RELATED: These Are the Cheapest European Destinations from Every State This Summer
(Photos via TripAdvisor)
With wedding season '21 underway, it's only a matter of time before the planning begins — where to travel for your honeymoon, that is. No matter which wedding trend you've incorporated into your big day, the idea of forgoing a full-length trip for a "mini-moon" can have some major perks. Plus, a long weekend away can be more affordable and easier to plan, and it's a great chance to splurge on a place that's a bit more luxurious than usual. And best of all, if it's one of these destinations, there might even be so many things to do on-site, you never have to leave!
Watch Hill, Rhode Island: This classic seaside village checks every quintessentially New England box: art galleries, small boutiques, and even the oldest operating carousel in the US, but you may find it hard to leave Ocean House, a recently restored historic hotel dating back to the late 1800s. It has a calendar of activities and its own private beach. But if you do gather up the energy to go, you can travel in style — you can even use one of the hotel's four Mercedes-Benzes without charge. (Photo via Ocean House)
New York City: A perfect mini-moon could start with dinner at romantic bistro Frenchette and then a long weekend stay at the Ritz-Carlton New York Central Park. It can't get any more posh than sipping Champagne while overlooking Central Park in the updated club lounge, indulging in a treatment at the La Prairie Spa, or even just stealing away to your room with some King's County bourbon and North Fork potato chips from the honor bar. (Photo via Ritz-Carlton New York)
Finger Lakes, New York: A five-hour drive from New York City, this wine region has so much to explore and do, including nature adventures at Bristol Mountain's new High Point Terrain Park and cultural activities at the new Equal Rights Heritage Center paying homage to New York state's history of women's, LGBTQIA+ and civil rights. The Inns of Aurora is a romantic lakeside resort with totally unique guestrooms featuring fireplace and balconies overlooking Cayuga Lake. For something a little more zen, try Ayurveda-certified Director of Serenity for essential oil and tea blending classes, Ayurvedic consultations, and even tarot card reading. (Photo via The Inns of Aurora)
Asbury Park, New Jersey: Classic Jersey beach town Asbury Park has undergone a huge revitalization over the last 10 years, transforming the boardwalk and surrounding town into a hipster-friendly year-round resort area. This year will see the opening of boutique hotel Asbury Ocean Club, which will be home to Light of Day, the area's legendary music fest where hometown heroes Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi frequently play. Test out your bowling skills at the just reopened Asbury Lanes or get cozy at the outdoor fire pit. (Photo via Asbury Ocean Club)
Would you ever consider a mini-moon? Let us know by tweeting us @BritandCo.
This post has been updated.
Challengers is honestly just one giant tennis match. While we watch Zendaya's Tashi, Mike Faist's Art, and Josh O'Connor's Patrick play the game in a literal sense, we also see their personal relationship spiral, ricocheting back and forth as each character plays a different role every couple of years. And the crazy Challengers ending is a culmination of this intense emotional journey because it solidifies Patrick, Tashi, and Art's relationship — both to one another, but also to tennis itself.
What did the ending of The Challengers mean?
Image via Niko Tavernise/Amazon MGM Studios
There is a lot of tension between Tashi, Art, and Patrick throughout the movie, and it all builds to the titular Challenger match. It's Art vs. Patrick, and they're playing for way more than just the title and the money (though of course, they're definitely playing for the title and the money) — this is one final chance to prove themselves to Tashi, who's sitting court-side looking very unimpressed.
Both men lose their cool during different sets, but it's in the third and final set that everything comes to a head. At the end of the match, Patrick confesses to sleeping with Tashi using a tennis ball and racket signal only Art recognizes. For a split second Art is is complete shock, and I expected him to completely lose it. And, technically, he does, but in a totally unexpected way. Rather than jump the net and punch Patrick in the face, Art channels his emotions into his tennis, and the fury he feels actually allows him break through whatever slump he's been stuck in.
Unable to have a conversation about Patrick's secret, Art and Patrick talk with their serves and returns. And because Tashi doesn't catch the signal, for the first time in the whole movie, she's cut out of the conversation.
Did Tashi love Art and Patrick?
