As New York begins to thaw and the days grow longer, late spring offers the perfect opportunityto step away from the city and explore somewhere new. Whether it’s desert landscapes, coastal air, or vibrant international cities, these destinations provide a refreshing change of scenery and a chance to experience fashion, culture, and travel at the start of summer
A DESERT RETREAT: PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Phoenix offers a dramatic shift in both landscape and climate. Visitors can explore the Desert Botanical Garden, a 140-acre oasis showcasing more than 4,000 species of desert plants. For a deeper cultural experience, the Heard Museum highlights Native American art and fashion, featuring garments, textiles, and accessories designed by Indigenous artists. After a day of exploring, relax at one of Camelback’s resorts and indulge in a massage or body treatment at the Tierra Luna Spa at the Arizona Biltmore, where treatments incorporate ingredients native to the desert.
SOUTHERN CHARM AND SLOW LIVING: CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
Slow down to the Southern hospitality of Charleston, where charm sits on every corner. This city is filled is historic landmarks, pastel-colored antebellum houses and cobblestone streets. Nature lovers can explore scenic destinations such as Boone Hall Plantation or the garden trails at Cypress Gardens, where the iconic rowing scene from The Notebook was filmed among the blackwater swamps. The city also offers a vibrant arts scene, with local galleries like Meyer Vogl Gallery and Helena Fox Fine Art tucked between Charleston’s elegant streets.
IN BLOOM: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Spring in Amsterdam marks the arrival of tulip season, when vibrant fields of color stretch across the Dutch countryside. Visitors can explore the famous Keukenhof Gardens, where hundreds of varieties of tulips bloom across miles of landscaped grounds. A canal cruise offers another perspective of the city, gliding past historic houses and bridges that line Amsterdam’s waterways. Art enthusiasts can visit the Van Gogh Museum, home to the largest collection of the artist’s paintings and drawings. For a lively cultural stop, wander through the Nine Streets district, where vintage boutiques, independent shops, and cafés bring Amsterdam’s creative spirit to life.
FOR THE FASHION-FORWARD TRAVELER: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
The Schiaparelli exhibit inside the V&A museum, photo by Jamie Stoker
Step into the world of Schiaparelli at Victoria and Albert Museum, where fashion becomes art. The exhibition covers the house’s history and designs spanning from the 1920s to today, featuring over 400 objects, accessories, jewelry paintings and archival materials. A visit to London isn’t complete without an afternoon spent browsing the historic halls of Harrods, one of the world’s most iconic department stores. Afterwards, slow down with a classicafternoon tea at the Mayfair, an elegant ritual that captures one of Britain’s most timeless traditions.
WINE COUNTRY: NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
Late spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit Napa Valley, when vineyards are lush and the landscape feels calm before the busy summer season begins. Visitors can spend the afternoon tasting wines at renowned estates such as Clos Pegase Winery, Ledson Winery, and the historic Chateau Montelena, each offering its own distinct atmosphere and architectural charm. Visitors can explore the Napa Valley Vine Trail by bike, taking in the rolling countryside at a relaxed pace. Napa Valley offers a restorative escape just as summer begins to arrive.
Chateau Montenela located in Napa Valley, California
WANDER JOURNAL 
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