Johnny Talbot, who designs Talbot Runhof with Adrian Runhof in Munich, is from Nashville, Tennessee, but lives in Bavaria’s capital. “I was an electrical engineer living in D.C., working for the government with a top secret security clearance,” Talbot recalls. “On the first of April, 1989, I moved to Munich to work for Radio Free Europe.” Nearly three decades later, he has some insider tips on Munich.

FAVORITE THING: It is difficult to name one single thing that makes me love Munich as I do. I suppose, generally speaking, it is the overall quality of life that makes Munich so appealing.  We are often in Paris and New York, which is wonderful but let’s face it…stressy. Munich is for me an oasis.

LEAST FAVORITE THING: The winters can be brutal.

MUST DO: Bike ride along the river, followed by a Radler [a mixture of beer and lemonade] and a snack in a Biergarten.

MUST SEE: Haus der Kunst and Pinakothek der Moderne.  There are always the most unbelievable exhibitions.

WHERE TO EAT: Fisch Witte at the Viktualienmarkt. Order the sole and a glass of Chardonnay.

WHERE TO CHILL: Go to a Biergarten with friends. Drive to a lake and go for a swim. Walk through the English garden. Just be outside in the fresh air.

BEST STREET STYLE: London, Paris, New York…definitely not in Munich.

LIFE AS AN AMERICAN DESIGNER IN MUNICH: It is definitely an asset; being American gives our brand a certain credibility in the eyes of our customers.

MISSING IN THE U.S.: Friends, family and Duane Reade.