Freelance Work - CYNTHIA SMOOT

The Driskell Hotel Restoration Celebrates 140 Years Of Austin Politics, Romance, Hospitality, And Timeless Texas Elegance

Cynthia Smoot — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:09:41 +0000

For 140 years, The Driskell Hotel has presided over downtown Austin like a favorite great-aunt who’s seen everything: election nights, oil booms, ghost stories, governors’ balls… and is only getting more magnetic with age. Following a sweeping multi-phase renovation completed by Pixiu Investments, Woodbine Development, and Hyatt Hotels Corporation, The Driskill enters its next chapter sharper, warmer, and more itself than ever. Learn more on Curated Texan.

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Plates & Pours | Dallas Dining Update for July 2026

Cynthia Smoot — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 19:59:07 +0000

The DFW dining scene moves fast, and if you blink, you’ll miss the reservation everyone’s suddenly chasing or the cocktail that’s quietly becoming the city’s next calling card. Plates and Pours is your monthly insiders’ digest of what’s happening across Dallas restaurants and bars: new openings worth the hype, chef moves, and menu drops, wine dinners to book before they sell out, and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) shifts shaping how the city eats and drinks right now. Read more about July’s hottest dining updates on Curated Texan.

Boutique hotel where creek does talking

Cynthia Smoot — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 16:00:00 +0000

The Ruby Hotel in Round Rock, TX is an independent boutique hotel that trades spectacle for something rarer: genuine warmth. With 39 expertly curated rooms and suites perched along Brushy Creek, the property offers sweeping water views, a beloved neighborhood bar and an ethos rooted in the belief that true hospitality is not about excess, it is about delight. Whether you are looking for a solo retreat, a couples' weekend, or a low-key trip with friends, Round Rock's best-kept secret is well worth the drive south. To rread more about my adventure in this charming property, click over to read more at Katy Trail Weekly.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cynthia Smoot is a Dallas-based freelance lifestyle and travel writer covering destination guides, boutique hotels, and getaway itineraries across Texas, the U.S., and the world at large. She is a Travel Contributor for the Katy Trail Weekly newspaper and for Curated Texan, with additional contributions to Park Cities Lifestyle magazine, Dallas Hotel Magazine, and WFAA’s Good Morning Texas. Cynthia has covered Dallas culture and travel since 2008 and has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Dallas Morning News, among others. She is available for freelance travel writing assignments, press trips, and hotel/destination features — contact her at cynthia@ohsocynthia.com.

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Scene Around Town: Dec My Room, Stanley Korshak, and The Conservancy at Turtle Creek Park

Cynthia Smoot — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +0000

As Society Editor for the Katy Trail Weekly I oversee the publication's Scene Around Town feature, which shines a spotlight on nonprofit and community events each week. In the July 2026 issue, I’m featuring scenes from Dec My Room who welcomed a sold-out crowd of nearly 300 attendees to the 8th Annual Room to Grow Luncheon raising funds to create a cheerful space for pediatric patients with long-term hospital stays. Also highlighted were scenes from Stanley Korshak who, in partnership with the Italian Trade Agency, hosted patrons for a fashion show and luncheon celebrating Italian craftsmanship, culture, and style. Stanley Korshak’s Chuck Steelman and special guest speaker Michele Callegari shared insights into Italian fashion, craftsmanship, and Italy's enduring influence on global style. Lastly, supporters of The Conservancy at Turtle Creek Park dressed in their finest Derby fashion for the 18th annual Day at the Races, raising over $500K for continued conservation of the Turtle Creek Park-area. Guests enjoyed a silent auction, a wagering wall, and an exciting broadcast of the Kentucky Derby race.

I encourage you to pick up the latest issue of the Katy Trail Weekly complete with community news, articles by local experts, event and restaurant info, puzzles, and more for FREE each month! Where? Katy Trail Weekly proudly serves these Dallas neighborhoods: Uptown, Arts District, Highland Park, Preston Hollow, Downtown, University Park, West Village, Preston Center, Oak Lawn, Knox-Henderson, Love Field, Medical District, and more!

