In 2023, Americans are expected to spend more than $12 billion on Halloween and more say they will participate in the holiday than ever before. While it may seem like Americans have always gone all out during the spooky season, things used to be simpler.
Anyone who is a Gen Xer will remember that, for most kids, Halloween meant going to the local drug store and picking a vinyl Halloween costume off the rack that cost $3. For that, you got a vinyl jumpsuit that smelled like paint and a plastic mask held on by a string, and you loved it.
TikTok’s unofficial Gen X ambassador, Kelly Manno, remembered those good times in a recently posted video with over 4 million views. She shared what it was like to go trick-or-treating in a “garbage bag” costume with little ventilation that made a “woosh-woosh” sound when you walked.
“The eye holes in those masks never lined up with your actual eyes. We would push our tongue through the slit in the mask. We’d cut our tongue, but then we’d keep doing it again because we were, like, eating it up with, like, OCD and ADD, and nobody cared,” she joked.
She also noted that the costumes weren’t all that safe.
In the 70s and 80s we trick or treated in garbage bags. We couldnt see out our masks, or breathe, but that didnt matter. It was the best night ever. #genx #oldermillennial #xennial #halloween #nostalgia #80skid #feralchildren #90skid #kellymanno
“Our parents took about three or four pictures of us a year, and Halloween was always one of them,” Manno explained. “You knew before you went out trick-or-treating, you had to line up with your cousins in front of the fireplace in your highly flammable costume with your mom, chain-smoking Virginia Slims like, ‘Say trick-or-treat!’”
The most popular manufacturer of these vinyl costumes from the ‘60s to the ‘80s was Ben Cooper. Sadly, after people began to demand higher-quality costumes in the late ‘80s and adults started to join in the fun, it couldn’t get with the times and was purchased by Rubie’s Costume Co., which dissolved the company.
When someone you know gets seriously ill, it’s not always easy to come up with the right words to say or to find the right card to give.
Emily McDowell — a former ad agency creative director and the woman behind the Los Angeles-based greeting card and textile company Emily McDowell Studio — knew all too well what it was like to be on the receiving end of uncomfortable sentiments.
At the age of 24, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She went into remission after nine months of chemo and has remained cancer-free since, but she received her fair share of misplaced, but well-meaning, wishes before that.
“The most difficult part of my illness wasn’t losing my hair, or being erroneously called ‘sir’ by Starbucks baristas, or sickness from chemo. It was the loneliness and isolation I felt when many of my close friends and family members disappeared because they didn’t know what to say or said the absolute wrong thing without realizing it.“
Her experience inspired Empathy Cards — not quite “get well soon” and not quite “sympathy,” they were created so “the recipients of these cards [can] feel seen, understood, and loved.”
Scroll down to read these sincere, from-the-heart, and incredibly realistic sentiments.
Pretty great, right? If you know someone who’s in the less-than-ideal position of dealing with a serious illness, you can purchase any of these eight cards to share with them.
(We’re not being paid to share these, nor were we asked to do so. We came across the cards and I loved them, so I reached out to Emily McDowell Studio and asked if I could share them with you. Unfortunately, a lot of us know someone who could use a card like one of these.)
Categories are great for some things: biology, herbs, and spices, for example.
Image via
But bodies? Well, putting bodies into categories just gets weird. There are around 300 million people in America, but only 12 or so standard sizes for clothing: extra-extra-small through 5x.
That’s why designer Mallorie Dunn is onto something with her belief — people have different bodies and sizing isn’t catching up.
Dunn has found that the majority of clothing sizes stop at an extra-large, yet the majority of women in America are over that. “And that just doesn’t make sense,” she says.
All images via Smart Glamor, used with permission.
Human spice rack, only, a LOT more variations of flava. 😉
That’s why she started a project around her clothing label, Smart Glamour, to document the bodies of models according to their sizes — and to show how one size can look very different on different bodies.
In pursuit of creating a fashion environment that’s kinder to all bodies, Dunn has dedicated herself to educating consumers about sizing.
First, she found 60 people of 12 different sizes and took their pictures.
Then, she put five women at a time in the same size of skirt and shirt to show how diversely beautiful human bodies are and to prove that everyone looks different in clothes no matter what size they have on.
She hoped to show people that 12 sizes don’t even come close to capturing the beauty of the human form.
All these models are wearing the same size … but do they look the same?
“No matter what size you are that’s not what dictates your worth or your beauty.”
