New York's art landscape continues evolving as digital art, virtual reality exhibitions, and social media change how we create and consume culture. Established institutions adapt by incorporating technology while maintaining their commitment to physical art experiences. Emerging neighborhoods in the East Village, Queens and the Bronx offer new gallery spaces and artist communities that may define the next chapter of the city's art story.

The city's art ecosystem thrives on constant renewal and reinvention. Each season brings new exhibitions, emerging artists, and innovative presentations that keep even longtime residents discovering fresh perspectives. This dynamic energy ensures that New York City remains at the forefront of global art culture, offering inexhaustible opportunities for artistic discovery and cultural engagement.

The cultural landscape of San Francisco and its surrounding wine country is diverse and dynamic. Its indelible art landscape has been stamped in my mind since I spent summer there in 1999 working at a museum. San Francisco includes world famous art institutions to quirky neighborhood gems, offering an extraordinary journey through human creativity, scientific discovery, and cultural heritage. Nestled nearby in California’s wine country, there's something magical about experiencing world-class art while surrounded by rolling vineyards and golden California light. Wine country has evolved far beyond tastings and tours – it's become an unexpected haven for contemporary art lovers seeking beauty both in the glass and in the landscape. Whether you're drawn to contemporary masterpieces or fascinated by cultural history, San Francisco — and it’s surrounding wine country — provides windows into both the city's unique character and the broader human experience.

Mexico City — the Paris of Latin America — pulses with an artistic energy that spans millennia, from ancient Aztec temples to cutting-edge contemporary galleries. The sprawling metropolis stands as one of the world's great cultural capitals, where pre-Columbian artifacts share space with colonial masterpieces and revolutionary murals. For travelers seeking to immerse themselves in Mexico's rich cultural tapestry, the city offers an overwhelming abundance of museums, cathedrals, and artistic treasures that tell the story of a nation's complex and fascinating history.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains just east of Asheville, Black Mountain, North Carolina, is a small town with an outsized cultural footprint. With a population of just over 8,000, this charming community has quietly established itself as one of the most significant artistic destinations in the American South, thanks to a rich legacy that continues to shape contemporary culture.

There's a reason they call it America's front yard. Beyond the iconic monuments and corridors of power, Washington DC houses some of the most impressive art collections in the world—many completely free to the public. As a frequent visitor to the capital, I've spent countless weekends wandering through these cultural treasures, and I'm excited to share my insider's guide to DC's vibrant art scene.

Nestled between the shores of Lake Constance and the foothills of the Alps, Bregenz is Austria's hidden cultural treasure. This charming city combines breathtaking natural beauty with world-class artistic offerings, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking magical ‘nooks around the world. There are many ways to take in the art and culture of Bregenz. I can vouch that Bregenz is a personal favorite destination, so I encourage one to do it all and see it all, or at least try.

I do not know why it took me so long to make it to Boston. And it’s a city — from photos and online resources — I underestimated for its size, green spaces and cultural experiences. In (less than) 24 hours, I barely dabbed my toe in the city’s energy and arts. I hustled as much as possible to take in energetically and visually what time and transport allowed. It is the first of many trips to this city, I hope; but one I marked as a personal favorite and one of which taught me more about American history, art and culture than any other place. Some highlights noted here, and I hope to add to the list over time and opportune visits.

Havana, Cuba is heaven for the art aficionados, politicos and history buffs.  Travelers will perhaps be surprised how diverse and well-rounded the city is, not to mention its walkability. The island is diverse and infinitely fascinating and beautiful, but this blog post focuses on Havana, the epicenter of the Cuban culture.

If gambling and/or cocktailing is not your thing, there are plenty of ways to get dopamine hits from vast array of art and tech experiences in Las Vegas. Sure, there are Dale Chihuly glass sculptures canvasing the ceiling at the Bellagio and blue chip paintings dispersed throughout the city in its grand casinos, but Vegas seems to be on the cutting edge of combining art and tech, only second to Dubai.

Winter is the perfect time to explore the 'other Carolina'. A snow fallen Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk is a quintessential Southern experience. Long drives and slow, steady trail walks are key to wander and wonder throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains, stopping ever so often for a hot cup of Joe.

