“I just had what some call a weekend. I didn’t work for two days. I watched TV. I went hiking. I took naps. I ate ice cream. And now I’m walking into Monday rested and rejuvenated. It feels wrong. AM I IN TROUBLE?”

Real Talk:

Part of self-love is learning to take breaks, which is why I’m dedicating this July issue to SUMMER FUN. With Andrew and my one-year #vanlife-versary coming up, I thought I’d share some of our fave spots across the U.S. to do something fun and spontaneous this summer:

 

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For the Wellness Goer: WTHN in New York City

When I lived in NYC, regular acupuncture became a top priority. As much as I loved the high-vibe energy of this amazing city, I was easily overstimulated. I struggled with insomnia big-time and was constantly depleted. Enter: WTHN! This little oasis saved me. Treatments were relatively affordable, it was super easy to book or change appointments, and the entire experience felt spa-like. Warm tables, eye pillows, sound therapy, candles, hot tea—they knew how to treat you like a Queen.

For the Nature Lover: Glacier National Park in Montana

Glacier is hands-down one of my favorite national parks. The lakes are gorgeous, the mountains take your breath away, and you are almost guaranteed to see a bear! It feels like a less-crowded Tahoe! Our month in Montana was one of the most rugged experiences we’ve ever had. The population of the tiny town we stayed in had fewer people than our NYC apartment building—and the nearest grocery store was more than 20 minutes away. All the better to disconnect from the rest of the world and appreciate the wild in wilderness.

For the Star Gazer: Moab, UT

I don’t think you can find a more magical night sky than in Southern Utah. Andrew and I have a total crush on Moab and can never get enough of its high-desert air. One of our favorite experiences while living in Utah for a month was camping on BLM land (Bureau of Land Management), far away from any light pollution, and watching shooting stars as we fell asleep. Everytime I go camping, I’m reminded that life is actually quite simple, and it’s the external forces around me that overwhelm me. Always trying to return to that place of inner peace.

For the Adventure Seeker: Colorado Springs, CO

Andrew and I love doing adventurous things, and one of our highlights from our month in Colorado was rock climbing in the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. We went with a great tour company (Front Range Climbing Company), which made me feel SO much better about the whole thing since neither of us had any rock climbing experience outside the occasional climbing wall at the gym. If you’re looking for some beginning climbing and find yourself in the Colorado Springs area, I highly recommend this experience!

For the Wildlife Enthusiast: Tybee Island, Georgia

Did you know that you can see dolphins IN THE WILD in the U.S.? I had no idea! Andrew and I spent New Year’s Eve on a sunset cruise off of Tybee Island in Georgia listening to country music and spotting dolphins as they jumped and played alongside us. It was such a magical experience, like we were in Cancun!

For the BBQ Snob: Scott’s BBQ in Hemmingway, SC

To get excited about our month in South Carolina, Andrew and I watched the Chef’s Table on Rodney Scott. We fell in love with his family’s story and couldn’t wait to try out his restaurant. It was hip, cool and delicious. But we wanted the full experience so we ventured 1.5 hours to the original restaurant, Scott’s BBQ, which was his dad’s. The staff was so welcoming and even gave us a behind-the-scenes tour! It was so special and the BBW, of course, was out of this world.

For the Emotionally Exhausted: Hot Springs in Asheville, NC

Andrew surprised me on my birthday with an afternoon at the hot springs! It was the perfect way to take a beat and rejuvenate the soul. Asheville has been long known as a place for healing, surrounded by natural beauty and a spiritual vortex. Whether you go to the hot springs or not, Asheville is a great place to visit if you’re looking to slow down and recharge.

For the Boba Obsessed: Hey Hey in Los Angeles

If y’all know me at all, you know that I have a slight boba addiction (#sorrynotsorry). One of the first things Andrew and I check out when we get to a new location is the boba selection. You can imagine our Q1 in the Southeast was a bit dismal in the boba department so when we got to LA, we went hog wild. After trying an embarrassingly high number of spots, I have to say that Hey Hey in LA wins best boba! Not too sweet, the ratio of ice to tea is on point and the tapioca balls are the perfect amount of chewy. Plus, they serve boba-filled ICE CREAM POPSICLES and never have I ever tasted something so delicious.

Warm and Fuzzies:

 

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For Pride month, we rounded up 9 queer-owned Asian businesses to support. Nothing pumps me up more than amplifying the sh*t out of people who deserve more airtime. Be sure to check out what these beautiful humans are up to, and support the LGBTQIA+ community directly by shopping small.

Current Obsession:

 

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Andrew and I did something very LA and visited a *pop-up*. Here, among many other amazing things, we discovered Sanzo sparkling water! It’s the first Asian-inspired sparkling water, and I’m obsessed with it. The flavors are so refreshing—lychee, mango and calamansi—and I think the entire concept is super cool. The founder, Sandro Roco, is a Queens-born Filipino-American and his story is v inspiring.

Monthly happenings:

Here’s Something Good Podcast: 5 Fast Ways to Improve Your Life

Eve Poetry Group Feature: The Internet by Elizabeth Su

Bold Icons: No Going Back Series

XO,

Elizabeth