I’m still riding a wave of excitement after moderating a Wellness Talk at James Lane Fest, a vibrant three-day event held this past weekend at the picturesque Sound View Greenport. It was an incredible honor to share the stage alongside Katelyn Hissong, Meredith Shumway, Erica Velasquez, and Lucy Nystrom, all passionate advocates for wellness.
We began our day with an “Elevate with Kate” mat Pilates class led by Katelyn Hissong. As a dedicated wellness advocate and content creator, Katelyn has spent the last four years sharing the practices and inspirations that fuel her healthy lifestyle. Her infectious energy brightened the morning, leaving me uplifted and motivated to carry her positivity with me throughout the day. If you find yourself in Miami, I encourage you to join one of her classes—you won’t regret it!
Following our workout, we transitioned from Pilates to panel, as Katelyn humorously noted in her Instagram Stories. I quickly changed outfits, trading my comfy sneakers for chic stilettos and slipping on a stylish pink blazer that seems to match everything these days, including the black set from Athleta that I was wearing underneath.
As we gathered for the panel discussion, Katelyn, Meredith, Erica, and Lucy shared their unique journeys into wellness and what the concept means to each of them. The conversation flowed effortlessly as we explored topics like body awareness, personal wellness journeys, and practical tips for those stepping into the wellness world for the first time. As the moderator, I felt incredibly inspired by their insights, especially their emphasis on gratitude and the importance of listening to our bodies. Each panelist conveyed how personal and evolving our wellness paths can be, influenced by our needs and experiences as we age. We concluded the session by inviting questions from our audience, sparking a lively Q&A. I genuinely cherished the opportunity to connect with everyone and hear their stories.
After an enriching morning, it was time for some nourishment. We enjoyed a three-course lunch, which included a cookbook signing event with culinary luminaries like Lidia Bastianich, Dennis Prescott, Palak Patel, and Claudia Fleming, hosted by Bridget LeRoy, Editor At Large of James Lane Post. As lunch was being served, we sipped on a refreshing rosé provided by Ultimate Provence and cocktails from Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers. The feast began with Ira’s biodynamic green salad, followed by a North Fork lobster roll paired with crispy French fries, and we finished it off with indulgent macarons and coffee from Buena Vida Specialty Coffee. Each attendee left with a gift bag from Bedside Reading, and mine included a memoir titled I Got It From Here by Francesca Miracola, which will be perfect reading for my upcoming trip.
A particularly touching highlight was meeting Lidia Bastianich in person after lunch. My late grandmother adored her cooking show, so this encounter felt deeply meaningful, especially after sharing stories about my grandmother during the panel. It was a bittersweet moment that connected my past to my present.
Since, no visit to Greenport would be complete without a leisurely beach walk, and after my third outfit change of the day, I slipped back into workout gear for a stroll along the shore. The water shimmered in the most mesmerizing shades of blue and green, crystal clear and inviting. I found solace in one of the Adirondack chairs, soaking up the warm sun as I reveled in what felt like the last whispers of summer.
The weather for James Lane Fest was nothing short of perfect, with warm and sunny skies gracing all three days. This was my first experience at Sound View Greenport, but I can already tell it won’t be my last. The location is a dreamy escape, boasting stunning waterfront views, a praised restaurant that attendees couldn’t stop raving about during lunch, and excellent onsite amenities. I’m looking forward to returning for an overnight stay in the future.
A heartfelt thank you to James Lane Post for including me in this incredible event and to Jessica Mackin for crafting such an engaging itinerary. Of course, a special shoutout to Sound View Greenport for being the perfect host. I’m already counting down to next year’s event, but for now, you can catch a full recap of the day on my Instagram!
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