“I had a convo with a friend of mine who was like ‘Yeah, if I went from a medium to a large, I’d be fine with it, but if I went from a large to an extra-large, that wouldn’t be OK’ and I was like, ‘Why???’ And she had no rational reason behind that,” Dunn said, describing a conversation we’ve all either had, started, or heard. “We’ve been taught forever that the bigger something sounds, the worse that it is.”
Dunn’s project also shows just how arbitrary and narrow-minded clothing sizes are.
Sizes really are just numbers.
Unlike the images we are presented both in clothing ads and in entertainment and media, human beings aren’t, as Dunn remarked, “robots who come out on a conveyor belt … we’re all shaped differently.”
The pressure to look one way is obnoxious. And kinda dangerous.
“We’ve been taught forever that the bigger something sounds, the worse that it is.”
There’s so much weight — no pun intended — on being the “right” size.
“You put an ‘extra’ on top of a ‘large,’ and suddenly it’s the end of the world,” Dunn said of her experience in fashion sizing. “… And it really doesn’t mean anything, it really only means that there’s an extra inch of fabric.”
One extra inch of fabric.
3 in 4 girls report feeling depressed, guilty, or shameful after just three minutes of leafing through a fashion mag.
But I’d like to imagine a world where everyone can try on clothes and leave the emotional burden of worrying about fit to the clothes.
Instead, let’s focus on what looks good on our bodies. Let the clothes handle the emotional roller coaster of not fitting, and you just live your life in the body you’ve been given.
Dunn, who has worked for fashion houses for her whole career, puts it bluntly: “Clothes are not made for all bodies. … We shouldn’t then think when something doesn’t fit us that it’s somehow our fault.”
Dunn’s models also have a group on Facebook where they support each other, compliment each other, and generally lift each other up. Model Stephanie describes it this way: “We see the beauty in one another and help each other to recognize our own beauty at the same time.” Fashion leading to body optimism and confidence? Yes, please.
And Dunn herself drives a hard line when it comes to feeling good in the skin you’ve been given. Her philosophy is this: No matter what size you are, that’s not what dictates your worth or your beauty.
Self-worth not based on appearances. That’s a category we can all aspire to “fit” into!
Intriguing. Nothing’s better than the headline: “The reason people are [bad quality that describes you] is actually because they’re [good quality].”
I got to reading. And as it turns out, according to the article, late people are actually the best people ever.They’re optimistic and hopeful:
“People who are continuously late are actually just more optimistic. They believe they can fit more tasks into a limited amount of time more than other people and thrive when they’re multitasking. Simply put, they’re fundamentally hopeful.”
They’re big-thinking:
“People who are habitually late don’t sweat over the small stuff, they concentrate on the big picture and see the future as full of infinite possibilities.”
Late people just get it:
“People with a tendency for tardiness like to stop and smell the roses…life was never meant to be planned down to the last detail. Remaining excessively attached to timetables signifies an inability to enjoy the moment.”
By the end of the article, I had never felt prouder to be a chronically late person.
But also, what the hell is going on? Late people are the worst. It’s the quality I like least in myself. And I’m not late because I like to smell the roses or because I can see the big picture or because the future is full of infinite possibilities. I’m late because I’m insane.
So I thought about this for a minute, and I think I figured out what’s going on. The issue is that there are two kinds of lateness:
1. OK lateness. This is when the late person being late does not negatively impact anyone else — like being late to a group hangout or a party. Things can start on time and proceed as normal with or without the late person being there yet.
2. Not-OK lateness. This is when the late person being late does negatively impact others — like being late to a two-person dinner or meeting or anything else that simply can’t start until the late party arrives.
But if you read the comment section under Haltiwanger’s article, people are furious with him for portraying lateness in a positive light. And that’s because they’re thinking about the far less excusable not-OK lateness.
1. OK lateness. This is when the late person being late does not negatively impact anyone else — like being late to a group hangout or a party. Things can start on time and proceed as normal with or without the late person being there yet.
2. Not-OK lateness. This is when the late person being late does negatively impact others — like being late to a two-person dinner or meeting or anything else that simply can’t start until the late party arrives.
But if you read the comment section under Haltiwanger’s article, people are furious with him for portraying lateness in a positive light. And that’s because they’re thinking about the far less excusable not-OK lateness.
All of this has kind of left me with no choice but to take a quick nine-hour break from working on a gargantuan SpaceX post to discuss not-OK late people.
When it comes to people who are chronically not-OK late, I think there are two subgroups:
Group 1: Those who don’t feel bad or wrong about it. These people are assholes.
