms and the calmer, quieter pace of life in ultramanicured Palm Beach. It’s a town that sleeps in summer and awakens for the “season,” now extending from fall to early spring.

Since the late 1800s, Palm Beach has been the Florida playground for movie stars, aristocrats, captains of industry, and a few boat captains too. But all visitors today will feel as welcome as a tropical breeze on a hot, sunny day. Explore the gilded past of Palm Beach’s history at the Flagler Museum (the former grand estate of railroad tycoon Henry Flagler), hop on a bicycle or grab your running shoes to tour past beachfront mansions with beautiful gardens, or stroll down iconic Worth Avenue for some retail therapy. It’s here you’ll find the flagship boutique for Lilly Pulitzer, a mecca of Palm Beach style since the 1960s.

This page: For a chic Mediterranean-style beach getaway that’s only a road trip away, book your stay at the new White Elephant boutique hotel on the island of Palm Beach, Florida.

Photos by Chi-Thien Nguyen, courtesy of Elkus Manfredi Architects 72 | SEPTEMBER 2020

Where to Dine » Buccan is lively, and so is the food; it’s one of local celebrity chef Clay Conley’s popular restaurants. » Café Boulud, Chef Daniel Boulud’s restaurant in Palm Beach, has the look and feel of a European café. » Scusi Trattoria, recently opened in nearby Palm Beach Gardens, is a coastal Italian restaurant by award-winning chef Laurent Tourondel.

» Surf Side Diner, in the heart of Palm Beach, is a classic American diner popular with locals. They serve mimosas with brunch too!

Where to Stay From the historically grand Breakers to tiny tucked-away hotels with bougainvilleascented gardens, Palm Beach specializes in elegant accommodations.

White Elephant Palm Beach – The newest addition to Palm Beach’s hotel scene, this thirty-two-room boutique property set in a 1920s Mediterranean Revival building overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway is scheduled to open in November. It’s the sister property of the White Elephant in Nantucket, Massachusetts. WhiteElephantPalmBeach.com The Chesterfield Palm Beach – Travelers might not be able to “hop the pond” to Europe, but they can experience the elegance of traditional afternoon tea and the fine details of sophisticated service at the Red Carnation Hotels’ Chesterfield Palm Beach. Don’t miss the legendary Leopard Lounge. ChesterfieldPB.com

Fairhope, Alabama Perched on a bluff overlooking Alabama’s Gulf Coast, pretty Fairhope, founded in 1894, has sweeping views of Mobile Bay and is dotted with lovely parks. You can walk along the bay front to see all of the fabulous historic homes and enjoy popping into local art galleries, museums, gift shops, and the Page and Palette bookstore to browse the latest reads and enjoy a caffe latte. Known as a writer’s haven, Fairhope is a favorite of Alabama native and best-selling author Fannie Flagg. She wrote three books and a screenplay there, including The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion, which was set in Fairhope.

Jekyll Island, Georgia

Where to Dine

The low-country vibe here is relaxed and serene with wide marshes and quiet roads shaded by canopies of oaks cloaked in Spanish moss. It’s an excellent destination for history buffs who’ll find ruins of tabby walls and cottages built in the late 1800s, echoing bygone days when this was a resort area frequented by America’s wealthiest families. This once-private retreat is now part of the Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark District, one of the most significant preservation projects in the Southeast.

» Fish River Grill is a Gulf Coast seafood favorite in Fairhope. You’ll have to go there to find out why Swamp Soup is so popular! What’s the scene?

Think iced tea in mason jars and platters of fried green tomatoes.

Can you hear me now? In 1915, the nation’s first transcontinental telephone call was made here when American Telephone & Telegraph president Theodore Newton Vail, who was staying on Jekyll Island, had a chat with President Woodrow Wilson in Washington, D.C., Alexander Graham Bell in New York, and two others.

Where to Stay » Jekyll Island Club Resort – Timing is everything, as they say, and this year the resort chose to deep clean and upgrade all of their guest rooms and suites with new mattresses, window treatments, and renovated bathrooms. The focal point of this historic property is the Clubhouse, built in 1888. Enjoy a game of croquet on the south lawn or a classic cocktail on the huge wraparound porch. » Jekyll Ocean Club, featuring forty suites, a swimming pool steps from the beach, and an oceanfront restaurant, is the newest addition to the Jekyll Island Club Resort. It is the only all-suite oceanfront boutique hotel on Jekyll Island.

JekyllClub.com Visit JekyllIsland.com to plan your trip.

» Sunset Pointe at Fly Creek Marina got its name for a reason. The sunsets are spectacular here, and there’s plenty of outdoor seating. The menu celebrates the best in local seafood and fresh produce.

Where to Stay » The Fairhope Inn – Locally owned and newly renovated, this is a charming inn with a popular restaurant. TheFairhopeInn.com » Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa – Located in nearby Point Clear, this hotel resort is one of the most luxurious in the area. Grand1847.com

Carolyn O’Neil is an award-winning Atlanta-based food writer who specializes in culinary travel and healthy lifestyles. She believes that travel is the ultimate way to learn about the people of the world and cuisine is the most exciting way to learn about their histories and culture.

Visit her blog at TheHappyHealthyKitchen.com.

Above left: The Jekyll Ocean Club on Georgia’s Jekyll Island offers incredible views and an exclusive feel so you can truly get away from it all.

Photo courtesy of Jekyll Island Club Resort Above right: Small-town charm and Southern hospitality abound throughout beautiful Fairhope, Alabama.

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Introspections

Introspections THINK DEEPER

Visit MyrtieBlue.com to learn more or to get in touch about planning your next event!

Photo by Hannah Pickle Photography

From a hospitable welcome bouquet to a lavish wall of blossoms serving as living art, there’s no denying that flowers are a treat for the senses and the soul! There’s just something about receiving a thoughtful arrangement from a close friend, relative, or special someone that can make a person feel especially cherished. Feast your eyes on this incredible floral masterpiece by Myrtie Blue in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

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Introspections

Traveling Traveling the the Perfumed Perfumed Road

by S U Z A N N E P O L L A K

“I’m leaving on a jet plane . . .”

Actually, no, I’m not. But I’ve got an open mind during an unruly new reality, picking a patchwork of places to visit on trips lasting mere seconds or minutes. No passport, plane, or packing required. Not even masks are necessary. I travel on a perfumed road, leaving only a trail of scents.

M M

y August vacation looked completely different in the year of COVID, as in nowhere to go!

Fortunately, there is that impressive gray mass in our brain that can bring us anywhere.

The mind only needs access to the unconscious and subconscious—and maybe the spirit world too.

I’ve been lucky to live in many places around the world (as a member of the community, not just a tourist). I have banks of memories that simply need to be unlocked. And what unleashes memories better than the sense of smell? So, come along a scented lane.

You might be surprised at who shows up. While we are at it, let’s make a scented guide for our future— one for which we can truly plan.

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Introspections

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ne August trip started the night a friend dropped off an armful of ginger lilies from her gypsy garden. If you have ever put your nose into a bunch and smelled the intoxicating, creamy white flower that pokes its elegant petals and stems above the long, slender, vibrant green leaves, you will know. Ginger lilies, part of the ginger family, smell sweeter and more assertive than most flowers. The flowers and leaves bring to mind a 1960s woman standing alone at a cocktail party, surveying the scene as she balances a long cigarette holder between her fingers. The scent is enticing—sort of slouched and relaxed, like the flower itself. You want to be in its orbit.

I used to grow ginger lilies in beds set between high pittosporum hedges and low rows of boxwoods.

During the blooming season, in the cool of the morning and after sunset, I stayed nearby. I could not get enough of those lily ladies.

The flowers—and their scent—had been buried deep in my brain. Sleeping with the vase on the bedside table unlocked my life in Beaufort, South Carolina. I remembered first seeing the run-down house and garden where the ghosts lived. No one would buy the house because it was haunted.

I did not believe in ghosts, but after buying and restoring the 1780 house, things happened that changed my mind. Rumor has it that there were, on average, 120 recovering or sick soldiers on the property during the Civil War because it was Hospital #10 for the African-American soldiers of the 54th Regiment from Massachusetts. Those ill with gangrene, thought to be contagious, stayed in the garden. The interior doors were used as stretchers. Clara Barton might have nursed the men herself.

