Maria Tettamanti

We love a European vacation as much as the next person, but perhaps less so these days. Despite the many flash sales luring us abroad, there’s just too much to see and do right here in America. The rise in low-cost airlines expanding their routes throughout the U.S. has also refocused our wanderlust, nudging us toward short escapes closer to home. And with limited time and budgets, a weekend getaway in the U.S. is just the vacation we all need right now. Our picks bypass the obvious choices, say New York or L.A., in favor of smaller cities with booming art scenes, lesser-known towns with incredible restaurants and coastal spots with plenty of room to spread out on the sand. You’ll find fewer crowds and plenty of small-town charm at these unexpected destinations. Looking for someplace to go in 2024? These places should absolutely be on your travel radar this year. RECOMMENDED: The best cities to visit in the U.S.

The Wynwood-based L’Appartement sources authentic Parisian-inspired home decor, furniture, accessories and art that exudes that elusive je ne sais quoi. Shop arty placemats, geometric rugs and quilted cushions.

Best known for its yummy-to-the-touch lingerie, Miami-based Eberjey designs some of the greatest swimwear and ethereal coverups. With outposts in Sunset Harbour and Merrick Park, the label boasts a stellar selection of one-piece suits that are worth the splurge.

From itty-bitty bikinis and gauzy tunics to boho jewelry, Nic del Mar has you covered. Scoop up Jaleca flip-flops, Flash Tattoos, Suboo caftans or Acacia ’kinis. For men, the shop stocks stylish Palmacea swim trunks. Consider yourself warned, though: Sifting through this boutique’s meticulously hand-picked inventory may have you pining for a weekend getaway to swanky St. Barth.

Open since 2000, this South Miami mainstay is teeming with swimwear, cover-ups, sandals, and accessories for women and kids. The boutique offers more than 60 labels but buys each style in small quantities, which means customers will stand apart from the crowd—no accidental twinning at the sandbar.

For the gentleman seeking swimwear with a dash of California cool, scope out Trina Turk. The Biscayne Boulevard–based boutique is awash with the brand’s men’s label, Mr. Turk, which churns swim trunks in funky and fun floral, gingham and stripe prints.

Locals are unequivocally obsessed with the Greek and Turkish dishes at Design District-based Mandolin Aegean Bistro so it was only a matter of time Co-Owner Anastasia Koutsioukis showed off her fashion chops, too. Opening in November, keep an eye out for Mrs. Mandolin, a market and shop brimming with off-the-beaten-path labels (think snakeskin bags by Ximena Kavalekas and silky pajamas by Piu) and Greek and Turkish pantry items. And yes, there will be Aegean-inspired breakfast staples, lunch (#spanakopita) and a full coffee bar, too.

Brazilians are to swimwear what the Swiss are to chocolate, so it makes perfect sense that Brazilian designer Adriana Degreas’s Merrick Park boutique is swimming in her eponymous label’s full line of bathing suits, dresses, cover-ups and accessories that are the epitome of #tropicalvibes. “I want our customers to feel inspired 
when they walk into the store,” says Degreas.

Since 1970 (a retail feat, we know), family-owned Tupelo Honey serves as South Miami’s go-to haunt for basic tees and jeans. Owners Ira and Gail Blum and their son, Jordan, meticulously handpick elevated everyday brands such as Cotton Citizen, Frank & Eileen, Bella Dahl, Feel the Piece, L’Agence, Citizens of Humanity, Fiorucci and more.

Once you’re done oohing and aahing over this gloriously deconstructed space in Downtown Miami, it’s time to browse the shop’s signature, eponymously labeled shirts. Deliciously soft to the touch, Neushop’s tops are culled from 100 percent Peruvian-grown cotton and come in 10 styles and 50 colors for men and women. Also up for grabs? Jeans, soap and books.

Since 1970 (a retail feat, we know), family-owned Tupelo Honey serves as Aventura’s go-to haunt for basic tees and jeans. Owners Ira and Gail Blum and their son, Jordan, meticulously handpick elevated everyday brands such as Cotton Citizen, Frank & Eileen, Bella Dahl, Feel the Piece, L’Agence, Citizens of Humanity, Fiorucci and more.

