In this issue:

• The more we age, the more it matters

• Gentle stretch with Natasha

• Independence and fall prevention

• Building the habit

• Foods that flex with you – plus bonus recipes

• Become a flex symbol

Ten minutes a day toward independence, mobility, and longevity

There’s a reason why we yawn and stretch when we wake up. And there’s even a name for it: pandiculation. Aside from feeling good, the Cleveland Clinic reports that our bodies do this to wake up after hours of inactivity. That wake-up stretch has miraculous benefits. It:

• Resets and loosens muscles; this ultimately prevents pain by easing the stiffness that comes from long periods of immobility

• Improves circulation to warm up our muscles and joints so they move more freely

• Increases heart rate and brain activity to help shift from a restful state to alertness

NEW VIDEO!

Gentle stretch with Natasha

Boost circulation to your muscles as you improve posture, and soothe daily aches, tension, and stress.

That same principle applies to building flexibility through 10 minutes of daily stretching. Natasha, Tapestry’s certified trainer, will show you how to start slowly and work your way toward greater flexibility. 

HEALTH BENEFITS

The more we age, the more it matters

Stretching can help turn back time. 

Starting in our 30s, muscles naturally shorten and lose elasticity, a process that silently accelerates with each passing decade. Tight hamstrings, a stiff lower back, and reduced shoulder mobility: these aren't just annoyances. They're early signs that the body is losing its range of motion. Left unchecked, that loss compounds. Tasks that once felt effortless, such as reaching overhead, bending down, or turning to check a blind spot, take more effort. And over time, effort becomes avoidance.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Stretching interrupts that cycle. Regular flexibility work helps maintain the length and suppleness of muscle fibers, keeping joints moving through their full range of motion. Think of it as maintenance for the most complex machine you'll ever own.

For more information on setting up a routine that meets your needs, check out the Harvard Health guide or read the Mayo Clinic overview.

SELF-CARE

The bigger picture: independence and fall prevention

Flexibility is a pillar of functional independence.

Here's what doesn't get talked about enough: the ability to move freely and confidently is directly linked to balance, coordination, and fall prevention. According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury among adults over 65, and reduced flexibility is a contributing factor. Stretching strengthens the neuromuscular pathways that tell your body where it is in space. It’s called proprioception, or in other words, greater stability on your feet.

The good news? It's never too late to start, and the gains come faster than most people expect. Even modest consistency – 10 minutes a day, most days – produces measurable improvements in flexibility within a few weeks.

HEALTHY HABITS

Making it something to look forward to

It feels good…it does good

The most effective stretching routine is the one you'll actually do. A few principles to get started:

• Timing is everything: Stretching after light movement, like walking, is more effective than stretching cold muscles first thing in the morning.

• Hold, don't bounce: Static stretches held for 20–30 seconds allow the muscle to genuinely release. Bouncing activates a protective reflex that works against you.

• Focus on the big four: Our hips, hamstrings, shoulders, and spine bear the burden of sedentary habits but have the biggest benefits when kept loose.

• Pain means stop: Stretching should feel like mild tension or pull. It should never cause sharp pain or discomfort. Back off if something hurts.

NUTRITION

Foods that flex with you

An anti-inflammatory diet can help your efforts

Foods that promote flexibility work indirectly; rather than stretching tissues themselves, they lubricate joints, reduce muscle inflammation, and supply the building blocks (like collagen) needed for healthy connective tissue.

• Hydrating foods (berries, watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes) — keep muscle tissue supple since dehydration limits elasticity

• Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, sardines, chia seeds) — natural anti-inflammatories that reduce joint stiffness and soreness

• Collagen & Vitamin C (bone broth, lean poultry, citrus fruits, bell peppers) — support connective tissue repair and joint health

• Magnesium-rich foods (spinach, kale, almonds, pumpkin seeds) — help muscles relax and prevent cramping

It turns out that what you eat has a real impact on how flexible and mobile you feel, and top health experts agree on the basics. 

Mayo Clinic advocates the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes olive oil, avocados, walnuts, and plenty of omega-3-rich fish. These foods help reduce inflammation in the body, while sugary, processed foods tend to increase it (and worsen stiffness). 

Harvard Health backs this up, finding that people who eat anti-inflammatory foods over the long haul tend to have healthier cartilage and less joint pain, especially when they pair this diet with light strength training. 

The Arthritis Foundation gets even more specific, recommending a couple of servings of cold-water fish each week to help fight inflammation, along with snacking on cherries and blueberries, which may help keep your connective tissue strong. Bottom line: eating well isn't just good for your waistline—it's one of the easiest ways to keep your joints happy and stay limber for whatever life throws your way.

Bonus recipes: Try this easy mango salmon and top it off with some tasty chia pudding.

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DESIGNING YOUR BEST LIFE

Become a flex symbol

It only takes ten minutes

Ten minutes. That's the ask. 

Not a gym membership, not special equipment, not rearranging your schedule. It’s just a small daily investment in the body that carries you through everything else. The research is clear, the benefits are real, and the barrier to entry is about as low as it gets.

So go ahead. Reach a little further today than you did yesterday. Your future self will thank you.

_{The content provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine, and never disregard professional medical advice based on information you read here.}

In this issue:

• A tribute to Dolly Parton

• Dolly’s recipes

• My Tennessee Mountain Home

• Visiting Sevierville

Thank you for sharing yourself with the world

This past week, the world lost one of its brightest lights. She was a beacon for spreading hope, compassion, and generosity. She was a beautiful soul whose warmth was felt and will continue to radiate for generations to come. Dolly Parton devoted her life to showing us how to face hard times with grace. Success with gratitude. Challenges with grit and glitter. 

What made Dolly extraordinary wasn't just the music. It was more than the spunky characters she played in movies like Steel Magnolias and 9 to 5. It went beyond her quick wit and memorable quotes. 

It was her gift for connecting.

I felt that connection on a beautiful June evening in 2016. A dear friend called to ask if my daughter and I would join him and his wife to see Dolly at Wolf Trap in Northern Virginia. Of course, we said yes. I had never seen her perform live before, and my daughter and I were swept up by her energy and instant bond with the audience. Dolly’s music and narrative filled the night air as her presence filled every corner of the venue. It felt as if she were having a personal conversation with each of us. You just couldn’t help but to be drawn to her.

This was how she moved through the world. 

Dolly Parton famously transformed her modest mountain beginnings into a lifelong mission of giving back. Deeply moved by her father's inability to read or write and how it may have held him back from his dreams, she established the Imagination Library. This program provides millions of children from every walk of life with a new book each month, sparking a passion for literacy and building a beautiful bridge to the world.

She didn’t stop there.

Dolly never let her success distance her from where she came from. She kept her sense of humor even when talking about hardship. She showed up for people quietly, meaningfully, without needing any acknowledgment or praise. And she never apologized for being exactly who she was, rhinestones and all. More than her voice, more than the sparkle, Dolly's greatest gift may have been the simplest one: she showed us how to be good people.

For those of us in the second half of life, there's also something particularly worth noting. It was how Dolly aged; not chasing relevance or apologizing for growing older, but creating, showing up, and being generous with her time, her talent, and her resources. She was true to who she was, proving that reinvention is a lifetime pursuit. 

Thank you, Dolly, for the brilliance you brought to the world. Your light will forever shine.

Pam Miller

Editor-in-Chief

Food is love: Dolly’s recipes

Photo credit: TODAY show on NBC.

"I'm not a gourmet cook. My food is not pretty, but it's good. I cook like my mom, my grandmas and my aunts. I'm still one of those people that really can cook, like the old days. That soul food cooking."  — Dolly Parton

As autumn approaches, we wanted to share a few heartwarming recipes from the rural and mountain kitchens of East Tennessee — the same hills and hollers Dolly Parton called home. These are her recipes, built on simple ingredients and the know-how passed down through the generations.

Dolly’s Legendary “Stampede Soup” This creamy vegetable soup is served at Dolly’s Stampede, a family-friendly arena show of trick riding, aerialists, and comedy that offers a traditional, utensil-free, four-course Southern feast. 

Dolly’s Famous Chicken ‘N Dumplings Chicken and dumplings is about as homey as it gets; true comfort food that Dolly often prepared in her kitchen.

Dolly’s Apple Stack Pie A dessert as old as the hills, apple stack pie is made with as many pancake-thin cake layers as a family had the ingredients for, layered with an apple filling and left to sit overnight until it softened into a spice cake. 

Hungry for more? Dolly Parton’s lifelong passion for global youth literacy is funded in part by cookbook sales. Her share of profits from her classic vintage collection, Dolly’s Dixie Fixin’s: Love, Laughter and Lots of Good Food, and her latest release, Good Lookin’ Cookin’: A Year of Meals, goes directly to the Dollywood Foundation. 

Proceeds from her cookbook sales support Imagination Library, a program that mails a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book to millions of young children worldwide every month. To enroll a child from birth up to age five, parents can visit the official Imagination Library Availability Checker to enter their location, find a local participating community partner, and submit an application.

My Tennessee Mountain Home

A panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains from Sevierville, Tennessee.

To appreciate Dolly, you have to understand the mountains she came from.

She was born on January 19, 1946, and raised in Sevierville, Tennessee. As the fourth of twelve children born to Robert and Avie Lee Parton, she grew up in a remote cabin on Locust Ridge, a rural community in the hills between Sevierville and the national park. Dolly often recalled that they had no running water or electricity; cold baths, bare floors, and insulation crafted from newspaper were the stark reality of the home she'd later immortalize in “My Tennessee Mountain Home.” 

Yet the Parton home was one full of faith, family, and music. Her mother often sang old ballads from the British Isles to her children. Her grandfather was a Pentecostal preacher whose church became the site of Dolly's earliest performances. With little in the way of toys, she made her own entertainment — chasing butterflies, catching June bugs and tying them to strings, the kind of upbringing that only a mountain childhood could give you. Watch the Parton family sing In the Pines — a song that will tug at your heartstrings.

Sevierville matters to her story and her climb to stardom. Tucked away in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the town saw something in Dolly long before the rest of the world caught on, covering her in the local paper as a young child. By the time she was a teenager, her talent had already attracted regional attention. And the morning after graduating from high school in 1964, Dolly packed up her belongings and moved to Nashville knowing exactly what she wanted.

Yet, she never really left Sevierville, though. Not in the way that mattered. A replica of her childhood home stands today at Dollywood, built by her brother and designed by her mother, filled with the details of that childhood: firefly jars used as lamps, newspaper-insulated walls, floral wallpaper. And in downtown Sevierville, outside the 1896 Sevier County Courthouse, there's a bronze statue of a barefoot Dolly sitting on a rock with her guitar … a fitting tribute from the town that raised her.

Visiting Sevierville

If Dolly's story has you pining for a trip to the Smokies, Sevierville is an idyllic place to begin your journey. It's quieter than neighboring Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, but just as close to everything. It’s a special opportunity to experience the region that inspired Dolly’s music.

Downtown: Start at the 1896 Sevier County Courthouse, the first courthouse in Tennessee listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Dolly's bronze statue sits on the lawn, guitar in hand. Stop by the recently renovated Sevier County Heritage Museum to learn about the region's history.

Scenic drives and outdoors: Sevierville sits right at the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the country’s most visited national parks. If you can, autumn is its best season, with brilliant colors painting the mountainsides and smaller crowds than in summer. 

A drive along the park's edge or a stop at Douglas Lake offers mountain views without a strenuous hike. For an easy walk, try the Sevierville Historic Walking Trail downtown.

Wine, cider, and spirits: This part of Tennessee is a popular destination for wine and moonshine tastings. Start with a visit to nearby Cades Cove Cellars and Tennessee Homemade Wines. If you have time, stop by the Tennessee Shine Company and Junction 35 Spirits for a taste of the local moonshine tradition. The Apple Barn Hard Cider Company is a nice nod to the region's renown for apple-growing.

Underground and underrated: Despite its name, Forbidden Caverns welcomes visitors with an hour-long guided tour through underground rock formations. Located about 30 minutes outside town, the caverns stay a cool 58 degrees year-round, so bring a light jacket no matter the season.

For more information, visit Sevierville Country Tourism. And to listen to 50 of her most memorable songs, go to Spotify, kick back, and enjoy.

_{NOTE: Claude AI was used to organize this tour; information verified and edited by Tapestry staff}

In this issue:

• Secrets to living a singularly sensational life

• The trip you've been putting off

• Cooking for one, done right

• Finding like-minded people

• The pastimes worth doing just for you

• Challenge: pick an indulgence for the upcoming week

Striking out on your own

There's a serenity I discovered as a young, divorced mother years ago — a calm that quietly arrived when I realized I had far more control over my time than I had imagined. It was time I could use to rebuild my life around my daughter first and then my needs, which I had overlooked. And it was a chance to rediscover the quiet spaces I had once overlooked and fill them with meaning.

I also learned to celebrate solitude by how I structure my day. Long walks with a captivating novel playing in my earbuds. Preparing a guest-worthy meal for myself, with the table set with my good dinnerware. Playing pickleball and meeting new friends. Traveling to New York to indulge in a little shopping and catch up with old friends. I'm also lucky to have my family nearby and an active social circle.

Some of us may long for the "we"; others charted this course intentionally, and some arrived here by circumstance, with an adjustment that wasn't easy. Wherever you're starting from, this issue is for you.

— Pam Miller, Editor-in-Chief

TRAVEL

The trip you've been putting off

Solo travel often gets filed under "someday," usually because it feels like it needs a plan, a companion, or the confidence you haven't quite built yet. None of those are actually required. 

The key is to plan a trip with enough built-in structure so you're never staring down an entire day with little to lean on. Here are a few ideas that reward the solo traveler, with no waiting on anyone else's calendar:

Begin closer to home and travel to a nearby city for the weekend to see a special exhibit, sporting event, or performance. Or visit a friend in another part of the country and build in time to explore on your own.

A river cruise. Many lines now waive the costly single supplement on select sailings, and the built-in social structure (communal dining, shore excursions, a bar that knows your name by day two) means you're never actually alone unless you want to be.

A stay at a national park lodge, off-season, with a stack of books and no itinerary beyond "see what's outside today." The Old Faithful Inn, Zion Lodge, and the Ahwahnee at Yosemite accommodate solo travelers beautifully.

A weeklong cooking class in Italy or France. These trips center on a shared table and a shared skill, which means instant company at every meal without a single awkward icebreaker.

A scenic train route — the Rocky Mountaineer, the California Zephyr, or a European rail pass — where the "activity" is simply watching the world change outside your window, uninterrupted by anyone wanting to talk it through. 

The instinct isn't misplaced, either. A 2025 review of the psychology of solo travel found that these travelers consistently report high life satisfaction and low loneliness, even during extended stretches of alone time — particularly when that solitude is chosen and balanced with some social contact along the way, which is exactly what a river cruise or cooking class provides built in.

Suggested reading:

The Joys of Traveling Alone

All Aboard the Good Life Express

A Return to the B&B

Safe Travels

FOOD

Cooking for one, done right

Cooking for one gets a bad reputation it doesn't deserve,  usually because it's treated as a scaled-down version of cooking for a crowd. Done right, it's actually the easiest way to eat exactly what you want, exactly how you like it, every night.

Buy good ingredients, in the right quantities. A beautiful piece of fresh fish, real parmesan, the good olive oil — solo cooking is where small, high-quality purchases go furthest, because there's no one to split the good stuff with. 

Learn how to plate your meal so it is as appealing to the eye as it is to your appetite.

Cook once, eat with intention twice. Roast a whole chicken on Sunday, and you've got dinner, a next-day salad, and stock simmering by Tuesday — without ever feeling like you're eating "leftovers."

Invest in the right-sized tools. A small cast-iron skillet, a single-serving gratin dish, and a proper little saucepan — cooking for one in oversized pots is part of what makes it feel like a chore. The right tools make it feel like cooking for someone who matters, because it is.