The former owners informed us that the ghosts of two soldiers lived there. (Not exactly what a house inspector looks for, nor roommates you expect to live with.) I’ll just make friends with them, I thought.

But others were not so sure. My four teenagers said they would not move in because the house’s aura was creepy to them. My husband fell into a fireplace in broad daylight. He said someone pushed him, but I was in the room and didn’t see or feel anyone there besides us. He had to get five stitches above his eye.

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This the scent of the of the lilies made Thissummer summer, the scent lilies made the me revisit the 240 year me revisit 240-year-old house and old house and 1 50 yearreminisce old spirits,about 150-year-old spirits, reminisce about their antics their antics, and think ofand the think B andofB the that I always wanted to run, thatb&bB I always wanted to run— —minus minusghosts the ghosts to wherever go wherever and and do the freefree to go do whateverthey they please, please, night night and whatever andday. day.

The painters, brought from Virginia because of their expertise in painting eighteenth-century houses, each had a ghost experience. They got spooked early on. After putting the first coat of paint on the front hall, they went to lunch and came back to find a flooded floor. One of them took a photo outside and, lo and behold, looking out of one of the ballroom windows was the outline of a person. We moved in, and sometimes I whispered silly things to the ghosts: Welcome, Feel free to stay, Hello, or other nonsense.

Our first dinner guests were an American bishop from Malawi and our parish priest from Savannah, Georgia. They both confirmed that ghosts exist. The bishop said he could remove them, but I had already taken care of that. How else would my family agree to live in this haunted masterpiece? Another friend told me he was a ghostbuster, so when we left for the weekend, he moved in to do whatever it takes to get rid of spirits.

Then there were the husband-and-wife cleaning team.

They were hired by the construction manager to get the house ready to be occupied. A week or two later, I invited the housecleaning couple to help before we hosted a benefit party. The wife came in, and the first thing she said was, “Everything feels different.”

“Right,” I replied, “carpets, curtains, paintings are in . . .”

“No,” she said. “No one is talking. The spirits are gone.” According to the ghostbuster, some people feel

spirits (my husband), some see them (the painters), and some hear them (the lady who cleaned), while others have no connection (me).

However, more spirits returned ten years later, and I saw and heard these myself. They played jazz at two in the morning, moved pots across burners while I cooked, and even rearranged the furniture in the basement. By then, I was a confirmed believer and called back Mr. Ghostbuster. He announced I was running a B and B for ghosts, and he came to shut the inn down.

This summer, the scent of the lilies made me revisit the 240-year-old house and 150-year-old spirits, reminisce about their antics, and think of the B and B that I always wanted to run—minus the ghosts free to go wherever and do whatever they please, night and day.

Recently, other scents take me places too. The smell of scotch inevitably reminds me of my father. When I was a young girl in Somalia, Jesse Owens came over to our house. My father introduced Mr. Owens as the fastest man in the world, and I thought, No way! He is too old. Jesse Owens and my father sat down with a scotch and water, because that’s what my father drank every night. I love thinking of the two elegant men drinking scotch together—one a spy and the other a runner—men of a certain time, intelligence, and seasoning, choosing scotch as their cocktail. The type of scotch they chose was part of their curation, just like the music they listened to, the books they read, and the roads they traveled.

II

f it seems like I am just hanging out with spirits in the time of COVID, that is not entirely true. I do more than drink scotch and sniff ginger lilies.

Why should the magic of scent matter to you? What are your scent memories? More importantly, what will people remember about your scent? Your smell is part of your identity. Perfume, aftershave, cocktail; they are all mixed. One friend described her husband in an evocative and sensual way. She said that she loves his five o’clock smell, the product of his day mixed in with the subtle cologne he applied in the morning.

Now I have several young girls and boys in my life: my eight grandchildren. The eldest was born when I was forty-eight. These days I teach her to bake pies, biscuits, scones, brioche, and challah bread. The house fills with the intoxicating and appetite-inducing smells, making us hungry even when we are not.

al

Origin

Besides devouring all the carbs, my mind focuses on creating memories—aromas that will shape my granddaughter’s future. I imagine when she walks by a bakery one day, eats brioche at breakfast in a Parisian hotel, or rolls pastry and bakes pies when she lives on her own, I will be with her, hovering in her memory. She will know I am still with her and will always be there for her.

The strongest sense, smell, is tied to memory. Ride the scents in your life backward to go on a different sort of trip; then ride them forward to make memories that will live on with those you love.

Suzanne Pollak, a mentor and lecturer in the fields of home, hearth, and hospitality, is the founder and dean of the Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits. She is the coauthor of Entertaining for Dummies, The Pat Conroy Cookbook, and The Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits: A Handbook of Etiquette with Recipes. Born into a diplomatic family, Pollak was raised in Africa, where her parents hosted multiple parties every week. Her South Carolina homes have been featured in the Wall Street Journal Mansion section and Town & Country magazine. Visit CharlestonAcademy.com or contact her at Suzanne@CharlestonAcademy.com to learn more.

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Musings of a Travel Writer IN

QUA RA NTINE

B Y K E L S E Y OG L E T R E E

Evening light shines on the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia Photo by Raymond Choong / Shutterstock 82 | SEPTEMBER 2020

Introspections

I LEARNED MORE THAN I THOUGHT I COULD ABOUT T R AV E L — W I T H O U T T R AV E L I N G .

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oleskine. Tennis shoes. Laptop.

Snacks. Travel-size dry shampoo. At one point, I got so good at packing my carry-on, I could nearly do it in my sleep—and often did. As a travel writer and a morning person, I was always booking the earliest flight out, eager to get where I was going and have as much time as possible to explore my new destination.

Last year, I visited more than a dozen new places, including five new countries. I ate cheese sausages in Vienna, watched the sunset from Munich’s newest rooftop bar, helped a lone baby turtle get to the ocean in Antigua, and sipped champagne in ritzy digs in Las Vegas. I window-shopped in Charleston and snapped selfies under the Saint Louis Arch. I spent the most money I’ve ever dropped on clothes in Cannes and fell in love with rainy days in Paris. This was living, I thought, and I couldn’t wait for 2020 and all the fantastic new travel memories—and plushy hotel stays—it would bring.

In January, my husband and I took an early anniversary trip to Cancun. It was chilly at times, and we said we wished we’d waited until March to go. Little did we know that all travel plans would be foiled for the foreseeable future—exalting that getaway in our minds as the perfect vacation after all.

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Introspections

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THE THRILL OF SEEING SOMETHING FOR THE FIRST TIME IS NOT OFTEN PA R T O F O U R L I V E S A S A D U L T S U N L E S S W E V E N T U R E T O N E W P L A C E S . T R AV E L H E L P S U S F E E L L I K E K I D S A G A I N—T O V I E W T H E W O R L D A S A N O P P O RT U N I T Y T H AT ’ S O U R S T O D I S C OV E R .

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t’s a weird time to identify as a travel writer. Since the pandemic began, I’ve shifted my focus to writing about other topics—as many others have done.

Food stories have been my bread and butter (think: therapeutic effects of baking, spa recipes you can make with kitchen ingredients, best grocery delivery services, barbecue tips from Southern pitmasters), and editors have been assigning health stories left and right, which I’ve gladly taken. I haven’t been able to relate to the flurry of articles about how to fill quarantine downtime, as I’ve been fortunate to remain very busy. For months, it still felt like something was missing, though—like a piece of my energy and creativity had been carved out, leaving a giant hole I couldn’t fill with anything else.

Something I’ve come to understand over the last few months is that losing our ability to venture beyond our homes and see things that we perceive as new can stifle our creativity—or fuel it. I could lament about my trips to Sweden and Australia that are now indefinitely postponed, or I could look to what’s right in front of me—a single hydrangea bush bearing pink, blue, and white flowers; the country’s only Coon Dog Cemetery, a few miles from where I live; my husband’s grandparents, who’ve become like my own, reminiscing about their secret wedding over cups of sweet tea; my purring kitty who waits all day for me to finally turn off my laptop and be still with him—and realize what little I actually pay attention to.

For those of you who travel, you know. The excitement of opening airline apps on your phone in anticipation of your next journey, to adventures still unknown, is impossible to replicate. The thrill of seeing something for the first time is not often part of our lives as adults unless we venture to new places. Travel helps us feel like kids again—to view the world as an opportunity that’s ours to discover.

