Where: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
What to do: This Pennsylvania locale has clinched our hearts for its truly incredible antiques and handicrafts. One of our fave spots is Central Market, which happens to be the United States' oldest, continuously operating farmers' market. Right in downtown Lancaster, the market offers tons of delicious food: produce, baked goods, cheese, and killer coffee. Don't forget that this is Amish country, so prepare to hear the clip-clop of horses and buggies as you stroll around Lancaster's historic streets. Swoon over the amazing Building Character, a warehouse-y mecca for vintage, recycled, and handmade crafts, then hop over to the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design to see a show in the gallery. Finish with an oozy Nutella crepe at Rachel's Cafe and Creperie.
Clockwise from top left: AllSaints Molotov Kenta Jeans, $128, available at AllSaints; Madewell Bandana Boyshirt, $69.50, available at Madewell; Illesteva Murdoch II Stripes, $230, available at Illesteva; Alexander Wang Diego Bag, $895, available at Net-A-Porter; Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star, $50, available at Zappos.
Photo: Courtesy of Lancaster Central Market
What to do: Shepherdstown is a cute, countrified-yet-cosmopolitan hamlet built on the Potomac River. In the summer, it's home to the acclaimed Contemporary American Theater Festival, and there's plenty to do in the springtime, too. Stay at the German-influenced Bavarian Inn (right on the river!), see some bluegrass at the historic Opera House, hike or bike on the C & O Canal, and enjoy a meal at Yellow Brick Bank restaurant (once the site of the town's main bank). Shepherdstown is close to plenty of other interesting sites, too: the Civil War battlefield at Antietam, Harpers Ferry, or the slots at Charles Town Races.
Where:Wilmington, Delaware
Yes, there's more to Delaware than beaches and tax-free shopping. (But we won't lie: That tax-free policy will come in handy when you're in Wilmington.) Although the state's largest city is often overlooked, we love it for its low-key charm. Be sure to make time for a trip to the cute, neighboring suburb of Greenville where stylish shops (like our fave, Ellie Boutique) share space with rolling hills and fancy mansions. The Winterthur Museum, with over 90,000 modern and historical objets d'art and lush, manicured gardens, is a must-see for art lovers and history buffs alike. Make sure you wander around Wilmington's hip Trolley Square and grab a speciality cocktail at the speakeasy-themed bar Hummingbird to Mars. For eats, we like Domaine Hudson or Orillas Tapas.