There’s something about the start of fall that makes us want to draft mental mood boards—proof, perhaps, that back-to-school optimism never really dies. Here at Condé Nast Traveler, we like to chart new beginnings vis-à-vis destinations, keeping in mind the things we’re excited to bring along with us. This fall, some of us are embracing shoulder season travel, squeezing out the last bits of sunshine from places like the Hamptons or the South of France, while others are chasing the changing colors of the trees in Austin and Montreal. We’ve got a few weddings on the docket, too, which means we’re carefully considering what’s going into our suitcases. Here, our editors share what they’re up to in the autumn months ahead, and what they’re adding to their packing lists.
When my son was little, I used to live on the East End of Long Island, and I’m long overdue for a visit. Canoe Place Inn in Hampton Bays was vacant for a few years, but it’s been newly refurbished, so I’m curious to see what it’s like now. I’m also really psyched to stay at Shou Sugi Ban House, which is another property that didn’t exist when I lived in the area. I still dream about the delicious brussels sprouts and skillet cornbread at Cowfish, where you can have brunch by the inlet and watch boats go by. I used to work down the street from Tate’s on North Sea Road in Southampton, which is great if you don’t mind gaining 50 pounds every day. Most people don’t realize that those delicious crispy cookies in the ubiquitous green package originated from a real place! I especially look forward to stocking up on its gingerbread cookies, which are only sold in-store, and stashing them in my Dagne Dover backpack. I’ll be rocking this tuxedo shirt from Anthro and this denim blazer while hanging out, and dark neutrals from Beyond Yoga while jogging along Dune Road. —Alexandra Sanidad, research director
Come October, I’ll be going to Montreal and then Quebec City to attend a travel conference. I’ve visited the former several times and love it dearly—when I’m there, I’ll eat, eat, and eat some more everywhere from Joe Beef and Fairmount Bagels to Vin Mon Lapin and Pichai. Between all the eating, I’ll do some walking—early autumn is a lovely time to be outside in this part of Canada—up Mont Royal as well as here, there, and everywhere in my trusty Weejuns, which are my walking shoes of choice. Most of my clothes are hand-me-downs or bought on eBay, but I will also likely be packing some broken-in Oxfords from J. Crew and my trusty pair of Achille jeans from A.P.C. (it will be well past Labor Day, but I find that cream-colored denim goes quite nicely with a navy sweater) in my Carl Friedrick carry-on. I also have a cable knit zip-up cardigan that belonged to my grandmother but looks something like this current model. The train will bring me to Quebec City, where I have not yet been but will be staying at the historic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Work can be such a drag. —Charlie Hobbs, associate editor