Image via Niko Tavernise/Amazon MGM Studios
Tashi's been pulling the strings ever since she met Art and Patrick, and she's never not been in control. After Patrick sends the signal, she knows something is going on between them, she just doesn't know what — and it unnerves her. Thanks to Zendaya's expert subtlety, the twitch of her eyebrow or the particularly anxious way she grips her hands are the only things that give her away. But her confusion, and the men's anger, quickly turn to pure joy in the final moments of the movie.
Patrick and Art end up playing so intensely that they meet at the net and embrace, prompting Tashi's iconic tennis yell before she gives one of her first genuine laughs of the film and the screen cuts to black. The first time I saw the movie, I thought "What?!" but the more I think about it, the clearer the Challengers ending is.
Patrick and Art (whose relationship begins six or seven years before the movie opens) haven't spoken since the big fight surrounding Tashi's injury, and their hug proves they're just happy to be playing together again. It's what they've always loved, and their fight over Tashi almost ended it forever. Tashi's pure elation shows she's happy to watch some good tennis, especially after she failed to help Art break out of his rut.
We've only seen Tashi scream like that once before, when she admits to a perfect tennis match. While Tashi does care for Patrick and Art, the end of Challengers proves the characters' true love was never really each other — it was always the game.
What did you think of the Challengers ending? After you rewatch the movie (and then rewatch it again), check out the other Most-Anticipated Spring Movies For 2024.
Lead image via Niko Tavernise/Amazon MGM Studios
There's *so* much going on this time of year. Holiday shopping, baking, decorating, gifting — the list goes on! Take a departure from the endless to-dos for the time of year by getting away at any of these deluxe hotels. With all the festive feels and convenient locations across the US, they're a perfect departure from the day-to-day to reset and refresh. Scroll on to see where you should start planning your next long weekend. (Image via The Pfister Hotel)
The Pfister Hotel (Milwaukee, WI): Make your way to Milwaukee and stay at this stunning local landmark filled with history breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Nestled steps from theaters, restaurants, and the lively Third Ward neighborhood, it allows any visitors to get a true taste of Milwaukee culture. And the amenities in the hotel itself are just as noteworthy. One in the doors to the gilded lobby all dressed up for the holidays and you'll instantly be surrounded by luxury. Grab a brightening Vitamin C facial at the legendary Pfister WELL Spa + Salon, head 23rd floor Blu Bar and Lounge for a martini with skyline views of the city, or let the friendly staff offer you a dinner recommendation (outside of the four, on-site options!). Trust us when we say you'll be treated like a true king or queen with your stay at this sophisticated Midwest stay with charm around every corner.
The Fairmont San Francisco (San Francisco, CA): If you find yourself in the Bay Area during the holidays, this hotel, situated on the highest peak in the Nob Hill neighborhood, is a *must* visit. The team behind the hotel truly go ALL out with the spirit of the season in the lobby by offering a life-sized gingerbread house (yes, you can even dine in it), a bar complete with seasonal cocktails, and a 23-foot Christmas tree. Perfect for photo-ops, a night out, or everything a quick stay, you'll feel the cheer in every nook and cranny of this accommodation.
The Ritz-Carlton - Bachelor Gulch (Avon, CO): Your mountain getaway is waiting at this luxuriously cozy Ritz-Carlton establishment, made with all the vibes of v. high-end log cabin. It's set mid-mountain, which is played out in the log-lined walls, antler decor, and (faux) animal furs. Retreat to the lodge after a long day on the slopes to enjoy live acoustic music, warm drinks (their hot chocolate is to *die* for!), and a roaring fireplace. It might as well be something of out of a Hallmark movie! ;)
The Jefferson Hotel (Washington, D.C.): Your five-star holiday adventure (which some say looks like the interior or Downton Abbey!) in the nation's capital is waiting for you. The award-winning accommodation (it's rated as D.C.'s #1 Hotel) is a *dream* setting for the holidays with its regal charm and historical influence. With 99 v chic rooms, an on-site high-end French restaurant, marble fireplaces, vintage accents, and a location walking distance from famous sites, it's ideal for any traveler who wants a low-maintenance vacay that's cozy and delightful in every way
Gramercy Park Hotel (New York, NY): This hotel has been in the company of famous individuals like JFK, Babe Ruth, even the Beatles, and it's easy to see why. The centrally located NYC hotel has a distinct Renaissance design complete with specially imported carpets, tapestries, artwork and more, that makes it look like a regal holiday haven, year-round. Pay a special visit during November and December and you'll be able to see the mesmerizing look that attracted so many other before it, for yourself!
