Kendra Scott launched her eponymous jewelry line from her Austin, Texas, home with just $500 in 2002. The brand has since expanded to hats, boots, home goods, and more, and operates more than a hundred brick-and-mortar shops. The first location of Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott outside of Texas just opened in Nashville, featuring floor-to-ceiling jewelry cases, a customizable hat bar, and, best of all, a cocktail bar. Here, Scott shares her favorite Southern travel destinations and the souvenirs she always picks up.
Describe your travel approach in one word.
Curious. I love discovering the little things that make a place special, from local artisans to hidden cafés. Traveling with my family is always my favorite part, but as a creative, it’s also one of my biggest sources of inspiration. I’m constantly taking in the colors, textures, and architecture that make a place feel unique.
What place has inspired you the most creatively?
Italy has always sparked my creativity. The craftsmanship, the architecture, the color—everything feels like art.
Best travel advice you’ve ever gotten?
Talk to the locals. They always know the places and stories you won’t find in a guidebook.
Where do you go to relax?
Our ranch in the Texas Hill Country. Being out there with my family, surrounded by nature, is where I truly recharge.
What’s a memorable souvenir from a trip?
I’m an avid collector, and one of my favorite things to collect from my travels are little brass animal figurines. They’re scattered around my home and always remind me of the places I’ve been.
Rapid Fire!
Favorite small town?
Round Top, Texas. I absolutely love going during the antique shows in the spring and fall. I go every year and love sourcing antique finds and discovering new artists. Many of those curated pieces find their way into our Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott stores as well.
Aisle or window seat?
Window. I love catching a little nap on a flight and having my own quiet corner.
Hotel or rental?
A mix of both. Hotels are great for quick trips with just one or two people, but for family travel we love a rental so we can all be together under one roof.
Repeat visit or somewhere new?
That’s a tough one, but somewhere new. I definitely have a few places I love going back to, but there’s something really exciting about discovering a new town or city.
Planned to the hour or spontaneous adventure?
I like having a plan but always leave room to wander and discover something unexpected.
City or countryside?
Countryside. Specifically, the Texas Hill Country.
This article originally appeared in our Due South newsletter. Sign up to explore Southern destinations and get inspiration for your next trip.
Lindsey Liles joined Garden & Gun in 2020 after completing a master’s in literature in Scotland and a Fulbright grant in Brazil. The Arkansas native is G&G’s digital reporter, covering all aspects of the South, and she especially enjoys putting her biology background to use by writing about wildlife and conservation. She lives on Johns Island, South Carolina.
