Crypto News: Breathtaking photos to welcome fall

Hello, I'm Evan Ortiz, digital photo editor of Bloomberg Pursuits.

I'm here to talk about autumn—my favorite season. And it's not just because my birthday, which I celebrated last week, usually aligns with the autumnal equinox. There is something energizing about this time of year, when the temperature becomes crisp. These days, heat comes not from the air around me but radiates from cups of (decaf) coffee warming my hands.

Now I'm in my fashion element: I can rock out the hoodies, sweaters and boots that have been collecting dust in my closet. Maybe this is the year I'll try a puffer, get some hats, and maybe even look into this fall's trend of pointed-toe shoes. (Not sure if I'll go as far as getting a Midtown vest or suede.)

Floating gold leaves at a pond in Rochester, New York. Photographer: Evan Ortiz

But as a visually oriented person, what gets me most pumped is seeing the transformations in the natural environment. In spite of being a born-and-bred city boy—or maybe because of it—I love trees, especially when the leaves mature.

Lately, I've been reflecting on how we can find luxury in the simple things and enjoy the inherent wealth of nature. We can find richness among the red, yellow and amber leaves by camping (or glamping, if you must), or simply walking—the latest trend. Going bird watching.

Or taking photos!

Exploring the foliage at Mendon Ponds, New York, with my friend Meredith. Photographer: Evan Ortiz

Do you want tips on the best way to photograph this annual visual bonanza? I've got you. For example, you may know that people often make pictures more lively, but remember to get down on the little ones' level. And we'll tell you why you should embrace rainy days when shooting.

We've also lately been rolling out our fall preview stories, getting you ready for all the shows to watch in New York City, the hottest books of the season, even the most delicious mooncakes and the best movies coming out. A long time Hunger Games stan, I'm highly interested in watching the prequel in November.

I'm not too much of a Broadway person, but I am planning to buy tickets asap to watch JaJa's African Hair Braiding at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Photographer: Matthew Murphy

Heated beverages are the best this time of year. Cider, coffee, tea, hot toddies—pick your poison. My personal favorite is a piping hot chocolate from Guatemalan restaurant, Ix. Also known as champurrado, it has delicious hints of cinnamon and the dark-chocolate favorite is strong, but sweet enough to make me smile.

I know colder weather and cloudy skies can be a bummer. One way I've mitigated those moments is to practice presence and mindfulness. If I can't change the circumstances around me, I can do my best to embrace what is, and find gratitude through it.

I grew up in New York City, so while nature and trees aren't wholly unfamiliar to me, I make a point each year to get out and appreciate the foliage. Whether it's strolling through my neighborhood in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, or taking a trip upstate New York, the changing colors bring me joy. If you're heading off for the weekend, here's a new look at how weekender bags are getting a serious upgrade. Inspired in part by our coverage at Pursuits, I've developed a wish list of leafy destinations. These are three places I'd love to visit, and two I want to revisit.

Views of nature at the hot pool at Piaule. Photographer: Sean Davidson

Piaule in the Catskills

Secluded, modern, intimate: The Piaule cabins in the Catskills have been on my radar for some time. The property offers a guided "forest bathing" experience—which is actually a slow walk—that lets you breathe in the ambers and reds of the leaves. Then, I'd process all I saw while soaking in a mineral plunge pool. After all the viewing and relaxing, I'd end the day, gobbling up a dish by executive chef Ryan Tate at the restaurant.

A Porsche 911 Carrera on Mount Desert Island in Maine. Photographer: Tobias Hutzler for Bloomberg Businessweek

Acadia National Park, Maine

If I had a fancy car, like a Porsche 911 Carrera (and, importantly, a driver's license), zipping through winding, wooded roads in Maine would be an exhilarating experience. I've seen countless breathtaking photos of the areas like Acadia National Park and Aragosta at Goose Cove to know that the color in this New England region is magical.

