Welcome to the Puddle Jumper, our new guide to the best things to do, see, and pack for the best weekend every weekend.
Not every weekend can be spent beachside. Besides, a little nip in the air builds character.
At Home…
Since 1993, the Outsider Art Fair (held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City) has provided a platform for untrained and unknown artists working across a range of traditional and unique mediums to have their moment in the spotlight. This year’s edition will feature artists representing 35 cities from 10 countries.
And Abroad…
Interested in getting a feel for the rest of Japan, but only have time for its capital city? Stop by Furusato Matsuri (Hometown Festival)! This festival, held annually in Tokyo, gathers the unique specialties and cultures from Japan’s other regions and puts them all one place. Enjoy samplings of food, sake, and beer from around the country, while never leaving the capital.
Where We Want to Go This Weekend
Instead of scurrying away to warmer climes, this week we’re embracing the winter season and heading to the Catskills—specifically, Windham. Because there’s something to be said for heading out into nature, going from startled to refreshed by the chilled air, and then closing out your day swaddled in comfy blankets or enjoying an after-dinner drink by a roaring fire.
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Stay: The Eastwind Hotel & Bar is what you daydream about when you imagine leaving city life behind. Cozy yet aesthetically beautiful accommodations, family dinners on Saturday night, and, yes, your dog can come too!
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Do: Hit the slopes at Windham Mountain or, if you’re one of the less coordinated/athletic members of your party, get your downhill thrills tubing at the ski resort’s adventure park.
Eat: Settle in at Bistro Brie & Bordeaux for traditional French favorites.
What We’re Reading on the Plane
In contrast with the bestiaries of the Middle Ages (which compiled beasts alongside moral lessons) the real and mythical creatures that populate Donika Kelly’s debut poetry collection, Bestiary, are aligned with grand and intimate meditations on identity, trauma, and love.
What We’re Downloading to Watch on the Plane
Sure, a black and white movie about two old-timey lighthouse keepers slowly descending into madness (that’s also presented in a 1.19:1 aspect ratio) makes it sound like The Lighthouse may not be a relatable viewing experience. But by the time Willem Dafoe goes on a two-minute-long monologue calling on Triton the sea god to drag Robert Pattinson down to a stinking, watery grave you may be reminded of the last time you decided to go on vacation with a friend but then you started to get sick of each other after the trip went on a day too long. If nothing else, Robert Eggers’ strange, stunning, surprisingly flatulence forward follow up to The Witch will give you plenty to puzzle over.
Note, this movie contains a (now infamous) sex scene involving a mermaid as well as masturbation so, you know, only watch this on a plane if you’re not seated next to any kids or anyone else you don’t want to make things awkward with if they glance at your screen at the wrong time.
What’s in Our Carry-On
The Calpak Travel Wallet does two disparate things really well. One, it’s wonderfully functional. It has nicely designated places for your passport, cards, currency, documents and a place to securely hook your keys. You can throw it in your personal item or easily wear it as a crossbody or fannypack. But, thanks to its removable faux-fur strap, it’s also really fun—proving that playfulness and practicality can live in harmony.