Set the table. Cloth napkin, the good plate, a glass of wine. The meal tastes different when it's treated as an occasion rather than a task.

Prepare a great entree that freezes well. I’ll buy a pot roast or short ribs, with the intention of freezing the leftovers in individual servings so a satisfying meal is always ready when I want it. Soups, stews, and chilis also work well here.

Suggested reading:

Simple Plating Tips for Home Cooks

Top Tips for Cooking for One

Clean Cookware for People Who Actually Cook

You've probably seen Made In Cookware® by now. Used in 4,000+ professional kitchens and trusted by millions of home cooks, they also offer one of the largest PFAS-free cookware collections available.

Shop Clean Cookware

CONNECTION

Finding like-minded people 

Independence and isolation are not the same thing, and one of the best-kept secrets of solo living is how much built-in company is available to those pursuing it — you just have to know where to look.

Researchers draw a clear line between the two. Solitude researcher Thuy-vy Nguyen, who runs a dedicated lab on the subject at Durham University, and her collaborator Netta Weinstein have spent years showing that solitude — time alone by choice — is nothing like loneliness, which is really about a mismatch between the connection you want and the connection you have. The goal isn't to avoid solitude. It's to make sure the connection side of the ledger is covered on your own terms, too.

Solo-specific travel companies like Overseas Adventure Travel and Road Scholar are designed from the ground up for single travelers, with no supplement fees and itineraries built around group connection.

A standing class, not a one-off. A weekly pottery studio, a wine education course, a language class that meets the same night every week — recurring structure builds real acquaintances over time in a way single events rarely do.

Walking groups and hiking clubs, many organized specifically for retirees and empty nesters, offer built-in company for an activity often assumed to be solitary.

Supper clubs for solo diners have grown in most cities — communal tables are set up to introduce people dining alone to one another, with no dating-app energy involved.

A regular seat at a regular place. The bartender, the barista, the person who always sits two stools down at your Thursday spot — familiar faces in a regular rotation build a quieter kind of company that adds up over months.

You don't need to transform your personality to become more outgoing. It simply involves choosing environments where you see the same friendly faces more often.

LEISURE

The pastimes worth doing just for you

Some hobbies are best shared. These are not those. A few pastimes are genuinely better solo — no compromise in pace, no one to entertain, nothing to explain:

• Birdwatching, a hobby that rewards patience and silence in ways group activities rarely do.

• Learning an instrument you've always meant to, at your own pace, with no one in the next room judging your scales.

• Genealogy research, an entire afternoon spent disappearing into records and names,.

• Enjoying a long solo hike, set at exactly your pace, with stops whenever you want.

• Creative activities, like painting, pottery, or any craft with your hands, done in solitude.

• Taking an online language course to brush up your skills or learn something new.

DESIGNING YOUR BEST LIFE

Challenge: pick an indulgence for the upcoming week

Pick one trip, one meal, or one pastime from this issue and put a real date on the calendar — not "someday," but an actual day. The life you're building for yourself deserves the same commitment you'd give anyone else's plans.

_{The content provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine, and never disregard professional medical advice based on information you read here.}

^{Tapestry occasionally uses AI tools like Claude for background research, structuring outlines, and brainstorming. Every edition is fully written, fact-checked, and verified by a human.}

In this issue:

• The Hudson Valley: New York's Quiet Food Country

• Maryland & Virginia: Award-Winning Wine Country

• Charleston & the Lowcountry: Where Farm Meets Sea

• Planning Your Trip: A Practical Guide

• Bringing the Grandchildren: A Multigenerational Guide

Exploring vineyards, history, and gastronomic delights

Some of the best travel memories aren't built around landmarks. They're made sitting around a table. I made many deep memories in Sonoma, where innovative cuisine flows as freely as the wine.

Wherever your heart leads you, following a culinary trail is a relaxing journey that invites you to drive a little slower, stop a little more often, and let the season's harvest guide you to each destination. This issue maps out a handful of regions stretching from the Hudson Valley, New York, down the East Coast through Maryland and Virginia to the Carolinas, then following the road to Alabama and Louisiana.

We've also built in something new for this edition: a guide to bringing grandchildren along. Several of the destinations below, especially in wine country, have slowly become some of the most welcoming places in the world for multigenerational travel, with vineyards that double as petting farms and chefs who think nothing of sending out a plate of fries alongside the tasting menu.

— Pam Miller, Editor-in-Chief

NEW YORK · THE HUDSON VALLEY

New York's quiet food country

Rolling farmland an hour and a half from Manhattan

Over the last two decades, the Hudson Valley has emerged as one of the most dedicated and most casual farm-to-table cultures in the country. Here, the greatest concentration of wineries in Dutchess and Ulster Counties is connected by two actual, mapped wine trails, making it easy to plan a few days with minimal time in the car.

West of the river, in Ulster and Orange Counties, the Shawangunk Wine Trail is the larger and older of the two: an 80-mile route established in 1984 that links about a dozen wineries nestled between the Shawangunk Mountains and the river, on land where French Huguenots were planting vines as early as the 1600s. Robibero Family Vineyards in New Paltz is a satisfying first stop, offering wood-fired pizza and live music most weekends. The historic Stoutridge Winery & Distillery in Marlboro occupies an 1800s farmhouse, where a variety of wines are produced using eco-friendly processes. It's also one of a handful of U.S. distilleries with its own malt house and Scottish-style kilning floor.

East of the river in Dutchess County, the smaller Dutchess Wine Trail connects just two wineries, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery and Clinton Vineyards, fifteen minutes apart. The brevity is part of the appeal: it's an easy half-day loop past orchards and farms, anchored by Millbrook's thirty-five acres of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc vineyards.

For a signature meal that anchors the entire trip, Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills remains the region's signature experience: an 80-acre working farm with a restaurant by chef Dan Barber, whose daily menu is inspired by that morning's harvest. Plan in advance — reservations go quickly months in advance. In Hudson itself, smaller, easier-to-book spots like Tousey Winery pair well with an afternoon stroll through Warren Street's shops and bakeries.

Price Range: $40–$350 per person, depending on the experience · Best Season: September and October for harvest color · Getting There: 90 minutes by car or Amtrak from New York City

Where to stay

The Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa sits on a 75-acre Hudson River estate. It's one of the few hotels in the region that's a culinary destination in its own right, featuring an organic kitchen garden, orchard, and farm-to-table restaurant. For something smaller and more historic, the Borland House in Montgomery is a beautifully restored 1700s inn known for its farm-to-table breakfast and chicken and waffles. A luxurious stay is on the menu at Wildflower Farms, part of the Auberge Collection, with exquisite dining that showcases the best of the season, cooking classes, a spa, and more.

MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA · WINE COUNTRY

Award-winning wine, vintage experiences

Maryland and Virginia produce award-winning wines that are worth the trip

Courtesy of Barboursville Vineyards

These two states have distinct, decades-old wine trails, and Virginia's flagship region has already beaten France and Italy for a major wine award. The terrain does the heavy lifting: the Blue Ridge Mountains shelter the vines from harsh winds on one side, the Chesapeake moderates the climate on the other, and the rolling Piedmont in between turns out to be excellent at growing grapes that nobody expects from the Mid-Atlantic.

Virginia: the Monticello Wine Trail

Start with the credentials: Established in 1984, the Monticello AVA, centered on Charlottesville, was Virginia's first officially designated wine region. In 2023, Wine Enthusiast named it Wine Region of the Year, beating out Provence, Tuscany, and South Africa's Swartland. More than 40 wineries now line the Monticello Wine Trail within a 25-mile radius of the city, on the same eastern Blue Ridge slopes where Thomas Jefferson spent decades trying and failing to grow European wine grapes at Monticello.

Barboursville Vineyards is the trail's anchor and keeper of its best story: in 1976, the Italian winemaking Zonin family bought the 1814 estate of a Virginia governor. There, they built a winery beside the ruins of a mansion Thomas Jefferson designed. The flagship Octagon, a Bordeaux-style blend named for the estate's octagonal dining room, has become Virginia's most decorated red. The on-site restaurant, Palladio, serves a seasonal Italian-Virginian menu, and guests can stay at the 1804 Inn, which is housed in part in a building from that year.

Further south, Veritas Vineyards & Winery in Afton takes the trail's English countryside, with sheep grazing among the vines and a winemaking team led by the family's daughter. The Farmhouse at Veritas, the family's former home, is now a six-room bed-and-breakfast on the property, about as close as the trail gets to staying inside the vineyard itself.

An hour northwest, the Shenandoah Valley AVA offers a different register entirely: cooler, drier, and the state's oldest and largest viticultural area, spanning 190 miles between the Blue Ridge and the Alleghenies. Cave Ridge Vineyard in Mount Jackson sits on a hilltop with a view of the next ridge, the kind of vantage that makes a tasting flight feel incidental. Muse Vineyards, a Virginia Governor's Cup winner, hugs the Shenandoah River and keeps a small farmhouse for overnight guests, making it a natural base for working through the rest of the valley's three dozen wineries.

On a personal note: A short drive from Middleburg, Bluemont Vineyard sits 951 feet up the first ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a panoramic view of the Loudoun Valley that's earned it a spot on Virginia's list of the ten most beautiful wineries. The Zurschmeide family, who still farm the land today, bought the property in 1993 and planted their first vines in 2007 — but the mountain has a longer, more complicated history than that. My family owned this land in the 1920s and '30s until the federal government acquired it in the 1940s, in the same stretch of the Blue Ridge that would later become home to Mount Weather, the government's continuity-of-government facility a few miles to the south. Whatever a tasting room view usually means to a visitor, this one means something entirely different to me.

Price Range: $10–$30 for a standard tasting flight, more for reserve or private experiences · Best Season: October for harvest color in the Blue Ridge; spring for milder tasting-room crowds · Getting There: Charlottesville is about 2.5 hours from Washington, D.C.; the Shenandoah Valley is roughly 90 minutes

Maryland: the Frederick and Piedmont Wine Trails

Maryland's wine country may be younger, but it has already produced seven official wine trails; the two worth a dedicated trip both converge near Frederick, just an hour from Washington, DC.

The Frederick Wine Trail, Maryland's first, links eight wineries that together account for more than half the state's wine production. Black Ankle Vineyards in Mount Airy is the trail's serious-wine destination — sustainably farmed, expensive by Maryland standards, and unapologetic about it. Its charcuterie program and lounge seating make a half-day visit easy to justify. Old Westminster Winery, run by three siblings since 2010, leans into natural winemaking and a wood-fired kitchen, and has drawn national attention for proving that Maryland wine doesn't have to apologize for itself.

The Piedmont Wine Trail, just north of Baltimore in horse country, is the more old-school counterpart: Boordy Vineyards, the state's oldest winery, opened in 1945 and still anchors the trail alongside Basignani and Fiore, two family-run operations that have quietly made traditional-style wine for decades while Frederick's newer wineries get the press.

For the night, The Visitation Hotel in downtown Frederick is the obvious choice: an 1846 convent and former girls' school converted into an upscale hotel, with the city's restaurant scene and both wine trails within a short drive in either direction.

Price Range: $12–$25 for a tasting flight · Best Season: Year-round, though spring and fall festivals add music and food trucks to most stops · Getting There: Frederick is about an hour from both Washington, D.C., and Baltimore

Where to stay

Boar's Head Resort in Charlottesville is the area's only AAA Four Diamond property. Situated along the Monticello Wine Trail, it offers excellent dining, golf, and a spa. On the outskirts of Washington, DC, and suburban Maryland, the ultra-luxurious Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg is Virginia's only Forbes Five-Star resort. It is well within reach of Virginia’s Monticello and the Frederick/Piedmont trails in Maryland.

SOUTH CAROLINA · CHARLESTON & THE LOWCOUNTRY

Where farm meets sea

Discover a culinary scene steeped in history and cultural flavor

Charleston's farm-to-table movement is more of a tradition than a trend. Its popularity has been growing for more than twenty years, with restaurants like SNOB (Slightly North of Broad St in Charleston) helping pioneer the pairing of locally grown produce with Southern and French techniques long before it became fashionable elsewhere. What makes the Lowcountry distinct is the sea: the city's chefs draw as heavily on Atlantic shrimp, oysters, and blue crab as on produce from nearby farms.

A morning at the Charleston Farmers Market (Saturdays, mid-April through mid-December) followed by a guided farm-to-table tour is the easiest way to experience the region's pantry firsthand. Charleston Culinary Tours offers a well-regarded version: guests select seasonal produce at a neighborhood market, and a local chef then builds a multi-course meal around the group's choices in real time. For dinner afterward, Husk and FIG are the two standard-bearers, each built entirely around what local farmers and fishermen bring in that day.

None of this would exist without the Gullah Geechee, whose foodways form the foundation of Lowcountry cuisine. Descendants of West Africans brought to the Sea Islands for their expertise in rice cultivation, the Gullah Geechee carried farming and fishing traditions that predate the term "farm-to-table" by centuries — dishes like red rice and okra soup trace a direct line back to West Africa's Rice Coast. On St. Helena Island, Gullah Grub has served chef Bill Green's family recipes, including crab rice and okra gumbo, since long before the broader food world took notice. The Gullah Geechee Seafood Trail maps restaurants, food trucks, and caterers across the Sea Islands corridor for travelers who want to follow the cuisine to its source. A half-day trip to Joseph Fields Farm on Johns Island, still run by the same Gullah family that has worked the land since the 1850s, is as close as a visitor gets to the region's actual pantry.

Head inland, and the tone turns playful. South Carolina has its own only-in-the-South obsession: Duke's Mayonnaise, born in Greenville in 1917 and still the household staple across the Carolinas. Greenville's Mayo Guide is a self-guided trail through twenty local stops, from pimento cheese with pork cracklings at Home Team BBQ to crab cakes finished with Duke's spiked remoulade at Soby's, plus a handful of historical sites that trace Eugenia Duke's path from her own kitchen to a Southern institution.

Louisiana asks for a slower pace and a looser collar. An hour and a half south of New Orleans, the Cajun Bayou Food Trail in Lafourche Parish follows Bayou Lafourche through wetlands and small Cajun communities. A printed passport rewards five stamped stops with a t-shirt and, for considerably more than five stops, boudin, étouffée, and fried seafood along the way. Further west in Lafayette — named the South's top culinary town by The Local Palate in 2024 — Cajun Food Tours offers small-group bus and walking tours through family-run restaurants in the Acadiana region, the kind of place where the guide knows every owner by name and the gumbo recipe by heart.

The trail ends on Alabama's Gulf Coast. Fairhope, on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, has quietly built one of the South's best small-town dining scenes around its Gulf catch: The Hope Farm sources much of its menu from its grounds, while Little Bird and Southern Roots at the historic Grand Hotel turn the day's oysters, shrimp, and snapper into a coastal Southern menu with a view of the bay. It is a quieter, less-discovered version of everything the rest of this trail has been building toward: water, land, and whoever happened to be cooking that morning.

Price Range: $25 – $200 per person · Best Season: Spring and fall, to avoid summer humidity · Getting There: Direct flights into Charleston International from most major US cities

Where to stay

Each stop on this trail has a property worth booking around mealtime. In Charleston, Wentworth Mansion transforms a Gilded Age cotton merchant's home into a 21-room inn with a rooftop cupola, working fireplaces, and a carriage-house restaurant in the original kitchen building. The historic district is teeming with boutique inns within walking distance of the market and most of the restaurants on this list, making it worth prioritizing over a car-dependent stay outside downtown. A concierge at any of the historic district's well-known properties can also arrange a private chef visit to a nearby farm for groups seeking a more secluded experience.

Near the Sea Islands, Cuthbert House in Beaufort is a waterfront 1790 mansion turned ten-room inn on the National Register of Historic Places, with river views from nearly every room and a nightly social hour with the owners themselves. In Lafayette, The Carriage House in the River Ranch development is the city's only AAA Four Diamond property, all-suite and private, with access to the neighboring City Club's spa and sporting facilities. And on the Alabama coast, the Grand Hotel in Point Clear — built in 1847, the same resort that houses Southern Roots — closes the trip properly, with 550 oak-shaded acres on Mobile Bay and a 20,000-square-foot spa, should five regions of eating finally catch up with you.

