Whether by strategic planning or serendipity, if a business trip takes you and your clients to Palm Springs, Austin, or Miami, check out these hot spots, courtesy of three in-the-know Twin Citians.

Austin

For Ken Abdo, vice president and entertainment attorney with Lommen Abdo in Minneapolis, business meets pleasure at the annual South by Southwest music conference (SXSW) in Austin, “the live music capital of the world.”

“Part bohemian, part rock and roll, part Southern, and part cowboy, Austin’s unique music and art community bends and breaks the typical conservative Western culture.” —Ken Abdo, Lommen Abdo

Stay
Stephen F. Austin Hotel
Mingle with music execs, artists, and producers from around the country who favor this legendary 100-year-old boutique hotel for its vintage vibe and great bar, with killer views of downtown and the Texas Capitol.

701 Congress Ave., 512-457-8800, ichotelsgroup.com

Eat
Iron Works BBQ
Impress your clients with your knowledge of the Austin food scene at this low-key local favorite with darn good barbecue, fast cafeteria-style service, and very reasonable prices.

100 Red River St., 512-478-4855, ironworksbbq.com

Listen
Antone’s
B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, and Bono and the Edge have all played at this local hot spot.

213 W. 5th St., 512-320-8424, antones.net

Miami

Leann Standish, formerly with the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, is deputy director for external affairs at the Miami Art Museum. Standish has no regrets about trading her mukluks for Havaianas.

Stay
The Betsy Hotel
For a true South Beach insider experience, skip the big hotels in favor of this historic boutique hotel in the heart of Miami’s Art Deco district, with 61 beachside rooms, a rooftop deck, and a plethora of amenities for business travelers.

1440 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, 305-531-6100, thebetsyhotel.com

Eatz
Michael’s Genuine
Join the power arts crowd at this Design District favorite and enjoy locally grown and sourced food, plus pastry chef Hedy Goldsmith’s magical “pie in a jar.” Note to Northerners: “In Miami, lunch is never earlier than 1 p.m.,” says Standish.

130 NE 40th St., Miami, 305-573-5550, michaelsgenuine.com

Play
Soho Beach House
Dazzle your clients by wangling an invitation to the Miami outpost of the famed London private club/hotel. “There’s always a cool crowd, lots of celebs, great DJs, and you never really know what might happen,” says Standish.

4385 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 786-507-7900, sohobeachhouse.com

“Miami is a completely international town with incredibly warm people. Plus, how can you ever have a bad day when the beach is right here?” —Leann Standish, Miami Art Museum

Don’t Miss
If you and your clients are art aficionados, check out “Frames of Reference: Latin American Art from the Jorge M. Pérez Collection.”

March 15–June 2, Miami Art Museum, 305-375-3000, miamiartmuseum.org

Palm Springs

The relaxed vibe, almost perpetual sunshine, great galleries and restaurants, and abundance of mid-century style make Palm Springs a favorite of Greg Walsh, principal at Walsh Design Group in Minneapolis.

“You can make Palm Springs whatever you want it to be. With so many old-school and new-school resorts, you can be relaxed and poolside, chic and sophisticated, or both.” —Greg Walsh, Walsh Design Group

Stay
Parker Palm Springs
Join the L.A. movers and shakers who flock to this iconic hotel for its Jonathan Adler-designed interiors, impeccably manicured gardens, and palpable aura of success. Challenge your clients to an early-morning tennis game, then take a breakfast meeting at Norma’s, the Parker’s luxury diner.

4200 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, 760-770-5000, theparkerpalmsprings.com

Eat
Jake’s
After a rigorous morning by the Parker’s Gene Autry pool, do a late lunch on the courtyard patio, complete with spiked Arnold Palmers and unparalleled people-watching.

664 N. Palm Canyon Dr., 760-327-4400, jakespalmsprings.com

Relax
The Riviera
Settle into the Starlite Lounge with a vintage cocktail and listen to live music, surrounded by the spirits of Elvis, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and other legendary hotel guests.

1600 N. Indian Canyon Dr., 760-327-8311, psriviera.com