A fellow travel writer friend and airplane junkie revealed to me recently that he’s been sipping his coffee from cups he confiscated from past flights. Monday, Qantas; Tuesday, United; Wednesday, Austrian Airlines. Another writer I know is writing about pre-COVID travels translated to now, like how she’s practicing a mindfulness trick she learned in Japan to cope with anxiety. I’ve been digging through boxes of tchotchkes that made it into my suitcase, such as a stuffed bear I earned from climbing to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and liberally using room spray from a hotel in Paris around my home office. (By the way, it’s incredible how much scents can bring back travel memories.) I’m also starting to think about travel writing differently.

There’s no denying the allure that faraway places hold. Yet what about all the places around us that we see every day without really seeing them? What do the people we love have to share with us about the places they’ve visited—and how have they changed? What are we missing by looking down at our phones, at our to-do lists, or at people who are different from us instead of looking up?

Right: Writer Kelsey Ogletree sightseeing on the island of Antigua 84 | SEPTEMBER 2020

The inherent shared characteristic of travel writers is curiosity after all. A photographic memory, a keen eye for detail, and an ability to interview on the fly all help too. But is it wonder that causes us to wander—or our wandering that inhibits our sense of wonder in our everyday lives?

My learning from lockdown: the journey of my life is not about the miles I log, the points I earn, or the hotel stays I book. “Don’t get so busy making a living,” Dolly Parton once said, “that you forget to make a life.” I’m taking that thought to heart in quarantine and beyond, reminding myself that inspiration is all around—and relying on my travel writer’s intuition to find it.

Kelsey Ogletree is a freelance journalist covering travel and wellness for national publications, including the Wall Street Journal, AARP, Shape, and Condé Nast Traveler. She’s also the founder of KO Copy, providing resources and workshops to empower publicists and freelance writers to work smarter and better together.

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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED A BOHEME DESIGN, LLC / LAYNE LILLIE PHOTOGRAPHY 2020

A BOHEME DESIGN

Architecture designed around You and the things You love...

www.aboheme.com

L’amour

Giraffe from The Flower Series by Marcel van Luit 48 × 61 inches (122 × 155 cm); €9800, limited edition Visit MarcelvanLuit.com to learn more or shop now.

L’ amour IT’S ALL YOU NEED.

Creating stunning, ethereal works of art one after another is a tall order, but Dutch photographer Marcel van Luit has done it again and again with his surreal digital images.

“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them,” the artist said in a recent post on Instagram. His creativity brings dream worlds to life as animals and people mingle with otherworldly elements, and vibrant colors abound.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 87

Mr. and Mrs.

Díaz

A Seaside Summer Wedding

88 | SEPTEMBER 2020

L’amour

G

rowing up in Miami, Sofia Ponce de Leon and Alfredo “Freddy” Díaz were surrounded by the beauty of the ocean and beaches and a close community of family and friends. It was through mutual friends that the pair met while they were both attending Florida International University; they started dating shortly thereafter. The college sweethearts were together for seven years when a trip to Telluride, Colorado, took their love story to the next chapter.

We got engaged in beautiful Telluride in a gorgeous lodge called the Tempter House, nestled twelve thousand feet up in the Rocky Mountains,” Sofia shares. “It started snowing as soon as I said yes! It was pure magic and a moment I will never forget.”

After that unforgettable trip, it was time to plan their upcoming nuptials, and Sofia says that when it came to the ceremony venue, it was love at first “site.”

“As soon as I stepped foot inside The Chapel at Seaside, I knew it was the place I would marry my best friend,” Sofia says. The pair gathered about a hundred of their closest friends and family at the chapel in picturesque Seaside, Florida, on the evening of June 15, 2019. “Our wedding day was pure magic. I have never felt more beautiful or felt more love from all of our friends and family. The overall look and feel of our wedding was chic and classic.

We had candles everywhere, all-white flowers, and hints of greenery—it was timeless! I have to say that every part of our wedding day was my favorite; however, walking out of that chapel hand in hand with my husband, I never felt better. I truly felt like I was floating on a cloud with my best friend.”

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 89

We had our honeymoon in Bora Bora, French Polynesia.

We chose the location because, honestly, it was a bucket-list destination of ours. We wanted something relaxing, in a beautiful setting surrounded by water and scenic views.

90 | SEPTEMBER 2020

L’amour

T

he gorgeous ceremony was followed by an equally memorable reception at the nearby WaterColor LakeHouse. Local wedding planners Defining Moments Weddings and Joseph Lanzy of WaterColor Weddings assisted the couple as they made arrangements for their big day from Miami. Sofia says that remotely planning everything was challenging but mostly enjoyable thanks to their expertise. The big day went off without a hitch—unless you count the bride and groom getting hitched!

But the fun wasn’t over yet. “We had our honeymoon in Bora Bora, French Polynesia,” Sofia shares.

“We chose the location because, honestly, it was a bucket-list destination of ours. We wanted something relaxing, in a beautiful setting surrounded by water and scenic views. Bora Bora will forever be a special place, as we came home to find out later we’d received the best honeymoon gift ever—our twin girls. Talk about a surprise present!”

Twins Penelope and Charlotte were born February 16, and the happy family has been celebrating ever since. Congratulations, Sofia and Freddy!

Special Thanks Photographer: Hello Miss Lovely Florals and event decor: Florals by the Sea Reception and catering: WaterColor Weddings The Chapel at Seaside wedding planner: Defining Moments Weddings Music: Pete Diaz Productions Hair and makeup: Tania Crawford Bridal gown: Carolina Herrera, from Ever After Miami

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 91

L’intermission

Dining Out

To learn more or book your stay, visit Aman.com.

Removed from the rest of the world, Amanyara resort leaves travelers endlessly inspired by the pure beauty of Turks and Caicos. The private getaway on a nature reserve of eighteen thousand acres features a thoughtfully designed open-air restaurant overlooking a serene reflection pond.

Love, VIE xo V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 93

L’amour

Brown Mr. & Mrs.

A

B a m a - M e e ts -F lori da

Love

Sto ry

Laney Hughes and Andy Brown were just two coeds having a night out with friends when a chance encounter pushed the pair together quicker than you could say “Roll Tide! ” 94 | SEPTEMBER 2020

T

hey met at Rounders, a popular bar and club on The Strip near the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where Laney was attending classes at the time. Andy, a native of Cullman, Alabama, was visiting from Samford University in Birmingham when that fateful meeting happened. “We dated for five years before our engagement, which happened in Laguna Beach, Florida— just two days before Hurricane Michael hit in 2018,” Laney recalls. “We were on cloud nine and weren’t even paying attention to the weather; then all of a sudden, we had to evacuate to my home in Mobile.”

Before the quick exit from Laguna Beach, the proposal itself was a magical affair, Laney says. “He had planned a perfect sunset proposal—I had no idea what was happening as we walked down to the beach. It was such an amazing surprise when the next thing I knew, he was on one knee asking me to be his wife! My first words were, ‘What? Are you sure?’” Of course, once the initial shock wore off, she said yes!

The surprise proposal was made even more special when Andy revealed that his and Laney’s friends and family were waiting for the newly engaged couple at Louis Louis restaurant in nearby Santa Rosa Beach. “They came from all over the country to celebrate with us,” Laney says. “I was so happy to have the people I love most by my side during such a memorable moment.”

This page: Laney Hughes and Andy Brown were married in Mobile, Alabama, on December 7, 2019.

Above left and opposite: The newlyweds enjoyed their reception at the beautiful BraggMitchell Mansion, a historic Greek Revival hometurned-event venue.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 95

W

ith the date set for December 7, 2019, and about 175 guests in mind, the couple spent about a year preparing for the wedding. While many brides-to-be might stress about finding the perfect venue, Laney says she always knew in her heart that she would be married at the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mobile, Alabama, where her family attended services as she was growing up. “It is the most beautiful church and so historical,” she shares. “I also knew since I was a child that I wanted to have the reception at Bragg-Mitchell Mansion.” The historic Greek Revival estate in Mobile was built in 1855 and is now a museum of sorts, open for tours and available for special events. “There is something magical about lights glowing beneath those gorgeous live oaks,” Laney gushes. “I remember driving down Springhill Avenue as a kid and seeing these incredible weddings on the lawn. I just knew that I would be dancing on that lawn someday.”

Above: Laney and Andy said their vows in the stunning Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mobile, where Laney’s family are church members.

