July 2025
A section dedicated to new openings, destination buzz, and how Harlem is moving and being moved.
1. New Direct Shuttle Launches: Harlem to Martha’s Vineyard
Starting July 15, Black-owned travel service Golden Routes launches a luxury weekend shuttle from Harlem to Oak Bluffs, catering to creatives, entrepreneurs, and wellness seekers. Includes complimentary wine, curated playlists, and onboard concierge.
Website: goldenroutes.co (fictional for layout purposes)
Mood Note: Black retreat season is here.
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2. African Travel Surge Among Harlem Millennials
Following the viral TikTok trend of “returning home,” bookings for Ghana, Morocco, and South Africa from NYC’s Black travelers have spiked 27%. Harlem-based agency Diaspora Getaways reports record July departures.
Insider Tip: July–August is the best time for discounted safaris and culture-based trips.
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3. Soul-Stay Approved: Airbnb’s Top Harlem Listings Now Curated
Airbnb has partnered with Harlem historians and Mood editors to badge the top 10 Harlem listings that honor culture, design, and history. Think: brownstone stays with vintage records and Marcus Garvey murals.
Feature dropping July 10
Website: airbnb.com/harlemculture (fictional)
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4. Passport Events for the Culture
The Studio Museum is co-hosting a passport fair July 13 at the Schomburg Center for families preparing for international travel. Black-owned vendors on site will help with application photos, paperwork, and visa Q&As.
Theme: No borders to Black joy.
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5. New Harlem–Nairobi Travel Collective Launches at MOOD HQ
Meet “The Bridge”, a new initiative connecting Harlem entrepreneurs with African partners in fashion, wellness, and food. Launched July 2025 by Mood Magazine and The Harlem Collective, the first retreat will take place in Nairobi this October.
Apply to join: harlemcollective.org/thebridge