Planning your trip

A few things that make any culinary trail easier to navigate:

• Time your visit with the harvest. Most of these regions have a distinct high season, typically late summer through fall, when menus and tastings reflect what's actually being picked.

• Limit yourself to two or three stops a day. Wineries and farm tours run longer than expected, and a packed itinerary tends to produce fatigue rather than enjoyment, especially if you have grandchildren in tow.

• Arrange transportation in advance. Most wine and farm regions are not walkable between stops; a rental car, private driver, or guided tour removes the single biggest planning headache.

• Book signature meals first. Restaurants like Blue Hill at Stone Barns or any high-demand tasting menu should be reserved before flights are booked, not after.

• Disclose dietary needs early. Farm-to-table menus are often curated the same day, based on what's available locally. If there are any allergies or restrictions,  advance notice makes accommodating these easier than at the table.

NOTE: Prices are approximate per-person figures in US dollars and are subject to seasonal change.

A multigenerational guide

Culinary trails turn out to be some of the easiest multigenerational trips to plan

Wine and farm country are often seen as adults-only destinations, but several stops along these scenic trails have become some of the most grandchild-friendly travel options. 

In the Hudson Valley, many wineries go beyond the requisite tasting room with a farm visit. Several outfitters offer alpaca hikes and orchard tours that keep younger travelers engaged between stops. In Charleston, a farmers market visit often holds a child's attention better than a formal restaurant meal, and most farm-to-table tours welcome children over eight.

A few notes that make these trips easier:

• Call ahead. Many tasting rooms limit the number of groups inside at once, and a winery that's casual about children on a quiet Tuesday may feel different on a busy Saturday.

• Build in a non-wine stop between tastings, like a farm animal pen, an ice cream stand, or a short walk, so the day doesn't feel entirely centered on adults.

• Choose lodging with extra bedrooms or separate suites rather than a single hotel room; multigenerational groups consistently report that this matters more than proximity to any single winery.

In this issue:

• Guilty pleasures: the science behind saying “yes”

• What the psychologists say The myth of “bad” food

• Our favorite guilty pleasures

• The case for a lazy afternoon

The joyful, science-backed case for saying “yes”

The next time you say, “I really shouldn’t...,” let it be your cue to go ahead and do it. Guilt-free.

We all know that intoxicating thrill of doing something that we've decided somewhere along the line is "bad." The second helping. The trashy show you'd never admit you love. The afternoon nap that turns into two blissful hours.

We may call these guilty pleasures, as if joy needs a confession. But maybe it's time to let go of the guilt and simply immerse ourselves in the joy they offer.

For me, there's an ever-growing list that starts with getting my bed linens professionally ironed. Then there’s the parade of what I once considered “off-limits” foods (fried shrimp), desserts (anything), and the like. Read on to discover that there’s space in our lives right now for these forbidden fruits.

Today, with the heat index soaring over 100°, I’m opting for my iced spiced lavender mocha to keep things cool.

— Pam Miller, Editor-in-Chief

What the psychologists say

Turns out, the guilt is the only part worth losing.

It turns out guilt never did us any favors. Researchers who study stress, pleasure, and connection have spent years trying to understand why small indulgences feel so good, yet we still react as if we’ve done something terrible. The answer may surprise you — it turns out to be less "willpower failure" and more "your brain doing exactly what it's supposed to do."

Media psychologist Leonard Reinecke has studied what happens when we're mentally "spent" after a demanding day, a state researchers call "ego depletion." His work suggests that low-stakes entertainment and small treats act as a reset button, helping the brain recover from a dwindling willpower "muscle" more quickly than more effortful downtime. There's a catch, though: his research also found that people only get the full benefit when they let themselves enjoy it without labeling it as wasted or indulgent time.

Then there's the guilt itself.

Vanderbilt marketing professor Kelly Goldsmith studied how guilt affects pleasure and found that it amplifies it. A little guilt seems to become cognitively fused with enjoyment, so the two appear together; the key word is little. Beyond a certain point, guilt stops enhancing the experience and starts undoing it.

There's also a social angle that often goes unspoken. Research led by psychologist Shira Gabriel at the University at Buffalo found that our attachments to favorite shows, characters, and familiar rituals can serve as a stand-in for companionship. Researchers call this a "symbolic relationship." These connections have been shown to buffer against loneliness, which is especially helpful when we're spending more time alone than we'd like.

Self-compassion researcher Kristin Neff, whose work is widely cited in the psychology of self-acceptance, notes that letting yourself enjoy things without judgment helps protect against burnout. Small, unearned indulgences are a quiet way of telling yourself that you don't have to be productive every waking hour to deserve to feel good.

The myth of "bad" food

Judgment is self-imposed

When I was studying nutrition at Cornell, one of the most useful insights I took away wasn't scientific — it was learning to let go of the idea that food has a moral compass. Yes, we need to be mindful, especially when it comes to health and prevention. But when we can’t resist the fries or decide that only a donut will taste good for breakfast, remember: it’s one out of twenty-one meals that week.

All said, moderation is key.

Beyond the classroom, I’ve learned something else: intuitive eating is my guiding star. Not surprisingly, it teaches that no food is inherently good or bad. Food is fuel, comfort, culture, and joy, all at once. It isn't a moral failing.

According to Cedars-Sinai, intuitive eating is “an evidence-based, anti-diet framework designed to heal your relationship with food. It teaches you to reject diet culture, honor your internal hunger and fullness cues, and choose foods that satisfy you without guilt. The goal is physical and mental well-being, not weight loss.” 

I can attest that it works, and weight loss can happen once you recognize what your body wants. And to clarify, when intuitive eating rejects the diet culture, these are the fad diets that impose restriction — not health-related plans such as the Mediterranean, MIND, and DASH diets.

No matter what food you break down into its basic elements, you get the same building blocks: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Your body doesn't know or care whether the sugars it's processing came from an apple or a cookie. The "good" and "bad" labels aren't nutritional facts. They're judgments we've layered on top, and dietitians and researchers have found that this layer often backfires.

Forget the shame or guilt. Attaching morality to eating can quietly breed anxiety and self-blame and, in some cases, feed disordered patterns around food. That same anxiety can trigger cortisol production, which can make us crave sugar and carbohydrates. That means the very thing you’re trying to avoid can become a powerful craving.

Stop the all-or-nothing cycle. Thinking you've been "bad" for having a treat often leads to overdoing it later. Keeping all foods on the table in reasonable amounts tends to quiet cravings rather than fuel them.

Remember, it’s context, not character. What your body needs to fuel a long hike is different from what it needs for a desk job — but neither choice says anything about your discipline or your worth.

The more useful question isn't "is this food good or bad?" but "how does this make me feel, and does it fit the life I'm building?" Many nutritionists advocate an 80/20 approach — nutrient-dense food most of the time, with room for indulgence without a guilt tax — as far more sustainable than a strict list of allowed and forbidden foods.

Our favorite guilty pleasures

Courtesy of Tasting Table

Once you take a look, you’ll see that these so-called guilty pleasures are anything but shameful: 

Open-house tourism. Spending a Sunday wandering through houses you have absolutely no intention of buying. Free, a little nosy, and oddly relaxing.

The grocery store sample-table circuit. Some readers admit to taking a full lap or maybe two at Costco, with no intention of buying what they taste.

A fancy coffee or tea drink sipped in a quiet place so every bit of it is enjoyed. My fave is an iced raspberry mocha latte — like a dessert you eat with a straw.

Hoarding hotel toiletries from a stay, saving them for "someday." 

A second breakfast later in the morning that nobody else needs to know about.

Buying a single slice of birthday cake because there’s always something to celebrate, right?.

Reading the last page of a novel first, just to make sure it turns out all right before committing to the book.

Getting wildly competitive over a daily word puzzle in a group chat (and quietly Googling the answer).

Watching the same movie for the enth time, subtitles on, even though you know every line by heart.

Binge-watching several seasons of a show on a rainy day. (Thank you, Schitt’s Creek.)

Chatting with AI online or conversational AI like Siri or Alexa to talk about anything without judgment.

A solo drive with the windows down and the radio turned up, singing loudly to a song you'd never admit to liking.

Buying yourself flowers, no occasion required, just because you wanted them.

Designing your best life: the lazy afternoon

Notice how many of these small pleasures have nothing to do with accomplishment or extravagance. They’re a special kind of gift to ourselves. Nobody is judging. Nobody really notices. An open-house tour doesn't end in a purchase. A sample-table meal doesn't end in a shopping bag (well, maybe). It's just pleasure, dressed up as an everyday event so it feels allowed.

So much of what we're told to value is measurable; the steps taken, the pounds lost, the boxes checked. A completely useless afternoon measures nothing, and, according to research on guilt and pleasure, may do more for your mood than an accomplished day. Consider it your excuse to keep doing the impractical, wonderful things you already do.

_{The content provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine, and never disregard professional medical advice based on information you read here.}

In this issue:

• The art of friendship after 50

• Hearing loss: the silent thief

• Reduce the upkeep. Gain a life you love.

• Done in a flash: my new favorite recipe

The triumvirate: Health, home, friendship

This issue is about what gently shapes the quality of our lives — the elements that enrich our days and help us rest more easily at night. It’s about the friendships worth investing in, a home we love for its comfort and beauty, and the reassurance that we’re addressing health issues that are often overlooked. 

For me, friendship has taken on new meaning since I recently lost my best friend. She embraced life fully, always looking forward to meeting new people and learning all she could about them. Her mantra was, “Ask someone a lot of questions about themselves, and they’ll think you’re the most interesting person in the room.” And do you know what? She was right. 

We hope that as you read this week’s newsletter, you take away at least one idea that adds a welcome dimension to your life. Let us know what works for you…we’d love to hear from you!

— Pam Miller, Editor in Chief

The art of friendship after 50

How to make new friends later in life 

Many would never expect loneliness to be one of the defining health risks of getting older, but the data keeps showing it is. What changes after 50 isn't the need for friendship — it's the social infrastructure that shifts. School, early careers, and young parenthood all came with built-in proximity: the people you saw constantly became the people you knew well. By nature, you already had things in common with them, so little effort was required. Retirement, relocation, widowhood, or simply a change of pace removes that infrastructure, and friendship stops being something that happens to you and becomes something you have to build on purpose.

A University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging found that 40% of U.S. adults 45 and older report feeling lonely, up from 35% in both 2010 and 2018. This is a meaningful, if not shocking, jump in just a few years. Among adults 50 to 80, more than a third report a lack of companionship, and roughly one in four say they feel isolated from others at least some of the time. The health consequences are well documented in a landmark study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, which links social isolation and loneliness in older adults to a higher risk of early death, dementia, and heart disease.

A small but growing number of platforms now exist specifically to solve this problem.

Stitch, founded in 2014 by Andrew Dowling and Marcie Rogo, was built around a single statistic that startled its founders: by some estimates, lonely adults over 60 face significantly higher mortality and dementia risk than their better-connected peers. They went on to build a platform for those 50+ and included sensitive features, such as identity verification, for safety. 

Stitch organizes its community around interest groups and real-world meetups rather than profile-browsing. They believe that shared activity, not chemistry, is what turns strangers into friends. Members report finding everything from grief-support groups to weekly game nights and international travel companions through it. It's worth a look for anyone whose social circle has grown smaller.

Conversely, letting some friendships fade away is a subtle but occasional necessity. Few relationships end dramatically; more often they just dim — a slow drift in energy or values rather than any single falling-out. 

Loosening a grip on these relationships doesn't require an uncomfortable conversation or any drama. It's usually a question of initiating less, taking on fewer obligations, and letting go of whatever guilt has been keeping the relationship on life support. That space, once it opens up, tends to get filled by something better — provided you're willing to put in the same deliberate effort into the new connection that the old one once required for free.

Hearing loss: the silent thief

It drains the brain of mental abilities that support memory and higher-level thinking.

There's a reason hearing loss is often called the invisible condition. Unlike a broken bone or elevated blood pressure, it tends to creep up on you unnoticed. It’s so gradual that most people don't notice it until it has already reshaped their daily life in ways they've learned to work around. Asking people to repeat themselves. Avoiding crowded restaurants. Turning up the television just a little more each year. Sound familiar?

Here's what the science makes undeniably clear: hearing loss isn't just an inconvenience. Left unaddressed, it is one of the most significant and modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline. A landmark Johns Hopkins study found that even mild hearing loss doubled the risk of dementia, with risk increasing as hearing loss worsened. The theory is straightforward — when the brain is constantly straining to decode sound, it diverts cognitive resources from memory and thinking. Over time, that strain takes a toll.

But the consequences don't stop with cognition. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to social withdrawal, depression, and a measurable decline in quality of life. When conversations become exhausting, people stop having them. When gatherings feel overwhelming, people stop showing up. What begins as a sensory issue becomes an emotional and social one.

But there’s good news: awareness and action make an enormous difference.

• The first step is to know where you stand. If you haven't had a baseline hearing evaluation, now is the time. Audiologists recommend getting one in your 50s to establish a benchmark for the years ahead. The test is simple, painless, and typically takes less than an hour. It’s a proactive step that puts you in control of your health story.

• Examine your everyday environment with fresh eyes. Many of the culprits behind noise-induced hearing damage are hiding in plain sight. Lawn equipment, power tools, and leaf blowers routinely exceed 90 decibels — the threshold at which damage can begin with prolonged exposure. 

• Earbuds and headphones, especially when used at high volumes daily, are increasingly a concern for adults of all ages. Even dining regularly in loud restaurants can add up over time. Simple habits, such as keeping headphone volume below 60 percent, wearing earplugs when operating loud machinery, and taking quiet breaks during noisy events, can help protect what you have.

If you're experiencing some degree of hearing loss, the solutions have never been more promising. Today's hearing aids bear little resemblance to the bulky, whistling devices of a generation ago. Modern hearing technology is sleek, discreet, and remarkably sophisticated. Many models connect seamlessly to smartphones, stream audio directly from televisions and phones, and can even be fine-tuned with a smartphone app. 

Several leading brands now offer over-the-counter options, making access easier than ever. The stigma once attached to hearing aids is fading fast, and for good reason: wearing one is increasingly seen as a sign of self-awareness, not of decline.

The bottom line is this: your hearing is worth protecting with the same care you give to other important parts of your life. It connects you to the people you love, the world around you, and the fullness of your daily life. Don't wait until your hearing becomes an issue to give it the attention it deserves. Your future self will be listening.

Reduce the upkeep. Gain a life you love.

Your home should restore you, not exhaust you.  

The freedom that comes when you stop maintaining a life and start curating one lets you breathe a little easier. It's the feeling when everything in that space is exactly what you want, and nothing demands your time or energy beyond what you're willing to give. It's the weekend that actually feels like a weekend. The home that works for you, not the other way around.

For many people, this vision is closer than they think. But getting there requires a deliberate shift in perspective — away from accumulation and upkeep, and moving toward intention and ease.

• Declutter and simplify by paying attention to the objects you own. Clean what needs cleaning. Store it where it makes the most sense. And maintain it if necessary. 

• The 5-5-5 Rule is a painless way to start: simply spend ten minutes finding five things to toss, five to donate, and five to return to where they belong. Photograph sentimental items, save them to a digital drive, and release the physical burden. A strict one-in, one-out policy keeps what you've cleared from creeping back.

• Automate and organize. Smart thermostats, robotic vacuums, and staggered micro-tasks like wiping the bathroom mirror, sink, and tub/shower on Monday and running the dishwasher each night can replace the dreaded weekend deep clean with something far more manageable.

• Stay ahead of the house by addressing a small repair in the moment; it costs a fraction of the crisis it prevents later. Change HVAC filters every one to three months, inspect shower caulking annually, and flush your water heater once a year to clear sediment and extend its life.