96 | SEPTEMBER 2020

Before the dancing could commence, wedding planner Sandy Duffy helped Laney and Andy with all the details, such as floral arrangements and decor, menu, invitations, music, and more. Because of the December date, Laney says she wanted the celebration to be “the ultimate Christmas party,” and even gave Santa Claus hats and string-light necklaces to guests at the reception. “I wanted it to be so enjoyable for everyone else that they would comment it was the best wedding they’d ever been to!” Laney laughs. “There was incredible food, amazing music, and plenty to drink.

I think everyone loved the band; they were fantastic and kept the crowd partying.

L’amour

“

I r e m e m b er d r i v i ng dow n S pr i n g h i l l Av e n u e as a ki d a n d s e e ing t h e se i n cr e di b l e we d d i n g s o n th e l awn. I just k n e w th at I wo ul d b e da n ci n g o n t h at l aw n so m e day.

It was easily the most fun I’ve ever had, and Andy and I just really loved sharing such an amazing moment in our lives with all our loved ones. I am so very grateful to my mother, Sandy, my mother-in-law Janet, and everyone else who helped with making our wedding absolutely perfect!”

After their big day, the newlyweds enjoyed an island honeymoon getaway at Mahogany Bay Resort in San Pedro, Belize. “We loved the people and the natural ambience of every element of the island,” Laney says.

“We can’t wait to return for a special anniversary.”

Special Than k s Photography: Hannah Roberts Photography Flowers: Belle Bouquet Catering and bartending: Naman’s Catering Rentals: Blue Rents Lighting: Showbiz Theatrical Services Music: 2nd Coming Band – Montgomery, Alabama Planning: Sandy Duffy Invitations: Soiree Signatures Hair and makeup: Courtney “Coco” Matthews, Jessica Price Bridesmaids gowns: Bella Bridesmaids Tuxedos: Francia’s Formal Affair Bridal gown and accessories: Carriage House Weddings – Homewood, Alabama V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 97

Debu ts

2020

PRESENTING SPONSORS

VIE is proud to announce its fourth show home, coming this year to Seagrove Beach, Florida!

We are once again working with the developers and owners, Suzy Accola of Q Tile and Jim Accola of Coastal Elements Construction, to create a show home of inspired ideas, the VIE Beach House! They will implement the latest in innovative building techniques, integrated home technology, appliances, and more to build a house unlike any other. An incredible lineup of partners and participants is also on board with building materials, flooring and tile, furnishings and decor, artwork, and so much more.

Stay tuned for more updates as the VIE Beach House – A Show Home takes shape!

PARTNERS Betsey Mosby Interior Design · Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights · Brizo · Frank’s Cash and Carry Gregory D. Jazayeri Design · Lovelace Interiors · Maison30a Home + Garden · Mediterra Tile Mobile Appliance · Summer House Lifestyle · The Beach Group Properties

PARTICIPANTS Artistic Tile · ARTO · BlueStar · Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits · Cindy McCarley Designs E. F. San Juan · Farrow & Ball · Grimes Cabinets · Horton Land Works · Jonah Allen Studio · LiLi Cement Tile New Ravenna · Porcelanosa Tile · Sabine Hill · Shoreline Title · SICIS Tile · Tabarka Studio · YOLO Board

PHILANTHROPY PARTNERS Food For Thought Outreach · The Sonder Project FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES PLEASE VISIT

viemagazine.com/beachshowhome

Petite pause

Take a Dip

The Grace collection by swimwear brand Same Los Angeles is inspired by bygone summers in the South of France, with a modern twist.

This button-front bikini top and high-rise bottom offer a new take on vintage swimwear in a form-fitting silhouette that flatters all body types. The feminine blush ribbed knit with cream details will make you say, “Ooh la la!�

The Grace Top $130 The Grace Vintage High-Rise Bottom $110 SameLosAngeles.com V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 99

DREAM A LITTLE DREAM

Each new day is an opportunity to believe in the extraordinary parts of our lives!

As ever-evolving people chasing ever-greater horizons, we often lose sight of the ground beneath our feet. We can’t know our future or where we’ll go, but we can reminisce about where we’ve been and the magic of childlike wonder. Dream with us and take a look at this retro-inspired selection of carefully crafted and playful pieces. We hope it takes you back in time or into your own present-day adventures!

1

Starry Night In

The Luna Bell Tent $1,300 and up – BellTent.com

100 | SEPTEMBER 2020

C’est la vie

2

Swing in Style

Color-Coded Fun

Nodo Suspension Chair $5,750 – Circu.net

Into the Wild

3

Mega Jumbling Tower $110 – Sunnylife.com

4

Leopard Face Mask and Headband Bundle $35 – LeleSadoughi.com

New Kicks 5 on the Block

Christian Louboutin Vieirissima Two-Tone Leather Sneakers $695 – NET-A-PORTER.com

Flower Power!

6

Ophidia GG Flora Small Backpack $1,800 – Gucci.com 7

Foreign Affairs

Assouline Amalfi Coast Hardcover $95 – Assouline.com

8

Woodstock Wannabe

Embellished Alexander McQueen Gold-Tone Sunglasses $950 – NET-A-PORTER.com

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 101

9

Head in the Clouds

Fantasy Air Balloon Bed Decor $4,030 – Circu.net 102 | SEPTEMBER 2020

C’est la vie

11

Poolside Grooves

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A1 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $250 – NET-A-PORTER.com

10

Curtain Call

Tania Mallet Photograph

by Slim Aarons $995 – JonathanAdler.com

Electric Feel

12

Electric Madsen Bike $3,650– MadsenCycles.com

13

Pastel Pennies

Gray Malin Coral Casino Pouch $155 – NeimanMarcus.com

The Comeback Kid

14

Milano Backgammon Set $395 – JonathanAdler.com V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 103

THE

BEST OF 30A D R AW I N G

WIN a chance to experience

the best 30A has to offer while strengthening communities in sub-Saharan Africa.

PRIZE PACKAGE INCLUDES: A 6-night stay at a luxury 360 Blue property with a private pool, able to sleep at least 10, and much more!

See the complete prize package and enter today at: THESONDERPROJECT.ORG/BESTOF30A

All proceeds benefit The Sonder Project. The Sonder Project is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Santa Rosa Beach, FL whose mission is to strengthen communities through food security, clean water, housing, and education. Since 2014, The Sonder Project has built 9 schools, installed 15 water pumps, and established 2 community farms, benefiting over 40,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa.

Learn more at thesonderproject.org

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

Drawing begins: 08/16/2020. Deadline to Enter: 10/25/2020 11:59 pm CST. Winner Announced: 10/30/2020 12:00 pm CST. Winner chosen at random by RallyUp. Eligibility: open to legal residents of the USA (excluding New York), who are 18 years of age (except 19 in Alabama/Nebraska and 21 in Mississippi) as of the date of entry or older. All federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations apply. Void where prohibited by law. Black-out dates apply to scheduling the winning package. Participants are responsible for reviewing specific restrictions on drawing entry and/or eligibility to receive a drawing prize. See official website for details. No purchase, donation or payment of any kind necessary to enter or win. Visit https://thesonderproject.org/bestof30a for more details.

SCAN TO PARTICIPATE

Le monde

Le monde GOES ROUND AND ROUND

Visit Zaha-Hadid.com to learn more.

Rendering courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects

It’s back to the future for the experts at Zaha Hadid Architects. This summer, the world-renowned firm announced that it has developed a digital architectural platform with AKT II and Hilson Moran Partnership to create homes for Roatán Próspera. The residential designs are a specific ecological and social response to the climate, terrain, and culture of Roatán, the largest of the Honduras Bay Islands in the Caribbean Sea. Learning from the wisdom of the past, these designs integrate the local vernacular tradition of timber construction, climatic appropriateness, and spatial experience with new digital design, engineering, and construction techniques.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 105

Building a World of

Goodness THE SONDER PROJECT PRESSES ON

106 | SEPTEMBER 2020

Le monde

Interview by JORDAN STAGGS Photography courtesy of THE SONDER PROJECT

WHEN FOUNDING THEIR US-BASED NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION, THE SONDER PROJECT, CHAD ZIBELMAN, JASON SPRENKLE, ASHLEY HORSLEY, AND JEREMY SPRENKLE HAD A MISSION TO PROVIDE THE BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS OF ACCESS TO FOOD, WATER, HOUSING, AND EDUCATION TO PEOPLE IN NEED. THE NAME COMES FROM THE CONCEPT OF SONDER, WHICH REPRESENTS THE REALIZATION THAT EVERY PERSON YOU ENCOUNTER OR RANDOMLY PASS IS LIVING THEIR OWN LIFE, WITH COMPLEXITIES, EMOTIONS, THOUGHTS, AND PROBLEMS JUST AS VIVID AND IMPORTANT AS YOUR OWN.

