As summer comes to a close, we're already reminiscing about the places we've been and the things we found that we can't imagine living without. Like a beautiful bottle of California-made olive oil or a series of stunning prints celebrating the 100th birthday of the U.S. National Parks Service. Take a look at the items Team Fathom has on the radar this month.
National Park Prints
Earlier this summer, I visited Grand Canyon National Park, which has long been on my bucket list. It was every bit as amazing as I anticipated, and I was super excited to read about a new initiative that aims to help kids experience the country's great outdoors. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Parks, Artifact Uprising (my go-to resource for photo printing) has partnered with six photographers to create a series of stunning, limited-edition prints, like this one by Alex Strohl. Each purchase gives three kids the chance to visit a park. – Berit, editor
After a visit to McEvoy Ranch, I'm even more of an olive oil snob. Grown in Petaluma, California, with imported organic seedlings from Tuscany, each dip of crusty bread into rich, perfectly peppery oil feels like a flavor trip to Italy. I also like the olive oil-based body care products, including a lovely and mildly scented rose body balm and a delicate rosé wine called rosebud (which just begs to be paired with oysters). – Kate, contributing editor
I spotted Maupetit's delightfully illustrated compendium of the many swimming pools of Paris at Artazart in the 10th arrondissement. The inclusion of opening times, prices, and thoughtful descriptions make the compact guide both useful and beautiful. – Berit
I have one last trip in the pipeline this summer. In preparation for a trip to Mexico City, I've been thinking about all the extra essentials for traveling to a country with non-potable water. I'm a go-go-go person, and I've learned the importance of staying hydrated the hard way. It's about time I invested in a water bottle so that, no matter what, I always have fresh water. – Madison, intern
I just got back from a road trip through New York's Finger Lakes region, which included lots of wine and cider tastings. My favorite was Bellwether's Black Magic hard cider — made with a combination of dessert apples and black currants. It reminded me of the black currant drink (minus the alcohol) I adored while growing up in Singapore. So good. – Becky
Ever since I moved back to the United States, I've tried to make it to the woods every summer. (America's fantastic state and national parks are my favorite things about this country.) I always come back to NYC a little bittersweet, so this fall I'm nursing my wilderness hangover with John Muir's Wilderness Essays, with a lovely updated graphic cover by Seth Lucas. – Becky, assistant editor
I spent most of my summer riding my bicycle around New York City, a great way to travel locally in between trips. I'm looking forward to upgrading my ride for fall, one of my favorite seasons to spend on two wheels. COBI systems includes a phone case with rain cover that mounts onto handlebars; an alarm system that reacts to suspicious movements; front and rear lights that automatically adjust to the environment; a built-in battery pack; and a mobile app that consolidates maps, music, and communication. All of which can be controlled with a handlebar-mounted remote that you can use while riding. Score. – Daniel, editorial assistant
We have a bit of a potato chip problem at Fathom HQ. Wherever we go, we source, taste, and bring back crumpled bags of the salty snacks. During a trip to Mallorca, Spain, this summer, I stumbled upon these delightful little Balearic Island souvenirs — extra crunchy chips made with local olive oil and sprinkled with salt from the sea. – Jeralyn, editorial director
I stopped into a modern-day apothecary on a summer day trip up to the charming Hudson Valley town of Cold Spring. Cold Spring Apothecary produces their locally crafted small-batch health and beauty products and doubles as a wellness house, offering a handful of spa and salon treatments. I picked up Abyssinian & Rose Rock Beauty Oil, a multi-purpose blend that refreshes my tired, dry skin after a long flight. – Kim
I'm trying to have less stuff in my life, but it's hard to resist objets d'art. The lack of proximity to artist Pete Cromer's resin budgerigars in Australia is the only thing keeping these sherbet-colored bird sculptures from living on a perch in my house. Cromer's Instagram feed is a pretty delightful way to keep up with the little budgies. – Jeralyn
Whenever I'm in Connecticut, I stop by Green & Tonic, a plant-based food and drink spot that outshines any juice bar I've been to in NYC. Over the summer, in addition to picking up one of my all-time favorite green smoothies, I tried their Superfood Shakers — sweet and savory blends of superfoods like maca and flaxseed that you can sprinkle on almost anything. They're ideal for a nutrition boost on the road or when your in-flight meal just isn't cutting it. - Kim, intern
The stunningly refurbished Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée in Paris has a narrow room at the back that's a cabinet of curiosities lined with floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with vintage servingware pieces. The stunning vases, duck presses, copper pots, pitchers, and glasses were donated by the members of the French luxury companies that are members of Le Comité Colbert, including Christofle, makers of this outrageously expensive and beautiful silver-plated crystal carafe that I'd love to see on my own dining room shelves. – Pavia, CEO
En route to Baglioni Hotel Cala del Porto on the coast of Tuscany, I stopped at Rocca di Frassinello, a prestigious winery designed by Renzo Piano and situated on a picture-perfect landscape. (Just look at the photos.) Over a long lunch with about a dozen wines, I fell in love with Ornello, a rich blend of merlot, sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon, and syrah. The hotel collaborates with the winery to let guests make case of custom wine, but I couldn't improve on this. – Pavia
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