Art Review: The Frist’s Secrets of Buddhist Art: Tibet, Japan, and Korea

Posted by On Filed under Art, Travel
Art Review: The Frist’s Secrets of Buddhist Art: Tibet, Japan, and Korea

While working in Kentucky this winter and spring, I am lucky to be just two hours from Nashville’s Frist Center for the Visual Arts. A few days ago, I was there for Secrets of Buddhist Art: Tibet, Japan, and Korea.

Secrets was a stellar show, almost overwhelming in its significance. We were there for a few hours before heading out to lunch (Sitar, an Indian restaurant I’d highly recommend) and then returned once our eyes and minds had rested a bit.

Keep reading →

Jackson, Wyoming: A Wild West Adventure Epicenter

Posted by On Filed under Art, Travel
Jackson, Wyoming: A Wild West Adventure Epicenter

Jackson, Wyoming is the epitome of the mountainous, wild west I had in my imagination. If you’re looking for an adventure with dramatic mountains, two stunning national parks, copious wildlife, and a small-town feel, Jackson is the place for you.

Even though I visited this month, in a “shoulder season,” I could tell that summer and winter possibilities here are plentiful. During my six-day stay, there was a balance of all seasons: two days of sun, two days of snow, and two days of rain. Despite the weather (or because of it), I found so much to do and can’t wait to plan my next visit.

Keep reading →

Austin, Texas: So Much of Everything Good

Posted by On Filed under Art, Travel
Austin, Texas: So Much of Everything Good

I knew I would like Austin, Texas, but I had no idea how much I enjoy the city nor for what reasons. Everyone knows Austin as the live music capital of the world, but I soon discovered a mind-blowing food and coffee scene in the Texas capital as well. Apparently, I’m not alone in appreciating the city. Austin Demographer Ryan Robinson has document 150 people moving to Austin each day and 40 leaving each day, for a net gain of 110. Can you imagine the U-Haul business?

Keep reading →

A Week in Atlanta: A Four-Dimensional Experience

Posted by On Filed under Art, Travel
A Week in Atlanta: A Four-Dimensional Experience

My last visit to Atlanta was 16 years ago. I loved it then, as a wide-eyed, scared 19-year-old on a budget, spring break road trip via Greyhound. This spring, as a woman in her mid-30s, I was glad to return to Atlanta’s warm embrace.

The first time I was in Atlanta, I rode in to the questionable Greyound station and stayed in a sketchy hostel. I was also dazzled by the clean, open spaces the Summer Olympics had recently created, along with cops on bicycles, and the World of Coca-Cola.

This time, I came by my own vehicle, stayed in a nice place on the northside through AirBnB, found a wonderfully flourishing coffee scene and was once again dazzled by the World of Coca Cola. Some things don’t change.

Keep reading →

Rough Winds and Moon Pies in Charleston, South Carolina

Posted by On Filed under Art, Travel
Rough Winds and Moon Pies in Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina was a trip full of opposites for me: I battled 20 mph headwinds on my bicycle to reward myself with a visit to the Moon Pie General Store. The muffler on my car went kaput, but my walks on the waterfront were luxurious and sunny. There were many other experiences that created a hodge-podge week in Charleston and I’ll describe some of them here.

Keep reading →