• Remodel for low maintenance. Let your material choices do the work. Quartz and porcelain outlast marble without the upkeep. Luxury vinyl plank or sealed concrete beats stain-prone carpet. Cabinetry taken to the ceiling eliminates the ledge that exists only to collect grease and dust.

• Outsource without guilt for chores like gutter cleaning, major pruning, HVAC servicing — if it stresses you out, hire it out. Non-structural cosmetic projects can wait. And if the lawn has become a burden, xeriscaping or native plantings may be the most liberating renovation you ever make.

Done in a flash: My new favorite recipe

Courtesy of New York Times Cooking

I was on the prowl for recipes to prepare for my daughter and her husband, who just welcomed their first child into the world. That led me to this Quick Harissa Apricot Chicken from New York Times Cooking, and it lives up to every one of its five-star reviews and then some. It was fast (20 minutes!) and delicious. I prepared this for the first time last week and have now made it two more times — once for company and again this morning to keep in the freezer.

Best of all, this recipe is healthy and fits well with the Mediterranean, MIND, and DASH diets.

Keep in mind that harissa can be very spicy. I used Mina Harissa Moroccan Red Pepper Sauce, and it gave the dish just the right amount of heat without being overwhelming.

Quick Harissa Apricot Chicken

Yield: 4 servings

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, patted dry 

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 

• 1 cup chicken stock

• 2 tablespoons apricot or peach preserves or jam (I doubled the amount)

• ¼ cup high-quality harissa paste 

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon 

• ⅓ cup olives, preferably Castelvetranos, smashed and pitted (or pitted ones torn in half)

• Crusty bread or cooked pearl couscous, for serving

• Lemon wedges, for serving 

• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, torn, for serving (optional)

Step 1

Heat a large (12-inch), high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, season one side of the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Once the skillet is warm, add olive oil and place chicken, seasoned side down, in an even layer. Season the now-exposed side of the chicken with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is mostly opaque on the sides, easily releases from the pan, and is nicely browned on the underside, 6 to 8 minutes. 

Step 2

Meanwhile, add chicken stock, apricot preserves, harissa paste and cinnamon to a large liquid measuring cup. Whisk well to combine and break up the jam. 

Step 3

Flip chicken over and let cook on the other side until lightly seared and no longer pink, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in the harissa mixture, add the olives, and stir to scrape up any browned bits. Bring to a rapid simmer and cook until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked through, another 3 to 5 minutes. Taste for salt and adjust seasoning according to taste (this will depend on the chicken stock and harissa used). 

Step 4

Serve immediately with crusty bread or couscous, spooning the sauce and olives over the chicken. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkling of mint leaves, if desired. (I used pearled couscous.)

Tip

If you’d like to work ahead, the sauce mixture in Step 2 can be made up to 2 days in advance; store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

_{The content provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine, and never disregard professional medical advice based on information you read here.}

IN THIS ISSUE

Finding the world’s secret dining experiences:

• Buenos Aires & the Art of the Closed Door · Argentina

• London's Evolving Supper Club Scene · England

• Barcelona's Secret Dinner Tradition · Spain

• Tokyo: Omakase, Off the Map · Japan

• America’s Concealed Cuisine · Coast-to-coast

• How to Get In: A Practical Guide · Worldwide

• Before You Go: Etiquette

• Where in the World: Resources

Exploring gastronomy’s hidden world

Raviolo with port duxelles in a red wine demiglace from Casa SaltShaker 

Some of the world's finest cuisine rarely makes it into reviews or travel guides. It may reveal itself behind the scenes, on the other side of an unmarked door, in a chef’s private home, a converted cellar, or candlelit lofts. Most of all, it’s unknown except for those aware of these clandestine treasures.

In this issue, we turn our attention to the underground table: a global movement that has quietly redefined what extraordinary dining can mean. We've also paired each destination with a nearby winery worth visiting. Come hungry. Stay captivated. Leave transformed.

— Pam Miller, Editor-in-Chief

PS. Have you been to a secret restaurant? Let us know!

Sh-h-h-h! It’s a secret

The best restaurant in the city may not have a sign on the door, or even a door you can find.

Throughout the world, an underground dining culture is captivating diners. The experience is built on intimacy, creative freedom, and the quiet thrill of being a part of something special.

Secret supper clubs, puertas cerradas (closed doors), private chef salons, and invitation-only tastings share a common philosophy: the most memorable meals happen when the food does all the talking.

These are not bargain alternatives to fine dining. Many command prices comparable to those of Michelin-starred restaurants, and most outperform in every way that matters.

ARGENTINA · BUENOS AIRES

The Original Closed Door 

Where the movement was born and still burns brightest

Buenos Aires gave the world the puerta cerrada. Literally "closed door," the concept emerged from Argentina's 2001 financial crisis, when talented chefs began inviting strangers into their homes for exquisite multi-course dinners rather than risking everything on a restaurant. Two decades later, it has become the city's defining culinary tradition. Learn more

Arriving feels like an act of trust: you have only an address, revealed hours or days earlier. A buzzer. A name. And then you're inside what feels like someone's beautifully appointed home — because it is. By the second course, the strangers at the table have become something else entirely.

Noteworthy experiences include Casa SaltShaker in Barrio Norte, run by American chef Dan Perlman and regarded as a beloved institution in the Buenos Aires dining underground. Steaks by Luis, located in Palermo Soho, is so secret there's no website — guests linger over a refined five-course asado, paired with wine, in a loft that feels both rustic and elegant. Another standout is Casa Felix in Buenos Aires' Chacarita neighborhood. Run chef Diego Felix and his wife Sanra Ritten. Guests gather in a candlelit backyard garden before sitting down to a five-course vegetarian feast built around organic, locally sourced ingredients. The address is revealed only after a confirmed reservation.

Price Range: $80 – $200 per person • How to Book: Hotel concierge or direct email • Best Season: March – May (Southern Autumn)

Winery Pairing: Mendoza Wine Country

2 hours west

A short flight or scenic drive brings you to Mendoza, Argentina's Malbec heartland. 

In the foothills of the Andes, estates like Zuccardi Valle de Uco and Achaval Ferrer offer private cellar experiences, vineyard lunches, and vertical tastings of reserve wines rarely exported. Several boutique hotels have opened directly on the estates — making it a natural extension of a Buenos Aires itinerary. To the uninformed like myself, Wine Enthusiast describes a vertical tasting as sampling the same wine from the same producer across various harvest years (vintages).  

ENGLAND · LONDON

London After Dark 

A supper club scene as varied as the city itself.

At the refined end, The Occasional Dining Club, founded by graduates of Leith's School of Food and Wine, offers seasonal tasting menus that change every two months, executed with the verve of a professional kitchen and the warmth of a private dinner party. Book on Ticket Tailor or follow their Instagram for menus and upcoming dates. You can also follow their events, check out seasonal menus, or send direct messages on The Occasional Dining Club's Instagram.

For something more theatrical, five-course dinners are staged aboard restored 1960s Underground carriages or in Shoreditch salons, where chefs test concepts on handpicked audiences. The 2025 launch of The Test Kitchen by Come Together placed chef Barney Pau literally at the center of the room.

Book through Tock or EatWith for curated listings, or trust a well-briefed Mayfair concierge for the most secretive experiences.

Price Range: $125 – $335 per person • Best Neighborhoods: Shoreditch, Hackney, Notting Hill • Dress Code: Smart casual; read the room

Winery Pairing: English Sparkling Wine Country

1 hour south 

The chalk hills of England's South Downs have evolved into one of the world's most exciting sparkling wine regions. Ridgeview in East Sussex and Nyetimber in West Sussex offer estate tours and guided tastings. Remarkably, the South Down’s terroir is much like Champagne and produces wines of distinction. Worth a country weekend on either end of your London itinerary.

SPAIN · BARCELONA

Secret Dinners

Where the address arrives by private message and the menu as a revelation

Courtesy of Mesa Viva (Living Table) at Disfrutar

Barcelona's underground scene blends architectural mystique with world-class gastronomy. Mesa Viva (Living Table)at Disfrutar — three Michelin stars in 2024 — serves a science-forward tasting menu in total intimacy. Restaurant El Passadís del Pep, a legendary establishment with no signage or menu, has servers interview you before describing the city's freshest seafood. SPEAKEASY (by Dry Martini) hides behind a secret door inside a former warehouse.

Booking ranges from high-stakes midnight clicks on Disfrutar's platform 365 days out, to an old-school phone call, to a well-briefed concierge.

Price Range: $80 – $1,140 per person · Best Neighborhoods: L'Eixample, Born / Ciutat Vella · Dress Code: Sophisticated chic; elegant evening wear

Winery Pairing: Penedès & Priorat (1–2 hours west)
Penedès is home to renowned Cava houses including Codorníu, with its stunning Modernista cellar. Another hour west, Priorat's granite terraces yield full-bodied, mineral-driven Garnacha and Cariñena of world-class pedigree.

JAPAN · TOKYO OMAKASE

Off the Map 

The city's most exclusive meals have addresses that are impossible to find on your own

Tokyo boasts more Michelin stars than any other city — and some of its most extraordinary dining operates entirely outside that system. Matsukawa in Akasaka accepts guests by introduction only: the chef markets each morning, builds his ten-course kaiseki around what he finds, and has no booking platform. Sugalabo goes further — Chef Yosuke Suga operates behind a false wall inside a Shibuya coffee shop, cooking exclusively for people within his circle of trust.

For those working through legitimate channels, Nihonbashi Kakigaracho Sugita is Japan's most coveted sushi counter — prepaid, nonrefundable, and nearly impossible for first-timers. Makimura,, a single-seating kappo-kaiseki room in residential Shinagawa, is populated almost entirely by long-term local regulars.

For visitors without connections, Tokyo's finest hotel concierges remain the most reliable point of entry.

Price Range: $190 – $500 per person · Best Access: Through luxury hotel concierge · Advance Notice: 4–8 weeks recommended

Winery Pairing: Yamanashi Prefecture (90 minutes west)
Japan's wine culture is young, serious, and quietly impressive. The Kofu Basin produces distinctive Koshu whites — delicate, mineral, and extraordinary alongside sushi. Grace Winery and Château Mercian both welcome visitors with private tastings and vineyard walks. The drive, with Fuji on the horizon, is worth the journey alone.

UNITED STATES •  CHICAGO, BOSTON, NEW YORK CITY 

America’s concealed cuisine 

Where the address arrives by email and the entrance is part of the adventure

Courtesy of Frevo

America's underground dining scene is coming of age. Three cities, three very different experiences, and all sharing the same gastronomical thrill. Need more ideas? Visit Timeout.com.

In Chicago, Duck Sel is the passion project of former Michelin-starred chef Donald Young, who traded restaurant life for something more intimate. Monthly pop-up dinners unfold at an undisclosed location, with the address revealed just 24 to 48 hours before guests sit down to 15 courses of French-kissed Midwestern cuisine. Boston also has its hidden pleasures. Located in the South End, No Relation is hidden away through an unmarked door at a tropical bar, offering a nine-seat counter where chef Colin Lynch serves a 17-course omakase that holds its own against the city's best. New York City’s underground is beautifully represented at Frevo concealed behind a painting in a Greenwich Village art gallery. Magically step through the canvas into a Michelin-starred room ,where chef Franco Sampogna's French-technique tasting menu rotates every four months for 18 guests per seating. On Oahu, Sooper Secret Izakaya is the creative, ever-changing 9-course tasting menu of James Beard finalist, Chef Ricky Goings. 

On the west coast, Portland shares bragging rights at The Kitchen, so secret that you won’t find a website. Email them to discover the new daily menu, chefs, and cuisines, or to reserve a seat. 

Price Range: $150 – $350 per person · How to Book: Tock, OpenTable, or direct · Dress Code: Elegant casual

A PRACTICAL GUIDE

How to Be An Insider

Here's what you need to find the world's hidden dining experiences

01 — Contact your concierge early. At luxury properties in Tokyo, Buenos Aires, and London, reach out weeks in advance. Be specific about what you're looking for.

02 — Join mailing lists. Most supper clubs release seats to subscribers first, often with only days' notice. Sign up for EatWith, Tock event alerts, and club-specific lists before your trip.

03 — Follow the chefs. Many underground chefs announce events exclusively on Instagram — invitations often extended via DM.

04 — Be a gracious guest. You're in someone's creative space, often their home. Disclose dietary restrictions at booking, not at the table.

ETIQUETTE 

Before you take a seat…

It’s best to be in the know

• Treat private residences with care.

• Arrive exactly on time — showing up early disrupts prep; late ruins timed courses.

• Never post the street address on social media.

• Reserve dietary requests for genuine medical allergies only.

• Engage with fellow diners — it's a wonderful part of the evening.

• Tip service staff in cash only if gratuity isn't included.

RESOURCES

Where in the world?

There are untold opportunities to experience this unique dining concept wherever you roam. These resources can lead you to the secret supper clubs, puertas cerradas (closed doors), private chef's salons, and invitation-only tastings are available with this guide.

Eatwith
The largest global network for social dining in private homes and secret venues.

Secret Supper
Exclusive, high-end dinners in secret indoor and outdoor locations.

The Supper Club
A global members-only club curating dining experiences and secret events.

World of Mouth
Hidden gems curated by chefs, sommeliers, and food writers.

SaltShaker
An extensive database of underground dining worldwide, especially Buenos Aires puertas cerradas.

The Infatuation
A trusted source for secret restaurants and speakeasy-style eateries.

Condé Nast Traveler
Insider picks frequently highlighting under-the-radar spots worldwide.

Outstanding in the Field is a roving restaurant with tables set in vineyards, beaches, meadows, and farms across all 50 U.S. states and 24 countries. 

^{NOTE: Prices converted at current rates: £1 ≈ $1.34 · €1 ≈ $1.16 · ¥160 ≈ $1.00. All figures are approximate and subject to change.}

^{NOTE: Tapestry occasionally uses AI tools like Claude for background research, structuring outlines, and brainstorming. Every edition is fully written, fact-checked, and verified by a human.}

Hello, dear readers. In this issue:

• The luxury B&B revival

• Some of America’s finest inns

• Mastering the art of a B&B stay

• B&B tidbits

The luxury B&B revival

A suite at the Tacaro Estate in Tracy’s Landing, MD

The bed-and-breakfast is making a quiet comeback. Sought out for their authentic experiences and distinct sense of place, today's finest B&Bs have evolved into something genuinely luxurious – historic estates, restored manor houses, and architecturally significant properties where the building itself is part of the story. 

For those with the freedom to set their own pace and the desire to seek out something extraordinary, a B&B road trip offers a new kind of travel entirely: unhurried, personal, deeply rooted in the character of each destination, and rich with the kind of experiences and extraordinary hospitality that no itinerary can fully anticipate. The only question is where to start.

Some of America’s finest

Robyn’s Inn in quaint Plymouth, Michigan

Whether you’re planning a getaway closer to home or taking a crosscountry journey, you’ll find distinctive B&Bs awaiting your discovery, from the limestone hills of Texas wine country to the colorful canyon landscapes of southern Utah, the misty peaks of the Blue Ridge to the broad sweep of the Chesapeake. The more you roam, you’ll find America's back roads are lined with remarkable places to stay … if you know where to look. 

California

Simpson House Inn, Santa Barbara Treat yourself to a stay at the only AAA Five Diamond rated bed-and-breakfast in the U.S. Surrounded by English gardens, this 1874 Victorian estate immerses you in  timeless luxury within a walk to the beach and downtown. Gourmet breakfasts in the garden, wine and appetizers in the afternoon, and turndown service nightly.

Colorado 

Apple Orchard Inn, Durango  One of only several B&Bs in Colorado to hold the AAA Four-Diamond Award, six lovely cottages feature covered porches and gas fireplaces, and surrounded by mountain views, a fruit orchard, trout ponds, and award-winning gardens.

