Find Your Vibe

Finding your vibe when traveling is such a fun adventure. I find myself noticing the – often grassroots – efforts of local artists (and the establishments that understand how much personality and connection can be created by the art they choose to display) and seek out the places in town where art creates a serious vibe for the community. Here are a few fun “street art vibes” and “restaurant personalities” that have captured my attention on the road. If you have visited these places, do you recognize any of these murals/art?

#1: Boku (Columbia, South Carolina): in addition to all of the maneki-neko (“beckoning cat”) prominently displayed in the back of this Gervais St. restaurant, this vibrant mural hits you the moment you walk through the front door – and is the perfect prelude to diving into the fun cocktail menu at the bar (tip: don’t miss out on the Spicy Noodles and Brussels Sprouts!)

#2: Main Street (Columbia, South Carolina): strolling through the Soda City Market on Main Street (a MUST if you visit University of South Carolina, the Capital Building, or even just breezing through Columbia) on Saturdays is a serious VIBE. Blocks upon blocks of local artisans, street vendors, food trucks, coffee trucks (even giant paelleras (paella is traditionally prepared in polished steel pans allowing for even heat distribution, essential for creating that socarrat of crispy rice at the bottom) and musicians.

#3: Wynwood Art District (Miami, Florida): if you visit South Beach, take a little trip over to the Wynwood Art District and take in all of the local art that is present on nearly every building in the area. Head over to the Arlo rooftop pool & bar for a quick cocktail smack in the middle of the thriving art and dining scene.

#4: Light House Bistro (Annapolis, Maryland): the city of Annapolis has been making great strides towards more historical inclusivity over the past 10 years. Grassroots efforts to incorporate murals telling the stories and highlighting the rich culture of the area can be found throughout the city as a proclamation of diversity and inclusion.

#5 (below): The Gum Wall (Seattle, WA): venture down an alley way in Pike Place Market to find this hidden wall of art that encompasses Seattle’s unique character. The Gum Wall started in the 1990’s with actors and patrons of Unexpected Productions (the cornerstone of Seattle’s improv scene), located inside the Market Theatre, would leave their discarded gum before and after performances.

#6 (below): rooftop pool & bar at the Arlo Wynwood in Miami

#7 (below): Freeman Alley (New York, NY): NYC’s Lower East Side is home to Freeman Alley. Check out the graffiti-lined alleyway on your way to your brunch reservation at Freemans restaurant (and order the Nashville Hot Chicken (with buttermilk cheddar waffle and bourbon maple syrup) and Avocado Toast (seasonal preparation)).

Taking the time to feel the vibe of the community surrounding you while traveling is a fun, happy way to capture the essence of the adventure. Art is everywhere – see if you can spot something unique and authentic on your next excursion, vacation or even a walk down the streets of your own hometown (for those in the Boston area, have you been to Graffiti Alley in Cambridge (Central Square)?).