Group 2: Those who feel terrible and self-loathing about it. These people have problems.
Group 1 is simple. They think they’re a little more special than everyone else, like the zero-remorse narcissist at the top of Haltiwanger’s article. They’re unappealing. Not much else to discuss here.
Punctual people think all not-OK late people are in Group 1 (as the comments on this post will show) — because they’re assuming all late people are sane people.
When a sane person thinks a certain kind of behavior is fine, they do it. When they think it’s wrong, they don’t do it. So to a punctual person — one who shows up on time because they believe showing up late is the wrong thing to do — someone who’s chronically late must be an asshole who thinks being late is OK.
But that’s misunderstanding the entire second group, who, despite being consistently late, usually detest the concept of making other people wait. Let call them CLIPs (Chronically Late Insane Persons).
While both groups of not-OK late people end up regularly frustrating others, a reliable way to identify a Group 2 CLIP is a bizarre compulsion to defeat themselves — some deep inner drive to inexplicably miss the beginning of movies, endure psychotic stress running to catch the train, crush their own reputation at work, etc., etc. As much as they may hurt others, they usually hurt themselves even more.
I spent around 15% of my youth standing on some sidewalk alone, angrily kicking rocks, because yet again, all the other kids had gotten picked up and I was still waiting for my mom. When she finally arrived, instead of being able to have a pleasant conversation with her, I’d get into the car seething. She always felt terrible. She has problems.
My sister once missed an early morning flight, so they rescheduled her for the following morning. She managed to miss that one too, so they put her on a flight five hours later. Killing time during the long layover, she got distracted on a long phone call and missed that flight too. She has problems.
I’ve been a CLIP my whole life. I’ve made a bunch of friends mad at me, I’ve embarrassed myself again and again in professional situations, and I’ve run a cumulative marathon through airport terminals.
When I’m late, it’s often the same story, something like this:
I’ll be meeting someone, maybe a professional contact, at, say, a coffee place at 3:00. When I lay out my schedule for the day, I’ll have the perfect plan. I’ll leave early, arrive early, and get there around 2:45. That takes all the stress out of the situation, and that’s ideal because non-stressful commutes are one of my favorite things. It’ll be great — I’ll stroll out, put on a podcast, and head to the subway. Once I’m off the subway, with time to spare, I’ll take a few minutes to peruse storefronts, grab a lemonade from a street vendor, and enjoy New York. It’ll be such a joy to look up at the architecture, listen to the sounds, and feel the swell of people rushing by — oh magnificent city!
All I have to do is be off the subway by 2:45. To do that, I need to be on the subway by 2:25, so I decide to be safe and get to the subway by 2:15. So I have to leave my apartment by 2:07 or earlier, and I’m set. What a plan.
Here’s how it’ll play out (if you’re new to WBW, you’re advised to check this out before proceeding):
CLIPs are strange people. I’m sure each CLIP is insane in their own special way, and to understand how they work, you’ll usually have to get to some dark inner psychology.
For me, it’s some mix of these three odd traits:
1. I’m late because I’m in denial about how time works.
The propensity of CLIPs to underestimate how long things take comes out of some habitual delusional optimism. Usually what happens is, of all the times the CLIP has done a certain activity or commute, what they remember is that one time things went the quickest. And that amount of time is what sticks in their head as how long that thing takes. I don’t think there’s anything that will get me to internalize that packing for a weeklong trip takes 20 minutes. In my head, it’s eternally a five-minute task. You just take out the bag, throw some clothes in it, throw your toiletries in, zip it up, and done. Five minutes. The empirical data that shows that there are actually a lot of little things to think about when you pack and that it takes 20 minutes every time is irrelevant. Packing is clearly a five-minute task. As I type this, that’s what I believe.
2. I’m late because I have a weird aversion to changing circumstances.
Not sure what the deal is with this, but something in me is strangely appalled by the idea of transitioning from what I’m currently doing to doing something else. When I’m at home working, I hate when there’s something on my schedule that I have to stop everything for to go outside and do. It’s not that I hate the activity — once I’m there I’m often pleased to be there — it’s an irrational resistance to the transition. The positive side of this is it usually means I’m highly present when I finally do haul my ass somewhere, and I’m often among the last to leave.