The Peninsula Hotel Chicago (Chicago, IL): We're going to fully admit, the second we heard about the in-house ice rink (on a rooftop overlooking the skyling, complete with a swiss chalet for indulgent hot chocolates) we knew this one would be our pick. Factor in other fun seasonal offerings, like visits from Santa, festive decor, and fully-adorned 20-foot tree, and this hotel quickly climbed to the top of our holiday bucket list.
While it's always nice to see something realistic represented in our favorite TV shows, there are few things more painful than watching a TV breakup. Even when we don't actually know fictional characters IRL, it's absolutely devastating to see them break each other's hearts. (Although, it's equally as bad as never seeing your favorite prospective couple get together — I will never forgive The 100 for what they did to Clarke and Bellamy!!).
Keep reading to see some of our most heartbreaking splits — and then check outWhat Being Team Conrad Or Jeremiah Says About Your Dream TV Boyfriendto put a smile back on your face.
Image via NBC
Ross and Rachel from Friends
Friends is one of the most iconic sitcoms of all times, and Ross and Rachel is definitely one of the most devastating TV breakups. In season 3, this iconic couple decides to take a break in and in "The One with the Morning After," Ross wakes up with another woman named Chloe at the exact moment Rachel shows up at his door. Rachel finds out about the affair, and after a fight in Monica's living room, the couple calls it quits.
Regardless of how you feel about Ross claiming they "were on a break" when he slept with Chloe, seeing Rachel's reaction (and knowing the trust between them was broken) is one of the worst moments in the whole show. Just thinking about it makes my stomach bottom out!
Image via The CW/WB
Rory and Jess from Gilmore Girls
This is one of my personal most-devastating TV breakups because it seems like, out of all of Rory's boyfriends, Rory and Jess are just perfect for each other when they start dating. Not only does their love of books bring them closer together, but their personalities are so compatible. But when Jess leaves for California at the end of season 3 — without saying anything to Rory, I might add — is unacceptable! It breaks my heart, and based on the final look he gives Rory during A Year in the Life, he also regrets it BIG TIME.
Image via The CW/WB
Damon and Elena from The Vampire Diaries
This Vampire Diaries couple was truly endgame, and the will-they-won't-they of it all was one of my favorite things about the show. So when they broke up (to my horror), I was devastated.
Damon and Elena admit they're bad for each other in the season 5 episode "While You Were Sleeping" (then Damon tells her he doesn't even want to be friends. Ouch!!), but it's the season finale, "Home," that makes me extra emotional. When Damon gets stuck with Bonnie on the Other Side, he says goodbye to Elena, who's begging him not to leave but can neither see nor hear him. Say it with me: gut! wrenching!
Image via Erika Doss/Prime Video
Conrad and Belly from The Summer I Turned Pretty
The Summer I Turned Pretty fans are PASSIONATE about whether they're team Conrad or team Jeremiah (trick question, my OTP is Taylor and Stephen), and even the most dedicated Conrad stan hates the prom scene. You know, when he breaks up with Belly at her prom, in the rain. I know he just thinks Belly deserves better, but it's still very painful to watch.
Image via FOX
Schmidt and Cece from New Girl
When I hear "devastating TV breakup" I IMMEDIATELY think of Schmidt and Cece from New Girl. Schmidt gets away with a lot of ridiculous things throughout this show, but dating two girls at one time is not one of them. After Nick has a hard time keeping Schmidt's love life a secret, Schmidt finally comes clean to Cece in "Double Date," leaving both her and me in tears. No matter how many times you rewatch the show, it truly feels like their relationship (and maybe even the friend group) will never recover.
Image via BBC/Prime Video
Fleabag and The Priest on Fleabag
In the history of TV, I don't think I've ever heard anything as heartbreaking as "I love you," "It'll pass." Like, who approved that line?! The viral moment comes at the end of the Fleabag series finale, when Fleabag is sitting with The Priest at the bus stop. Over the course of the series, we not only see how much these two care about each other, but how well they know each other (like how The Priest recognizes when Fleabag zones out). To be loved is to be known, and that's what makes this devastating TV breakup even more devastating.
