Julia Holmes

Julia is the Features Editor at Fatherly, where she oversees long-form content across the site — assigning, editing and occasionally writing reported features, essays, and profiles that cover everything from the science of nostalgia to how extreme athletes take on fatherhood.

She manages Fatherly’s special issues — including the annual Outside Issue — and regularly contributes pieces on books, culture, adventure, and travel. Since joining Fatherly in 2020, Julia has filled a range of editorial roles, from the technical nitty-gritty of search to running monthly big-idea pitch labs.

Before joining BDG, Julia worked for 15 years in print media as an editor, contributor and manager for magazines including Rolling Stone, Men’s Journal, US Weekly and Entertainment Weekly. Her byline has appeared in the New Republic, the New York Times Magazine, and elsewhere. Her first novel, Meeks, was a New York Times Editors’ Pick and Indie Next Notable Book. She has an MFA from Columbia University in Fiction.

She lives in Brooklyn with her wife and daughter.

Genoa, Italy

How To Make The Most Of The Italian Riviera With Young Kids

ByJulia Holmes

Italy's elegant, sometimes theatrically opulent beach clubs are affordable, fun and made for family travel.

Paris, France

The Best Time For Families In Paris Is Winter

ByJulia Holmes

There’s still plenty of romance and family fun to be had in Paris during its off-peak seasons.

Barcelona, Spain

The Perfect New Year Celebrations For Families Are In Barcelona

ByJulia Holmes

The city’s family-oriented and super festive traditions — get your 12 grapes ready! — are open to all.

the erie canal

Take An Epic Family Bike Ride Through 200 Years of American History

ByJulia Holmes

Over 360 miles of mellow, accessible, protected bike paths, you can explore the eighth wonder of the world, the Erie Canal.

North Adams, Mass.

A Minimalist Haven In The Berkshires That’s Perfect For Family Adventures

ByJulia Holmes

Tourists hotel, in North Adams, is comfortable, affordable refinement at the intersection of art and nature.

the big picture

Nonfiction Picture Books That Kids Will Ask For Every Night

ByNadia Aguiar, Ryan Britt and Julia Holmes

Twelve truly great nonfiction children’s pictures books for kids who are curious about the world.

seize the season

24 Super Freaking Fun Things You Need To Do Before School Starts

ByChristian Dashiell and Julia Holmes
Outside Issue

The 2023 Outside Issue: Fatherly Dives In

ByJulia Holmes

For our second annual Outside Issue, Fatherly is diving right on in — celebrating shores and waterways, swimming and fishing, and giving our kids and ourselves just a splash of serenity.

Interview

How Commercial Fisherman Corey Arnold Got Hooked On Fishing

ByJulia Holmes

And how he hopes to pass down that passion to his kids.

Travel

The 41 Greatest Public Shores In The U.S.

ByJulia Holmes, Tyghe Trimble and Anna Traver

Beaches, lakefronts, and shorelines that are beautiful, pristine — and open to all.

Northern Exposure

The Icelandic Art Of Swim Lessons

ByJulia Holmes

Iceland is the only place in the world with universal swim literacy. Here’s their secret.

Priorities

How To Stay Fit With 6 Of The World’s Busiest Dads

ByMike Diago and Julia Holmes

The fitness routines and philosophies of six very busy and accomplished dads — what they do, how they make time, and why it matters.

Great Reads

The Greatest Picture Books Of All Time, According To Parents, Authors And Illustrators

ByJoshua David Stein, Nadia Aguiar, Ryan Britt, Tyghe Trimble, Julia Holmes, Adam Rubin, Oge Mora, Jason Chin and Ron Barrett

Bedtime reading just got better.

Adventure

22 Family Adventures for the Bold

ByJulia Holmes and Tyghe Trimble

For your next family vacation, paddle to your own island, bike from inn to inn, or take a road trip through the most remote regions of Patagonia. What’s stopping you?

Essay

You Call That Fun?

ByJulia Holmes

Maybe dad was right all along — a little hardship builds character, makes memories, and is what life is really all about.

Gear

Dough Maestro Ken Forkish’s Advice For Making Great Pizza At Home

ByJulia Holmes

Affordable, delicious, and as healthy as you want to make it, Ken Forkish’s Naples-via-NYC pizza will make you a hero in your household.

Gear

This Sleek Wooden DIY Teardrop Camper Is Your Summer Escape Pod

ByJulia Holmes

Sail the highways in this sleek, hardwood teardrop camper from the boat designers at Chesapeake Light Craft.

Entertainment

4 Classic Adventure and Survival Books to Get You Through Anything

ByJulia Holmes

This spring, we're all reflecting on what we've learned from a tough, strange year: Let these stories from the edges of endurance lead the way.

Gear

12 Timeless Toys That Work for Kids of All Ages

ByJulia Holmes

These classic toys keep kids engaged from toddlerhood to tweendom — and are built to last.

Entertainment

We’re Living in a Nostalgia Boom. Here’s How to Harness Its Powers for Good

ByJulia Holmes

A leading nostalgia researcher explains how to make the most of the longing so many of us are feeling right now.