Shack Up Inn
MISSISSIPPI, USA
‘It’s where the best blues musicians perform, and the unique shacks you stay in have a rich history, once serving as homes for old blues players during the era of sharecropping on plantations. Annual festivals such as King Biscuit, Sunflower Fest, and Juke Joint attract visitors from around the globe. Blues enthusiasts readily recognize Shack Up Inn and can guide you to nearby iconic spots like Red’s Lounge in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and the famed Ground Zero, owned by Morgan Freeman. This truly is the heart of the blues.’
The Rubin Museum of Art
NEW YORK, USA
‘Within this museum lies a serene space known to many as the meditation room. This gallery features candles, Buddhas, bells, and singing bowls, alongside recordings of monks chanting, creating a peaceful environment away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Visitors can enjoy this tranquil setting for as long as they wish. On Friday nights, entry is complimentary, and it’s a tradition for me to celebrate my birthday here. I am always on the lookout for hidden gems like this in New York City.’
Sam’s BBQ
TENNESSEE, USA
‘Nestled in my hometown of Humboldt, this tiny barbecue joint has been a cherished destination for years. The pulled pork is exceptional, and while they offer an incredible smoked turkey, it sells out quickly, so plan accordingly. If you’re traveling from Nashville to Memphis, be sure to stop at Sam’s BBQ. They craft their own barbecue sauce, which is unforgettable. Barbecue varies across states—it’s vinegary in North Carolina, sweet in Tennessee, and exceptionally smoky in Texas. A barbecue tour of the South is undoubtedly on my agenda!’