3. Finally, I’m late because I’m mad at myself.
There’s a pretty strong correlation here — the worse I feel about my productivity so far that day, the more likely I am to be late. When I’m pleased with how I’ve lived the day so far, the Rational Decision-Maker has a much easier time taking control of the wheel. I feel like an adult, so it’s easy to act like an adult. But times when the monkey had his way with me all day, when the time rolls around that I need to stop working and head out somewhere, I can’t believe that this is all I’ve gotten done. So my brain throws a little tantrum, refusing to accept the regrettable circumstances, and stages a self-flagellating protest, saying, “NO. This cannot be the situation. Nope. You didn’t do what you were supposed to do, and now you’ll sit here and get more done, even if it makes you late.”
So yeah, that’s why I’m late. Because I have problems.
Don’t excuse the CLIPs in your life — it’s not OK, and they need to fix it. But remember: It’s not about you. They have problems.
In addition to being the star of Marvel franchise “Thor,” actor Chris Hemsworth is also a father-of-three? And it turns out, he’s pretty much the coolest dad ever.
In a clip from a 2015 interview on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” Hemsworth shared an interesting conversation he had with his 4-year-old daughter India.
“My daughter’s kind of envious of my boys,” Hemsworth told Ellen. “She came to me the other day, and she’s like ‘You know, Papa, I want one of those things that Sasha and Tristan have.’ And I’m like, ‘What do you mean?’ She said, ‘You know the things in between their legs that you have.'”
Hemsworth said he tried to explain the differences between male and female bodies, but his daughter wasn’t having it.
“She goes, ‘I really want one!’ Hemsworth said. “I’m like, ‘A penis?’ And she’s like, ‘I want a penis!’
And then, Hemsworth had the best possible response. He recalls:
She’s four and I’m like, ‘You know what, you can be whatever you want to be.’ And she goes, ‘Thanks, Dad.’ Runs off into the playground and that was it.
And then, I cannot confirm, but I’m pretty sure the Ellen audience did this:
Major kudos to Hemsworth for taking a potentially awkward parenting situation and turning it into a lesson about love and acceptance.
When Lily Evans set out to walk her dog, she had no idea the story of that walk would later go viral on the internet.
When she took to Twitter to recount her experience, she opened with a simple question, one that many men have probably wondered for a long time — though women already know the answer.
(Before you click through to the thread itself, note that Lily’s Twitter account is expressly for adults and may be NSFW.)
The walk started off normal enough. Until she ran into a seemingly friendly stranger.
A man eating on a nearby bench offered her dog, Echo, a treat.
He eventually asked her if she lived in the area — which could be considered slightly intrusive — but all in all, it was just small talk.
But then she ran into him again shortly after.
Evans says his friendly banter — maybe innocent, but more likely not — was making her incredibly uncomfortable.
And yet he continued to linger.
Then he invaded her physical space with an out-of-nowhere hug.
“I was terrified,” she wrote.
Evans hurried home, petrified the man would follow her.
He didn’t. But the experience left her shaken and upset. Worst of all, she says, she has been through this many, many times before.
Her story went viral in a hurry, with over 44,000 retweets, 68,000 likes, and thousands of comments.
“The response from other women has been pretty heartbreaking,” Evans writes in a Twitter exchange with Upworthy. “Many, many women have used this as an opportunity to share their stories of harassment, assault, or even just being very frightened.”
The replies to Evans’ tweet thread is littered with similar stories — seemingly “nice” guys on the street or public transportation who push small talk far past its acceptable boundaries.
Though she’s glad her story made other women feel more comfortable coming forward with their own experiences, Evans hopes it also leaves an impression on men who read it.
“I had several guys ask me how they can be more non-threatening, and that’s exactly what I was aiming for.”
“I got a lot of replies from men saying, ‘Oh, I’m so sorry that happened, but we aren’t all like that! Some of us are nice guys,'” she says. “And while that’s true, my point was that strangers cannot know what your intentions are until it’s too late.
She hits on an important point: It’s not inherently wrong or creepy to strike up a conversation with a stranger, but women truly never know when a simple “hi” is going to turn into them being followed and harassed.
“I had several guys ask me how they can be more non-threatening, and that’s exactly what I was aiming for,” she says. “I just want men to be more self-aware and understand that when a woman they don’t know is skittish, it’s nothing personal. We’re just trying to be safe.”
News of Matthew Perry’s death on Saturday was a shocking blow. The beloved actor had his share of personal struggles, but he was 54 years old and seemed to have so much ahead of him. In the wake of the stunning news, tributes poured in, from colleagues and fans alike. On Monday, his costars on the show that made his name — Friends, of course — released a joint statement expressing their bottomless sorrow.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,” read a statement from Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer, which was obtained by People. “There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.
