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.   

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.

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.