Georgia

Glen-Ella Springs Inn & Restaurant, Clarkesville Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this mountain retreat borders the Chattahoochee National Forest. The fine dining restaurant is consistently ranked among Georgia’s top destinations.

Kentucky

Louisville Bourbon Inn, Louisville A beautifully restored antebellum mansion of luxurious proportions. The host is a classically trained gourmet chef who serves a breakfast known to change people's travel habits.

Maine

The Trellis House, Ogunquit  Steps from one of New England's most beautiful beaches, sought-after seafood, and artists’ colony. The lovely, refined coastal inn offers gourmet breakfasts, an afternoon wine hour, and bicycles at the door for a ride along picturesque Marginal Way.

Maryland

Tacaro Estate, Tracy's Landing, This magnificent 74-acre historic estate near Annapolis offers eight stunning suites, a resident gourmet chef, an infinity pool that blends into adjacent Chesapeake Bay, and a forgotten level of gracious hospitality that makes each stay extraordinary.

Brampton B&B Inn, Chestertown Set on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake, this elegant plantation-era manor and private cottages with wood-burning fireplaces, ensuite bathrooms, and a freshly prepared à la carte breakfast each morning.

Michigan

Robyn’s Inn, Plymouth A beautifully restored and historic adults-only  inn in the heart of this charming city, five sophisticated king suites feature original oak floors, oversized bay windows, and classically designed private baths. Beautiful public areas indoors and out, with dailly gourmet breakfast.

New Hampshire

Top of the Ridge Farm, New Durham Views of the White Mountains grace this adult-only boutique inn on six quiet acres. Luxurious linens, private decks, and Italian-born innkeepers who bake fresh bread each morning and offer cooking classes in the afternoon.

North Carolina

1900 Inn on Montford, Asheville Arts-and-Crafts architecture, colorful gardens, gourmet breakfasts, and whirlpool tubs ease you into an extraordinary stay. Linger in the sunroom with an espresso, watch the sunset from the porch to live music, or wind down by a crackling fire.

Pennsylvania

The Settlers Inn, Hawley This handsome Arts and Crafts lodge in the Pocono Mountains features a celebrated farm-to-table kitchen, a surprising find in a region most people simply drive through.

Texas 

Rose Hill Manor, Fredericksburg With its cottages and inn set on a scenic hilltop, this is the only AAA Four-Diamond property in the area. Featuring a three-course gourmet breakfast and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

Utah

Slot Canyons Inn, Escalante. This Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument inn offers something almost no hotel can: real darkness and star-filled skies. Each suite offers those views from large balconies, and bath you in relaxing soaking tubs. Handcrafted daily breakfast and  seasonal dinners are served.

Wyoming

Bentwood Inn, Wilson. Just beyond Jackson Hole and the south entrance to Grand Teton National Park, the Bentwood Inn earns the "bucket-list" designation from guests who return each year. A gourmet breakfast is prepared daily by an in-house chef, followed by evening hors d'oeuvres.

Mastering the art of a B&B stay

Afternoon tea at the Simpson House Inn

A truly meaningful B&B stay begins with channeling the joy of what lies ahead. To make the most of every moment of your visit, remember these tips:

• Book direct Call or email the inn rather than booking through a third-party site. Hosts reserve their warmest welcome, and sometimes their finest rooms, for guests who come to them first.

• Share a little. Mention a special occasion, a food allergy, or a room preference when you reserve. A good innkeeper genuinely wants to know, and will often surprise you with the results.

• Linger at breakfast. This is a meal to enjoy slowly. And over your second cup of coffee, you find it’s where the best local knowledge flows as freely as the freshly squeezed orange juice, unexpected friendships form, and the tone of the entire day is set. 

• Ask your host everything. The restaurant that’s only known to locals. A scenic back road. The gallery opening no one knows about. Your innkeeper knows more that the internet.

• Arrive unhurried. The B&B experience is not designed for the traveler in a hurry. Leave the itinerary flexible, resist the urge to overschedule, and let everything reveal itself at an unhurried pace.

• Treat it like a home. This is the goal of an outstanding host. Common spaces, quiet hours, and shared gardens deserve the same consideration you'd bring to a gracious friend's house.

• Leave a thoughtful review. For a small inn, a well-written review is genuinely meaningful and appreciated. If the stay touched your soul, say so, and say why. It's the kindest thing a grateful guest can do.

B&B tidbits

Bentwood Inn, Jackson Hole, WY

There are approximately 17,000 B&Bs in the U.S. Of those, the average B&B has just six rooms, creating a genuinely intimate stay by design.

Studies show B&B guests report higher satisfaction rates than hotel guests across nearly every category that are important to travelers: service, food, value, and sense of place. Yet, above all else, guests make a return visit because of the innkeeper. Surprisingly, these hosts are career-changers who left corporate life specifically to create the kind of hospitality experience most never get the opportunity to enjoy.

Hello, dear readers. In this issue:

• The fresh taste of summer

• Designing your best life begins on your plate

• Light, bright summer meals

• From the Cleveland Clinic

The fresh taste of summer

There's nothing like summer to make us feel more energetic and alive. Warm, gentle breezes, extra hours of sunshine, and butterflies make winter seem like a distant note. Flowers bloom and scent the air, while promises of lazy afternoons, long evenings, and the simple pleasure of just stretching out on a chaise outdoors. 

It’s also that glorious time of the year to reap summer's endless parade of produce. Fresh peaches and nectarines. Sweet cherries, berries, and melons. Armfuls of corn, zucchini, tomatoes, and more.

This is when it’s easiest and the freshest to feed our health. Farmers' markets overflow with vibrant colors, and their displays give you every excuse to skip the heavy, cold-weather cooking in favor of something fresher and lighter…and healthier.

Designing your best life begins on your plate

Easy Paella

In a previous issue of Tapestry, we discussed the three eating plans that show the strongest evidence for promoting cognitive and overall health – the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, and the MIND diet. 

While each diet varies, they share a remarkable number of fresh seasonal ingredients from summer fruits and vegetables to lean proteins and fresh fish (especially fatty fish like salmon), the combinations and vibrant flavors are as irresistible as they are limitless.

Here’s where the news gets even better: you don’t need to stay on these plans full-time to benefit significantly. Studies on the MIND, Mediterranean, and DASH diets show that even moderate compliance (about 50-60% of the time) can reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease by 35% and considerably lower cognitive. The MIND diet is essentially the best-of-both-worlds child of the Mediterranean and DASH plans, refined specifically to target brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Think of them less as restrictive rules and more as a very agreeable Venn diagram — one that happens to produce some seriously delicious summer eating.

Light, bright summer meals

A favorite go-to as the warm months arrive is gazpacho. Bursting with flavor and painting your table in color, this cold soup can be a full meal by adding some poached white fish, shrimp, crab, or lobster. From the famed chef and humanitarian José Andrés, this gazpacho recipe is 100% authentic and delicious.

Need more inspiration? 

Baked White Fish Mediterranean Style

Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Vegetables

Spicy Salmon Salad (MIND Diet)

Farro Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Mediterranean Shrimp Foil Packs (DASH)

50+ Mediterranean Diet Recipes including yogurt bowls

From the Cleveland Clinic

The Mediterranean Diet offers great flexibility. Use this guide to help you plan light summer meals that love you back. Download it now below!

Additional resources:

The Official MIND Diet Recipe Bank 

Taste of Home's DASH collection 

The Mediterranean Dish

_{The content provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine, and never disregard professional medical advice based on information you read here.}

Hello, dear readers. In this issue:

• Living well is about experiencing life more deeply

• Time as a luxury

• Perfection comes with planning

• A bucketful of memories

• On looking ahead

Living well is about deeper experiences

Bucket lists have quietly evolved from a simple wish list into something far more intentional: a curated blueprint for the years ahead. The conventional approach? Bookmarking famous landmarks, interesting travel articles, and maybe keeping an actual list. 

But one needs to ask an important question: What do you really want to experience? An extended stay in a palatial private villa in Tuscany? An immersive cultural learning experience with unfettered access? Trekking to Mt. Everest’s base camp?

Today's thoughtful traveler isn't racing through a list; they're designing a life well lived.

Health span, not lifespan

The most strategically minded among us approach their bucket lists with a physical hierarchy: tackle the most demanding adventures first while energy and mobility are at their peak. Trek Bhutan's Tiger's Nest at 60, not 80. Schedule the polar expedition before the wine tour of Burgundy. This isn't cynicism. It’s wisdom. And it makes the experience that much more rewarding.

Wellness travels alongside adventure, and is central to the agenda at any age. Multi-day longevity retreats that blend biohacking, restorative medicine, and genuine rest are no longer on the fringe. They're a cornerstone of serious lifestyle planning.

Time as a luxury

Those who have planned ahead understand one thing: the greatest luxury is not a suite upgrade. It's reducing the friction points. 

Expert travel advisors, pre-arranged ground transportation, dedicated local historians, and premium concierge networks aren't indulgences. These are necessities for planning a wonderful excursion from end-to-end, they are necessities an exhausting exercise into a seamless experience by taking over the controls to eliminate obstacles.

The goal is depth of access — a private dinner in a working Tuscan vineyard, a morning at Monaco watched from a dockside yacht, a conservation safari with scientists rather than tourists. These moments cannot be booked on a standard website. They require relationships to seek them out.

Perfection comes with planning

Perhaps the most meaningful shift is this: the bucket list has become a vehicle for legacy. Multi-generational travel — funding seamless experiences that bring children and grandchildren together in meaningful places — has become the most coveted item on many lists. 

The question to ask isn't where do I want to go? It's who do I want to become — and what experiences will get me there? Ask: What is the outcome I’m looking for? The photograph from the Galápagos matters far less than the shared memory of standing there together. Transforming an itinerary into a blend of philanthropy and purpose can outlast the journey itself.

Done well, a bucket list after 50 isn't a mad dash to the finish line. It is the beginning of the most intentional chapter of a well-lived life. We borrowed this list from Google AI, with a little editing and checking:

Step 1: Brainstorm

• In a notebook or on a notes app, write down every single thing you’ve ever wanted to do, see, or achieve. Nothing at this stage is off the table, so dream big. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

• Look back at your past passions, hobbies you've ignored, or things you admire others doing. Use the five senses to prompt ideas (what do you want to see, taste, or hear?). [1, 2, 3]

Step 2. Prioritize

• Group your ideas into themes to organize your ambitions

  • Travel

  • Hobbies

  • Personal Growth

  • Career or second career

  •  Relationships and connections

• Flag items limited to specific seasons, events, or age requirements, so you don't miss your window. [1, 2]

Step 3. Dream, define, act

• Pick 3 to 5 items to focus on for the upcoming year, instead of being overwhelmed by a 100-item list. [1, 2, 3]

• Define the 5 Ws, identify who is going with you, when it will happen, where it is, and how you will afford/accomplish it. [1]

• Calculate the budget for lofty goals,, itemize the most expensive parts first (flights, accommodations), and work backward to figure out how much you need to save each month. [1, 2, 3]

Step 4. Tracking 

• Studies show you are 42% more likely to achieve goals if you put pen to paper.

• Use digital tools to track your progress or discover ideas using sites like BucketList.org, AtlasObscura.com, or everyday organizational apps like Google Docs. [1, 2]

• Be flexible — your bucket list shouldn't be a source of stress. It is a living, breathing list. Cross off items that you lose interest in or aren’t feasible, and add new ones as your life changes. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

1, Worldpackers  2. Coco Wyo 3. Enthusiastic About Life 4. V Foria 5. Marie Bostwick

Designing your best life: a bucketful of memories

Have you ever thought about writing down the experiences, places, or goals that truly matter to you? That's the heart of a bucket list — and according to health psychologist Shilagh Mirgain of the University of Wisconsin, creating one can actually be good for your health.

According to the American Heart Association, research shows that simply planning a trip or adventure brings happiness, and taking vacations has even been linked to better heart health. So dreaming with intention isn't just fun. It's genuinely good for you.

The beauty of a bucket list is that it grows and changes with you. What matters most in your 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond may look quite different from earlier chapters of life, and that's perfectly natural. Maybe it's visiting a place you've always longed to see, spending unhurried time with grandchildren, learning a new language, or starting a garden. No dream is too small, and no goal is too big.

A few practical tips to get started:

• Write it down and put it where you’ll see it, whether it's a list, a photo, or a simple vision board.

• Mix it up. List a few easier, near-term goals, along with bigger ones, to build confidence to do more.

• Stay flexible. Life brings surprises. A postponed goal isn't a lost one.

• Enjoy the journey. Visiting a landmark is thrilling, but so are the cafés, the walks, and everything in between.

For an interesting perspective, watch this YouTube video about bucket lists…and start planning yours.

On looking ahead

"Live today facing forward — with your back on yesterday, your eyes on tomorrow, and your head and heart in the moment".  — Richelle E. Goodrich

Hello, dear readers. In this issue:

• The undisputed luxury of slow travel by rail

• Geography, gastronomy, glamor

• Moving experiences

• The Tapestry Guide to Luxury Train Travel ^PDF

The undisputed luxury of slow travel by rail

Years ago, I was proposed to aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express en route to Innsbruck, Austria. The staff responded instantly with champagne and charcuterie, the elegance so complete that I forgot I was even on a train — and a setting so romantic I had no choice but to say yes.

A decade later, our family boarded the Rocky Mountaineer and splurged on the Gold Leaf service. The food, the service, and the sweeping scenery combined to make it an unforgettable journey through the Canadian Rockies to Vancouver.

So, I’m not at all surprised that luxury train travel is experiencing a magnificent revival — one where every mile is another moment to savor. There's something profoundly civilized about these extraordinary journeys. From the moment you board, you're immersed in splendor: exquisite decor, impeccable service, and the kind of unhurried comfort that lets the world drift beautifully past your window while the gracious staff sees to your every need.

Geography, gastronomy, glamor

Courtesy of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

Think of a luxury train as a five-star hotel that travels between extraordinary destinations, complete with a private butler, your own living space, and a marble bathroom. This is where dining becomes a gastronomic voyage, with elegantly plated local delicacies graciously served in a relaxing environment. Where bespoke excursions often arrive with each stop.

The world's top rail operators capture all of this in a distinctive regional style, with sweeping landscapes rolling past your window as part of the ambiance.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express lives up to its iconic name, delivering old-world sophistication at its finest. Expect gleaming fixtures, deep, rich inlaid paneling, white-glove service, and a martini that arrives before you've quite finished wanting one. Operated by Belmond, it is part of one of the world's most celebrated portfolios of luxury trains.

Just north of that itinerary, the Royal Scotsman offers perhaps the most intimate luxury rail experience on earth. With as few as 36 guests aboard, this is less a train journey and more of a rolling country estate, complete with burled-wood suites, generously poured single malts, castle visits, and scenery so dramatic it feels faintly unfair to the rest of the world.

Courtesy of Train Suite Shiki-Shima

Japan offers rail travel on a completely different level. Seven Stars in Kyushu is a seven-car cruise train accommodating only 30 guests, winding through the island of Kyushu aboard a train meticulously designed for comfort and luxury. For the ultimate in Japanese refinement, the Train Suite Shiki-Shima accommodates just 34 passengers, immersing them in contemporary Japanese design and cuisine across 16 exquisite suites — including a spectacular two-level suite with a cypress bath.

Across the Indian subcontinent, the Maharajas' Express rolls through Rajasthan in a style that would make Indian royalty slightly envious. The Palace on Wheels offers an extraordinary journey. Exquisite dining, jewel-toned cabins, and a spa make this one of the most unforgettable excursions in the world.

Courtesy of Rovos Rail and Travel & Leisure Asia

In South Africa, travelers are spoiled for choice. Rovos Rail traces the country's breathtaking interior between Cape Town and Pretoria aboard what may be the most beautiful train on earth. Private suites with full-size beds, open-air observation cars, and wild-game drives add a thrill to an already glamorous experience. For those who prefer something sleeker, The Blue Train covers the same legendary route with suites that rival a five-star hotel room and an extraordinary level of polish.