S

ince its inception in 2014, The Sonder Project has worked internationally to promote education in communities in Burkina Faso, a West African nation with one of the lowest rankings on the United Nations Human Development Index. The nonprofit’s efforts grew in 2017 to include sustainability projects to help those communities with the issues of clean water and food security. It has built nine schools, installed fifteen water pumps, and created two irrigated farms abroad, while also establishing community gardens in the US and assisting with relief efforts after Hurricane Michael ravaged the Florida Panhandle in 2018. Now, The Sonder Project has turned its attention to expanding its projects in Malawi, where a group of volunteers joined another nonprofit, buildOn, to build a school in 2017.

in the world in 2019, ahead of only Somalia and Burundi, and their literacy rate of 62 percent puts them in 140th place out of 167 countries around the world.

Additionally, Malawi ranks 172 out of 189 countries on the UN Human Development Index, which compares countries based on a variety of important development factors.

In 2019, we were seeking to expand beyond our partner country Burkina Faso because, unfortunately, the security situation in Burkina Faso is such that we are not able to bring groups there. A big part of why we started The Sonder Project was to connect

Before the spread of COVID-19 racked the world, The Sonder Project established a new field office in Malawi, hired a local project manager, and began making plans to build a new school, create wells, and help with local farms. With an annual operating budget of about $400,000 for 2020, The Sonder Project relies on fund-raising, grants, and donations to keep its projects afloat, so every little bit helps!

We caught up with Zibelman to learn more about Malawi, The Sonder Project’s new field office there, and the nonprofit’s plans for the future.

VIE: How did you connect with the people in Malawi and recognize their needs?

CHAD ZIBELMAN: The need in Malawi is clear. According to the World Bank, Malawi’s GDP per capita was the third lowest

Left: A well established in Malawi

by The Sonder Project Opposite: Children in Malawi wave as they run outside of a newly established school in 2017.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 107

Le monde our supporters to the communities we partnered with to help expand people’s understanding of the world and the importance of our mission. We considered a number of countries in sub-Saharan Africa, as we knew we wanted to grow within Africa, and Malawi stood out on our list. It was the only country in sub-Saharan Africa where The Sonder Project already had a connection, thanks to the school we had built with buildOn, and it has a relatively stable history and was safe for our volunteers to travel there.

To establish our program there, buildOn was also helpful in supporting our efforts by sharing contacts and advertising our job opening. We were able to put together our Malawian board of trustees—a requirement for us to register as an NGO in the country—to help oversee our work. I visited in January of 2020 to conduct interviews for our first hired position in-country and to confirm an office space.

Our new project manager, Beria Michembo, started March 1 and works out of our office in Kasungu. buildOn is also based there, so we continue to work closely with a longtime partner.

VIE: Tell us a little about your experience visiting Malawi in January.

CZ: Malawi is an incredible country. This was certainly not my first time there, so I am familiar with the place, but upon arriving, there is always a joy that washes over me. Malawi is often referred to as “the warm heart of Africa,” and that name comes from the friendliness of its people. On one of my earlier trips to Malawi,

tweens, womens, gi�s 104 north barre� square RO S E M A RY B EA C H , F L

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I stayed with a host family in a rural community, and as their host son, they had to give me a Malawian name.

My host mother decided on Chimwemwe—which means “happy” in the local language, Chichewa— because I was always smiling. Chimwemwe is not only how I’ve come to be known in the country but also how I think of the country itself.

Depending on the time of year you travel to Malawi, you will gain a different perspective. The southern part tends to be more mountainous, green, and rugged.

Particularly in the rainy season, it’s not uncommon for roads to be washed out or impassable, especially off the main thoroughfares. The same can be said of roads in the central and northern areas, but in the central part of the country, where we are currently focused, and outside the capital city of Lilongwe, the terrain tends to be flatter, with the occasional mountain or rock outcropping jutting from the horizon. Lilongwe is a sprawled city that has experienced a growth in cars on the road—be careful traveling during rush hour, because the traffic can put things at a standstill. As you get into the downtown area, you’ll find many people walking around, a big Western-style shopping plaza with a grocery store, and even some fast-food joints. We opted for the pizza;

“

We considered a number of countries in sub-Saharan Africa, as we knew we wanted to grow within Africa, and Malawi stood out on our list.

however, to better experience the culture, you have to eat at one of the open-air restaurants set up under makeshift tents. You can have your choice of nsima (the staple food, which is most commonly a porridge made from cornmeal), rice, or chips (fries). You may also select chicken or my favorite, chambo, which is a fish that comes from Lake Malawi, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. Of course, you always want to be careful eating at such venues and you definitely want to consider sanitation.

As you travel into surrounding towns, such as Kasungu, they tend to be relatively small, with one or two main streets, concrete shops built off the road, and dirt and dust—or mud, depending on the time of year. If you look closely in the countryside, there are usually fewer cars and more bikes and motorcycles. In the villages, the pace of life is slow, and the homes vary in construction from thatched roofs or corrugated steel with walls made of packed earth or bricks. Most everyone in the countryside is a subsistence farmer, so again, depending on the season and especially if there have been good rains, there will be crops everywhere. People rely on the harvest to survive throughout the year.

Above left: Since the spread of COVID-19 began, The Sonder Project has worked with communities in Malawi to build Tippy Tap hand-washing stations like this one.

Above right: Community members in Malawi work with The Sonder Project to build a new well.

Opposite: A school in Malawi built in 2017 by buildOn and volunteers from The Sonder Project V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 109

Le monde

As peaceful as life in the village can be, it can also be quite difficult. Water is often hard to come by, and clean water even harder, sometimes taking hours in a day to collect. Schools may not have adequate structures, and there are only small shops available that often resell items from town. In terms of wildlife, if you look carefully while driving through, you may be lucky to catch sight of baboons in the distance.

VIE: How many partners or volunteers do you have in Malawi? What are their daily goals while The Sonder Project’s US team are unable to travel there?

CZ: We currently have one full-time project manager and two volunteer trustees who advise our work in Malawi. The lack of trips from the US does not impact our ability to do our work. As we are just starting our programs in Malawi, our focus has been on partnering with buildOn to build two schools in 2020. The first school broke ground on June 16, and we plan to break ground on the second school in the fall. Additionally, we are planning to partner with at least three communities this year to install deep wells affixed with manual hand pumps to increase access to clean water. Our project manager has been busy visiting and assessing over ten different communities that have been identified as having a need. Then she conducts a needs assessment by walking the community and talking with its members so we can decide on which communities to work with. Lastly, since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been conducting educational workshops around the disease and have been instructing communities on how to build Tippy Tap hand-washing stations—which are very simple to make out of local materials—and encouraging community members to wash their hands in areas without running water.

VIE: Do you work directly with government agencies in your partner regions?

What are the biggest challenges you face when planning how to aid the citizens of your partner regions?

CZ: Yes, connecting with government agencies and other nongovernmental organizations is an important part of our work. Partnership is one of our core values, and we believe it to be critical to both making a connection and supporting sustainability. At times, connecting with government agencies can be slow and require a number of formalities, but going through this process is essential to build trust and relationships in the countries where we work.

Above: The Sonder Project works with partner communities to create, improve, and sustain farms.

110 | SEPTEMBER 2020

VIE: With the added challenge of COVID-19 impacting the globe this year, how is The Sonder Project pivoting to meet the needs of communities during this time?

CZ: As I mentioned, we conduct educational workshops on the disease and how to build Tippy Tap hand-washing stations. As part of these trainings, we’ve created

handouts that we’ve printed and laminated to be distributed in the local communities. These provide information and tips on disease prevention. We’ve also had to adjust our protocols. Considering our staff travel from larger towns and the communities we partner with tend to be more isolated, our biggest fear is being responsible for transmitting the disease.

