Summer Daze
Lazing our way through these August nights, counting the remaining days of summer.
With all eyes on the Midwest for the Democratic National Convention, Team Fathom has been enjoying simple pleasures everyone can agree on, like:
the tiny Wisconsin lake town giving zippy, sporty fun
aquatic adventures in the Utah desert
old meets new at a refurbished LA motel
our new home away from home in Mexico City
the favorite getaway of Italian aristos, then and now
a transformative story — with food, wine, truffles, and cheese
The Wet and Wild Pleasures of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
How did one of the world’s most famous racing venues end up in the middle of Wisconsin farmland? In the early 1950s, sports car races used to be held on the actual streets of Elkhart Lake (picture a mini Monaco). While a huge attraction, street races were eventually banned by Wisconsin’s state legislature due to safety and other concerns. This speed-loving town wasn’t about to take that lying down, so shortly thereafter, a local gent named Clif Tufte organized a group of influential citizens who eventually succeeded in building a permanent racecourse just outside the village. This spectacular four-mile track with fourteen turns sweeps through rolling hills and ravines, mimicking the actual route of the original street race and resulting in one of the world’s best and most challenging road courses.
Water, Water Everywhere…in the Utah Desert
A pontoon took a dozen travelers out for a glorious morning of floating on “America’s Dead Sea” — the saltiest and the largest body of water in the western hemisphere and one of the biggest in the world. Mike and I jumped out of the boat into the cool water and miraculously floated. More and more people got in, and we transformed into giggly children, curiously bobbing along in the salty blue. In a city known for its religious fervor, I was a believer. In nature’s marvels, anyway. With salt still drying on our skin, we hopped into our rental car and drove 200 miles southeast to Moab, home of the jaw-droppingly beautiful Arches and Canyonlands national parks. (Seriously, these parks make you believe in America, God, the Easter Bunny, all of it.)
Start Your LA Story at Short Stories Hotel
The resurgence of motels, bolstered by designers and artists who resurrect often crumbling spaces with unique, memorable details, has been one of our favorite travel trends to cover for Fathom. The everything you need and nothing you don’t hospitality approach is our ideal mindset as travelers looking to get the best out of exploring Los Angeles without skimping on comfort. In a town known for glitz and glamor, it’s a real treat to find true value without sacrificing ambiance.
A Mexico City Mansion Beckons
My favorite time of the day at Casa Polanco had to be early evening. Each night before scampering off to dinner, my friend and I enjoyed signature hibiscus mezcalita bebidas and pepitas alfresco in the front garden, walled in by Japanese guava, fig trees, and some of the largest monstera plants I’ve ever seen. From the peaceful tunes piped into the library and its all-day honor bar to the ever-attentive staff offering beverages and warm greetings at every turn, “home sweet home” never felt more true. Begrudgingly, I made my way back to my own casa, but soon discovered an unexpected memento from the trip: Xinu products had settled deep into my hair. The Flor de Musgo notes of soft tuberose, moss, cedarwood, and lime stayed with me for days.
The Discrete Charm of Forte Dei Marmi
Once known as the seaside getaway for Italian aristocracy, Forte dei Marmi — or simply Forte to locals, emphasis on the “for” — still remains relatively unspoiled and under the radar. (Or as under the radar as anything in Italy can be.) With a high concentration of art galleries, a solid beach club culture, and Michelin-star dining, it's easy to see why the jetset keeps summering here for a quiet luxury escape.
Racing Hearts and Family Loyalty: A Literary Excerpt
“See you tomorrow morning, early,” her father said. “Sleep well.”
Marina ascended the stairs, grasping the olive-wood handrail for balance. Her eyes adjusted to the dim hallway light.
“Marina?” Luka stood in front of a door marked thirty-four, ready to turn the key.
She looked at her key: thirty-three. Her stomach dropped.
A familiar sensation washed over her body, hairs standing on end. Her fingers loosened on the key, almost slipping from her grasp.
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