Good Morning & Hello Tuesday!!!

Have been in AZ for almost a week, happily ensconced at one of my all-time favorite hotels. And must express my gratitude to all the people I’ve met and connected with over the last week – so friendly and welcoming! Much appreciated.

Phoenix is not new to me. I’ve been here numerous times but it has certainly changed over the last few years. This is my first time back since the start of the Phoenix boom (Phoenix was the fastest-growing big city in the U.S. between 2010 and 2020).

This trip was planned to coincide with Brad’s recent museum exhibitions (#10 below). But my itinerary was also chock-a-block with new things to check out including emerging neighborhoods and trendy new scenes, e.g., coffee and car events which are all the rage in Phoenix.

The only downside has been the heat (which absolutely does not agree with me) and I am also not a fan of having to do so much driving (odd, I know, since I LOVE car culture!).

Scroll down for highlights and best tips and recommendations should any of you be planning to travel to AZ later this year.

Good Morning Y’All

This is the first in my Snapshots of America Series. I’m planning to switch to this format as I start to travel again. Based on your response, I’ll be doing this again twice in April when I’ll be in Phoenix, Tucson, and Las Vegas.

First impressions of Austin?

• It’s 1000% techie. All that talk about Elon Musk and the rest of Silicon Valley flocking to Austin? It’s FACT and it’s easy to spot the techie “uniform” (they all wear those cool-looking pants made from high-tech performance fabrics – Vuori seems to be a popular brand), they all carry large backpacks, they ride e-scooters, and they often travel, or gather, in packs. Also, almost everyone seems to be from LA or NY. And most tellingly, all the convos going on around me for the last three days have centered on VCs, funding rounds, and start-ups ready for acquisition (also, quite a bit on how to get employees back in the office!).
• It’s a wealthy city. The area around South Congress (where I always stayed in the past), now reminds me of Soho in its heyday. New Hermes boutique opening right next to Soho House.
• It’s friendly. Everyone I’ve encountered has been super welcoming, helpful, and so happy to introduce Texas to a newcomer.
• It’s a cool (but small) scene. It’s a city that attracts young, smart people. And that in turn attracts an older cohort (like me). But besides all the tech happenings, there’s not very much for a visitor to check out. From what I can tell, everything pretty much seems to revolve around the outdoors – everyone’s biking, hiking, kayaking. There is a great food scene (trying to get into Uchi is a challenge, it’s booked a month out). Retail also seems to be thriving. Although people dress casually, the brands they’re wearing are buzzy, e.g., On performance sneakers, Burberry quilted jackets (did not see much Patagonia), Vuitton backpacks, YETI bags, and as I mentioned before, hi-performance fabric pants or shorts!!
• That said, authentic Texas swagger/style is not going away. And I love it. Thanks to my friend Sheri H., I’ve met so many cool people this week (especially at UT Austin). And big shout out also to Soho House Austin (staff and fellow guests) who have been so welcoming, and so helpful in getting me tapped in to the best things to do and see in their city.

So if you’re curious about Austin, scroll down for my visual snapshot from 3 days in.

• I’ve gotten a lot of requests for recommendations on what to do and see in NYC. I am thrilled to oblige. It is important to point out that my focus is on things and places that appeal equally to visitors and locals. No Statue of Liberty or Empire State Building recos. (#1-8)
• I’m also including a link to an article on Sam Quinones’ new book about what is really fueling homelessness. It runs counter to the prevailing narrative blaming it all on affordable housing. Instead, he goes deep into the world of meth. Based on my personal encounters with the neighborhood homeless, Quinones book is spot-on. I consider it essential reading. (#10)
• Next week I’ll be posting from Austin. My first plane trip in over two years!! Wish me luck!!