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Opened in January 2012 in the historic Audubon Building on Canal Street, this cheeky newcomer is a departure from the New Orleans hotel scene (which tends toward the traditional). Its motto, “Play Naughty, Sleep Saintly,” appropriately captures the property’s saucy, sultry vibe, especially in the bordello-like Burgundy Bar and in the five suites, added in 2014 and named after the archangels Christopher, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Lucifer. By comparison, the restaurant, with its white walls and banquettes paired with antique chandeliers and local artwork, is more demure. Standard rooms are similarly minimalist—though without sacrificing comfort or any of the usual modern conveniences, including 46-inch flat-screen televisions and free Wi-Fi.

This family-run hotel, originally opened in 1886, is steeped in history from its classic furnishings to its esteemed guests. Literary legends William Faulkner and Ernest Hemingway have stayed here; Tennessee Williams wrote about the hotel in his play The Rose Tattoo, and Truman Capote was known to prop up the Carousel Bar & Lounge on many a night. The merry-go-round–like bar (which makes a complete revolution every 15 minutes) is probably the hotel’s most famous feature, and a Vieux Carre cocktail there is de rigueur. Guests will also want to visit on-site restaurant Criollo, which offers an updated take on traditional N’awlins fare.

A few blocks up from the beach, the Coconut Waikiki is a bright and cheery budget-minded boutique hotel. The rooms are plenty roomy (197 to 265 square feet for the standard quarters; up to 1,200 square feet for the largest suites), and all have kitchenettes and private lanais. The look is fresh and modern, with light wood, white linens, and pops of color in armchairs and pillows. Amenities are minimal (no restaurant, no bar, and a teeny pool), but there’s free, speedy Wi-Fi, DIY laundry (for a fee), and, every morning, friendly international guests gathering in the lobby to toast their own waffles at the complimentary continental breakfast.

Located in a historic Art Deco building inside Volunteer Park, the Asian Art Museum contains a permanent collection of jades and ceramics, sculpture, textiles, and Chinese painting and calligraphy, as well as temporary exhibitions featuring everything from illuminated Persian manuscripts to modern Japanese anime. The Gardner Center offers public programs such as talks, author events, and artistic performances to introduce visitors to new cultural perspectives.

Vesper Bar at The Cosmopolitan is our favorite spot for a serious Old Fashioned—or Elderfashioned, the house’s riff, which gets a dose of St. Germain.

For a truly discreet and relaxing spa experience, look no further than Tomoko Spa in Beverly Hills. Founded in 1999 by Tomoko Kurono, the chic minimalist spa offers a wide range of treatments intended to provide the best technique and renew the mind and spirit. All treatments come with a footbath (Ashiyu), tea, and mochi. Masseuses will customize treatments to target your needs for a personalized experience. Couples can also indulge in special packages, including one that serves you sushi from SUGARFISH! following treatment. Image courtesy of Tomoko Spa.

XBB, as locals call it, occupies a remodeled and brightly furnished former gas station in the Elliotborough neighborhood. Catering to its surfer clientele with Nicaraguan beer, the spot also offers a constantly changing menu of authentic Asian fare. Order the Vietnamese-style shrimp toast, a purée of local shrimp, fish sauce, garlic, ginger, lime leaf, and chilies spread on baguette slices, then pan-fried—crispy and satisfying.

Caps for sale. Since 1946, The Man’s Hat Shop has offered over 4,000 styles of you guessed it, hats. The popular, uber-friendly mainstay caters to a variety of styles (from English barrettes to cowboy hats) and materials (straw to coonskin). Seasoned proprietor Stuart Dunlap and his informed staff dole out advise on size, style and shape (with all budgets in mind). Don’t let the name fool you, women can buy hats too!

Featured in the 1997 Jodie Foster film, Contact (based on the Carl Sagan book), the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) is an impressive, stunning radio astronomy observatory located on the Plains of San Agustin. The massive dishes are arranged in rotating patterns and form the largest radio telescope in the world looking for complex solar system life. Visitors are allowed to walk among the array on a self-guided tour.

With a great atmosphere and a packed room of locals, if you’re in the mood for Vietnamese food, you won’t go wrong here. Some swear by the pho and others by the gloriously crusty banh mi sub sandwiches, which come heaped high with grilled pork, herbs, salad, and a few slices of chili to add heat. And if you’re feeling greedy, I say do both.

Far beyond your usual “bottle shop,” H&F is the brainchild of Atlanta’s star chef Linton Hopkins and is the place to be to improve your wine and spirits know-how and to stock up on everything you need to create at-home craft cocktails. Check listings for regular sipping sessions accompanied by small bites from the critically acclaimed Restaurant Eugene’s Kitchen.

Perimeter Mall is the place to find American mall staples and upscale retailers in a casual atmosphere. The generous, yet unimposing space hosts retailers like Banana Republic and Brooks Brothers, smaller chain boutiques and kiosks, and larger department stores (Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s are among my favorites). You’ll also find a newly renovated food court with a range of dining experiences. http://www.perimetermall.com/

Whether you root for the Montana Grizzlies or cheer on the Ospreys, the MSO Hub has you covered. Hats, shirts, pants and socks; show your team pride from your head to your toes. For those torn between teams, the Hub also has a vast selection of Missoula gifts and Made in Montana products and souvenirs. Postcards, bear-paw-shaped chocolates and Missoula themed Monopoly are just a few excellent gift ideas.

What started off as only one truck by owner Steve Hanifi, now there are five, making Tasty Kabob DC’s largest food truck fleet. Often seen around L’Enfant Plaza, Franklin Square, Farragut Square, and in Rosslyn, VA, each truck serves up generous, flavorful portions of grilled chicken, lamb, or veggies over rice, salad, or pita bread topped with creamy dill sauce. Complement the meal with a side of their cumin-laced chickpeas.

Founded by longtime friends Daniel Diaz and Louie Hankins, Rito Loco serves up filling burritos that incorporate Cuban, Spanish, and soul-food elements. Their idea originated from a barbecue in which Diaz mixed his homemade BBQ sauce with leftover pasta shells and melted cheese and added them into their breakfast burritos the next morning. Since then, they’ve added a few more flavors, notably the Rib Rito which is stuffed with pulled baby back rib meat.