Courtesy of The Hiram Bingham

South America offers two compelling reasons to love luxury rail. The Hiram Bingham provides luxury service to Machu Picchu, one of the world's great wonders. For those who want to linger longer in the Andes, the Belmond Andean Explorer — the continent's first luxury sleeper train — winds through Peru's high-altitude landscapes, offering panoramic views that are equal parts thrilling and humbling.

Back in North America, Rocky Mountaineer winds through the Canadian Rockies in glass-domed coaches where the scenery is relentlessly spectacular. While not a sleeper train, guests are lavished with regional cuisine sourced along the route.

Designing your best life: Moving experiences

What unites all of these experiences is the exquisite pleasure of going slow intentionally. No sprint through terminals, no overhead bin negotiations. Just a beautifully set table, a breathtaking landscape, and the level of service that rivals the finest international hotels.

The world, it turns out, is considerably more beautiful at 60 miles per hour than at 600.

Explore the world of luxury train travel:

Download the Tapestry Guide to Luxury Train Travel

The World's Top 25 Luxury Trains

The Best Train Trips in the World: 2025 Readers' Choice …

Around the World by Luxury Train

Pro tip: Book well in advance. The finest cabins on the world's premier trains sell out a year or more ahead. A good luxury travel advisor who specializes in rail is worth their weight in Pullman mahogany.

Hello, dear readers. In this issue:

• The indescribable feeling of becoming a grandparent

• Feeding the new parents

• Thought for the day

Small miracles

There are milestones in life you spend years quietly hoping for, slightly envious of friends already there. Not with desperation, but with a soft, persistent urge tucked just beneath the surface of ordinary days. 

Becoming a grandmother last week was that dream come true for me.

My daughter and her husband had been together for fourteen years before they finally married last year. Fourteen years of holidays and a deep, mature love that clearly needed no audience to sustain itself. Still, I'll admit that as the years passed, a small, wistful piece of my heart began to wonder. Will it ever happen? I never said it aloud. Some hopes are too tender to express.

And then, this week, she arrived.

She is smaller than a whisper and larger than anything I've ever loved since my own daughter’s arrival. 

She weighs less than the family's eight-pound dog, who is a sweet, smart little creature who took one look at this tiny interloper and, with her great generosity of spirit and wisdom, decided she was family. 

The dog's welcome was immediate. Mine was a tearful, surreal moment I'm not sure I've fully absorbed yet. 

I watched my granddaughter come into this world, draw her first breath, hear her first cry, and saw her skin blush into a healthy pink. I was awed. Overwhelmed. Speechless.

What no one quite prepares you for is the sweetness of watching your child become a parent. For months, I imagined the baby would feel like an addition to a family that had been shrinking for years. One more person to love. 

Instead, it feels like expansion. Revelation. Like my heart quietly renegotiated its own square footage without my ever noticing.

She sleeps with a serenity that is impossible to describe. Instead of waking her parents every few hours, her parents wake her because she is, apparently, too peaceful and too sleepy to acknowledge her hunger.

This beautiful little child arrived in this world having already mastered the art of calm that the rest of us spend decades pursuing.

And then, there are the smiles. Fleeting, involuntary, neurologically unexplained, yet absolutely endearing in every possible way. She doesn't know she's smiling. She has no idea what joy is yet. But somehow, she is already producing it in everyone around her with gentle spirit.

I spent fourteen years watching my daughter's relationship deepen into a marriage, and a marriage bloom into a family. I spent fourteen years learning that some of the finest things in life do not hurry, and they are not wrong to take their time.

As I held her for the first time just an hour after her birth, I understood the meaning of immortality. It isn't something we achieve; it's something we receive in the form of a child who carries your blood, your laugh, your stubborn tenderness forward into a future you'll never fully see. She is my daughter's daughter. She is all of us, beginning again.

She is here now. With her first breath, this tiny, sleeping, smiling miracle has made every year before feel like exactly the right amount of waiting.

I didn't know a heart could stretch this far.

Now I do.

Feeding the new parents

The instinct to feed the people you love is as old as love itself. And in the days and weeks after a baby arrives, the greatest gift you can offer new parents isn't advice; it’s a kitchen stocked with individually packaged, homemade meals. That, and nutritious grab-and-go snacks and breakfasts, so they don’t have to think about what to eat.

The menu that follows is what I recently prepared, freezing the main course and the sides. I had two breakfast options at the ready – and a gift card for their favorite food delivery service – enough for a month’s worth of meals.

What I prepared is designed to reheat without fuss, support lactation, and can be eaten with one hand while the other holds something infinitely more important.

Breakfast – two options

Banana bread oatmeal cookies loved by mom and dad alike; super nutritious and supports lactation

Chia pudding with berry coulis that’s made by slowly simmering fresh berries with a pinch or two of sugar. 

Lunch – three options

White Chicken Chili Soup provides nutrition that freezes well. SUBSTITUTION for breastfeeding mothers: 1 cup of chopped scallion tops (green part only). You can add a little onion powder at a time to boost the flavor to your liking.

Smoked salmon tartines, a nutritious one-handed lunch; serve on the grainiest of fresh bread

Citrus and beet quinoa salad is a nutrient-packed lunch. SUBSTITUTION for breastfeeding mother: use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder instead of the two garlic cloves.

Dinner – two options

Sticky Chicken Thighs also freeze well. SUBSTITUTION for breastfeeding mother: use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder instead of the two garlic cloves.

Skillet Gnocchi with Miso Butter and Asparagus, ready in 10 minutes, devoured in less time, and reheats well, if there are any leftovers.

Additional resources

The Nourished Mother by Lindsay Taylor

The Grand Connector/Strolling Thunder

Being a Supportive Grandparent

Thought for the day

"A grandchild fills a space in your heart that you never knew was empty." — Unknown

Hello, dear readers. In this issue:

• The fresh taste of summer

• Designing your best life begins on your plate

• Light, bright summer meals

• From the Cleveland Clinic

The fresh taste of summer

There's nothing like summer to make us feel more energetic and alive. Warm, gentle breezes, extra hours of sunshine, and butterflies make winter seem like a distant note. Flowers bloom and scent the air, while promises of lazy afternoons, long evenings, and the simple pleasure of just stretching out on a chaise outdoors. 

It’s also that glorious time of the year to reap summer's endless parade of produce. Fresh peaches and nectarines. Sweet cherries, berries, and melons. Armfuls of corn, zucchini, tomatoes, and more.

This is when it’s easiest and the freshest to feed our health. Farmers' markets overflow with vibrant colors, and their displays give you every excuse to skip the heavy, cold-weather cooking in favor of something fresher and lighter…and healthier.

Designing your best life begins on your plate

 Easy Paella

In a previous issue of Tapestry, we discussed the three eating plans that show the strongest evidence for promoting cognitive and overall health – the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, and the MIND diet. 

While each diet varies, they share a remarkable number of fresh seasonal ingredients from summer fruits and vegetables to lean proteins and fresh fish (especially fatty fish like salmon), the combinations and vibrant flavors are as irresistible as they are limitless.

Here’s where the news gets even better: you don’t need to stay on these plans full-time to benefit significantly. Studies on the MIND, Mediterranean, and DASH diets show that even moderate compliance (about 50-60% of the time) can reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease by 35% and considerably lower cognitive. The MIND diet is essentially the best-of-both-worlds child of the Mediterranean and DASH plans, refined specifically to target brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Think of them less as restrictive rules and more as a very agreeable Venn diagram — one that happens to produce some seriously delicious summer eating.

Light, bright summer meals

A favorite go-to as the warm months arrive is gazpacho. Bursting with flavor and painting your table in color, this cold soup can be a full meal by adding some poached white fish, shrimp, crab, or lobster. From the famed chef and humanitarian José Andrés, this gazpacho recipe is 100% authentic and delicious.

Need more inspiration? 

Baked White Fish Mediterranean Style

Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Vegetables

Spicy Salmon Salad (MIND Diet)

Farro Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Mediterranean Shrimp Foil Packs (DASH)

50+ Mediterranean Diet Recipes including yogurt bowls

From the Cleveland Clinic

The Mediterranean Diet offers great flexibility. Use this guide to help you plan light summer meals that love you back. Download it now (pdf)

Additional resources:

The Official MIND Diet Recipe Bank 

Taste of Home's DASH collection 

The Mediterranean Dish

_{The content provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine, and never disregard professional medical advice based on information you read here.}

Hello, dear readers. In this issue:

• How 70 can be your best chapter

• Reality check: Yes, things change

• The unspoken benefits of your 70s

• How to face it with joy

• POV: Only you can design your best life

70 can be one of your best chapters

The day I turned the big seven-oh, all I could think was, "Yesterday, I was in my sixties." I've never been one to dread a milestone birthday, but for some reason, this one threw me for a loop. I felt like I was in mourning and concerned about the future. 

And then I sat down with these feelings and gave myself a pep talk. And a session with a therapist.

Here’s what I came away with: turning seventy is not something most of us spend our forties dreaming about. It’s years away, after all. Forever, really. 

We plan for retirement, sure. We may buy sensible shoes a little earlier than we expected. They feel good. But this big, slightly imposing number has a way of showing up on the calendar before you know it. It announces itself like an uninvited houseguest who, upon closer inspection, turns out to be great to have around.

The truth is, 70 is a milestone worth celebrating … loudly, joyfully, and with a healthy dose of perspective. Getting older is a privilege, and 70 years of living means 70 years of accumulating wisdom, resilience, love, and the hard-won ability to care a heck of a lot less about what other people think of your outfit. Or you.

The reality check: yes, things change

Nobody said aging was all fun and games. Bodies develop stronger opinions now. Knees weigh in on staircase decisions. Doctors' appointments multiply like rabbits. And somewhere along the way, "a good night's sleep" became the most exciting plan for a Saturday. These issues are real, and they deserve acknowledgment – not with despair, but with the same realism we've applied to other challenges thrown at us.

Part of that is taking preventive care seriously. Track and manage your cardiovascular health and schedule cognitive screenings. Schedule those yearly wellness visits with precision – it’s one of the smartest acts of self-love at this stage. Your future self will thank you.

Pragmatism is one of the great gifts of this age. At 70, you've earned the right to ask for help, to say no to things that don't serve you, and to build a life that genuinely fits. That's not slowing down. That's making things easier and helping us get smarter.

The unspoken benefits of the 70s

Research consistently shows that older adults report higher levels of emotional well-being and life satisfaction than younger generations. Read that again. People who have lived longer, who've experienced loss, hardship, and uncertainty, tend to be happier.

It turns out that time has a way of simplifying what matters: relationships, purpose, presence, and maybe a really good dessert after a totally decadent meal.

At 70, you know who your people are. You've stopped performing for anyone who’s never deserved a front-row seat. You have stories, real ones, with texture, color, and hard-earned results. That isn't nothing. It is, in fact, everything.

How to face it with joy (and a little strategy)

So how do you step into this decade with grace and dignity? Here are a few ideas from people who are actively doing it:

Stay curious. Learn something new. I'm learning a new language and went back to college – an Ivy League school, no less. Others pick up an instrument, create a recipe inspired by a country they've always wanted to visit, or try pottery or painting. Take an enriching class to challenge your cognitive abilities. Your brain loves novelty at any age, and keeping it engaged isn't just fun … it's protection.

Move your body. Regular movement – walking, swimming, yoga, dancing in the kitchen, pickleball – protects brain function and works wonders for stress. It doesn’t mean pushing yourself to Olympic-level results, but rather celebrating what your miraculous body can still do. It all counts.

Invest in connection. Loneliness is a very real health risk; friendship is a genuine elixir. Call someone. Show up. Join a book club or walking group. And consider making intergenerational friends; younger people can help you see life from a fresh perspective and reenergize your routine in ways you might not expect.

Plan ahead, then let go. Get your affairs in order. That includes the practical stuff, the important conversations you need to have, and then living freely. Preparation is an act of love for yourself and those around you. Part of that freedom is embracing the power of "no" – letting go of social obligations or expectations that no longer bring you joy. You now have the freedom to curate how you spend your time.

Embrace the number. Wear it proudly. It represents seven full decades of living, loving, adapting, and persevering. Part of embracing your age means accepting the physical changes that come with it by shifting your focus away from youth-based standards and toward health, comfort, and wisdom. Even laughing at it.

Incorporate gratitude into your life. Try starting your mornings by writing down what you are thankful for, or, as I do, meditate on gratitude for everything that went well that day. This simple habit grounds you in the present and fosters a more peaceful, positive outlook.

POV: Only you can design your best life

Seventy is a remarkable vantage point. It’s high enough to see how far you've come, and wide enough to spot all the good that's in front of you. So go ahead. Blow out the candles, eat the cake, and greet this decade like the sweet adventure it really is.

Hello, dear readers. In this issue:

• Making memories through family travel

• Managing the trip for every age

• Closer to home

• Tips to travel by

Making memories through family travel

When my daughter and nephew were eleven and his brother was nine, my parents took my sibling and me, along with our kids, on a once-in-a-lifetime voyage through the Swedish Archipelago. This remarkable expedition, booked through Lindblad, was unique in several ways. We stayed in delightful Swedish inns and small hotels, and transportation was aboard a private yacht with a chef (yes, a Swedish chef the kids constantly asked to talk like the Sesame Street character), tour guides, and a foraging expert/photographer from National Geographic. The trip was filled with hikes, Viking villages and ships, seaport towns, and Scandinavian culture and cuisine – including an intimate coffee at a private home. The crew taught us a few words of Swedish that we still remember: “tack för fika.” (Thanks for the coffee.) 

Memories of the trip, the family's unity, the laughter, and the endearing moments with my parents live on in a beautiful, sentimental way. 

While your travel plans don’t need to be at the peak of luxury, trips like this are the kind that get retold at holiday dinners decades later and are the gold standard of multigenerational travel. 

The good news is that it can be replicated, and the ingredients are intentional.

Start with the why, then plan around it

Spectacular Lake Peyto, Alberta, Canada

The best multigenerational trips aren't built around a destination per se. They're built around a feeling. What do you want everyone to walk away with? A sense of adventure? A shared story? A slower pace that actually allows for conversation? Get clear on that first, and the logistics follow more naturally. And remember that when you’re traveling with children, their needs set the pace.

The trickier part is making the trip meaningful for all ages in your group. Siblings who are toddlers and pre-teens are, for all practical purposes, entirely different species when it comes to stamina, attention span, and what’s thought of as fun. The smartest approach is to plan for moments that work across ages – a boat ride, time at the beach, a nice meal – and inject age-specific activities throughout the day. Increasingly, the children are given a say, with "kidfluence" shaping everything from destination to daily activities.

PRO TIP: Ice cream works wonders for all ages!

The tiniest travelers (ages 2–7)

This age group thrives on pure sensory experiences. Itineraries are meaningless; they need space to roam, water to splash in, and adults who aren't stressed. 

Beach destinations along the U.S. coast, in the Caribbean, or on Mexico's Pacific coast are ideal. Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos, Guanacaste in Costa Rica, or Los Cabos are easily accessible from most U.S. cities. 

Some also offer family-friendly resorts with kids' programming, so parents and grandparents can actually enjoy a quiet lunch. More on this later.

Manage expectations. Nap schedules still rule, meltdowns are part of the package, and the moments that matter most are usually the simplest: a shell found on the beach, a hammock shared with other family members, a brilliant parrot squawking its welcome.

The sweet spot: tweens (ages 8–12)

This is the golden window for multigenerational travel. Old enough to be genuinely curious and engaged, yet young enough to still think grandparents are cool. This age group can handle longer excursions, including snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and cultural exploration, without worrying about the needs of small children.

National parks are having a well-deserved moment here. Glacier, Zion, and the Canadian Rockies (including Banff) are destinations that awe every generation at once. There's something about standing in front of something truly vast that levels the playing field between a 10-year-old and a 70-year-old.