As a result, we’ve set protocols that staff are expected to wear masks, refrain from shaking hands, and always wash or sanitize their hands before interactions. This is also why our educational workshops have become important to the local communities, so they understand why our staff members act the way they do. It’s not that people haven’t heard about COVID-19, as villages tend to get information from the radio and via word of mouth, but it’s not uncommon for there to be myths to dispel. As trusted partners, we take our role seriously as ambassadors for the community and reliable sources of information.

Obviously the virus prevents our volunteers from traveling to Malawi at this time. We hope to hold our next school-building trip in the summer of 2021, but exact dates are yet to be determined.

VIE: We are very excited to have The Sonder Project as one of the nonprofit partners for the VIE Beach House – A Show Home, coming to Seagrove Beach, Florida, this fall. As a beneficiary, The Sonder Project will receive a donation from the show home’s developers in appreciation of the terrific Hurricane Michael community relief efforts your organization has spearheaded since October of 2018. Can you give us a brief rundown of those initiatives and their progress?

CZ: We plan to have all of our Hurricane Recovery Funds spent by the end of August 2020. In total, we have helped 220 households in Northwest Florida through our recovery efforts. We plan for our future donations to go toward our global initiatives.

Depending on the funds received, we hope to be able to build a school and/or establish a well through the donation from the show home!

VISIT THESONDERPROJECT.ORG TO LEARN MORE, DONATE, OR GET INFORMATION ABOUT VOLUNTEERING. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE VIE BEACH HOUSE – A SHOW HOME, VISIT VIEMAGAZINE.COM/BEACHSHOWHOME

L’intermission

On Island Time!

Towering green palm trees, crystal waters, sugar-white sand, and an assortment of playful monkeys await those who sail into these exotic Philippine seas. Relax the day away in the perfect tropical escape of Pass Island!

Love, VIE xo V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 111

Bon appétit!

Bon appétit!

THE ESSENCE OF LIFE

Visit ElisabethandButter.com or follow @elisabethandbutter on Instagram for more recipes and stories.

Photos by Brenna Kneiss

One of the simple pleasures in life is enjoying a fluffy, delicious slice of cake! Whether it’s a birthday, a special occasion, or just a weekend when you want to test your skills in the kitchen, baking a cake from scratch will make you—and your family or guests—oh so happy. Elisabeth Farris, the mind and the smile behind popular recipe blog Elisabeth & Butter, Butter, kindly shared this beautiful fresh strawberry cake recipe with us, and we can’t wait to try it. See the next page so you can too!

112 | SEPTEMBER 2020

Directions FOR THE CAKE Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three eight-inch cake pans. Elisabeth greases them with shortening and then dusts the pans with flour all around.

FRESH STRAWBERRY CAKE with STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

In a mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar together for two minutes. The butter will be light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Add egg whites and vanilla and beat for one minute—no more, or your egg whites will change the consistency of the batter.

In a medium-size bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.

By Elisabeth Farris, Elisabeth and Butter YIELD: 3-LAYER, 8-INCH CAKE

Ingredients: FOR THE CAKE

• 1 1/2 cups salted butter (3 sticks), softened to room temperature • 2 1/4 cups sugar • 4 egg whites, room temperature • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 3 cups all-purpose flour

In a blender or food processor, puree fresh strawberries* until smooth and until you have 1/2 cup (Elisabeth used a pint of strawberries and cut the stems off and hulled them). Add this to a liquid measuring cup with the milk. Add about one third of the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat until incorporated, then scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add about half of the milk/strawberry puree to the batter and beat until incorporated, then scrape down the sides of the bowl. Continue alternating the flour and milk, ending with the flour mixture. Do not overmix.

Divide the batter into the three greased pans and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until lightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes and then on a cooling rack until completely cooled. After they cool completely, wrap the cakes in plastic wrap and freeze for a few hours, overnight, or even weeks in advance.

Freezing your layers allows for easier assembly.

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda • 2 3/4 teaspoons baking powder • 1 cup whole milk, room temperature • 1/2 cup strawberry puree*

FOR THE FROSTING In a food processor or blender, grind 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries until you have a half cup of ground strawberries.** In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed for about three minutes, making it light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.

FOR THE FROSTING

• 2 sticks salted butter, softened to room temperature • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature

Slowly add the confectioners’ sugar and freeze-dried strawberries and then beat it on medium speed for two to three minutes, or until light, fluffy, and creamy. If it’s too thick, add one tablespoon of heavy cream.

• 2 pounds confectioners’ sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/2 cup ground freeze-dried strawberries** • Heavy cream, as needed

Frost the cake and top with strawberries!

Tip: Elisabeth uses large and small star tips to make the frosting roses for the top of the cake.

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The Red Bar Returns

By A B I G A I L RYA N

Photography by B R E N N A K N E ISS

30-A’S LANDMARK COMES BACK TO LIFE 114 | SEPTEMBER 2020

Bon appétit!

If you’ve ever visited the beaches of 30-A in Northwest Florida, you know that Grayton Beach’s most famous restaurant, The Red Bar, lives up to all its hype. The eclectic atmosphere, the Red Bar Jazz Band setting the tone for the evening, the chalkboard menus with five delicious items to choose from, and even the up-to-three-hour wait times as guests mill about the front room and around the shops on Hotz Avenue all combine to make this landmark bar and restaurant one of the best experiences in the area.

Many out-of-town patrons and locals were heartbroken to hear the news that The Red Bar had burned down in the early morning of Wednesday, February 13, 2019. The Red Bar was a beloved spot for dining and entertainment in Grayton Beach and around 30-A since 1995. After the disaster, many fans took to social media to share their memories of The Red Bar, whether it was where they had a breakup, a makeup, a first date, a special anniversary, or even a chance meeting with an old friend. That’s what The Red Bar is all about—the community, the friendship, and the memories. It’s a place many people would call a sort of home away from home.

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Bon appétit!

A Far right: Rosario, Oliver “Oli”, Louis Sr., and Philippe Petit celebrate The Red Bar’s reopening in July 2020.

Right: A sculpture of actress Mae West has long been a Red Bar decor staple—you might even find more than one if you look closely around the restaurant!

Below: The iconic Red Bar front door painted by local artist Bryan Hand

fter eighteen months without new memories to build upon, The Red Bar’s owners and staff reopened its doors to the public on Wednesday, July 15, 2020. With nearly the same floor plan and blueprints as the previous building—thanks to the help of architecture firm A BOHEME Design, O’Connell & Associates as the head engineers for the rebuild, and Luke & Blue’s leading the way on the construction— the new Red Bar captures the original, unique spirit we all knew and loved.

Upon entering the new Red Bar’s colorful front door, painted by local artist Bryan Hand, one might notice some familiar sights. Every single intricate piece of decor has been carefully thought out by owner Oli Petit: the first-ever poster hung in The Red Bar from its original opening is now on display in the front room above the band area; the first door is hanging on the wall in the bar; the dedication to the late, great Jabo Starks of the Red Bar Jazz Band is in the front room.

Every inch of the walls (and ceiling) shares a story.

“THE VIBE IS CASUAL, THE DECOR IS FUNKY, THE MUSIC IS FREE FLOWING, AND THE FOOD IS SIMPLY DIVINE, BUT THE REAL HEARTBEAT OF THE RED BAR CAN BE SUMMED UP IN TWO WORDS: OLI PETIT." “All of this is all the different, wonderful little details of Oli and what he enjoys,” says Rene Endres, who was a longtime Red Bar patron before she began dating Oli and now helps with parts of the business. “The vibe is casual, the decor is funky, the music is free flowing, and the food is simply divine, but the real heartbeat of The Red Bar can be summed up in two words: Oli Petit. The restaurant itself and Oli’s character—being from Belgium, being so cosmopolitan, being so gregarious, loving to cook, loving to serve people—this was the foundation for The Red Bar. Oli Petit is The Red Bar. This is the manifestation of all that is in his soul, from the red walls to the decorations, the flavor of the food, the hospitality he shows the people he is able to bring together in one room. Everyone is on the V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 117

Bon appétit!

same level here, from the guy who just got off the fishing dock to the lawyer who comes after work or the realtor in the corner closing a business deal. Oli put that together; that’s his genius and nobody else can do that.”

We are so excited to welcome The Red Bar back to our community and look forward to a lifetime of memories to come!