Have an event you’d like to submit for editorial consideration? Here’s what you need to email me:

Send a minimum of 4 images for consideration.
- No more than 4 people in each shot
- No repeats (meaning the same person can’t be in multiple shots)
- Guests need to be posed and smiling into the camera. No candids.
You must ID the people in each photo (left to right)
Tell me the name of the event and provide a brief description of the event (no more than 50 words)
Provide the photographer’s name for credit

Conrad Punta de Mita: Why This Pacific Destination Is The Ultimate Luxury Escape

Cynthia Smoot — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 13:57:02 +0000

With beachfront dining, immersive wellness experiences, and easy access from Texas, this Pacific paradise makes luxury travel feel surprisingly simple. Read more about my latest travel adventure on Curated Texan.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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The Ruby Hotel & Bar Is One Of Texas’ Most Charming Hidden Escapes

Cynthia Smoot — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:18:00 +0000

Just north of Austin, The Ruby is an independent boutique hotel that trades spectacle for something more rare: genuine warmth. With 39 expertly curated rooms and suites perched along Brushy Creek, the property offers sweeping water views, a beloved neighborhood bar, and an ethos rooted in the belief that true luxury is not about excess, but delight. Read more about this delightful nature retreat on Curated Texan,

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Room To Grow Luncheon | Curated Texan

Cynthia Smoot — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:08:26 +0000

There are few things more fitting for a spring afternoon in Dallas than a sold-out luncheon inspired by a Nancy Meyers film; all golden light, gracious interiors, and the ineffable sense that everything is exactly as it should be. That was the mood at the 8th Annual Room to Grow Luncheon on April 8, 2026, where nearly 300 guests arrived at the Neiman Marcus Garden at NorthPark Center dressed in the sort of breezy, sun-drenched looks that Meyers herself might have costumed. Click HERE to read more on Curated Texan.

Plates & Pours | Dallas Dining Update for June 2026

Cynthia Smoot — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:38:16 +0000

The DFW dining scene moves fast, and if you blink, you’ll miss the reservation everyone’s suddenly chasing or the cocktail that’s quietly becoming the city’s next calling card. Plates and Pours is your monthly insiders’ digest of what’s happening across Dallas restaurants and bars: new openings worth the hype, chef moves, and menu drops, wine dinners to book before they sell out, and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) shifts shaping how the city eats and drinks right now. Read more about June’s hottest dining updates on Curated Texan.

20th Annual Chick Lit Luncheon | Curated Texan

Cynthia Smoot — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:07:42 +0000

Community Partners of Dallas recently celebrated its 20th annual Chick Lit Luncheon, presented by Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel, at the Hilton Anatole. Luncheon Co-chairs Brooke Bailey and Elizabeth Dacus, with Honorary Chair Leigh Anne Haugh, were joined by more than 1,100 attendees at the annual event, which featured a conversation with Fox4 Good Day anchor Paige Ellenberger and award-winning actress, producer, and New York Times bestselling author Lauren Graham.

To read more about this event, visit Curated Texan.

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Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is Scottsdale’s Ultimate Desert Escape

Cynthia Smoot — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:58:22 +0000

Framed by the rugged silhouette of the McDowell Mountains and alive with the ancient rhythms of the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale, Ariz. is a destination that earns its reputation effortlessly. Towering saguaros, darting roadrunner, and a sky that stretches endlessly over a city that has mastered the art of blending raw natural splendor with refined luxury. And at the heart of it all sits one resort that captures Scottsdale’s spirit better than any other.

Sprawling across 65 sun-drenched acres in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a AAA Five Diamond resort in a league of its own. Five distinctive restaurants and lounges, curated boutiques two Tournament Players Club golf courses including the legendary home of the WM Phoenix Open, the celebrated Well & Being Spa, six heated pools and a brand-new pickleball court round out an amenity list that borders on the absurd in the best possible way.