Tucked into the mountainside, Blackberry Mountain's Stone Cottages offer guests sweeping mountain views that are breathtaking in every season. Source: Blackberry Mountain

Blackberry Mountain

Blackberry Mountain, a 5,200-acre property settled in the glorious Smoky Mountains, offers a vast arrangement of accommodations, from cottages to treehouses to mountain homes. If that's not inviting enough, the property has received accolades for its dining and activities centered on wellness. I've had friends stay at camping grounds in the Smoky Mountain region, who told me inspiring stories about waking up surrounded by blankets of fog. To pivot between the restorative dining at Blackberry Mountain and then get lost in these foliaged, hazy, hills would be the ultimate retreat.

Stanley Park in Vancouver, Canada. Photographer: mysticenergy/E+

Vancouver, Canada

If I had to pick an ideal place to live, it'd be a location where urban and rustic blend seamlessly. The city of Vancouver easily comes to mind. I've visited twice, and I need to go once more during autumn. From gorgeous walks in Stanley Park, to eating in its excellent restaurants, to sightseeing downtown, a fall trip to this city would be ideal for me.

Middle Falls at Letchworth State Park, New York. Photographer: JimVallee/iStockphoto

Letchworth State Park, New York

When I was a freshman photography student at Rochester Institute of Technology, I took a trip with some friends to Letchworth State Park in the fall. As a city kid, I'd never experienced the beauty of nature on this scale. Upon arrival, I took to the colorful trails like a wood nymph. And then I got lost from my group, which ended up being worth it, because I encountered the Middle Falls: my first ever view of a waterfall. The spectacle laid out in front of me of pure foliage, water and sun solidified my resolve to pursue a visual career.

From left: Ty Murray, Carpetbag executive director Jonathan Clark, Joe Tolbert Jr., Quineka Moten and Appalachian Community Fund executive director Margo Miller at the Bottom bookstore, a Waymakers Collective grantee. Photographer: Joseph Ross for Bloomberg Businessweek

At Pursuits, I spearhead a series that tells the stories of Black entrepreneurs and business owners. Finding financial, professional and overall success as a person of color often requires overcoming more hurdles compared with folks who are white. We started the Industry Shakers column to celebrate, uplift and bring visibility to unsung professionals who have made an impact in their fields through innovative approaches.

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September's biggest hits

As we say goodbye to summer, here's a look back at some of the best-read stories of the month from Pursuits—seasonal or not.

Vegas' Newest Resort Is a $3.7 Billion Palace, 23 Years in the Making
A Florida mogul brings his Fontainebleau brand to Sin City.
Raw Meat-Eating Liver King and Other Influencers Face Mounting Lawsuits
An influencer admitted to taking roughly $11,000 of steroids a month.
In Colorado, a Tiny Ski Town Faces a Big Future With New Owners
It's a tiny but mighty heli-ski haven.
John Lennon's Missing Patek Watch, Now Found, Is Likely Worth Millions
A Swiss court has ruled on the rightful owner of watch.
For $4,850, You Can Now Bypass TSA Lines at Atlanta's Airport
More private terminals are expected in other cities.

This week we launched Bloomberg Travel, a new hub for globetrotting leaders, covering everything from the business of travel to the most worthwhile experiences money can buy.

Already, our coverage has ranged from luxury news scoops—like the fact that Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is planning a major ship expansion using other Marriott hotel brands and is looking to IPO in the next three years—to hard-hitting analysis about how the CEO of Delta is backing away from controversial changes to the airline's SkyMiles loyalty program. And more coming on Monday.

We've also released the first edition of our new city guide series, Two Night Minimum, meant for those who want to get to the heart of a place in a short time—whether on a business trip or a weekend vacation.

You won't just find the best hotels; you'll get insight on which rooms are best to book. There are of course restaurant recommendations and activity suggestions made smarter and more efficient. Think modern shops in El Rastro that are best visited during off-peak hours, or a magnificent three-stop whirl through El Prado focused on Spanish history.

It's a city guide for busy people—and a perfect example for what we're serving up at the new Bloomberg Travel. — Nikki Ekstein

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