Let’s just say MiMo boutique owner Karla Duran has an eye for clothing, house goods and accessories with serious wanderlust vibes. Scoop up Voluspa candles, Assouline coffee-table books, Jen’s Pirate Booty flowy frocks, Chan Luu bohemian jewelry and more. “I only carry items I personally use and love,” says Duran. “I have hand-selected every item in the store to be meaningful, thoughtful and beautiful. You can literally find something for everyone, whether that’s an item of clothing, jewelry, a book or just a fun, exotic find.”

There are two types of people during quarantine: The Netflix couch conquerors and those who discovered a new skill or side hustle. Montsy Smithies is the latter. A mom of two and a physical therapist for the past 20 years, the pandemic inspired her to launch a homemade quiche business lovingly called Quiche Me. Take that, banana bread! “I chose to quiet a noisy world, stay present and do the next right thing for me and my children and get baking in my kitchen,” Smithies says. Like most of us, COVID-19 affected her work hours significantly and so she experimented and reminisced on her late mother’s quiche recipes. With a little push from her friends, Smithies launched Quiche Me just in time for Mother’s Day in a perfect nod to her mother’s memory. Flavors include classic quiche Lorraine with bacon and cheddar cheese and spinach paired with aged Gruyère. Flaky, savory and downright delicious, Quiche Me’s palatable pies are freshly made to order for pickup and delivery in the South Miami area (two quiche minimum) by emailing quichememiami@gmail.com or DMing @QuicheMeMiami on the ‘gram. Photograph: Courtesy Quiche Me       Most Popular on Time Out –A floating boat cinema is coming to Miami this summer–Should you travel to South Florida?–The coolest improvised outdoor dining we’ve seen so far in Miami–Drop anchor this weekend at a new boat-in movie theater popping up in Key Biscayne–You can no longer eat and drink while walking in Disney World

Does the World Cup have you in a bit of an international mood? Well, you no longer need a passport for those Grecian throw pillows or Brazilian straw bags. Culture is never far in this city but now more than ever, Miami is home to boutiques brimming with goodies from exotic locales. Here, we delve into our favorite retailers that focus on faraway places. Mrs. MandolinNo, you aren’t in Mykonos. However, a saunter through this freshly minted boutique overflowing with Greek and Turkish delights will certainly feel that way. The cutest Hellenic café and lifestyle boutique this side of the Atlantic Ocean is packed with evil-eye necklaces, airy frocks, Turkish towels, ceramic plates and colorful pillows—and it’s curated by the owners of Miami’s most popular Greek restaurant, Mandolin. Opa to that! L’Appartement Concept StoreTrès chic interior decor? Oui. Over at Wynwood-based L’Appartement, owner and former interior and set designer Emmanuelle Bernard has a knack for sourcing authentic Parisian-inspired home decor, furniture, accessories and art that exudes that elusive je ne sais quoi. Give your own home some French flair with arty placemats, geometric rugs and quilted cushions. Bossa Concept StoreFor luxe Brazilian fashions and accessories, look no further than Bossa Concept. Nestled in Miami Beach’s de rigueur Sunset Harbour neighborhood, the boutique is chock-full of clothes and accessories by off-the-beaten-path designers such as Carol Bassi, Cris Barros, Dodo Bar Or, Isolda a

Want to slay on the beach? That was a rhetorical question, obviously. With bikini season in full swing, we dive into the minds of five South Florida swimwear designers for their thoughts on de rigueur details, fabrics and fit. Kelsey Duffy of Versakini How does your line stand apart from the masses? “My bikinis are not only reversible, but they can disconnect and are interchangeable with others in the collection.” Impart some wisdom on those of us in the market for new ’kini: “Comfort and confidence is key. Bright colors and vibrant Instagrammable prints are on-trend, too.” Erin Thomas of Toxic Sadie Quick! Name three huge summer swim trends: “Cutouts, sexy one pieces and lots of straps.” You moved to Miami from Omaha. How has that transition helped your vision?  “Apart from the constant inspiration of living in such a vibrant paradise, I am able to tap into the amazing manufacturing facilities here in South Florida, and I am proud to say my suits are made in Miami!”    Danielle Pinder of brie  What are the hottest summer swim trends? “Floral, animal, striped and geometric prints in muted colors.” From a designer’s perspective, what is the most figure-flattering silhouette? “A sporty bralette-style top and a minimalistic bottom with cheeky coverage, which offers extra lift for bums that need it.” What do you think is the standout color right now?  “A lot of earth tones such as bronze, gold and metallic nudes. We’re getting back to basics. There was an overflow of prints in