“In time we will say more, as and when we are able,” the statement added. “For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
From 1994 through 2004, Perry played Chandler Bing, the group’s most excitable, gleefully sarcastic member. Perry was also mourned by Friends creators David Crane and Martha Kauffman, who called him a “brilliant talent,” saying they “will always cherish the joy, the light, the blinding intelligence he brought to every moment – not just to his work, but in life as well.”
They concluded with a winking reference to the show’s way of titling episodes, writing, “This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken.”
Today is Henry Winkler’s birthday. Hooray! The erstwhile Fonz is 78 years young, and for his big day he got to spend on television, talking to the ladies of The View. He was a predictably lovely guest, as one would expect from a beloved actor who loves nothing more than catching fish. But they did something equally lovely for him.
Per People, Winkler was grinning from ear to ear as a View employee brought out a perfectly themed birthday cake. On it was a replica of Winkler as Fonzie, in one of his more iconic Happy Days moments: the bit in Season 5, Episode 3 in which he jumps a shark while waterskiing.
Winkler was beside himself, and he responded to his hosts in kind. “First of all, my birthday cake is that I got to sit at this table,” he told them. “That’s number one and that is the truth. You are very powerful, point-of-view women and that is amazing.
“Number 2,” he added, “I am the only actor in the world that jumped the shark twice — once on Happy Days, and once on Arrested Development.”
It’s true, Season 2, Episode 13 of the latter features an Easter Egg joke in which Winkler, as eternally disgraced Bluth family attorney Barry Zuckercorn, does a little jump over a small shark while on a dock.
When Winkler first jumped a shark back in 1977, he made history. The term “jump the shark” comes from that beloved bit, although its meaning is not heroic, as was Fonzie’s feat. Instead it’s a pejorative term about either a creative type (or a show, or a franchise, etc.) suddenly losing “it” and going stale. It certainly doesn’t apply to Winkler, who’s had quite the second act post-Happy Days and has, in fact, always ruled.
You can watch Winkler get his birthday cake in the video above and you can see both times he’s jumped a shark on TV below.
It sounds like Bronny James is going to end up playing college basketball for USC this year. In a bit of news that his father, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, shared during the team’s media day at the start of October, James is apparently doing well as he works his way back from going into cardiac arrest while practicing earlier this year. The expectation is that the former 5-star recruit will be able to suit up for the team at some point during the 2023-24 season.
We’re still in the lead-up to the college basketball season, and as such, the USC basketball program is putting fun stuff on social media to give folks some insight into the players who make up Andy Enfield’s program. In one clip, James was asked a simple question: who is your favorite player of all time? What followed next was 15 seconds of deliberation before he, shockingly, ended up on a name you may have heard if you’re a real basketball fan.
“I’ll probably say, like, LeBron James, something like that,” James said.
Kudos to everyone in the room for laughing, as it was very funny, and extra kudos to the person off camera who encouraged him to simply say his dad’s name, as it would have been very easy for them to encourage Bronny to say literally anyone else as a joke.
Believe it or not, it’s already *checks calendar* the tail end of October. We find ourselves in the land of pumpkin spice lattes, cozy sweaters, and warm-hued walks as Mother Nature begins to cool down and prep for a deep cold-season sleep.
If you wish to stay closer to home this fall season, we tapped electronic producers and travel writers for some seasonal inspiration. They’re sharing their favorite towns for a fall getaway — from warmer weekend trips to Joshua Tree to seeking out fall foliage in the Appalachian mountains. See you on the road as the last leaves fall!
Located just two hours south of Denver is the charming downtown area of Buena Vista, CO. It truly is the perfect mountain town to explore in just about every season but come October, just as the season starts to change, things get a little more magical outdoors. Take in the mountain views from the outside patio at The House Rock Kitchen for a delicious lunch, and then head across the street for a tasty treat at Louie’s Ice Cream.
If you’re looking for adventure, Cottonwood Pass offers plenty of hiking and biking trails nearby. If water sports are more your thing, the Arkansas River is a great place to go rafting, swimming, and fishing. However, as the fall season brings cooler weather, it’s the perfect time to visit the hot springs! Buena Vista is home to two very well-known hot springs, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort, and Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa, both offering incredible experiences and should not be missed!
