When you live in a place, whether big or small, you start to notice things that visitors or tourists might miss. From favorite local businesses to neighborhoods with a character all their own, there’s always something unique to discover. We have KBAA team members across the country, so we tapped into their favorite hidden gems in honor of our latest ELEVATE by KBAA theme of Local Wanderlust.
Veronika Castello Branco, Project Manager
Location: San Francisco, CA
Hidden Gem: Fort Mason
“Fort Mason offers a mix of art galleries, pop-up shows, a Saturday Farmer’s Market, and an occasional vintage fair. Its Great Meadow provides sprawling views of the Golden Gate Bridge and features unexpected sculptures like the Cold War-era ‘Madonna’ by Beniamino Bufano, perfect for rediscovering the joy in your own backyard.”
Ruby Herrera, Accounting Coordinator
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Hidden Gem: Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den
“There’s so much to explore in Las Vegas, but one of my favorite places is Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den. It’s an elegant grunge-style speakeasy discreetly tucked away in Resorts World. It is a laid back experience paired with an elevated mixology program inspired by the Prohibition Era. Password required.”
Sailah Garcia, Account Manager, NE
Location: New York, NY
Hidden Gem: Brooklyn’s Public Art Spaces
“Brooklyn’s murals and outdoor art in coffee shops and restaurants tell the story of the city’s creativity, making every walk an adventure to discover new artistic expressions. Some art is not so hidden, but if you look closely, you’ll find things you never noticed at first glance!”
Kara Cothern, Art Advisor
Location: Houston, TX
Hidden Gem: Café Menil
“One of my favorite things to do is get brunch at Cafe Menil – which is connected to an amazing museum and the Rothko Chapel (pictured). There is also a ton of green space on the Menil campus to hang out with friends and pets.”
Lily Hoffman, Art Coordinator
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Hidden Gem: Free Little Art Galleries
“Even though I live in a very urban area, there is so much nature close by. I love that I can go on a serene, tree-filled hike and then pop into Trader Joe’s in the same trip. One of my favorite hidden gems is something I’ve stumbled upon in my neighborhood. Have you ever seen those free little libraries people put in their front yards to give away books? Well, someone created one for local art, and I love peeking inside to see what is on display!”
Devin Valdivia, Senior Graphic Artist
Location: Milwaukie, OR
Hidden Gems: Awakening Coffee, Spoke & Word Books, and Hearth and Soul Pizza
“The best place for great conversation and even better coffee is with Ann and Joe at Awakening in Oak Grove. If you’re in the mood to learn something new and get the pulse on the community, go say hi to Cierra at Spoke & Word Books in downtown Milwaukie. And if you just need amazing pizza made inside a traveling rainbow bus? Flag down Ben and Misha from Hearth and Soul!”
