From our community to your inbox, we trace what's worth discovering—the finds, voices, and recommendations shaping how we choose.
Edition #29 • A weekend away, no flight required
Hello friends,
Well, we made it to summer. If you're like me, May was wall-to-wall events, responsibilities, and celebrations. Wonderful, but a lot. Now that the lazy days are finally here, I'm craving a few days away. Somewhere quiet. Somewhere I can read, journal, sit outside, and let my brain settle.
Which is exactly why I am so excited about this week's guest curator.
Meet Kayti.
Kayti is a writer, creative director, and aspiring author. She's the founder of Paper Ghosts, a beautifully made newsletter for people who love books, art, weird internet finds, and beautifully designed things. She's also a reformed groupie, which is the kind of bio line you cannot manufacture.
Kayti is sharing the places she returns to when she needs to write, think, or just be somewhere that isn't her regular life. Four Midwest Airbnbs and one essential travel companion. Every one of these has been earned through real visits, not aspirational scrolling.
Best rec she ever received: “The Salvador Dali cookbook!”
Subscribe to Paper Ghosts to get Kayti's writing, recommendations, and a steady supply of things you'll want to send to a friend.
Here’s to getting away.
-Karli
✨ Kayti's Creative Escape Collection
For writers, artists, readers, and anyone who occasionally needs a little distance from their daily routine. These are the places I return to when I need quiet, perspective, or a few uninterrupted hours with my own thoughts.
The Little Farmhouse
“My favorite creative getaway. I've been coming here since the pandemic. It's a tiny farmhouse on open land in Kansas with the most glorious bathtub. The owner, Andrea, is lovely and sometimes leaves fresh eggs from her chickens. It feels secluded enough to think big thoughts but not so secluded that you'll end up starring in a true crime documentary.”
The Treehouse
“If your dream writing retreat involves trees, frogs, and a hot tub, this is your spot. The treehouse is tucked away in the woods outside Perryville, Missouri, and somehow feels like another world. Fair warning: it books out way in advance for good reason.”
Canyon Grove - The Quietest Place I’ve Stayed
“The tile deserves its own Instagram account. The silence deserves an award.”
Prairieside Cottage
“This artist-owned cottage sits in the Flint Hills near Matfield Green, Kansas. The artwork alone is worth the trip. It feels like borrowing someone else's creative life for a weekend. The owner also runs artist residencies here, which tells you everything you need to know about the spirit of the place.”
April in Paris Tea
“My favorite tea in the world. If I'm escaping to write for a few days, this is coming with me.”
💬 Community asks
Someone needs what you already know. Whether it's the morning ritual you've perfected or the bag that goes with everything—if you've got an answer, share it!
Kt M. is looking for non-meat grill recipes. “I don't have a meat-centric diet, but I want to use my pellet grill more this summer! Besides the standard grilled vegetables and grilled pizza, what non-meat dishes do you love to smoke or grill?” [Share your rec]
Sydney L. wants your recs for ADHD and chronic fatigue friendly food. “I need some go-to meals, snacks, etc to keep myself fueled. I’d love to lose fat in preparation for an October wedding but have minimal energy, hate cooking, and don’t like to cook my own meat.” [Share your rec]
M. wants your recommendation for a continuous glucose monitor. [Share your rec]
Looking for something? Post an Ask for your friends or the entire hili community to chime in with recs.
💜 Karli Loves
Here are a few things that have caught my attention this week:
📚 I just finished Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt and loved it! It struck the perfect balance: real human struggles, plenty of heart, and a storytelling approach unique enough to feel fresh but relatable all the way through. Now it’s time to watch the film adaptation and see if it holds up.
🧼 My favorite Trader Joe’s Brazilian Body Butter now comes in a body wash! It smells amazing and gets my skin clean without stripping it so it stays moisturized.
⚽️ Here are some facts and figures about the World Cup to get you sounding like an expert.
⚽ Heading to Kansas City for the World Cup?
The world is about to descend on KC, so I made a guide and a Google map. Real recs from someone who actually lives here and spends her free time trying every new restaurant. Where to eat barbecue with a killer patio, which bars get the vibe right, and the best places to shop and wander.
If you or anyone you know is making the trip, send them this way.
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Thanks for being here!