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.

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.

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.

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.

Fully experience Savannah's art scene in just a day. Start and focus on the major museums to gain an overview of the city's artistic heritage as well as dynamic cutting edge talent. Savannah's art scene continues evolving, shaped by the interplay between its preserved past and creative future. The city attracts artists, students, and cultural tourists who contribute to an ongoing conversation about art's role in community life. Whether you're drawn to classical paintings in historic mansions or experimental installations in converted warehouses, Savannah offers cultural experiences that linger long after your visit ends.

Telluride's small population and isolated positioning should not be deceiving of its history and rich culture.  Driving into town, one passes Ralph Lauren's 30 miles of fence marking his gazillion dollar estate.  It is no wonder he calls Telluride home, as it seems so much like his brand - chic, fresh, Western and classic with a modern twist.