Illustration by: Bashel Lubarsky

I'm just back from our first-ever Food & Wine Classic in Charleston, which proved to be a celebrity-studded weekend of cooking demonstrations, seminars, and panels–wow, I'm full. There was even an exclusive Saturday tailgate

hosted by the team at Southern Living, and held at the Amanda Lindroth-designed Dunlin, part of Auberge Resorts Collection, a gem of a debut property set on Johns Island. The river views were spectacular, and as the sky turned a Clemson orange (go Tigers!), I was able to sample everything from standout ribs courtesy of Lewis Barbecue to fried chicken topped with caviar by none other than Tyler Florence. The meals were hearty, the drinks flowed easily, and everyone was able to enjoy the outdoor space freely, without bumping into others or standing in long lines—something that frankly doesn't always happen.
Travel + Leisure hosted two special tours: a style stroll, hitting up some of the city's best boutiques, along with a crabbing expedition along the Ashley River. The whole experience taught me, as we look ahead to travel in 2025, that celebratory events continue to be a major draw, whether it's a Formula One race or the Olympics or a Taylor Swift concert. The idea of being together–and being a part of a cultural moment–still has big appeal. As I start to plan my travel for the next year, I'm looking forward to jazz festivals, art fairs, even Broadway shows in my hometown of New York City. A marquee performance that gets me out of the house, and into a happy state of mind, always feels like a worthy investment.