Mojave Grey (@mojavegrey): Joshua Tree, California
BRITTNEY ROTHWEILER
As the days shorten and the cool desert nights come alive with vibrant colors and subtle whispers of folklore, Joshua Tree stands as an emblematic haven for the soul. This iconic Californian destination has deeply rooted significance to our band, Mojave Grey. Every corner of Joshua Tree, with its vast expanse and ethereal beauty, is the inspiration behind our unique sound—a convergence of classic rock and modern electronic elements. This “sonic gray space” not only defines our music but also narrates our journey.
For those seeking an unparalleled fall experience in Joshua Tree, we’d recommend embracing the raw, wild spirit of the desert: start with a sunrise hike through Hidden Valley, lose yourself amidst the national park’s iconic monolithic rock formations, and treat yourself to an evening under the starlit sky at Pappy & Harriet’s, a legendary desert watering hole. If fortune favors, you may experience a musical echo of what Mojave Grey encapsulates. Because in Joshua Tree, every heartbeat, every whisper, and every tune becomes part of a grander tale—one that we hope to capture in our track “House of the Sun.”
Mike Carroll (@jerseyportraits): Hawks Nest Highway, Sparrow Bush, NY
MIKE CARROLL
Hawks Nest Highway is an autumn gem that offers fall foliage lovers the chance to see a unique perspective of colors that stretch along the Delaware River. During the month of October, adventure seekers travel to this popular destination to capture radiant images of the Delaware River and the well-known winding Route 97 which is just outside of Port Jervis, NY. Keep an eye on the fall foliage reports for the best time to visit!
There are a wide variety of places to eat before and after your adventure. The Fox N Hare Brewing & Pub offers local craft beer, appetizers and salads. The Black Rabbit Saloon, Two Rivers Grille, and The Riverside Creamery are also great options to satisfy your cravings!
Emily Hart (@emilyventures): Fayetteville, West Virginia
EMILY HART
One of my favorite places to visit in the fall is Fayetteville, West Virginia. The town of under 3,000 comes alive in the autumn season, with plenty of outdoor adventure and leaf-peeping opportunities. Adjacent to New River Gorge National Park, I’d recommend spending a day exploring the park, hiking Long Point Trail, then head over to Arrowhead Bike Farm for dinner, brews, and even a camp spot if you’re interested. Stay in nearby Oak Hill at River Expeditions and book a thrilling whitewater trip on the Gauley River – fall is “Gauley Season,” when dam releases create what is thought to be the best whitewater conditions in the country.
Bridge Day happens on the third Saturday in October – when BASE jumpers fling themselves off the New River Gorge Bridge. There is also a 5K, rappelling, and high lining for the daredevils among us. Head downtown to Cathedral Cafe for a unique breakfast and to Pies and Pints for my favorite Sriracha Shrimp pizza.
As autumn leaves tumble and the evening shadows play on the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, it presents a rhythm, a heartbeat distinct from any other cityscape. LA, in its multifaceted splendor, has been a muse for Night Tales since our transition from the vast landscapes of Australia. The metropolis, with its tapestry of cultures, soundscapes, and electric vibes, has deeply influenced our musical transformation—a fusion of melodic beats with the raw essence of urban life. It’s a testament to our evolving journey and experiences in the City of Angels.
For wanderers keen on soaking up the essence of LA this fall, here’s our advice:
Head over to Tsujita Noodle in Sawtelle Japantown for the best bowl of ramen we’ve had so far in the states. Truly a healing bowl after returning from a week of shows on the road. Plus, the ambiance on that street gives you an authentic experience for being located in west side Los Angeles.
For those in West Hollywood, we frequent a drink and bite at E.P. & L.P. on Friday nights to get the weekend started. Owned by fellow Aussies, they’ve curated a beautiful rooftop bar overlooking the Hollywood hills. It’s the perfect way to kick off your night in Weho.
And if you’re seeking a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city, take a cue from Aaron. He loves taking his dog for a playful afternoon at Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach, just south of LA. It’s a serene escape and a perfect place to reflect upon the myriad influences that LA brings to our music.
Mikala Lugen (@mikalalugen): Asheville, North Carolina
MIKALA LUGEN
I’ve lived in many different states during the fall season, but let me tell you something: nowhere is as beautiful as Asheville, North Carolina. In my first fall season here, I can see why thousands of tourists flock to the city this time of year. Asheville has one of the most dramatic displays of fall foliage in the country due to its extreme elevations. With more than 100 species of deciduous trees, this gives the Blue Ridge Mountains one of the longest and most vibrant leaf peeping seasons.