The year after our Swedish immersion, we took another family trip through the Canadian Rockies, staying at Fairmont Hotels along the way – a trip I’d definitely take again. We left Calgary by bus, traveling through the weirdly wonderful hoodoos, majestic mountains, ice fields, and impossibly blue alluvial lakes. More information about this luxury tour is available.

Teenagers and twenties: The art of the opt-in

Here's the honest truth about traveling with teens, especially: control is an illusion, and the sooner you let go, the better the trip goes. Teenagers and twenty-somethings engage when they feel like participants rather than passengers. Give them a role: let them research one activity, choose one dinner, or navigate one afternoon.

Destinations with built-in appeal for this age group help enormously. Mexico City is having a cultural moment and rewards curiosity at every age. Montreal and Quebec City offer international flavor without international airfare or passport anxiety (and a good time for them to practice their French). Costa Rica delivers adventure, with zip-lining, surfing lessons, butterfly forests, and wildlife that can make even the most reluctant teenager look up from their phone.

The mixed-age reality

When the grandchildren span a decade or more in age, the trip requires built-in flexibility rather than fighting the chaos. 

• A home rental, from basic to lux: A villa in the Yucatán, a lakehouse in Ontario, a compound in Barbados often outperforms a hotel for this reason. Shared common spaces allow for natural gathering while private rooms preserve everyone's sanity.

• Plan one main experience per day that works for everyone. 

• Leave the rest of the day loose; it’s inevitable that someone will discover something along the way that’s worth a second look.

Some of the best multigenerational travel memories are made in the in-between moments: a card game filled with silliness and laughter, a grandmother teaching a grandchild to cook, a grandfather and teenager discovering they share something completely unexpected.

Closer to home, right now

Disney is designed for all ages

With world events making long-haul international travel feel less predictable, North America, Mexico, and the Caribbean offer a genuinely compelling case. The variety is remarkable, from the cultural richness of Oaxaca to the raw beauty of Nova Scotia to the unhurried elegance of St. Lucia. You don't need to cross an ocean to create a memory that lasts for years.

You just need the right people, a little intention, and the wisdom to know that the trip doesn't have to be perfect to be unforgettable.

Some of the best proof of that is still being retold by people in their mid-thirties who once island-hopped through a Swedish archipelago with their grandparents.

Designing your best life: Tips to travel by

Multigenerational travel is no longer reserved for special occasions, as nearly 40% of leisure travelers took at least one such trip in the past year. Overall, these travelers want to create lasting memories, spend quality time together, and mark milestone moments. 

The most successful trips share two key traits: built-in downtime and pre-planned transportation. Managing varying energy levels and routines is far from glamorous, but it paves the way for the best memories.

• Grandparents typically drive both planning and budgeting, particularly at higher income levels. 

• Cruises and villa rentals dominate as top choices, and for good reason – these offer shared spaces for connection and private ones for recovery. 

• Enlist a travel advisor and/or tour operator if the trip is complex, such as Extraordinary Journeys.

Many luxury and higher-end hotel companies offer outstanding children’s programming.

Luxury & High-End Chains: According to Forbes]

• Ritz-Carlton: The "Ritz Kids" program offers activities designed around water, land, environmental responsibility, and culture.

• St. Regis: Offers Family Traditions programs, including specialized children’s clubs and family-focused activities.

• Four Seasons: Known for specialized kids' clubs and, for example, the Four Seasons Hualalai provides exceptional youth programming.

• Six Senses: "Grow With Six Senses" offers hands-on experiences focused on sustainability and local culture. 

• Fairmont Hotels: Depending on the destination, many of these hotels offer kid-friendly activities and amenities.

Family-Focused & Resort Brands 

• Westin Hotels & Resorts: Features Westin Family Kids Clubs in locations like Bali, Malta, and Mauritius, focusing on wellness and play.

• Loews Hotels: "Loews Loves Families" offers curated local experiences and partnerships for immersive experiences.

• Omni Hotels: Offers "Camp Omni Kids Escape" at various resorts, including Orlando, with movies, games, and tailored dinners.

• Holiday Inn (IHG): Known for "Kids Eat Free" programs and family-friendly pools/amenities.

Unique Immersive Experiences 

• Carmel Valley Ranch: Offers, among other activities, on-site beekeeping for families.

• Tides Inn: Features the Bayside Explorer Kids Club, ecology experiences, and a Maker Space for crafts.

• Hotel del Coronado: Offers surf lessons and beach activities for kids.

• The Ranch at Rock Creek: Offers immersive nature-focused experiences. 

• The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulfur Springs, WV, offers a wide variety of activities, childcare, and restaurants to appeal to any appetite. Babysitting service available.

Hello, dear readers! In this issue:

• Derisking your travel

• Travel safety tips most don’t know 

• Are your meds legal in other countries?

Derisking Your Travel

This week’s feature is by guest contributor Jason, an expert on both travel and risk. More about him at the end of the article.

The thirst for travel has never been higher among older adults. At the same time, factors of aging and recent geopolitical trends make travel risks a real concern. We’ve enlisted the help of an expert to give you solid, actionable advice for enjoying travel while mitigating risk.

1. Don’t put all your money in one place

A gentle reminder that money disappears faster than you think, especially when it’s all in one pocket.

If your wallet or purse disappears – whether you lost it or someone helped it disappear – you don’t want your entire trip disappearing with it. 

The fix is simple, and it’s amazing how many of us don’t do it: split your resources. Carry your primary wallet/purse as usual, but keep a backup credit card and some emergency cash in a separate place. That might be your luggage, your hotel safe, or even a different bag. 

This isn’t about paranoia, it’s about basic resilience. I’ve seen travelers go from completely stuck to completely fine just because they had a backup card tucked away. Same problem, totally different outcome. One person is canceling their trip. The other is ordering an umbrella drink and figuring out the next steps. Don’t let a single point of failure end your trip. I admit I’ve failed to follow my own advice here multiple times, thinking “it won’t happen to me,” but travel enough and it eventually will.

2. Back up what actually matters (not your whole life)

Eat like a local, live like a local… just don’t assume your stomach can, too.

Travel comes with friction. Bags get delayed. Things get misplaced. Occasionally, stuff just vanishes into the void. So the question isn’t “how do I prevent that entirely?”  because you won’t. The question is: what can I absolutely not function without?

For most people, that list is pretty short:

• Prescription medication

• Glasses, contact lenses, or other assistive devices

• Essential documents such as your passport

Those are the things worth duplicating or planning around. 

What’s not on that list? Your third backup phone. Your second laptop. Your “just in case” tablet. I know people who travel like they’re opening a small electronics store, and it’s completely unnecessary. 

• If your laptop dies, you log into the cloud on a new one. 

• If your phone breaks, you replace it. 

• Be thoughtful about redundancy where it matters, but don’t confuse preparation with overpacking. 

PRO TIP: Always store a PDF copy in the cloud of your passport and other critical docs. That way, if it decides to wander off, you at least have something to show the police or other officials in the meantime.

3. Tell someone where you are (but don’t tell the Internet)

There’s a sweet spot between being completely off-grid and broadcasting your every move to the world. When you’re doing something even slightly higher risk – remote hiking, long solo drives, unfamiliar areas at night – tell someone you trust where you’re going and when you expect to be back. 

• Build in a little buffer so they don’t panic if things run late, but make sure someone has a general sense of your plan. 

• At the same time, resist the urge to post everything in real time, especially in places where security is less predictable. Not everyone following you has good intentions, and you don’t need to make it easy for anyone to track your movements. 

• Share the story later. Experience it fully in the moment. A little bit of discretion goes a long way.

4. Safety in numbers… but not a traveling circus

There’s truth to the idea that two heads are better than one. Traveling with a companion can make decision-making sharper, provide a second set of eyes, and generally reduce risk. But there’s a tipping point. 

As groups get larger, they become more visible, less flexible, and frankly more chaotic. You’re more likely to stand out, more likely to attract attention, and almost guaranteed to have at least one person making questionable decisions that affect everyone else. Large groups can also become easier targets. They’re predictable, they move more slowly, and they often signal “tourist” from a mile away. Smaller groups, or even pairs, tend to move more intentionally. They blend in better, adapt faster, and keep a tighter awareness of their surroundings. Travel like a team, not an entire traveling circus.

5. Go where the locals go (with eyes open)

Street markets = flavor, culture, and sometimes a reminder that your stomach has a different passport.

Crowds are magnets: for energy, for culture…and for pickpockets. Stay alert!

There’s a reason certain places show up in every guidebook. They’re famous, accessible, and designed to handle large volumes of visitors. They’re also predictable. And anything predictable (big chain hotels, major tourist restaurants, packed festivals, iconic attractions) can become a natural focal point not just for travelers, but for people looking to take advantage of them. 

This doesn’t mean you should avoid these places entirely. Some are absolutely worth seeing. But it does mean you should approach them with awareness. 

• Balance them out by spending time where locals actually live their lives. 

• Stay in neighborhoods that aren’t built exclusively for visitors. 

• Eat at places that aren’t optimized for tourists. 

• Explore beyond the obvious. You’ll often find that not only do you feel more grounded and less targeted, you also have a far richer experience. 

One small reality check: your immune system is not local. That incredible street food spot might be perfectly normal for residents and a full-blown adventure for you. Ease into it. Your stomach will thank you.

The Bottom Line

Derisking your travel isn’t about wrapping yourself in bubble wrap or eliminating every unknown. It’s about making a series of small, smart decisions that compound in your favor. So when something inevitably goes wrong, it’s not catastrophic, it’s just an inconvenience. You’re still moving. Still exploring. Still saying yes. And that’s the whole point.

About Jason

Jason is a 25-year veteran of the World Bank and in the small club of a few hundred people who have visited every country on Earth (yes, even the ones you’re questioning). His newsletter, 196Stories, tells the tales of his extraordinary visits to 196 countries. Consider subscribing if you enjoy that sort of content!

Bonus tips for our readers

Jason’s fantastic advice applies to everyone. We decided to research a few extra tips, especially relevant to older adults.

Master your medication before you go

• Carry a written list of all medications, dosages, and your doctor's contact information, as this can be essential if you need to replace a prescription or seek emergency care on the road. If any of your medications require syringes or other medical paraphernalia, carry a doctor's note clearly explaining what you have and why, especially when traveling by air.

• Bring more medication than you think you'll need. At a minimum, a few extra days' supply to account for unexpected travel delays or that tablet that accidentally falls down the drain.

• Always keep your medications in your carry-on bag, not in checked luggage, in case bags are lost or delayed. 

PRO TIP: Jason added that if you are traveling internationally, also check the legality of your medications. As he says, “that Xanax that calms your anxiety at home can land you in prison in Singapore.” Check your medications

Thwart the thieves

Older travelers are well-known targets for pickpockets and petty theft, particularly in tourist-heavy areas.

• One proven tactic is carrying a "dummy" wallet containing a small amount of cash and no critical cards. If a pickpocket succeeds, the damage will be minimal. 

• Keep your actual ID, credit cards, and larger sums in a travel pouch or hidden pocket designed for travelers.

• Anti-theft gear has advanced considerably. Slash-resistant travel bags with locking zippers, stainless steel wire-mesh portable safes, and pickpocket-proof clothing with deep interior magnetic pockets are all practical investments for frequent travelers.

Plan for health insurance

This is important and often overlooked: Medicare does not cover most medical costs outside the United States except for a handful of exceptions.

This gap is serious. A medical evacuation from a foreign country can cost tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket without insurance, so consider purchasing a dedicated travel medical insurance policy before any international trip. Look for plans that offer at least $100,000 in medical coverage, $500,000+ in emergency evacuation coverage, and coverage for the "acute onset of pre-existing conditions.”

Keep your blood flowing

Long-haul flights of four hours or more are associated with a 2-to-4-fold increase in blood clot risk, and flights of eight hours or longer carry the greatest danger.

Simple advice here: move. 

• On flights, get up and walk the aisle every hour or two. 

• On road trips, build in frequent stops to stretch your legs. 

• Wearing compression socks – ideally after confirming with your doctor that they are appropriate for your circulation – can meaningfully improve blood flow. 

• Avoid crossing your legs while seated, wear loose-fitting clothing, and stay well-hydrated, as dehydration is an additional DVT risk factor at altitude.

Quick-reference checklist

Longevity isn't a secret…

It’s not a diet supplement, gadget, or trend with a catchy name. Instead, it's those small, consistent choices you may have already made that quietly accumulate into something truly remarkable over time. 

Research confirms this – the key to longevity is getting 150 minutes of regular cardio each week, doing strength training twice a week, getting quality sleep, maintaining healthy eating habits, and staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues.

Cardio: Secrets to reaching your weekly goal

Studies from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that even 15 to 20 minutes of moderate daily movement – walking, gardening, swimming – is linked to significantly better health outcomes over time.

The good news is that you don’t need to do 30 minutes straight, 5 days a week. Here are some strategies for success:

• Break it into smaller sessions: Divide the 150 minutes into daily, manageable chunks (e.g., 10–15 minutes per session, or a 20-minute walk most days. This schedule is proven to be manageable and meaningful. Get expert tips

• Start slowly: If you are just starting, build up your stamina gradually over several weeks to avoid injury.

• "Talk test": Moderate intensity means you can talk but not sing while exercising.

• Mix it up: Include weight-bearing activities (e.g., walking, light dancing) for bone health and non-weight-bearing activities (e.g., swimming, cycling) for joint relief.

• Use household moments: Turn chores like gardening or vacuuming into active, daily movement. 

Recommended activities include:  

• Walking: Brisk walking is the most accessible, low-impact exercise, whether indoors on a treadmill or in a mall; outside, around the neighborhood, on a trail, or even sightseeing.

• Water activities: Water aerobics or swimming are gentle on joints and provide excellent resistance.

• Group fitness classes: Seek out SilverSneakers, Pilates, or dance classes for social motivation. Many local hospitals also offer virtual and in-person classes.

• Online cardio workouts: These are plentiful and suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

• Cycling: Stationary or outdoor bikes boost cardiovascular health with low impact. 

Related newsletters: You’ve Got Questions;  Micro Workouts; These Feet Were Made for Walking

Strength training: Twice a week

Strength training twice a week is a powerful way to maintain muscle mass and is one of the most impactful actions we can take for our long-term health, reducing the risk of falls, metabolic issues, and cognitive decline. Even light resistance exercises two days a week can make a noticeable difference. 

After 60, we naturally start losing muscle mass, and the effects go beyond appearance or how we feel. Muscle loss is closely linked to fatigue, balance problems, and an increased risk of falls. The good news is that it's largely reversible at any age, with as few as 2 to 3 sessions per week.

Always stay hydrated before, during, and after any workout and warmup by doing 3–4 sets with lighter weights to prepare joints and practice technique.

New to strength training? Start with using your own body weight:

Begin doing each 10 times (a “set”) before moving to the next exercise. As you gain strength, add another set until you reach three sets.

• Chair squats: Lower yourself slowly toward a chair, then return to standing rather than sit. Build up to full squats without the chair.

• Wall push-ups: Hands flat against a wall at shoulder height, bend and press back. Effective for upper body strength without floor work.

• Calf raises: Hold a chair for balance, rise onto your toes, and lower slowly to build stability.

Progress to resistance bands

• Banded rows: Loop a band around your feet while seated, then pull it toward your waist with your elbows back. Strengthens the upper back and improves posture.

• Banded bicep curls: Stand on the band, curl upward, and control the release just as carefully as the lift.

Move to light weights 

Once bands feel comfortable, even two- to five-pound dumbbells open up a wider range of movement and challenge. Remember to move slowly, rest between sessions, and start where you are, not where you think you should be.

According to Mayo Clinic, follow this advice when you use weights:

• The 10-rep test: Grab a weight, perform 10 repetitions, and check your form. If the last 2-3 reps are difficult, it is likely that the weight is right for you.

• Start light: Begin with no weight or very light weights (1–5 lbs) to master the movement.

