Few foods are so closely tied to a destination as lobster is to Maine. I can’t think of too many other single ingredients that would inspire a specific journey (maybe the South for bbq?  Southeast Asia for durian? Some interesting thoughts on it here). Recently we spent several days eating our way around Maine and sampling lobster in its myriad forms. My conclusion? Anything but lobster in its purest form is overrated. Lobster rolls? There is so little meat that it can barely justify the price, and while lobster stew is tasty, the massive amount of cream just makes the dish far too heavy and rich for my taste. Your best bet is to just go for the whole boiled lobster.

Whether you're looking to outfit yourself- or your home- in a classic preppy with a twist look, check out C. Wonder. This new store, owned by Christopher Burch (ex husband of Tory), offers destination themed goods that would look equally at home in the Hamptons as La Jolla, all at surprisingly reasonable prices. We love the geometric tunics as well as an ikat printed maxi dress. The housewares range from pillows and sheets to ceramics. This set of ikat nesting bowls is a mere $58. If you can't make it to the Soho flagship, shop online.

The corner nail salon can be fine for a quick mani-pedi and a wax, but if you want to indulge – or really wallow- in a pampering experience, consider the new Cornelia Spa. Located inside the glam Surrey Hotel, the only Relais & Chateaux property in New York City, the spa oozes serenity, thanks to a soothing palette of cream and gray. Spa treatments are meant to indulge all the senses, even taste; treatments begin with a small amuse bouche. Signature treatments include The Reparative Caviar and Oxygen Quench, which wraps up with a caviar amuse bouche and prosecco and The Purist: A Dual Detoxification Treatment, using Cornelia's Honey Citrus Polish. In a hurry? Cornelia also offers indulgent treatments in 30 minutes slots.

Blow dry bars have been cropping up all over the US for gals in need of speedy blow dry – without the hassle of making an appointment or paying big salon prices. Now the same fast (and thrifty)  approach is being applied to hair color. At Tint salon in LA, owned by Dana Clark and Frank Dino, all hair color is designed to take only 30 minutes and appointments are not necessary. The color menu is straightforward; pick from “California girl” highlights ($85) to Overall Color ($64) or a Balancing Act (up to 50 foils for $85). Client's hair color formulas are kept on file to ensure that the next visit is even faster, and clients can even blow dry their own hair for a speedy exit. Closed Mondays. Tint Hair Color,1422 B Second Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Phone: (310) 395-5888.