The Blue Ridge Parkway overlooking the Appalachian Mountains is a sight to see. You can see a rainbow of fall colors at Graveyard Fields, about an hour south of the city on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The pass opens up to a large parking lot where people set up cameras and chairs to bask in the sunshine mountain colors all day, while others opt for the three-mile Upper Falls trail that leads to a waterfall. Because Asheville sits right in the heart of the mountains, you can’t really go wrong with just getting out on a hike anywhere within a two-hour radius of the city. Colorful autumn-setting hikes can be found at Craggy Pinnacle, Black Balsam Knob, Sam Knob, Max Patch Mountain, Mount Pisgah, Bearwallow Mountain, Linville Gorge, Lookout Mountain, and more.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with spending time in downtown Asheville to enjoy the fall weather. Grab yourself a pumpkin spice latte (if that’s your thing) or your favorite hot drink from Summit Coffee or Pollen Coffee & Flowers and walk among the fall foliage in the city center and visit the dozens of cute shops. There’s also never a bad time to spend a day at the idyllic 250-room Biltmore Estate – America’s largest home – but fall especially boasts a stunning fall garden display and scenic hiking trails.
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Chicago, IL (12/29); San Francisco, CA (12/30)
WHIPPED CREAM
My favorite spot to go during fall is New York, it’s the ultimate autumn destination. I love to catch the sunset by Brooklyn Bridge Park, there’s nothing quite like savoring the serene beauty here. I love New York for its dynamic energy and diverse fashion scene, it’s always captivated me, and especially during fall, it all blends seamlessly with the cityscape as the leaves and foliage transform and burst into colors and vibrancy.
I love walking the city at any time during fall season because of the ever-changing scenery. I adore NYC during fall because I also feel like there’s less of a crowd during this time and the weather is the classic fall weather I love.
Roanoke, recently dubbed as a “fun fall weekend getaway” on the TODAY Show, is a must-visit this autumn season. Visitors will be treated to breathtaking views of Virginia’s Blue Ridge foliage and an invitation to stay at the charming Liberty Trust boutique hotel in downtown Roanoke. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke offers a blend of vibrant urban life and natural wonders. A stone’s throw away, you’ll find the Go Outside Festival and the cherished Virginia Tech.
As the leaves turn, Virginia’s Blue Ridge transforms into a canvas of russet, gold, and fiery red. With the Blue Ridge Parkway freshly opened from milepost 121.4 to 136, it’s the ideal time for an unforgettable drive or hike. But for a twist on traditional leaf-peeping, take to the Roanoke River. There, reflections of fall’s splendor dance on the water’s surface, providing a unique and tranquil experience.
Easy to reach from Washington, D.C. by Amtrak or by air through the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, Roanoke promises a captivating fall escape. Visit and let Virginia’s Blue Ridge enchant you.
Fall is my favorite time of the year to escape to the desert for a weekend getaway. The sun finally lets up enough for me to enjoy the outdoors without burning to a crisp but there are still enough daylight hours to spend time in nature. Plus, the temperatures get rather cool at night, perfect for cozying up by the fireplace. While I always love hiking through Joshua Tree National Park for the views, but the towns of Joshua Tree and its neighbors, including Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms, and Pioneertown, always keep me entertained, too.
Vintage and antique shopping in the area is an absolute must (I usually hop from store to store in Yucca Valley), and there is a seemingly endless assortment of kitschy and eclectic art installations to discover, like the World Famous Crochet Museum and Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum, which are both free! If you love old western movies, you absolutely have to make a stop in Pioneertown. (Cowboy boots and hat not required, but definitely encouraged.) One of my favorite hidden gems is Garth’s Boulder Garden in Pioneertown, which is a donation-based nonprofit nature preserve and artist collective. It’s one of those places that you just have to visit to understand.
As for where to stay, there’s no shortage of Airbnbs to choose from, but my personal favorite is Arro Dunes, which is a gorgeous secluded getaway in Twentynine Palms. It’s the most serene, tranquil escape I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing and I would book and rebook many times over.
The perfect fall weekend requires three things: colorful leaves, autumnal cocktails, and good vibes. Boulder has all three plus Deion Sanders. Since they’re on TV in most American households right now, why not spend a weekend in Buffs territory? Boulder is just under an hour from DIA and downtown Denver, and less than two hours from mountain towns like Vail and Estes Park. But like I said, Boulder has everything you need for a festive fall getaway!
