It’s August in New Orleans. The heat can at times feel unbearable, but there’s also a quiet shift, an invitation to take a breath and enjoy what’s left of summer before everything kicks back into high gear. Many of us have done our best to embrace the summer slowdown throughout, but the beginning of August is the last chance to really recharge and spend quality time with friends and loved ones. Summer is also a time when we’re on the go, fitting in exciting trips to destinations both near and far, fulfilling camp duties, and general day-to-day responsibilities.
This month we’re leaning into that end of summer pace. Why add more stress to your schedule sitting in an airport or traffic on the interstate when we live in one of the top travel destinations in the world? Our staycations feature is full of ways to treat yourself without hopping on a plane, from luxe hotel deals to experiences you might’ve been meaning to try (but haven’t gotten around to). Consider it your reminder that sometimes the best escapes are right in your backyard.
We’re also looking ahead to the upcoming cultural season with a curated guide to new shows, exhibits, and performances you won’t want to miss. There’s a lot to be excited about, and we’ll help you plan what to see and when to book those tickets.
And we also include a piece by Molly Kimball that really speaks to me: the Quiet Mind Pickup Challenge. It’s a gentle nudge to put the phone down a little more often and pick something else up be it a book or magazine, a board game, a glass of wine with a friend, a visit to a favorite local spot, or a long overdue conversation. Real moments, real presence, creating real memories. Less scrolling, more living.
This issue is all about finding joy in the in-between, between the trips, the seasons, the big events. It’s about remembering that this city has so much to offer, if we just slow down enough to take it all in.
Here’s to savoring what’s left of summer!