Wood reclaimed from The Red Bar fire in 2019 was repurposed

by Chris Alvarado of Driftwood Guitars as a memorial art piece. Its origins are carved into top of the circle with a quote from Oli Petit on the bottom, “Happy days are here to stay.”

FABULOUS KIDS’ FASHIONS & TOYS 62 main street ROSEMARY BEACH,FL gigisfabkids.com 850.231.0110

The family at The Red Bar invites you to dine or grab drinks with them daily from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with live music from the Red Bar Jazz Band Tuesday through Saturday evenings and from 30-A local band Dread Clampitt on Sunday and Monday evenings. To learn more, visit TheRedBar.com and follow them on Instagram @theredbar95.

L’intermission

On the Rocks

SPICY PINK WATERMELON MARGARITA

By Código 1530 Tequila

Ingredients: • 2 ounces Código 1530 Rosa Tequila • 3 ounces Pressed Juicery watermelon lime jalapeño juice • .75 ounce fresh lime juice • 1/4 teaspoon jalapeño-infused agave nectar • Fresh jalapeño, sliced (optional garnish) • Kosher salt (optional garnish)

Directions: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the watermelon jalapeño juice, tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar. Shake for thirty seconds. If desired, salt the rim of the glass and garnish with jalapeño slices.

Visit Codigo1530.com to learn more and see more recipes.

ABOUT CÓDIGO 1530 Código 1530 is a premium spirits brand born from a secret recipe known for generations by only a select group of Mexico’s most respected families and finest jimadors. Now available to the world, Código 1530’s offerings—Blanco, Rosa, Reposado, Añejo, and “Origen,” its Extra-Añejo—have been perfected using time-honored customs without ever veering from the traditions of the Los Bajos region and its tequila makers.

Love, VIE xo

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BOOK CLUB THE READERS CORNER

Visit Starfield.co.kr to learn more.

Photo by Efired / Shutterstock

Library, or insanely cool superbookstore? (Well, aren’t all libraries essentially just that?) It seems unsurprising to learn that this massive and modern book palace, designed by the renowned Gensler architectural firm, is located in an underground mall. The Starfield COEX Mall in Seoul, South Korea, offers not only shopping and entertainment but also the Starfield Library, a public reading mecca with thousands of books, magazines, and more.

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READ AND BE HAPPY!

BY SAMANTHA ACCOLA

AS MULTIFACETED PEOPLE, WE ARE ALL TRANSFORMED BY THE STORIES AND LIFE EXPERIENCES OF OTHERS. ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO EXPERIENCE THEM IS THROUGH A GOOD BOOK! BELOW, WE HAVE INCLUDED SOME OF OUR TEAM’S CURRENT READS AND ALL-TIME FAVORITES TO RETURN TO DURING THIS TIME OF SOCIAL DISTANCING AND FORCED ISOLATION. MAY ESCAPING INTO GOOD STORIES HELP US GET THROUGH THIS STRANGE SEASON TOGETHER AND COME OUT BETTER ON THE OTHER SIDE!

122 | SEPTEMBER 2020

The Readers Corner

“

DARIN OLIEN, AN AUTHOR AND PODCAST

Lisa’s pick:

THE GREAT GATSBY

by F. Scott Fitzgerald Almost one hundred years later, The Great Gatsby still rouses inspiration and intrigue in its readers.

The page-turning plot involves desperate affairs, reckless murder, grandiose ideals, and consistent skepticism to depict the deep condition of the human heart and the great lengths it will go to for love. Written

by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1925, this novel will incline you to revel in the celebratory attitudes and intense yet playful mannerisms of the Roaring Twenties. The story centers around Jay Gatsby, a mysteriously wealthy young man living on Long Island, who outwardly leads an extravagant lifestyle and throws wildly lavish parties simply as an attempt to impress the beautiful Daisy Buchanan. The Great Gatsby is a fierce classic and a must-read for all those seeking an escape from the present and a glimpse into the hauntingly complex life of an American dreamer. Start reading, old sport!

HOST, EMPHASIZES FIVE FORCES THAT WILL MAKE YOU “HEALTHY, FIT, AND ETERNALLY AWESOME.

Enjoy Darin Olien’s fresh perspective on a multitude of topics, including the wildly popular health philosophy Shakeology, this from the coformulator himself. SuperLife provides practical tools for the adventurous spirit who desires to embody change and grow in gratitude toward all that nature offers to humankind.

Tracey’s pick:

BIG MAGIC: CREATIVE LIVING BEYOND FEAR

by Elizabeth Gilbert

Jordan’s pick:

SUPERLIFE

by Darin Olien In this lifestyle guide, Darin Olien, an author and podcast host, emphasizes five forces that will make you “healthy, fit, and eternally awesome.” Traveling cross-culturally to find foods and plants that will benefit your health without resorting to unnecessary medicines, his transformative tips and personal experiences will steer you in a clear and viable direction. You may also recognize Darin’s vibrant personality—he costars in the new Netflix series Down to Earth with Zac Efron. He is full of life and humor, and his book unveils his infectious passion for personal betterment.

This highly uplifting book inspires both the most disheartened and the most impassioned dreamers.

Elizabeth Gilbert, the best-selling author of Eat, Pray, Love, gives readers a refreshing perspective on themselves and their crafts through her infectious love for creativity and teaching aspiring artists (a.k.a. ordinary people) how to speak their truths. The thought-provoking and encouraging leader beckons readers to “bring forth the treasures that are hidden within.” From breakdown to breakthrough, Gilbert walks readers through personal blind spots in their stories and gently wraps them in hope and transformative love. For those drawn to self-help or inspirational books, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear feels more like a conversation over coffee with a friend than a sermon. Offering a permission slip to stop making excuses and downplaying rare abilities, this read will leave you wanting more for your life!

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The Readers Corner

“

THIS BOOK AIMS TO REVEAL THE HUMAN

Abigail’s pick:

IT’S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE THIS WAY

by Lysa TerKeurst Big questions don’t scare Lysa TerKeurst. In this favorite, the vulnerable author and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries attempts to answer the gray areas of life, which we, as sensitive individuals, have readily swept under large and far-too-thick rugs. Through honest reflection and humbling humor, Lysa invites us to find the wildflowers of life along the long and personal road of disappointment and setbacks. Some of these sought-after revelations begin with her asking, “What do you do when God’s timing seems questionable, His lack of intervention hurtful, and His promises doubtful?”

It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way allows readers the freedom to consider both the lilies and the roadblocks of their unique journeys and God’s bigger story. Are you up for the challenge—and the inspiration?

EXPERIENCE WITH TESTED OPTIMISM AND AN ANTICIPATION TO LIVE IN THE PRESENT MOMENT.

her alcoholic and violent father. Vividly descriptive from the first chapters, this story will keep readers up late and hungry for what happens next. Where the Crawdads Sing has lived on the New York Times best-seller list for the past seven months, was included in Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine book club, and optioned for film

by Witherspoon’s production company.

Samantha’s pick:

EVERYBODY, ALWAYS

by Bob Goff

Hannah’s pick:

WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING

by Delia Owens Set in the North Carolina marshlands, the adrenaline-inducing novel Where the Crawdads Sing throws the reader through a series of intrigues as the plot thickens. As a zoologist and lover of wild creatures, debut author Delia Owens compares and contrasts the behavior of animals with the nature of humans, as seen through the eyes of a child. This coming-of-age tale and murder mystery resists monotony as protagonist Kya Clark, an abused and abandoned child, is blamed for killing an attractive young man. To the surrounding town, Kya is known as the “Marsh Girl,” as she lives in a shack alongside the isolated wetland with 124 | SEPTEMBER 2020

This book is told through the lens of Bob Goff, a man who, after practicing law for over twenty-five years, quit his law firm to be a “full-time encourager.” Everybody, Always invites the reader along on the thoughtful adventure that is Bob’s life and offers an even greater perspective of a loving and intentional God. Whether piloting between Canadian cliffs, opening a school for witch doctors in Uganda, or celebrating a TSA airport official for an intensely special way of loving others, Bob never ceases to confront the joys of life and the universal call we all have in “becoming love.” Through profound and straightforward lessons, this book aims to reveal the human experience with tested optimism and an anticipation to live in the present moment. After reading this, you will be changed for good, to do good.

Happy reading!

VIE ’S PODCAST PICKS Feed your mind (and give yourself an excuse to buy those snazzy new headphones or earbuds) when you check out our staff’s favorite podcast series.

