Displaying items by tag: lifestyle

National Park lodges like the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone captivate visitors with their historical charm and breathtaking views, often making reservations hard to come by. However, several alternatives outside park boundaries offer similar scenic beauty and unique experiences.

• At Blackberry Mountain in Tennessee, guests can enjoy luxurious treehouses with panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains, complemented by gourmet dining and wellness activities. 

• Flathead Lake Lodge in Montana provides a ranch experience with horseback riding and access to the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, offering an exciting alternative to Glacier National Park’s Many Glacier Hotel.

• In Hawaii, the serene Volcano Village Estates features charming bungalows and cottages surrounded by a Japanese garden, offering a peaceful retreat near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. These accommodations provide unique ways to experience the natural splendor and adventure of national parks without the crowds.

Finsum: We’ve already previewed some summer parks but these destinations could up the luxury of the experience. 

Ceramic studios have surged in popularity, offering a therapeutic alternative to digital interactions and fostering a sense of community. Places like Greenwich House Pottery (GHP) in New York have seen waiting lists grow significantly, highlighting the increased demand for hands-on creative activities. 

This trend aligns with a broader wellness movement and the art world’s renewed interest in ceramics. Ceramic studios also serve as excellent networking hubs, bringing together diverse groups of people, from hobbyists to professional artists, all united by a shared passion. 

Studios like GHP, think that a large majority of their clientele, nearly 80% are Lawyers, architects, doctors, retired curators, etc., so this leisurely activity could prove useful to also expand clientele and improve relationships. 

Finsum: One trend we think we’ll see is that there will be some migration of business adjacent activity from places like golf courses and country clubs to a new generation’s idea of recreation. 

Sip and paint parties have become a popular social activity, combining the enjoyment of painting with the relaxation of sipping wine. These events, often hosted in studios or bars, provide all necessary art supplies and a professional instructor to guide participants through creating their own masterpiece. 

The casual, fun atmosphere makes them appealing for people of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned artists. Beyond creativity, sip and paint parties are great for socializing, offering a unique way to connect with friends or meet new people. They also can be hosted by local artists to get in touch with a different aspect of the community. 

This trend is also seen as a wellness activity, promoting stress relief and mindfulness. With their growing popularity, sip and paint parties have become a favorite for celebrations, corporate team-building events, and novel nights out.

Finsum: This is one of the trendiest ways to engage with the artistic side, but also give wine collectors a chance to dip into their cellar. 

The pandemic kept a lot of us cooped up and changed the battleground for the future of productivity, but there has been little doubt of how it has impacted the world of literature. There has been a huge outpour of high quality books the last two years that some attribute to the isolation of that era. Here are the best books of 2024 so far:

Non Fiction: The C.I.A.

• In his new book, Wilford examines how the United States, particularly through the C.I.A., sought to control global politics after World War II, often engaging in covert actions in newly independent states of the Global South, illustrating the paradox of anti-imperialism empowering covert U.S. influence during decolonization.

Fiction: The Ministry of Time

• Kaliane Bradley examines a Cambodian English minder in a near-future Britain grapples with falling in love with her charge, a nineteenth-century Royal Navy commander, while uncovering the mysteries of a government program that uses time travel to retrieve people from history, exploring themes of mortality and grief.

Wild Card: The Light Eaters

• Zoë Schlanger explores the burgeoning field of plant intelligence, detailing how plants sense, communicate, and respond to their environment, while also focusing on the scientists behind these discoveries and the transformative shifts occurring within botany.

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Finsum: These books offer wonderful conversations for potential clients and can be a bridge to new ideas. 

Choosing the right dog breed for your family can be challenging given the variety of unique breeds available. Known for their unique traits, several large dog breeds stand out in the U.S. 

The Komondor, with its distinctive white cords, and the shaggy, high-spirited Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen are remarkable for their appearances and histories. The Belgian Laekenois, the rarest of Belgium's native dogs, is notable for its rough coat. The Puli, an ancient Hungarian breed, is thought to be a direct ancestor of the poodle. Lastly, the giant Leonberger, affectionate and great with kids, is a mix of St. Bernards and Newfoundlands, making it a devoted but high-maintenance pet. 

Each breed brings something special to the table, helping you find the perfect match for your personality and lifestyle.

Finsum: While dogs and pets more widely are great companions, they are also great points of mutual interests with clients, and come with their own unique financial precautions such as insurance.