I recounted my recent stay in the June issue of the Katy Trail Weekly newspaper. Click HERE to read this article in its entirety.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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Scene Around Town: Dallas Theater Center, Vogel and Breakthrough T1D

Cynthia Smoot — Sat, 30 May 2026 12:49:00 +0000

As Society Editor for the Katy Trail Weekly I oversee the publication's Scene Around Town feature, which shines a spotlight on nonprofit and community events each week. In the June 2026 issue, I’m featuring scenes from the Breakthrough TD1 Dallas 30th Anniversary Gala, “A Night of Hope,” which saw 600 supporters come together to celebrate the gala’s three decades of impact in the fight to cure type 1 diabetes. Also featured was an evening where Broadway star Tiffany Mann headlined the 42nd annual CENTERSTAGE Gala where $545,000 was raised in support of our Tony Award®-winning Dallas Theater Center. The night's most prestigious honor, the Linda and Bill Custard Award, was presented to Larry Angelilli. And lastly, Hank Azaria and his EZ Street Band blew the roof off Vogel's 34th Annual Arts Performance Event to help raise $1.3 million to support Dallas children and families experiencing homelessness.

Have an event you’d like to submit for editorial consideration? Here’s what you need to email me:

Send a minimum of 4 images for consideration.
- No more than 4 people in each shot
- No repeats (meaning the same person can’t be in multiple shots)
- Guests need to be posed and smiling into the camera. No candids.
You must ID the people in each photo (left to right)
Tell me the name of the event and provide a brief description of the event (no more than 50 words)
Provide the photographer’s name for credit

Go Red For Women Luncheon | Curated Texan

Cynthia Smoot — Thu, 14 May 2026 17:17:23 +0000

More Than 600 Supporters Gathered At The Fairmont Hotel Dallas For A Parisian-Inspired “Hearts In Bloom” Celebration That Fused Fashion, Advocacy, And Lifesaving Action. To read this event recap in its entirety, head over to Curated Texan.

Plates & Pours | Dallas Dining Update for May 2026

Cynthia Smoot — Wed, 06 May 2026 19:48:45 +0000

The DFW dining scene moves fast, and if you blink, you’ll miss the reservation everyone’s suddenly chasing or the cocktail that’s quietly becoming the city’s next calling card. Plates and Pours is your monthly insiders’ digest of what’s happening across Dallas restaurants and bars; new openings worth the hype, chef moves, and menu drops, wine dinners to book before they sell out, and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) shifts shaping how the city eats and drinks right now. Think of it as the notes passed at the table: where to go, what to order, and why it matters, before everyone else catches on… Click the image to see what’s hot for May Dallas dining.

Scene Around Town: Chick Lit, Debutantes, and a Spanish Art Retrospective

Cynthia Smoot — Sat, 02 May 2026 19:50:26 +0000

As Society Editor for the Katy Trail Weekly I oversee the publication's Scene Around Town feature, which shines a spotlight on nonprofit and community events each week. In the May 2026 issue, I’m featuring scenes from the 40th Annual Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Presentation Ball led by Ball co-chairs Maggie Kipp and Kristin Hallam. The dazzling evening saw forty four debutantes presented, accompanied by their Honor Guard.

Community Partners of Dallas celebrated its 20th annual Chick Lit Luncheon with more than 1,100 attendees. The luncheon featured a conversation with FOX4 Good Day anchor Paige Ellenberger and award-winning actress, producer and New York Times bestselling author Lauren Graham.

And lastly, a recent Lenders Dinner held at the Meadows Museum, celebrated the first-ever retrospective dedicated to the artist, Raimundo de Madrazo. On display through June 21, this new exhibition traces Madrazo’s international career as one of the most successful painters of the Belle Époque. Photos by Tamytha Cameron.

Have an event you’d like to submit for editorial consideration? Here’s what you need to email me:

Send a minimum of 4 images for consideration.
- No more than 4 people in each shot
- No repeats (meaning the same person can’t be in multiple shots)
- Guests need to be posed and smiling into the camera. No candids.
You must ID the people in each photo (left to right)
Tell me the name of the event and provide a brief description of the event (no more than 50 words)
Provide the photographer’s name for credit

Mahjong For A Mission | Curated Texan

Cynthia Smoot — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:49:05 +0000

Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) welcomed more than 120 guests to Galleria Dallas for its 6th Annual Mahjong for a Mission, chaired by Laura Black. The event brought together community leaders, longtime DCAC supporters, and friends gathering for a meaningful cause. Thanks to the generous community, the event raised more than $80,000 to directly support children served by DCAC.