126 | SEPTEMBER 2020

The Readers Corner

ike the olden days of fireside chats and radio dramas, listening to entertainment has become cool again. If you’re into educational topics, motivational speaking, science fiction, celebrities, movies and TV, or literally anything else, there’s probably a podcast about it—and listening is free for most of them! We could all use something new to keep our brains active and engaged, so here are a few ideas to get you started on your podcast journey.

TRACEY’S PICKS Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations This curated selection of Oprah’s favorite interviews with leaders in the fields of wellness, mindfulness, faith, and more is a deep and meaningful series that’s sure to leave your soul feeling refreshed and inspired after every episode. From leading experts to bestselling authors, Oprah’s guests are absolutely the best!

Gucci Podcast The Gucci house of fashion and its creative director, Alessandro Michele, love creative collaborations! Whether it’s with artists, musicians, or other fashion icons, these creatives have now come together with Michele on the Gucci Podcast to share behind-the-scenes stories and inspirations.

HANNAH’S PICKS 99% Invisible Producer Roman Mars is here for all the design lovers—and those who are just curious about little known parts of our world. This weekly series takes a look at architecture and art in places that we might never even notice, focusing on details and the processes and psychology behind thoughtful, well-planned design.

Radiolab WNYC Studios produces this engaging and educational series for all ages! The nationally syndicated radio show has now been released as a podcast so you can listen anywhere, anytime. Covering topics far and wide as they explore “science, philosophy, and mankind’s biggest questions,” Radiolab has been exploring the globe since 2002.

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The Readers Corner

Typology

JORDAN’S PICKS New Mindset, Who Dis? This self-improvement series is hosted by Case Kenny, the founder and editor-in-chief of PRSUIT, an online media platform sharing advice and stories for young adults finding their place in the world. New Mindset, Who Dis? is a different kind of podcast; instead of interviews, it features daily motivational talks from Kenny and guided meditation.

Have you ever wondered why you thrive in certain work environments over others, or the intrinsic reasons your “Zen” friend might be avoiding confrontation? Hosted by author, speaker, and counselor Ian Morgan Cron, Typology explores the “mystery of the human personality and how we can use the Enneagram typing system as a tool to become our most authentic selves.” This conversational podcast features inspiring guests from every sphere of life and reveals the personal power of how understanding can shape the ethos of our lives.

NASA’s Curious Universe We all know NASA is the expert on outer space, but the agency is also a leader in exploration on earth. Curious Universe gives listeners the best of both worlds— ours, and the one beyond. Listen in as NASA scientists, engineers, and, yes, astronauts talk about the wild and wonderful universe we call home.

ABIGAIL’S PICKS Bachelor Party Do you accept this rose? If you’re a fan of The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and all their TV spin-offs, then say yes to The Ringer’s dedicated Bachelor Nation podcast. Guests include cast members, superfans, and more discussing each episode’s events, behind-the-scenes news, the best dates, celebrities, and all the tea!

How I Built This with Guy Raz Join NPR’s Guy Raz as he delves into the world of global corporations, companies, entrepreneurs, and innovators. How does a garage start-up become an international phenomenon, or a person with an idea become a CEO with an empire?

It’s all here, along with the histories and stories of some of the household brands we all know.

SAMANTHA’S PICKS Fight Hustle, End Hurry In an era marked by “hustle culture” and to-do lists, author and pastor John Mark Comer and author Jefferson Bethke embrace the urgent need for rest and slowing in our societal temperament.

Listen in to this ten-episode series to identify profound daily rhythms that will grow you spiritually and celebrate the call to simplicity!

128 | SEPTEMBER 2020

LISA’S PICK Meredith for Real: The Curious Introvert “I’m Meredith, the most extroverted introvert who ever introverted, and I collect people . . . for real. I believe curiosity is worth cultivating, so I made a podcast to stir yours up.” Okay, host Meredith doesn’t literally collect people—she collects their stories and experiences in her down-to-earth, half-hour podcast episodes where the conversation topics seem to include everything under the sun. If Meredith is curious about it, you’re going to learn about it—and her guests are fascinating, so it’s worth a listen!

VIE SPEAKS: CONVERSATIONS WITH HEART & SOUL Of course, we couldn’t leave off our podcast! This year, the creators of VIE embarked on a new adventure to make VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul. This podcast series features our CEO and editorin-chief, Lisa Marie Burwell, hosting guests at VIE HQ and chatting about various topics. Each guest is an expert in his or her field, and each conversation is an entirely unscripted look into a different brilliant and beautiful mind. The series kicked off with Laurie Hood, a nationally renowned animal rights activist and founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge—a onehundred-acre no-kill animal sanctuary in Freeport, Florida. VIE Speaks began as a live speaker series in 2014, and this podcast is an extension of that, bringing together insightful artists, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and more to share their thoughts and stories.

Petite pause

You Only L i ve Once

If any brand embodies the spirit of adventure and a love of the great outdoors, it’s YOLO. Standing by its namesake motto, “You only live once,” the Northwest Florida–based outfitter has expanded across the US and beyond with its stand-up paddleboards and other water-sports equipment, bikes, accessories, clothing, and more. Whether you hit the Gulf, the coastal dune lakes, or the bay, it’s time to get up and get moving!

Visit YOLOboard.com to learn more.

Photo by Sean Murphy, courtesy of YOLO V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 129

S U P E R I O R

Euro-Wall Systems, founded and based in Florida, manufactures custom folding, sliding, and pivot door products that offer the tallest and widest panels available with a Florida Product Approval. Interior or exterior, commercial or residential, Euro-Wall offers solutions that will fit seamlessly into your project.

E U R O - WA L L . C O M

B Y

D E S I G N

Frank’s Cash and Carry 244 FL-20 | Freeport, FL 32439 850-835-4221

The Last Word

Solution on next page

HIT THE ROAD!

BY MYLES MELLOR

ACROSS

DOWN

1 5 7 8 10 13 15 17 19

1 2 3 4 5 6 9 11 12 14 16 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 30 33 34 36

21 22 25 28 29 31 32 34 35 37 38

Mammals with flippers (you can swim with them at Crystal River) Road trip essential Bar offering Space Center at Cape Canaveral Famous resort name in Nashville Stylish Fly catcher Arkansas city with a zoo, ___ Rock “Melting clock” painter whose work is displayed in a museum named after him in Saint Petersburg Louisville Slugger, e.g.

The East Coast is lapped by one Florida’s southernmost point (2 words) Gold in France Party hearty Edge Scottish-style village north of Tampa North Carolina’s __ Mitchell (abbr.)

Route word Tide action Mountain in Chattanooga

____ Caverns in Harrison, Arkansas Site of the Country Music Hall of Fame Journey Large deer One of the best beaches in the US, on Florida’s west coast Mantas, e.g.

Buccaneer’s org.

The works Marina ___ Rey, California Roman numeral 101 Famous estate in Asheville, North Carolina Color quality or value Black bird One who seeks out the best restaurants “Walk on __,” Dionne Warwick song French vineyard Billy Joel’s “Just the Way You ___” Japanese martial art __ Capitan, summit in California Enjoy a bench Roman numeral 6 Suddenly seize Jersey call Distance measurement (abbr.)

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The Last Word

9

“

I just can’t wait to get on the road again.

—Willie Nelson

”

STORIES OF WANDERLUST ONE-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION FOR $29.95 V IE M A G A ZINE .C OM / S UB S CR IBE

BECOME PART of a BEAUTIFUL COFFEE TABLE BOOK CELEBRATING our HOME. DEBUTS WINTER 2020 Contact Editor-in-Chief Lisa Burwell to learn more at Lisa@viemagazine.com

Au revoir!

Photo by Bill Ingalls, courtesy of NASA.gov

Au revoir!

BEFORE YOU GO . . .

Welcome home! The SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft made history and attracted a crowd as it landed in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Pensacola, Florida, on Sunday, August 2, 2020.

NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley were on board as part of the Demo-2 test flight for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. This was the first program to deliver astronauts to the International Space Station and return them safely to Earth aboard a commercially built and operated spacecraft. Behnken and Hurley returned after spending sixty-four days in space, also marking the first time in forty-five years that American astronauts returned to Earth by splashdown.

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Fall Class Registration Now Open In-Person & Virtual Classes Available

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NFBallet.org/Classes

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