Image via HBO
Carrie and Aidan on Sex and the City
After so much back and forth, it's hard to accept Carrie and Aidan's final breakup on SATC. But in season 4's "Change of a Dress," Carrie realizes she's not ready for marriage and Aidan realizes he doesn't trust her after her affair with Big. The combo of broken trust and being at two different life stages makes this extra painful to watch, and I don't think any amount of rewatches (or And Just Like That binges) is going to change that.
What's YOUR most devastating TV breakup? Let us know on Facebook!
Lead image via The CW/The WB
Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris caused quite a stir at Elton John's Oscars afterparty, but for good reason! After dodging dating rumors for quite awhile, they dressed to impress and made their first public debut as a couple! Sophia even wore her best accessory — a mega-watt smile — that further confirms this blissful pair.
While some people love to know whencelebrity couples fell in love, the details about Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris' relationship have people wondering when this couple actually got together. Well, our wait is over because Sophia decided to open about what led to her romance with Ashlyn Harris and why certain rumors hold no merit!
Since we're clearly tuned in to this love story, here's everything you need to know about Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris's relationship!
Who is Sophia Bush?
Image via Robin L Marshall/Getty Images
Sophia Bush has had a lengthy career as an actress, and she's most recognized for her portrayal of Brooke Davis in the hit TV series One Tree Hill. She's also appeared in Nip/Tuck, Chicago Fire, Incredibles 2, and John Tucker Must Die. When she's not showing off her acting chops, she hosts the Drama Queens podcast alongside former One Tree Hill castmates Hilarie Burton and Bethany Joy Lenz!
Who is Ashlyn Harris?
Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for W Magazine
Ashlyn Harris is a former U.S. soccer player who had a successful run — no pun intended — as a goalkeeper during the career. She also won the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada and continued making an impressionable mark. However, she announced her retirementin 2022 and — per her Instagrampage — has gone on to become the Global Creative Advisor for Gotham FC and Adidas Football.
When did the dating rumors about Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris start?
Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images and Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
June 2023
Rumors about a possible connection between Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris swirled last summer when Cosmopolitanreported they were on a panel at Cannes Lion International Festival of Creativity. Sophia shared a pic of the two at the festival on Instagramand wrote, "Love you @ashlynharris24 and @sophieannkelly" towards the end of her caption.
A source told Page Six, "It’s very new...They are definitely a couple.” But, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris didn't confirm or deny anything at that time.
When did Sophia Bush file for divorce from Grant Hughes?
Image via Leigh Vogel/Getty Images
August 2023
A couple of months after Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris were seen getting cozy together, Sophia filed for divorce from her former husband Grant Hughes. Peopleshared that they were only married for a little over a year — 13 months — but didn't end on a bad terms. A source then told Entertainment Tonight, "Grant and Sophia are better off as friends and they weren’t getting enough time with each other before their breakup."
When did Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger file for divorce?
Image via Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
October 2023
While things seemed to quiet down, Ashlyn Harris soon filed for divorce from Ali Krieger after getting married towards the end of 2019. What's interesting is that a source told Peoplethis decision wasn't surprising. "Although it’s new information to the public, Ashlyn and Ali’s divorce began months ago and they have been living apart since the summer,” the source said.
This is also around the time it was speculated Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris had their first official date. A rep told People, "Grant will always want the best for Sophia, and is supportive of all that makes her happy and fulfilled." We guess it helps he and Sophia had a solid friendship before getting married!
As for Ali Krieger, she basically let the world know things were business as usual with an Instagrampost. She captioned a pic of her playing soccer with, "Preparing for playoffs while in my Beyoncé lemonade era." A comment from user @lgbtlfg said, "the fact that a lot of players in these comment’s usually mind their business and stay out of drama but are supporting ali should tell everyone all they need to know."
The only thing Ashlyn said about it on Instagramis that she never intended for her and Ali's divorce to be made a public matter. A portion of her note says, "This process is never easy, but we were making our way through."
Have Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris publicly talked about their relationship?