To read more about this event, visit Curated Texan.

Plates & Pours | Dallas Dining Update for April 2026

Cynthia Smoot — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:56:38 +0000

The DFW dining scene moves fast, and if you blink, you’ll miss the reservation everyone’s suddenly chasing or the cocktail that’s quietly becoming the city’s next calling card. Plates and Pours is your monthly insiders’ digest from Curated Texan of what’s actually happening across Dallas restaurants and bars; new openings worth the hype, chef moves, and menu drops, wine dinners to book before they sell out, and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) shifts shaping how the city eats and drinks right now. Think of it as the notes passed at the table: where to go, what to order, and why it matters, before everyone else catches on. Click HERE to read this article in its entirety.

42nd Annual St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show | Curated Texan

Cynthia Smoot — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:41:00 +0000

The 2026 St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show: The Heart of the Fight was one for the record books. Event Co-chairs Megan and Keith Conlon, along with honorary chairs Ellen and Clayton Kershaw, welcomed an incredible crowd of 850 guests to the 42nd annual event at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. The room was filled with energy, generosity, and purpose, and by the end of the day, more than $1 million had been raised to support the mission of Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).

To read this event recap in its entirety, click HERE.

Scene Around Town: Blood Cancer United, The Stewpot, and The Senior Source

Cynthia Smoot — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000

As Society Editor for the Katy Trail Weekly I oversee the publication's Scene Around Town feature, which shines a spotlight on nonprofit and community events each week. In the April 2026 issue, I’m featuring scenes from the annual St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show where co-chairs Megan and Keith Conlon, alongside honorary chairs Ellen and Clayton Kershaw, were joined by a record-setting 850 attendees at the 42nd annual luncheon benefiting Blood Cancer United, formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, raising more than $1,000,000.

Nearly 700 attendees gathered at the The Stewpot’s recent 18th annual Soup’s On Luncheon and Art Show, presented by H-E-B/Central Market. Featured speaker Hailee Kaleem Wright, singer, songwriter and actor, shared her story of resilience—about overcoming homelessness twice on her rise to Broadway stardom. The Stewpot has served more than 9 million meals and has grown to provide comprehensive services and a community of support for people experiencing poverty and homelessness, including programs that stabilize, house and enrich the lives of Dallas neighbors.

Lastly, the 32nd annual Spirit of Generations Awards brought together civic leaders, philanthropists and longtime advocates, all united in their admiration for honoree Jan Langbein’s work as CEO of Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support and their support for The Senior Source’s mission to make the aging journey better for all older adults in Dallas.

Have an event you’d like to submit for editorial consideration? Here’s what you need to email me:

Send a minimum of 4 images for consideration.
- No more than 4 people in each shot
- No repeats (meaning the same person can’t be in multiple shots)
- Guests need to be posed and smiling into the camera. No candids.
You must ID the people in each photo (left to right)
Tell me the name of the event and provide a brief description of the event (no more than 50 words)
Provide the photographer’s name for credit

Perot Museum’s Night At The Museum | Curated Texan

Cynthia Smoot — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:59:20 +0000

The Night at the Museum gala is one of Dallas’ most imaginative annual events, and the 2025 edition transformed the Perot Museum of Nature and Science into a luminous, after-hours world of exploration. This year, the gala honored the vision and generosity of a founding family from the natural resources space, inspiring a theme that mirrored the spirit of their industry: wind, water, and air, and set the stage for a night where Alchemy begins. Click HERE to read this article in its entirety.

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Dallas Zoo To Do | Curated Texan

Cynthia Smoot — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 22:07:40 +0000

Over 800 guests gathered at the Dallas Zoo on Saturday, November 1, for Zoo To Do 2025: Nocturne. It was an enchanting evening filled with food, music, and mission that raised an outstanding $1.5 million in support of the Dallas Zoo’s mission of “Engaging People & Saving Wildlife.” Event Chairs Robbie Kruithoff and Ryan Ross, alongside Honorary Co-Chairs Lois Finkelman and Joan Walne, led this year’s annual event. To read this event recap in its entirety, visit Curated Texan.

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