Read, Eat, Go: "Women's Hotel," Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake, and Stowe

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Saturday. I’ve been waiting all week for Andrew Garfield’s Chicken Shop Date to drop — and it did not disappoint (even I was blushing). Two other things that made my week? Further indications that Meryl Streep and Martin Short might be dating. And this iconic GQ photoshoot in which King of Short Shorts Paul Mescal donned a mini skirt and combat boots. Feeling inspired, I’m also going to take some fashion risks, with baggy barrel-leg jeans (there’s no escaping the divisive trend) and my own versions of Gigi Hadid’s cool leopard loafers and Sabrina Carpenter’s elevated take on ‘90s “dadcore.” And while TikTok makes a compelling case for “fairy-core” nails...I think I’ll sit that one out.

— Taylor Trudon / Writer, Culture & Lifestyle / Brooklyn, NY

Who Gave This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake the Right to Be This Good?

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According to Instagram, apple picking season is here — which, in our experience, brings out two types of people: those who know how to behave in an orchard and those who become, hmm, possessed, bringing home *checks tote bag* approximately 75 pounds of apples. If you’re also the latter, meet Pinch of Yum’s Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake. Besides being exceptionally simple to make (case in point: no peeling necessary), the light and fluffy cake features subtle spicing, a stick-to-your-fork moist crumb, and soft pockets of fruit — all topped with a crispy cinnamon-sugar layer. And while, yes, this is technically a dessert, it’d be a crime not to eat the leftovers (should any survive) for breakfast.

The Time Commitment: Just 15 minutes of prep — and 45 minutes of baking — are all that stands between you and this dream of a cake.

Key Tips: While almost any apple variety will work for this recipe (use the “brown stem rule” to pick the sweetest ones), Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala are ideal. Also, if you’re not in a cake mood, follow Jennifer Garner’s lead and make muffins instead. Either way, it’s the perfect vehicle for a dollop of whipped cream or a pat of honey butter. 

Other Takes: As for the rest of your haul, start with these Spiced Apple Pecan Blondies, which are perfectly soft, extremely chewy, and smothered in an apple syrup glaze. Equally decadent? This no-bake Caramel Apple Éclair Cake, featuring layers of apple pie filling, vanilla pudding, graham crackers, and caramel. For another twist on the classic, consider these Salted Caramel Apple Cookies — basically, the love child of a caramel apple and a snickerdoodle. Last but not least, these Mini Apple Hand Pies are made with store-bought pie dough and a simple filling, so they taste “as delicious as homemade apple pie, without all the work.”

Women’s Hotel by Daniel M. Lavery

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It’s 1960s New York City and the Beidermeier hotel is on the verge of shutting down. Rooms at this last-of-its-kind women’s residence (essentially, a fictional, shabbier version of the real-life Barbizon Hotel) are unoccupied. Breakfast service stopped. And the colorful cast of women who remain — from newly sober floor manager Katherine to party girl Lucianne — wonder if their days at the hotel are dwindling. But in the meantime, they’ll make do with what they have…and each other. Deeply funny and keenly observant, Daniel M. Lavery’s Women’s Hotel would make for a great streaming series (your move, Netflix) or, at the very least, your next book club read. We asked Lavery a few questions. Here’s what he had to say…

Q: What’s your favorite unapologetic indulgence?

Lavery: Getting three kinds of coffee because none of us drink the same one at home. I like the really awful flavored kinds, and I have to do half-decaf because I’m very sensitive to caffeine.

Q: What’s your most prized possession?

Lavery: My glasses, which I almost never wear, but amaze me whenever I remember to put them on.

Q: What’s one unpopular opinion you have?

Lavery: That [my] two dogs should not lick the baby. This opinion polls absolutely rock-bottom with both dogs and baby.