Feel the crisp mountain air with a hike in Chautauqua Park amongst the changing leaves and aromatic pine trees. Consider also taking a drive up Flagstaff Mountain for scenic views of the Rocky Mountains. Of course, treat yourself to a proper Lucile’s brunch of beignets, eggs Pontchartrain, and Baileys Irish coffee afterwards. If you stride down Pearl Street to “walk off brunch” when it’s really an excuse to go shopping, I won’t tell anyone. Just be sure to stop by the Boulder Farmers Market too! You can go leaf peeping in Nederland in early fall or simply drive down Mapleton Ave when the season is in full swing. When night falls, The Sink is the spot for a Buff’s game pregame (some things never change, class of ’17, here). Remember to bundle up in the stands at Folsom Field!
As for food, Boulder’s dining scene ate and left no crumbs. From farm to table (River and Woods) to “flown in while still alive” (Jax Fish House), you’ll be eating good alllll weekend. For drinks, The Bitter Bar surely has a few fall-flavor-infused cocktails, and the espresso martini at Jill’s always delivers. If you’re looking to mingle, check out Velvet Elk Lounge, License No. 1, or Rosetta Hall (this bar always makes me feel like I’m in Grand Central Station). The weekend wouldn’t be complete without a spa treatment at The Dragontree (deep tissue for me, please).
Concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre are scheduled through November 12th, so if there’s still a solid month to catch a show at this world-renowned venue. You can even go during the day when there’s not a concert happening and explore its 738 acres of hiking trails, geological wonders, and astounding views.
The absolute best place to spend those brisk and beautiful fall days is Two Harbors, Minnesota. Just past Duluth, a quarter of the way up the scenic Highway 61 lies the magnificent Two Harbors. Brilliant fall colors, stunning waterfalls, and the endless blue waters of Lake Superior meet one-of-a-kind restaurants, fantastic breweries, and plenty of historic sights to enjoy with family and friends. Palisade Head, Tettegouche State Park, Gooseberry Falls, and the Superior Hiking Trail show off those breathtaking Autumn colors and are must-do’s for the adventurers.
Electric Polar Bears (@weareepb): Phoenix, Arizona
Featured Upcoming Tour Date: Amsterdam Dance Event (10/18)
ELECTRIC POLAR BEARS
Phoenix, Arizona might be synonymous with scorching summers, but the fall season brings a refreshing change to the Valley of the Sun perfect for a polar bear. From September through November, Phoenix is the destination for those seeking pleasant weather, breathtaking natural beauty, and a vibrant cultural scene.
One of our favorite places during this time is the Desert Botanical Garden. As the temperatures cool down, the garden’s diverse cactus and succulent collection come alive in a bouquet of colors. It’s the ideal place for Zero’s leisurely strolls.
Snowball likes to explore the nearby Papago Park, which boasts stunning red sandstone formations and picturesque hiking trails. For a unique experience, take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert to witness the breathtaking desert landscape.
Fall in Phoenix is also marked by exciting events, with the Arizona State Fair being a highlight. It’s a delightful blend of thrilling rides, delicious fair food, and live entertainment that make us forget we’re living in a desert! Additionally, the Dia de los Muertos PHX Festival celebrates Mexican culture with vibrant parades and music.
Uproxx Life Editor, Steve Bramucci (@steve_bramucci): Leavenworth, Washington
Everybody who goes to Leavenworth, Washington — a city that manages to be built in complete homage to small Bavarian mountain towns without feeling fake or campy — comes back saying, “I can’t believe how much I loved it.” Like a comedian who gets laughs by committing fully to a bit, the town is so thorough in its recreation of Bavaria that you have to give the place credit and you end up being entranced. There are parts of NYC that feel very European but those aside, this is probably the most genuinely ~Euro-feeling~ spot in the United States.
Not surprisingly, Leavenworth is absolutely hammered with guests over Christmas. And keeping it 100 — it is amazing that time of year. But speaking as a Pacific Northwesterner, I vote for the fall season visit. I’m talking about early November, when you can hike and explore outdoors and the Christmas vibes are also getting kicking.
If you go this time of year, make time for the Icicle Gorge Trail. It’s a four-mile mission but absolutely worth it, with stunning views of the gorge, the river, and thick forests. Cholchuck Lake is another must, if only for that whistful picture of you in fall clothes staring out at the middle distance. If you have the money, be sure to wind down from these adventures with an overnight at the Posthotel — one of the most well-regarded, buttoned-up, and sexy hotels/ spas in the entire region.
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