It delights us to support the local businesses that do thrive in our southern college towns/suburban neighborhoods/rural areas despite one-note growth and development. Best-kept secrets are more special when there are fewer gems to discover.
But Southern, er, comfort keeps us the novelties of the north mysterious and exciting: good public transportation, livable summer temperatures, and (to generalize), more culturally developed local color and European influence.
Deep down, our men recognize this. Sort of. At SB headquarters, Texas Monthy subscriptions have replaced our New Yorker daydreams, and perhaps rightfully so. We needed to fully connect with the goings-on in our indefinite home state instead of memorizing the Met's event calendar.
Our co-captain's intelligent Texas pride can come off like a high-brow Yankee-snub, though. That and a little cabin fever has caused us to suggest some enlightening travel this summer.
Now, no matter how evolved, good 'ol boys are more comfortable in the land of smaller ponds, heart-melting sunsets and fried chicken. When exposing our cowboys to locales outside of Dixieland, trips should be chosen wisely and planned carefully.
According to our very own rural-raised lover, Portland, Oregon is the first destination of choice. We agree for these reasons:
Nature abounds. Cycling trails, barefoot hikes, rivers, trees.
Um, it's Quirkytown, USA. The small business model here is especially inspiring for SB and hers, who dream of opening a classic toy store/24 hour old-school arcade/bagel shop someday.
Portland's got vineyards without the Napa travel cost, a strong, central arts scene, and is a muse to some of our favorite post-punk writers and artists.
(Maybe we'll bake Bitch some cupcakes while we're in town, with an extra dose of lightenup!.)
Outside PortlandStay tuned for reviews of Pacific Northwest travel guides and TV specials featuring heavily-inked cooks.
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