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2026 Spring Traveler’s Guide

Set your sights on these travel-worthy East Coast hot spots to enjoy and make new memories.

Travel should change you, not just your camera roll

What’s the difference between a good trip and one you’ll remember for decades? Intention. Curation. Someone who knows the difference between a hotel that looks good online and one that actually delivers. I design experiences where every element works in your favor. The right property at the perfect moment. Sunrise over Borobudur timed flawlessly. A seamless arrival in South Korea where cherry blossoms frame ancient palaces. The Maldives villa positioned for golden hour. Not because you got lucky, but because I planned it that way.

When logistics disappear, travel becomes transformative. You’re free to be fully present: to notice, to connect, to absorb. To come home different than when you left. From private villa rentals to luxury resorts, private jet coordination to honeymoon planning, I handle travel at every level of sophistication, anywhere in the world. Let me orchestrate every detail so you can focus on the moments that matter.

Find out more: www.elliottraetravels.com

[DELAWARE]

BOARDWALK PLAZA HOTEL

Enjoy timeless elegance on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

Located directly on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, just three blocks from Rehoboth Avenue, and close to every in-town restaurant and attraction, the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel stands in the heart of the action yet provides guests a feeling of serenity. Guests can enjoy beachfront dining in Victoria’s Restaurant, mingle over craft cocktails in The Plaza Pub, relax in the soothing heated spa pool, or stroll through the peaceful garden terrace at the neighboring Plaza Cottage.

Select from ocean front accommodations with breathtaking views or choose an adults-only accommodation on the Concierge Level for exclusive rooftop access. From authentic antique furnishings to custom design, every corner speaks to timeless elegance blended with modern convenience. The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel team is proud to offer the kind of personal service you won’t find at chain hotels—warm, attentive, and always thoughtful. Call or reserve online. 800.33.BEACH

Find out more: www.boardwalkplaza.com

BRANDYWINE TREASURE TRAIL

Be inspired by destinations where revolution and evolution meet

Follow the 2026 Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport to 12 inspiring attractions across Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley—where every visit is both revolutionary and evolutionary. Step into the past and immerse yourself in the places that shaped Delaware’s culture, creativity, and community—from grand estates and vibrant gardens to museums and galleries filled with art, history, and innovation. Visit top sites like Longwood Gardens, Nemours Estate, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, and many more.

With one easy-to-use pass, you can follow the trail in any order—at your own pace. Plan a weekend escape, enjoy a series of day trips, or stretch your visits across the seasons. However you choose to explore, the Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport offers flexibility, value, and the perfect excuse to return again and again—all just a short drive from most mid-Atlantic cities.

Find out more: Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley

HISTORIC NEW CASTLE

Come for the history, stay for the fun

A Day in Old New Castle returns on May 16, 2026, from 10 am to 4 pm in beautiful Historic New Castle, Delaware, inviting visitors to experience the oldest home and garden tour in America. As the nation marks Its 250th anniversary, this beloved tradition offers a perfect opportunity to step into history in one of the country’s most picturesque and well-preserved small towns.

Stroll through charming streets and explore historic homes and gardens while enjoying a lively day filled with Revolutionary War reenactors, live music, period costumes, and a plein air art competition. Families can enjoy kids’ activities and their own art contest, while markets feature local food and crafts. New Castle’s unique shops and restaurants will be offering event specials. Whether you come for the history, the architecture, or the festive atmosphere, A Day in Old New Castle promises a memorable celebration for visitors of all ages.

Find out more: A Day In Old New Castle | Historicnewcastle

LAZY L BED & BREAKFAST

Experience coastal Delaware at its best

Plan your coastal getaway to historic Lewes, Delaware—where beach days, nature, and dog-friendly comfort come together. This charming waterfront bed and breakfast is just minutes from Delaware’s best beaches and surrounded by serene natural beauty.

Start each morning with a delicious gourmet breakfast, then relax by the pool or hot tub, enjoy a well-stocked game room, paddle out for a kayaking adventure, or enjoy world-class bird-watching right outside your door. Traveling with your dog? Pups are welcomed with open arms, including access to the on-site dog park. Reservations are now open for the season. Book your stay and experience coastal Delaware at its most peaceful—and most welcoming.

Find out more: www.lazylbandb.com

WINTERTHUR MUSEUM, GARDEN & LIBRARY

Discover beauty at every turn

There’s beauty around every turn at Winterthur! Nestled in the rolling hills of the Brandywine Valley, Winterthur is a historic estate on par with some of the most famous in the country. Discover two centuries of American craftsmanship on tours of the former du Pont family mansion and on view in exhibition galleries.

