It’s unusual how Labor Day weekend isn't a big deal here in Southern California. In fact, ever since we moved here, I haven’t witnessed all that much excitement for any holiday. Having lived on the East Coast for twenty years, I am familiar with how East Coasters celebrate holidays, especially during the summer months. And they make Californians look boring as hell. Maybe because this unofficial end-of-summer weekend doesn’t really imply much to people who live in a warmer climate? Perhaps because we know that the best weather months here are actually September and October? I don’t know. It still doesn’t account for all the other overlooked holidays here.
In New York, we had our holiday weekend plans locked in weeks in advance. It generally looked like a rental house outside of the city, somewhere with friends or a trip to the Jersey Shore, where my in-laws now live. On the rare occasion that we stayed in the city, which was also lovely because it was empty, we still partied, and any outsider looking in could see that we were all in a festive mood. Even after I stopped drinking, I still looked forward to the energy of any holiday.
I wasn’t even thinking about this weekend being a holiday until I was reminded of it this morning while walking my dog, Pete. I saw a group of thirty-somethings standing on the sidewalk, gathering the last of their bags and figuring out who was riding with whom in their two cars, packed full and ready to go. My initial feeling was one of envy, followed by a question: Where the hell are they going? Seriously, where are they going? There is no Jersey Shore, Berkshires, or the Hamptons here. People don’t escape Los Angeles like they escape an East Coast city. Maybe camping in the desert or the Sierras? I don’t know. All I know is that we are here. I’m working part of this weekend, and we have zero plans, the same for all of our friends, and that sadly is the status quo around these parts.
Big yawn.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a boring weekend, but I also love celebrating holidays with friends and good times. But whether you are having a low-key or a fun-filled weekend, the most important thing is for you to do the things that make you feel your best. You do not have to go to the party! You also don’t have to avoid all parties! Do what’s best for you.
Things to check out this weekend or any weekend.
A favorite Resort Pass - not sure how many cities this is in, but it’s worth a look. Download the APP. I always filter the “vibes” choice to serene or luxe, as opposed to family-friendly, party, or trendy. Pro tip: Read the reviews for an insider's view of what the vibe is truly like.
Want a quiet weekend with a book? I read and enjoyed Jo Piazza’s The Sicilian Inheritance this past year, so I snagged her latest summer drop, Everyone Is Lying to You. It’s a juicy thriller about an Instagram influencer and all the lies behind her facade.
Get inspired to create your own gathering! I am a big fan of Priya Parker and her work, especially her book The Art of Gathering. She is building a Substack community, and you can join it here:
. Perhaps you will be inspired to start your own alcohol-free meet-up, book club, MVMNT date, or even retreat!One of the greatest (often overlooked) benefits of not drinking is getting to drive everywhere and never worrying about Ubering or finding a ride because you had too much to drink. Such freedom! This weekend, treat yourself to a fun spin in a luxury rental. I just discovered Turo and access to a Porsche Boxer - hello, where do I sign up? Picture yourself speeding up the coast in your Porsche (or luxe car of your choice), windows down, hair flying everywhere, and all the 90s grunge blasting. Or is that just me?
If needed, some words of encouragement for celebrating any occasion when you don’t drink.
You’ve got this!
Happy Weekending!
XX, M.
As a former New Yorker that has lived in California as well, I agree whole heartedly! It's funny to see the difference, isn't it? I will also be having a no-plans weekend here in the PNW, hoping to check out a new (to me) non-alcoholic bottle shop if I'm able. And thanks for the book rec, was very much looking for something like that! (Non-alcoholic) Cheers to you!
Driving down the coast in a Porsche, grunge music blasting and sober! Sounds like pure bliss to me. Great idea!