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Hello all—
Thanksgiving is a mere two days away, and hopefully you’re better prepared than I! Luckily, everyone knows I’m a terrible cook, so expectations are pretty low for my contribution. Over the long Thanksgiving weekend I’ll be closing out our Where to Go in 2022 list, so if you’ve got any ideas send them my way!
This week’s lead story is a fun one, especially if you’re planning a visit to Paris soon. One of the city’s loveliest spaces is the Musee Rodin, which is housed in the Hôtel Biron with some of the most romantic gardens in the whole city. On a recent visit, I spotted a little caption about how Rodin was upset by accusations that he used casts of models for his sculptures, and that he had even been accused of using a cadaver! Erin Zaleski, our Paris correspondent, dug into the story for us, and has delivered a fascinating tale about the turn-of-the-century’s most famous sculptor.
—William O’Connor, Travel Editor
Scouting Report: This suitcase is sleek, fits in the overhead compartment, and rolls with ease. Traveling has never been more of a breeze.
If you have found it is time to finally invest in a good-quality carry-on suitcase, don’t overlook this cult-favorite from Away: The Bigger Carry-On. With over 3,000 positive reviews and a 4.9-star rating, the luggage promises to fit perfectly in the overhead bin of most airplanes and feel lightweight enough to bring with you in your car or on the train, too.
As someone who has now used it three times including on a long car ride and plane ride, I can confirm it does just that—and more. But its lightweight feel and compact size aren’t the only star features it has, the carry-on also comes with a hidden laundry bag inside for easy washing at home, an ejectable USB charger to charge your phone and devices, and lots of space to store all the clothing anyone could possibly need. Plus, even though I opted to purchase the color black, the bag also comes in seven other colors, ranging from blush to navy. It’s the carry-on I always wished for, but could never find.
If that wasn’t enough, the bag's exterior is composed of a super durable polycarbonate hard shell to ensure none of my possessions (like my laptop, beauty products, the like) break during any turbulence or bumpy rides. The luggage is also made with 360-degree spinner wheels that make it super easy to drag on the long trek through the airport or train station.
As someone relatively new to Away luggage, I can officially say that it’s worth every penny. The hype surrounding their products is real and after using it, I can understand why. The Carry-On is well made, durable, and fits enough clothing for about five days (if you pack light).
— Scouted by Rachel Dube
— with Thanksgiving just a couple of days away, Candida Moss tells us to look to the Greeks for a little aid in coping.
OMG I Want to Rent This House!
Edinburgh, Scotland (Vrbo): Now, your vacation is your vacation and we wouldn’t dream of telling you how to plan it given how desperately you need a break. (No, those faces you’ve been pulling on the office Zooms are not subtle.) But just take a look at this perfect picture of a castle on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Take in all that space, the vast grounds, and what we’re assuming is an unpictured dungeon. What we’re hinting at here is that, given the upcoming winter holidays and that this fabulous palace sleeps 24, it might be the perfect time to plan a long overdue family reunion. Here, you can reconnect (or do what our family affectionately calls f-cubed—forced family fun), while still having the space for everyone to spread out—waaaaay out—when things inevitably start to get a little tense.
You and your entire retinue—from the spoiled princess that is your sister to the court jester that is your weird uncle—will fit into these grounds. The 12 bedrooms sleep 24 guests, with nine rooms in the main castle and another three in the Gate Lodge for those who need some distance.
Book Your Stay: Kirkliston Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland $10,720/night via Vrbo
Don’t miss previous OMG, I Want to Rent This House posts, which spotlight the most spectacular and unique homes that you can actually stay in. Check out the full archives.
The Mysterious Man Behind the World's Most Famous House 
Rare is the person whose work is one of the most mentioned in the world and yet most would finding naming them difficult. But such is the situation with James Hoban, the architect who designed and oversaw the construction of the White House. Only a silhouette exists of his likeness and his papers burned after he died. But a new book (and the latest selection for our series on exciting new coffee table books, Just Booked) from the White House Historical Association, James Hoban: Designer & Builder of the White House sheds at least some light on this elusive figure.
The book's first half is a collection of essays from scholars examining the man who through one work alone would shape American visual identity. Topics covered include his religion, his ownership of the enslaved, his collaboration with George Washington, and his life growing up in Ireland.
The second half of the book is a collection of images mostly focusing on the influences he likely found while living and working in Ireland and then how those influences found their way into his designs for the White House.
Check out our previous selections for our series on gorgeous travel-related coffee table books, Just Booked.
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