Miami — the gateway to Latin America — has transformed from a beach destination into one of America's most dynamic art capitals. A personal favorite destination, the city pulses with creative energy year-round, from world-class museums to internationally renowned art fairs and street art districts that have become global destinations in their own right.

In less than four hours, an Amtrak train ride out of Penn Station and “up” the Hudson River connects one from New York City to a lush, green, upstate haven that comes fully alive in August. For forty days, visitors travel to Saratoga Springs, New York for short and long stays to experience the historic Saratoga horse track as well as shop and dine its picturesque downtown.

Until 2024, I had not experienced a New England summer — its clear blue, massive skies, rocky coastline, and bustling waters — but had seen many paintings of the area, particularly Maine, by admired regional artists as Adele Lemm and internationally acclaimed artists as Edward Hopper. I grew up in the Mississippi Delta and attended Ole Miss. It wasn’t until my mid twenties while living in New York City that I heard the term, “summering.” In Manhattan that term, among my peers, meant shared summer house in the Hamptons. When I moved to Charleston “summering” reemerged and meant long week stays in the North Carolina mountains or in a quaint port town along the New England coastline, most easily accessible by sailboats from the Charleston harbor.

In less than a week’s time, you can see and experience a quintessential, Southern mountain experience. For me, it’s nice to escape the the intense and often unbearable Charelston heat and head slightly north to 'the other Carolina.’ From Lowlands to Highlands, every time I am in the North Carolina mountains — particularly Asheville, Montreat and Black Mountain — a new experience awaits and memories are made and shared.

Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, the Patterson School sculpture garden stands as a testament to the transformative power of art in education. This remarkable outdoor gallery seamlessly blends artistic expression with academic enrichment, creating a unique environment where creativity and learning intersect.

The sculpture garden at Patterson School represents more than just an outdoor art display—it's a living, breathing extension of the classroom. Students, faculty, and visitors alike find themselves immersed in a carefully curated collection that spans various artistic styles, materials, and themes. From contemporary abstract pieces to classical figurative works, the garden offers something to inspire every visitor.

A short road trip connects two very different California deserts. Palm Springs, a chic mid-century architectural haven and retro playground for movie stars, such as Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra. The other, Joshua Tree, a hippy and mystic, stripped down piece of earth known as the backdrop and incubator for music projects by icons, such as Graham Parsons and U2.

Park City is the perfect mountain town. Combining its artistic vibe, culinary scene and a deep appreciation and quick access to the outdoors, Park City strikes a balance between luxury and comfort for any traveler. Whatever your daily activity may be, can easily stroll Park City's Historic Main Street for great shopping and top-notch culinary spots. Offerings for outdoor recreation are accessible, ubiquitous and diverse. The winter slopes were once featured in the Olympics, and in summer the mountains (and nearby state parks and reservoirs) transform into a hiking, mountain biking, fishing and camping mecca.   

Traveling is a prism of which we see ourselves and how we wish to experience the world.  That is to say, this blog post completely eliminates barbecue, whisky and music from an Austin, Texas experience, which in many people’s eyes, is simply sinful.  Instead, I focused on discovering wellness hubs as well as art and architectural gems, and to my surprise, there was no dearth of any of it.

Pop culture can be an interesting way to point us to new ideas. As the world shut down in 2020, I found a television series among millions of viewers entitled Yellowstone, written by Taylor Sheridan. I, personally, was taken by the scenery more than the action and set an intention to see at least a slither of America’s treasured Yellowstone National Park, 2.2 million acres and the second largest national park in the lower 48 states.

Most visitors to New Orleans never venture beyond the well-worn paths of the French Quarter and Garden District. But for those willing to explore, the city offers an extraordinary collection of museums and sculpture gardens that reveal layers of culture, history, and artistic vision you won't find anywhere else in the South.

During my time there along the Mississippi River, I've discovered that New Orleans' museum scene is as complex and surprising as the city itself—where classical meets contemporary, where local folk traditions stand alongside international masterpieces, and where sculpture gardens become stages for both art and life.