• Listen to your body: If you feel pain, stop immediately and use a lower weight.

• Progressive increase: When 15 reps become easy, increase the weight by 2-5 pounds

Sleep: Quality, quantity...and consistency

One of the most powerful things you can do for your health happens when you're not doing anything at all.

During sleep, the brain runs what researchers have called its "cleaning cycle," clearing out metabolic waste and consolidating memory. Adults who consistently get seven to nine hours of quality sleep show lower rates of cognitive decline, heart disease, and inflammation. It's one of the most powerful and underrated tools available. 

We all have those nights when we toss and turn, or we can’t turn off our brains. Here are a few habits worth building:

• Keep a consistent bedtime and wake time every day

• Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet (sound machines are fine); try a sleep mask to block the light

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals close to bedtime

• Create a wind-down routine that your body learns to recognize as a signal to rest; a few minutes of guided meditation or breathwork can work wonders

• If insomnia or sleep apnea is an issue, talk to your doctor – both are treatable

 Related newsletters: We all do it. Now, learn to do it better.

Food: What and how you eat matter

Hands down, the Mediterranean diet remains one of the most thoroughly studied eating patterns linked to healthy aging. Packed with vegetables, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, and fish, it's more of a philosophy than a diet, emphasizing food as pleasure and nourishment rather than restriction. 

But researchers are increasingly paying attention not just to what's on the plate, but to the experience around it. Eating with others, eating slowly, and eating with attention are all associated with better digestion, a healthier weight, and greater satisfaction. The social dimension of food turns out to be nutritious in its own right.

Other factors

Connection is often the missing link

If there is one finding in longevity research that continues to surprise people, it's the sheer power of social connection. A landmark Harvard study spanning more than 80 years found that close relationships – more than wealth, fame, or even genetics – were the strongest predictor of long, healthy lives.

Loneliness, by contrast, has been shown to have health effects comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. This isn't sentimentality, it's biology. Strong social bonds regulate stress hormones, support immune function, and keep the brain engaged.

Having purpose is measurable

In Okinawa, Japan, they call it ikigai, roughly translated as "that which makes life worth living." You don't need to travel to find it. You just need to name it.

Research from the Blue Zones, the regions of the world where people consistently live the longest, consistently points to one shared trait: a sense of purpose. Whether it comes from work, community, creative pursuits, or family, having a reason to get up in the morning has been shown to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and improve overall resilience.

The takeaway

Longevity isn't about adding years to your life so much as adding life to your years. The habits that support a long, healthy life are the same ones that make each day richer: movement, good food, deep connection, rest, and purpose. The science is clear. The rest is up to you.

_{The content provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine, and never disregard professional medical advice based on information you read here.}

Hello, dear readers. In this issue:

• When an obstacle becomes opportunity

• Rediscovering the United States

• Canada: spectacular and surprisingly close

• Mexico and Central America: more rewarding than ever

• South America: a vastly diverse continent

• The U.S. Department of State resources

An unexpected change of scenery

These days, there’s a quiet conversation happening among travelers. People who once had their passports ready and their itineraries confirmed are hitting the pause button, reconsidering, and asking the question that feels increasingly wise:

Is there somewhere closer to home that could be just as rewarding?

Travel has always responded to the international climate – when the horizon feels uncertain, looking closer to home isn't a compromise. It's a savvy reset.

When an obstacle becomes opportunity

The most experienced travelers know that some of the best trips begin with a detour, a missed turn, or an oversight. The places you didn't plan to go have a way of becoming the experiences you love most.

A prime example is the Americas. From the southernmost tip of Chile to the arctic landscapes of Nunavut, Canada, extraordinary adventures are awaiting your discovery.

The world will wait. And in the meantime, there's more to explore closer to home than most of us ever imagined.

Rediscovering the United States

Historic Savannah, Georgia

There's a difference between passing through a place and stopping to truly experience it. Many travelers have discovered the luxury of unhurried exploration; they know exactly what that means. The choices are as vast as they are diverse.

One way to explore the USA is by train. A friend recently reminded me of a trip he took across the country with an Amtrak Rail Pass for those of us of a certain age. He used the 10-trips-in-30-days offer, stopping at new places and staying a few days at each. The stories he shared were fascinating.

One of my favorite destinations is Savannah, Georgia, the sister city of New Orleans. So yes, look for Cajun cuisine, including beignets. This lovely city rewards those who wander beneath the Spanish moss that drapes the path to the iconic fountain at Forsyth Park, the city’s notable restaurants, and the architecture that reflects the city’s history dating back to the early 1700s. Sharing the region is Asheville, North Carolina, which has become one of America's most refined small cities, featuring a remarkable art and food scene and the Blue Ridge Parkway just beyond the city limits.

Then there’s Santa Fe and its world-class art, exceptional cuisine, and a high-desert landscape that is as quietly transformative as it is spectacular.

For those drawn to the coast, Maine's working harbor towns and grand historic inns offer a timeless kind of elegance. Along the Pacific, the Monterey Peninsula and the wine country of Sonoma remain among the most gracious destinations in the country.

And for a luxurious excursion into Alaska’s spectacular Denali National Park, the Sheldon Chalet will indulge you with a personal concierge, chef, and guides to create once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

Canada: spectacular and surprisingly close

Morain Lake, Alberta, Canada

The stars of the Canadian Rockies – Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise – should be on every serious traveler's list. The mountain scenery is some of the most dramatic on Earth, the lodges are truly grand, and wildlife viewing is unparalleled. Be sure to stop by to see the brilliantly turquoise Lake Peyto and the Columbia Icefields. Both are otherworldly. Many tours are available in this wondrous part of the world, but few compare to those offered by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts throughout Canada and the US.

For those who prefer cities, Vancouver combines sophisticated urban life with immediate access to the ocean, forests, and mountains in a way that few places in the world can match. A side trip to Victoria and its breathtaking Butchart Gardens in spring and summer is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Fairmont offers luxurious stays at both destinations.

On the eastern side of Canada, Quebec City offers an authentically European experience, with cobblestone streets, French cuisine, centuries of history, and no transatlantic travel required. Just beyond the city, Ile d’Orleans and its galleries and cafes are worth a visit. Of course, a stop at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is a must – whether for a stay or high tea.

In autumn, many cruises are available to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick (Bay of Fundy), with some lines stopping in Boston. I took Royal Caribbean’s voyage from the Port of Baltimore and can report that it’s a delightful trip that captivates the senses and the desire for adventure.

Mexico and Central America: more rewarding than ever

San Miguel de Allende

Mexico's interior has long been a secret among discerning travelers, and that secret is getting harder to keep.

Oaxaca has emerged as one of the hemisphere's great food and art destinations, with a culinary tradition that has gained serious international recognition and archaeological sites that rival anything in Europe. San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, charms visitors with its rose-colored colonial buildings and lively arts scene, while Mérida in Yucatán offers outstanding regional cuisine and easy access to stunning Mayan ruins. For those seeking a coastline without the crowds, Mexico's southern Pacific coast offers warm waters, relaxed beaches, and an authenticity that long ago was sacrificed by more developed resorts.

Central America rewards the curious traveler with extraordinary natural diversity packed into a remarkably compact geography. Costa Rica remains the gold standard for nature-forward travel:  volcanoes, cloud and butterfly forests, and some of the world's best sport fishing, all within a country deeply committed to conservation. Belize offers an English-speaking Caribbean escape with world-class diving along the second-largest barrier reef on earth. Guatemala's Antigua is a premier UNESCO World Heritage site and a magnificently preserved colonial city, bordered by volcanoes. And Panama delivers exceptional biodiversity, a vibrant capital, and the enduring marvel of the Canal itself.

South America: a vastly diverse continent

Salar de Tara, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Seasoned travelers tend to get more out of South America than anyone, because they know how to slow down and look closely. Cartagena, Colombia, is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric cities in the Western Hemisphere. Peru's Sacred Valley, beyond the iconic Machu Picchu, holds Incan history and Andean culture that reward curious, unhurried exploration. 

Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia provides a unique journey that you can take in on a Jeep tour with local guides, stay in salt-built hotels (complete with signs to not lick the walls), and spend an unforgettable evening on the flats, made for an experience unlike any other.

Chilean Patagonia offers wilderness on a scale that still has the power to astonish even those who have seen a great deal of the world. This is only one of a vast range of travel opportunities in South America that we can’t cover here. For more information, visit National Geographic's guide to the continent.

Did you know: The U.S. Department of State resources

In today’s ever-changing global community, smart travelers rely on information provided by the U.S. Department of State. Their valuable resources help you plan your trips and include essential contact details that every traveler should have:

Travel.State.gov

Travel Advisory Updates: Before you book a trip abroad, understand what you’re walking into when traveling.

International Travel Info: Planning a trip abroad? Get travel advice you can trust.

Enroll in STEP: Get real-time travel updates. Learn more now about STEP.

Hello, dear readers. In today’s Tapestry Wellness issue:

• The more we age, the more it matters

• Gentle Stretch with Natasha

• Independence and fall prevention

• Building the habit

The stretch effect: independence, mobility, longevity

There’s a reason why we yawn and stretch when we wake up. And there’s even a name for it: pandiculation. Aside from feeling good, the Cleveland Clinic reports that our bodies do this to wake up after hours of inactivity. That includes:

• Resetting and loosening muscles; this ultimately prevents pain by easing the stiffness that comes from long periods of immobility

• Improving circulation to warm up our muscles and joints so they move more freely

• Increasing heart rate and brain activity to help shift from a restful state to alertness

Gentle stretch with Natasha: That same principle applies to building in 10 minutes of daily stretching. Natasha, Tapestry’s certified trainer, has a new video for you. Start with one session a day and build up to three times for one thorough stretching session…then stick with it!

The more we age, the more it matters

Starting in our 30s, muscles naturally begin to shorten and lose elasticity; a process that quietly accelerates with each passing decade. Tight hamstrings, a stiff lower back, reduced shoulder mobility: these aren't just annoyances. They're the early signs of a body losing its range of motion. Left unchecked, that loss compounds. Tasks that once felt effortless, like reaching overhead, bending down, or turning to check a blind spot, begin to take more effort. And effort, over time, becomes avoidance.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Stretching interrupts that cycle. Regular flexibility work helps maintain the length and suppleness of muscle fibers, keeping joints moving through their full range. Think of it as maintenance for the most complex machine you'll ever own.

The bigger picture: independence and fall prevention

Here's what doesn't get talked about enough: flexibility is a pillar of functional independence. The ability to move freely and confidently isn't just about comfort — it's directly linked to balance, coordination, and fall prevention. According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury among adults over 65, and reduced flexibility is a contributing factor. Stretching strengthens the neuromuscular pathways that tell your body where it is in space. It’s called proprioception, or in other words, greater stability on your feet.

The good news? It's never too late to start, and the gains come faster than most people expect. Even modest consistency – 10 minutes a day, most days – produces measurable improvements in flexibility within a few weeks.

Building the habit

The most effective stretching routine is the one you'll actually do. A few principles to get started:

• Timing is everything: Stretching after light movement, like walking, is more effective than stretching cold muscles first thing in the morning.

• Hold, don't bounce: Static stretches held for 20–30 seconds allow the muscle to genuinely release. Bouncing activates a protective reflex that works against you.

• Focus on the big four: Our hips, hamstrings, shoulders, and spine bear the burden of sedentary habits but have the biggest benefits when kept loose.

• Pain means stop: Stretching should feel like mild tension or pull. It should never cause sharp pain or discomfort. Back off if something hurts.

Become a flex symbol

Ten minutes. That's the ask. Not a gym membership, not special equipment, not a major schedule overhaul. It’s just a small daily investment in the body that carries you through everything else. The research is clear, the benefits are real, and the barrier to entry is about as low as it gets.

So go ahead. Reach a little further today than you did yesterday. Your future self will thank you.

_{The content provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine, and never disregard professional medical advice based on information you read here.}

Hello, dear readers. In this issue:

• The benefits of slow travel

• Taking it easy

• Best places for slow tourism

• Before you go

• The economy of slow

• Designing your best life: The bluebird of happiness

Ponta da Piedade, Lagos, Portugal

You may've done the whirlwind trip: seven cities in ten days, a suitcase that’s never fully unpacked, and hundreds of photos you haven't looked at since. That kind of travel definitely has its place, but at some point, many of us start craving something different. Deeper. Less structured. More spontaneous.

Enter slow tourism. It’s the best way to enjoy everything at your own pace. To truly explore local culture and discover hidden treasures and spots that let you experience life like a resident. Far from the crowds and far from the usual. It can also be more sustainable and less expensive than mass travel.

Taking it easy

Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, Saint-Jean-du-Gard, France

Slow travel isn't about moving at a snail's pace or skipping the highlights. It's about choosing a home base and settling in. It’s spending a month in a corner of Tuscany instead of ticking off five regions; renting an apartment for a week in a quaint Lisbon neighborhood instead of a hotel; or indulging in a months-long getaway to explore Canada from coast to coast. It also means eating where locals eat, learning a few words of the language, and having a favorite café by day three.

And as we get older, it’s also remarkably practical: Less packing and unpacking. Fewer overnight trains. More time to rest between activities without feeling like you're falling behind an itinerary.

Where the idea works best

Scandinavian residential neighborhood

Slow tourism can be enjoyed almost anywhere, but some destinations are particularly well-suited.

Portugal remains one of the great slow-travel values in Europe: a low cost of living, excellent food and wine, easy navigation, and genuinely welcoming for visitors staying longer. The Algarve and the Douro Valley are both spectacular without being overrun.

Japan generously rewards slow travelers. Spend two weeks in Kyoto and the surrounding towns of Nara, Uji, Arashi Yama, and you'll barely scratch the surface. The country is also exceptionally safe, clean, and logistically straightforward, even for solo travelers.

For those looking to indulge in luxury, the south of France, coastal Croatia, and the Italian lake district all feature high-end villas and boutique hotels where a two-week stay feels like a masterclass in living well. Many of these places offer weekly rates that make the per-night cost surprisingly affordable.

On the more economical end, Mexico's colonial cities, such as Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, and Mérida, offer an extraordinary quality of life at a fraction of the cost of many European locations. Long-stay apartment rentals are easy to arrange, the food culture is extraordinary, and the art scenes, thriving.

Before you go

Slow travel requires some planning:

• Book accommodations for a week or more upfront, since the best apartments and smaller boutique properties fill quickly.

• Look into travel insurance that covers extended stays.

• Research pharmacy access in your destination before you go if you’re on medications; this is generally not an issue in most of Europe and Latin America.

Resources

The World’s Best Destinations for Slow Travel

Complete guide to slow travel: why and how to practice it

Defining Slow Travel

The economy of slow

Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Slow tourism tends to cost less than you'd expect. When you're not paying for a new hotel every night or eating every meal in a tourist district out of convenience, the budget stretches considerably further.

This type of travel is less a style of journey and more a shift in what you're after. Less consumption, more immersion. Less itinerary, more experience. For many people who've been traveling for decades, it turns out to be exactly what they didn't know they were looking for.

Designing your best life: The bluebird of happiness

Birdwatching turns out to be one of those hobbies that offers more than expected. On the surface, it's simple – you go outside, you pay attention. Yet, the beauty is in that simplicity. 

This delightful pastime lets you reset and refocus on your surroundings, away from screens and noise. It gets you outdoors and moving, often into places you'd never otherwise visit, from local wetlands to peaceful forests that are soothing. 

The learning curve is real but rewarding: the more you know, the more you see. And it’s that experience that becomes quietly addictive. It's also remarkably accessible. A decent pair of binoculars and a field guide will get you started. But like any hobby, it can scale up in sophistication (and gear) as far as you want to take it. And it travels well, which means wherever you go in the world, there's always another reason to step outside and look up.

Of course, there’s an app for that. The most popular include:

Merlin Bird ID

eBird

 Audubon Bird Guide 

Sibley Birds

Birda