By Jae-Ha Kim
Celebrity Travel: Go away with Bonnie Whitmore
By Jae-Ha Kim, Tribune Content Agency on Oct 13, 2020
Austin-based singer-songwriter Bonnie Whitmore has the kind of plaintive vocals that convey a song's meaning as much as her introspective lyrics. On her new album "Last Will & Testament," the musician deals with rape culture ("Asked For It"), gun-related rampages ("Time To Shoot") and the importance of self-care ("Fine"). The daughter of an airline pilot and an opera singer — and the sister of Eleanor Whitmore of the band The Mastersons — Whitmore said there was always music in her household. And thanks to her father's job, she grew accustomed to traveling constantly, which prepared her for a life of touring. To learn more about Whitmore, check out her website (www.bonniewhitmore.com).
Q: What untapped destination should people know about?
A: Pomeroy, Iowa. I've actually found a lot of really cool towns in Iowa with hidden Frank Lloyd Wright hotels and houses. In Pomeroy, it is all about the bar and hippie haven called Byron's. It's an incredibly inclusive and funky place that will leave you questioning if any of these memories are truly real or just a dream. They also have the Kaleidoscope Factory. My joy in life is getting to find weird little places like these.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?
A: The earliest memorable trip I can recall was to Hawaii when I was around four or five. I remember we had to fly on a different airline to get there, because Delta — the airline my dad flew for — didn't at the time. I remember the flight attendant gave us flower leis and let me help them by picking up the trash from the other passengers. We stayed in these condos that were right by the beach.
Q: What's the most important thing you've learned from your travels?
A: To eat where the locals eat and do what the locals do. That's the only way to have an authentic experience. That and (pack with) travel cubes.
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: We used to take trips down to Utopia, Texas, when I was a kid. We'd camp near the Sabinal River with the huge cypress trees. We'd find the parts of the river with dinosaur footprints and float over the little dams like we were whitewater rafting. Unfortunately, a tornado tore up the campground years ago and we haven't been back since.
Q: Where is the most romantic destination?
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