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22 Altanta, GAHIGH MUSEUM OF ART The High Museum of Art is a must-see. The spectacular white Modern building was originally designed by Richard Meier, with a later addition by architect Renzo Piano. They hold a superb collection of classic and contemporary art. 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.high.orgMUSEUM OF DESIGN ATLANTA (MODA) MODA is the only museum in the southeast devoted exclusively to all things design. Inspiring exhibitions on architecture, product design, interiors, furniture, graphics, fashion, and more. 285 Peachtree Center Ave, Atlanta, GA 30303, www.museumofdesign.orgMUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART OF GEORGIA (MOCA- GA) MOCA-GA is a small museum/gallery with a very specific collection showcasing local and national artists. It’s definitely worth checking out to get a feel of the local art scene. 75 Bennett St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mocaga.orgCULTURE
23 Atlanta, GAWHITESPACE GALLERY Careful curatorship keeps this gallery at the cutting edge of the art scene. The space is gorgeous and refined. Every opening I have attended has been phenomenal. Located in the Inman Park neighborhood. 814 Edgewood Ave, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.whitespace814.comEYEDRUM A non-profit art and music gallery featuring contemporary installations, new media and music performances. A hip space with an individual vibe. A guaranteed good time. 290 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Atlanta, GA 30312, www.eyedrum.orgCASTLEBERRY HILL ART STROLL On the second Friday of the month, the Castleberry Hill Arts District hosts this fantastic event. All galleries in this cool area open their doors for late night art, music, wine and people-watching. www.castleberryhill.org/artstrollFOX THEATRE A stunning 1920s building originally built as a mosque, the Fox Theatre brings touring off-Broadway acts, movie screenings, plays, and concert events to Atlanta. A wonderful atmosphere and great architecture – I’ve seen some amazing stuff here. 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.foxtheatre.org
AUSTIN, TEXAS BY BRYAN KEPLESKYI’m fortunate enough to call Austin my home. It’s where I’ve worked, played, gotten into trouble, and grown creatively, personally, and professionally over the last six years. If you’re visiting the city, the first thing you need to do is forget whatever notions you might have about Texas or Texans. Despite being the capital of the state, Austin has always relished its role as the loud, snotty, strange, and very drunken member at the Texas family reunion. A generation ago, Austin was a home for hippies and weirdos and as it’s grown and expanded, it’s evolved into a highly progressive, creative and laid back city.I’m always wary of city branding, but our official slogan is “The Live Music Capital of the World”, and in this case it’s actually true. One visit to www.showlistaustin.com reveals how popular this city is with musicians of all description. This has fueled an influx of like-minded folks – people who want to screenprint posters, make art and publish zines – but will serve coffee, write software, or whatever other day job it takes to be part of this place. And this, in turn, means that bars have popped up left right and center to cater to the hedonistic requirements of all these creative folk.Geographically, Austin can be divided into several areas, each with a unique vibe. Downtown Austin is the epicenter of live music (Red River District) and bars (6th Street). To the west is the University of Texas at Austin, the largest university in the state that continually brings an influx of culture and young people. South Austin (best represented on South Congress Avenue) perfectly captures the humble, relaxed vibe the city started out as. East Austin is the up-and-comer, home to a large Hispanic and African-American population. It was once considered pretty rough but is now in the midst of an energetic revitalization, with lots of new bars and galleries. All of this is accessible by foot, on pedal, or a quick cab ride.One final note: Austin has a reputation as a drinking town, which I think is a bit unfair. Austin is an exceptional drinking town. 25 Austin, TX
26 Austin, TXHOTEL SAN JOSE This Modernist, one-storey hotel is completely dialed. Everything from the large (and expensive-looking) succulents that line its outer walls to the mid-century appropriations in each of the rooms reveals a keen eye for design. Complete with a pool and an outdoor patio (that doubles as an excellent public bar every night), the San Jose is my favorite hotel. Be sure to check if the Bob Dylan room is available. 1316 South Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 STAYAUSTIN MOTEL An authentic 50s throwback to days when the capital city was nothing but a relaxed, folksy town populated by oddballs and dreamers, who just wanted to hang out and drink and not think about being stuck in the middle of Texas. The place is inescapably kitsch – each room has a unique and tacky wallpaper mural – but it feels like home. The motel is also internationally known for its giant, phallic neon sign. 1220 South Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, www.austinmotel.comHOTEL ST CECILIA Probably the most exclusive hotel in the city. This is the where Pearl Jam or the Rolling Stones hole up for an entire week when coming into town. It’s a small compound of a dozen or so elevated bungalows set back from the main South Congress drag. 112 Academy Dr, Austin, TX 78704, www.hotelsaintcecilia.comSHERATON Even though it’s a chain, this specific Sheraton is perfectly placed just outside the Red River District and only a few blocks from all the burgeoning East Side bars. When the Mohawk (see Music) books out-of-town bands, they put them up here, so if you grab a drink at the bar at around 8pm, you might just catch a glimpse of four or five dudes who look really, really out of place among all the other guests. 701 East 11th St, Austin, TX 78701, www.sheraton.com
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28 Austin, TXEATEAST SIDE PIES This story perfectly summarizes East Side Pies: one night while hanging out with friends we all had a huge craving for pizza. After attempting to call East Side Pies no less than five times, we finally climbed into a car and drove there. When I asked if something was wrong with their phone, the guys at East Side Pies simply responded that they “didn’t feel like answering it”. Dealing with Austin stoners can be frustrating, but the pizza is always worth the trouble. 1401 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702, www.eastsidepies.comCISCO’S RESTAURANT BAKERY One of the first things I learned when I moved to Austin is that people here are serious about breakfast tacos. There’s no better cure for a hangover, and no better place to indulge than Cisco’s. Try the Miga (scrambled eggs, onions, jalepenos and shredded tortilla chips, topped with salsa). It’s rumored that Lyndon B Johnson, 36th US President and breakfast taco aficionado, used to hang out here in the 50s and 60s. 1511 East 6th St, Austin, TX 78702MOTHER’S CAFE AND GARDEN Austin is very vegetarian/vegan friendly, and Mother’s is one of the best all-vegetarian restaurants. The staff, surprisingly, appear to be lovable moms. Good cooking, a date-friendly atmosphere and fresh veggies. Be sure to pop next door for some gelato at Dolce Vita.
