Beekman Arms
Located about 100 miles north of NYC in the heart of Rhinebeck, NY, the Beekman Arms (and Delameter Inn) was established in 1776 and is touted as the “oldest operating inn.” There are 23 rooms in its stately white main house (pictured above), as well as the Tavern/Tap Room off the lobby. The old-timey smell of woodsmoke permeates the historic building decorated with antique furniture and hotel guest pages (a framed example in the lobby includes a signature by Captain Boyton, Explorer, Lecturer and President of the North Pole Geographical Society, circa early 1900s). Cozy and convenient, this is a great place to call home while exploring the Hudson Valley.
On-the-scene: I hadn’t been to Rhinebeck for a while and the inn was as charming as I remembered.
Address: 6387 Mill Street
Website: beekmandelamaterinn.com
Good to know: Additional rooms are down the street in the Delameter. Be sure and ask/specify if you are looking for lodging at the main house.

Calico
This tiny restaurant and bakery has a renowned CIA chef/owner at the helm. A quick Sunday morning stop for scones (including cheddar and chive, raspberry, and blueberry) and cappuccino is a sure way to get the day in the village started off right. Pastries such as the Sarah Bernhardts (choux-like puffs with chocolate ganache) and specialty cakes are also on hand.
On-the-scene: We tried every type of scone–impossible to pick a favorite.
Address: 6384 Mill Street
Website: calicorhinebeck.com
Good to know: Sunday brunch doesn’t begin until 11am.

Market Street
This Hudson Valley destination restaurant is consistently bustling with locals and visitors. The subtle space with dim lighting is home to Italian-born chef/owner Giovanni Scappin’s rustic menu featuring house-made pastas, risotto and pizzas from the wood-fired oven. Not to miss: the not-too-sweet vodka-thyme lemonade, pillow-like pumpkin ravioli, and creamy butterscotch budino with toasted coconut shavings.
On-the-scene: We were only able to get a 6:30pm reservation and the bar and restaurant were already full.
Address: 19 W Market Street
Website: streetmarketrhinebeck.com
Good to know: No longer a sleepy town, reservations are a must for this Rhinebeck hotspot.

Workers & Dreamers
This charming boutique featuring jewelry, clothing and body care products is a staple in the village shopping scene. You’ll find a large selection of Wooden Ships sweaters and scarves, as well as the amazing Chavez for Charity bracelet collection.
On-the-scene: It was great to see the shop supporting wonderful causes–including the Matthew Shepard Foundation and Best Friends Animal Society–through the sale of jewelry.
Address: 6404 Montgomery Street
Website: workersanddreamersrhinebeck.com
Good to know: Incredibly helpful sales staff.

Ace Hotel
By now the Ace boutique hotel chain is no secret, but the PS location is still a great go-to. Once a Howard Johnson’s and Westward Ho, the renovated space with a retro vibe includes 173 rooms, along with a sprawling pool/patio area, King’s Highway, the indoor restaurant, and the Amigo Room, a perfectly dark bar to whittle away a long desert night.
On-the-scene: Maya Rudolph was at the Amigo Room on one of our trips.
Address: 701 E Palm Canyon Drive
Website: acehotel.com/palmsprings
Good to know: Vending machine shopping in lobby. Ask about spa services.

Copley’s
Don’t be fooled by the unassuming red awning and downtown front street entrance. Tucked away you’ll find an elegant restaurant in Cary Grant’s former guesthouse and a magnificent mountain backdrop. Serving American fare (the lobster pot pie is not to be missed) and offering an extensive California wine list, this lovely spot even allows dogs in the patio area.
On-the-scene: We travel everywhere with our two fox terriers and were thrilled they could come to dinner!
Address: 621 N Palm Canyon Drive
Website: copleyspalmsprings.com
Good to know: Make a reservation. Save time to linger by the fire pit.

Dazzles
As you make your way to this vintage shop, you’ll feel like you’ve venturing into someone’s yard with the lawn flamingos (pictured above) and lounging cats. With an incredible selection of necklaces and bracelets (spanning all decades) and a friendly, helpful owner, it’s no surprise major retailers have made this a stop to scout pieces to reproduce. While jewelry dominates the space, you’ll also find carefully selected dishware, art and knickknacks.
On-the-scene: I thought going a few hours before closing would be enough time to browse. I was there until they turned the lights off.
Address: 1035 N Palm Canyon Drive
Good to know: Most of the jewelry is behind the counter. You need to ask to see pieces.

koffi
A good break from cocktails by the pool, koffi offers an organic house blend (roasted in nearby Rancho Mirage) and decaf alternatives including a fresh mint tea latte. A laid-back crowd gathers for smoothies and iced drinks in the afternoon.
On-the-scene: We walked over from the Ace, making twice-a-day visits.
Address: 1700 S Camino Real
Website: kofficoffee.com
Good to know: Check website for additional locations.

While the grand cafes like Central Cafe of Vienna are certainly worth a visit, Cafe Weingartner will give you a glimpse of where locals go. Located on a tree-lined street in the 15th District (not far from the Westbanhof station), this circa 1872 traditional coffeehouse is comprised of three large rooms joined by open archways, and features a large billiard room in the back. Dozens of newspapers fill the front room where a humming gold and black Gaggia machine brews top-notch espresso, and a small glass cabinet features locally made Manner wafers.

On-the-scene: After stumbling upon this cafe after taking one of many wrong turns, this ended up being one of the best spots to spend a couple of hours.
Address: Goldschlagstrasse 6 Website: http://www.servus-in-wien.at/weingartner/
Good to know: A local hangout with a friendly vibe.

Vivi (pictured above), a former music video stylist and fashion journalist, transformed her mother’s sprawling art studio into the Love Bug vintage shop. Located near Moscow Square in Budapest, the expansion of her four-year-old online shop with a brick-and-mortar includes an art gallery upstairs, featuring rotating exhibits, while the downstairs is dedicated to all things vintage. “I really love antique broaches, hats, gloves, shoes, bags, sunglasses, earrings,” says Vivi. Racks of carefully selected, reasonably priced clothes (finds such as a quirky strawberry motif pullover and a preppy sailor dress), rows of necklaces (dating from the 1920s-1980s) and knickknacks (think E.T. in a hoodie) will keep you browsing for hours. “It’s like you are in somebody’s apartment,” says Vivi.

On-the-scene: Vivi is so lovely and friendly, and I couldn’t help fantasizing about living in the beautiful space. I added to my vintage jewelry collection with a great 1970s silver fringe/rhinestone pendant.
Address: MargitKorut 62 Website: lovebugvintage.com
Good to know: Call for hours or make an appointment. Ring doorbell for entry. Cash (forints) only.