Celebrity Travel: Go away with Stephanie Sammons

For singer-songwriter Stephanie Sammons, childhood trips with her family are standout memories. “Colorado camping and hiking with my family [was] a trip that sparked my love of the Rocky Mountains,” said the Dallas-based musician. “I was about 10 years old on this trip when I first saw the Rocky Mountains. I remember they were so majestic to me. We camped in our camper van, fished for trout – I caught one, but was afraid to touch it – and roasted s’mores over an open campfire.”

Though she has released EPs in the past, Sammons recently released her debut full album, the beautifully introspective “Time and Evolution.” Sammons stays in touch with fans on Instagram (https://instagram.com/stephaniesammons and Facebook (https://facebook.com/stephaniesammonsmusic).

Q: What are some trips you have planned for 2024?

A: [I headed] to Red Lodge, Montana, to play in a songwriters festival. And then Italy in the fall for a songwriters retreat.

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?

A: Breckenridge, Colorado. I love to hike there any season of the year. It’s a great little mountain town. Breckenridge has one of the best towns of all the Colorado mountain towns. They have six different ski mountains. No matter what your skill level, you can find one that you love. Breck has a great Main Street with lots of shops and restaurants. Breck also has a beautiful River Center that includes a music venue where they host well-known artists. My least favorite thing about Breck is the crowds during the summer months, holiday season and spring break.

Q: How do you separate work from vacation trips? Or do you work while you’re on vacation?

A: I try to unplug and take time off, although I’m not always successful at this! I’m always thinking unless I’m sleeping.

Q: What untapped destination should people know about?

A: Healdsburg, California. It’s a lovely little town surrounded by the wonderful vineyards of Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast.

Q: What's the most important thing you've learned from your travels?

A: Traveling internationally has introduced me to rich history, new cultures and different world views. It has expanded my horizons.

Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would you prefer a food truck or fine dining?

A: Probably fine dining, because I love a nice Pinot Noir with dinner.

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A: I really enjoy being home on the weekends hanging out with my wife and our pups!

Q: If you've ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?

A: Both Christmas and New Year’s, I’ve spent in Breckenridge in the past. It’s magical during the holidays. Spending Christmas and New Year’s in Breckenridge is idyllic because there is always snow on the ground, lots of lights and the holiday spirit is in the air. Since I live in Dallas, this is a welcome change of scenery during the holidays.

Q: What are your five favorite cities?

A: Nashville, Florence, Rome, Prague, New York City.

Q: What is your worst vacation memory?

A: Sustaining a knee injury from snowboarding in Colorado. I had to ride down the mountain in one of those sleds pulled by ski patrol.

Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?

A: Portugal, Japan, Switzerland.

Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?

A: My guitar, iPad, greens, collagen powder and other nutritional supplements

Q: What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?

A: I rely on Rick Steves. His walking tours and restaurant recommendations have never disappointed.

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(Jae-Ha Kim is a New York Times bestselling author and journalist. You can reach her at www.jaehakim.com, follow her on Instagram and X @goawaywithjae, or read more from her on Substack (jaehakim.substack.com).)