Image via Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Tequila Don Julio
March 2024
Besides showing up to Elton John's Oscars afterparty together, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris were previously tight-lipped about their relationship. The only hint Sophia offered was much more of a reflective post about 2023 on Instagramat the beginning of January. She said, "This year taught me to listen to myself and no one else. To let go of expectation that wounds and grasp possibility that frees. To not care about optics and instead invest in honesty."
But, she's since chosen to own where she is in life.
Image via Lauren Dukoff/Glamour Magazine
Sophia Bush on the cover of Glamour Magazine
April 2024
Sophia Bush has now reached a point where she's publicly ready to stand in her truth regarding her life and her relationship status so much that she penned her own cover story for Glamour. The first thing she did was open up about how she really felt about her marriage and fertility struggles.
She wrote, "But after the wedding I found myself in the depths and heartbreak of the fertility process, which was the most clarifying experience of my life. It feels like society is finally making space for brutally honest conversations about how hard and painful any fertility journey is, but I kept mine private. I was trying to get through months of endless ultrasounds, hormone shots, so many blood draws that I have scar tissue in my veins, and retrieval after retrieval, while simultaneously realizing the person I had chosen to be my partner didn’t necessarily speak the same emotional language I did.”
Image via Lauren Dukoff/Glamour Magazine
As far as her relationship with Ashlyn Harris is concerned, the star is enjoying the love that exists between them. Contrary to alleged rumors, their initial relationship was a platonic one that stemmed from a place of understanding and support.
She told Glamour,“I didn’t expect to find love in this support system. I don’t know how else to say it other than: I didn’t see it until I saw it. And I think it’s very easy not to see something that’s been in front of your face for a long time when you’d never looked at it as an option and you had never been looked at as an option. What I saw was a friend with her big, happy life. And now I know she thought the same thing about me.”
She also added, "A lot of effort was made to be graceful with other people’s processing, their time and obligations, and their feelings. What felt like seconds after I started to see what was in front of me, the online rumor mill began to spit in the ugliest ways. There were blatant lies. Violent threats. There were the accusations of being a home-wrecker. The ones who said I’d left my ex because I suddenly realized I wanted to be with women—my partners have known what I’m into for as long as I have (so that’s not it, y’all, sorry!).”
Image via Lauren Dukoff/Glamour Magazine
It's safe to say that Sophia Bush is thoroughly comfortable with her love life and identity as a queer woman. She said, "I’ve experienced so much safety, respect, and love in the queer community, as an ally all of my life, that, as I came into myself, I already felt it was my home. I think I’ve always known that my sexuality exists on a spectrum. Right now I think the word that best defines it is queer. I can’t say it without smiling, actually. And that feels pretty great.”
And this is what it looks like to reclaim your narrative when so many people are looking at a brief glimpse of the lives of celebrities. We love that Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris are loving each other on their terms without feeling pressured to share anything before they were ready to. Our hope is that their love story continues to unfold beautifully.
Be sure to watch Sophia Bush's interview with Glamour's Editor-in-Chief Samantha Barry here!
Full Credits From Glamour Magazine:
Writer: Sophia Bush
Photographer: Lauren Dukoff
Stylist: Deborah Afshani
Hair: Matthew Collins
Makeup: Afton Williams
Manicure: Brittney Boyce
Have Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris made their official red carpet debut?
Image via Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Kimball Stroud & Associates
April 27, 2024
Per Glamour, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn made their official red carpet debut as a couple on Friday. They attended the White House Correspondent's dinner where they were dressed to impress in complementing black ensembles.
It's easy to see the glowing couple couldn't stop laughing and smiling as they posed for pictures that seemed to capture every good angle of their faces and style.
Image via Paul Morigi/Getty Images
After the dinner, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris posed for more pictures on the red carpet leading to the Correspondent's after-party. Now that we're able to see their full faces, we have to talk about how well their hair and makeup complements their outfits. It's clear that Ashlyn's contour and bronzer were expertly applied to her face while Sophia's blush gave her a natural flush.
*Sigh* Their smiles are the only confirmation we need that they're enjoying the bliss of being a couple.
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This article has been updated.
Lead image via Paul Morigi/Getty Images