The Holidays Are Coming to Town

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We know, we know. It probably feels early. ’Tis almost the season though, and we want to help you do it right. Luckily, our shopping elves have been hard at work building our annual gift guide. Below we’ve got a little preview, but watch this space for even more great gift ideas for all the friends, family, coworkers, and dog walker’s girlfriends on your list. 

💤 Avocado’s eco-friendly pillows come with extra fill, so your giftee can adjust the firmness to their liking. Good night’s rest, here they come.*

⌛ A clinically proven serum that targets skin cells to boost resilience and firmness and decrease wrinkles and fine lines. So basically the gift of aging backwards.*

💭 Vuori’s Performance Joggers are made from their signature DreamKnit™ fabric, which is somehow both moisture-wicking and ultra soft. They’re a great gift for anyone looking to maximize comfort without sacrificing style.*

💎 This professional-grade jewelry and glasses cleaner that uses tap water and 42,000 hertz of ultrasonic sound waves to scrub and shine-ify valuables without damaging them.

This Charming Vermont Town Is Basically a Hallmark Movie, IRL

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Let’s get this out of the way: Vermont is an idyllic winter wonderland. But fall — with its striking foliage and maple syrup galore — is when the picturesque state really shines. For proof, look no further than Stowe. Located near Burlington, the tiny town has a charming Main Street (Stowe Mercantile is a must-visit), a vibrant food scene, plenty of folksy attractions (see: the “haunted” Gold Brook Covered Bridge), and over 45 hiking trails for taking in the magical views. Oh, and did we mention it’s just a short drive from the iconic Ben & Jerry’s factory and the Cabot Creamery Store?

🛏 While Sound of Music fans will want to stay at the Trapp Family Lodge (owned by that Trapp family), we’re partial to newly opened Outbound Stowe. Not only do the accommodations — ranging from cozy queen rooms to private wood cabins — give contemporary-mountain-motel vibes (think: plaid carpets and headboards, vintage-inspired light fixtures, a cool blue-and-green color palette), but the nine-acre property also includes direct access to the Stowe Recreation Path, a 5.3-mile paved trail for walking, running, and biking. Plus, two words: Maple Hour.

🍂 Alright, back to the reason you’re here: the foliage. Some 4,000 feet above sea level, Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s tallest peak — and the best spot for taking in the striking sea of orange, yellow, and red. To get there, drive up the twisty Auto Toll Road or hitch a ride on the famous Gondola SkyRide (at the top, enjoy lunch at Cliff House). Of course, you could also summit it the old-fashioned way, courtesy of the Sunset Ridge Trail, a six-mile loop with lush woodland and rock scrambles. For an equally scenic yet less challenging hike, head to Moss Glen Falls, where you’ll find Vermont’s tallest waterfall.

🍴 There’s no sweeter way to start the day than digging into a plate of fluffy, buttery pancakes at Butlers Pantry. For dinner, check out Plate, known for its seasonal, California-meets-Vermont menu featuring dishes like Lobster Cobb Salad. Looking for something more casual? The popular après-ski hangout Doc Ponds offers top-notch pub grub (see: Vermont Cheddar Fritters), while Nocturnal is a buzzy new BBQ spot that’s conveniently located next to acclaimed brewery The Alchemist (try the Wild Child Blueberry). And since it’s practically state law to enjoy a maple creemee, make sure to stop at Red Barn Ice Cream before leaving town.

We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was:

Q: My pet sitter dropped a hint that I should be giving a tip on top of my regular payment. Is tipping for animal care really necessary?

“Tipping isn’t expected, but it’s something you should do as a generous way to say thank you … if the pet sitter has provided exceptional service or has gone above and beyond [in some way]. Plus, it’ll help build a positive relationship … [In many cases], 10 to 20% is [included in the] service fee, but if they’re going the extra mile, you should definitely offer that additional tip.”

Unleash your competitive side with today’s games and puzzles. Choose from an anagram word search, digital jigsaw puzzle, or crossword (with a twist). Better yet: Try them all.