Explore the 60-acre naturalized “wild garden,” dubbed one of “the Most Beautiful Gardens in America” by Forbes magazine. Paths lead from the garden—world renowned for its striking succession of seasonal blooms—to open meadows, across waterways, and through woodland hiking trails on this 1,000-acre country estate. Delight in the award-winning children’s garden, Enchanted Woods, featuring a Giant Bird’s Nest, Faerie Cottage, Upside-Down Treehouse, and more. For details on daily programs, tour offerings in the house and garden, special exhibitions, plus shopping, dining, and more, visit winterthur.org.

Find out more: www.winterthur.org

[MARYLAND]

BALTIMORE COUNTY

Find the unexpected in and around Baltimore County

Follow the gentle twists and turns around Baltimore County. Forget the map and let stories and laughter accompany each unexpected detour. In Baltimore County, it’s not about the destination but the surprises along the way. Here you’ll find vibrant main streets, award-winning restaurants, waterfront adventure, and miles of trails and wide-open spaces. Even wrong turns lead to the right kind of adventure. Find your path at DiscoverBaltimoreCounty.com.

Find out more: www.DiscoverBaltimoreCounty.com

THE OAKS WATERFRONT HOTEL

Treat yourself to a picture-perfect getaway

Tucked along a winding road beside a quiet cove off the Chesapeake Bay, The Oaks Waterfront Hotel offers a picture-perfect escape for an Eastern Shore getaway. Set across 10 acres of scenic landscape and sweeping water views, our boutique hotel creates an atmosphere that feels both elevated and effortlessly relaxed. Every detail is thoughtfully designed to invite you to slow down, settle in, and savor the moment. Guests can choose from well-appointed rooms and suites, or opt for one of our dog-friendly cottages for added privacy. Each morning, guests are invited to indulge in a complimentary gourmet breakfast inspired by the flavors of the Eastern Shore.

Throughout your stay, enjoy access to complimentary bicycles, kayaks, paddleboards, and car service to explore the surrounding towns at your leisure. Spend your days relaxing by the saltwater pool, unwinding by the bay, or enjoying a picnic on the lawn. For a unique experience, set aboard our Hinckley yacht, Overcomer, for a private charter. In the evening, dine at The Oak Room, featuring seasonal dishes, hand-crafted cocktails, and live music on select nights.

Find out more: www.the-oaks.com

OCEAN CITY

Create lasting memories by the beach

Discover the best oceanfront accommodations Ocean City, Maryland has to offer at OCMDHotels.com. From direct beach access and sparkling pools to spacious rooms and convenient on-site dining, everything you need for a seamless coastal getaway is right here. Plan your stay, compare top properties, and start creating lasting memories by the beach.

Find out more: www.OCMDHotels.com

SAINT MARY’S COUNTY

Take in historical firsts and meaningful adventures

Discover a vibrant and bountiful county along the Chesapeake Bay where historical firsts and adventure collide. Take in the sunrise over the water, hike through forests, boat along the bay, explore museums, visit a working farm, sample local food and craft beverages, and take a deep breath to escape the hustle and bustle of life.

From before the first landing in 1634 at St. Clement’s Island to technical advancements displayed the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, there are vast amounts of rich history to discover in St. Mary’s County. Celebrate America 250 in Southern Maryland by commemorating the only Revolutionary War battle to occur in Maryland at Rebels and Redcoats from April 11 to April 12; exploring the first Maryland capital at Historic St. Mary’s City; or watching perilous maneuvers from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels at the Pax River Air Show from June 20 to June 21 (No Navy endorsement implied)!

Find out more: www.visitstmarysmd.com

[NEW JERSEY]

CAPE MAY COUNTY

Celebrate the Jersey Cape, one shore town at a time

Cape May County, NJ, is a place where contrasts don’t compete—they captivate. Along 30 miles of pristine shoreline, classic shore resorts like Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, the Wildwoods, Cape May, and Cape May Point create a string of communities each with its own character. Neon-lit boardwalks ease into quiet salt marshes, while ornate Victorian homes sit just minutes from expansive wildlife refuges. Bustling beaches blend seamlessly with peaceful hideaways where herons drift above the reeds and tides whisper along the back bays.

Visitors may arrive for sun-soaked days and nostalgic boardwalk nights, but they soon discover richer layers of history, creativity, and coastal flavor. Whether exploring artsy enclaves, sampling fresh local cuisine, or strolling past gingerbread-trimmed porches, every stop reveals a new story. The Jersey Cape invites travelers to slow down, savor the moment, and experience its charm—one unforgettable town at a time.

Find out more: www.escapetothejerseycape.com

[NEW YORK]

THE CAPITOL THEATRE

Recreate the music legacy that defined an era

The Capitol Theatre is Westchester’s premier destination for live music, comedy, and entertainment. Built in 1926, the historic venue is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, marking a century of unforgettable performances and cultural moments. During the 1970s, The Capitol Theatre became one of the most influential rock venues in the country, hosting legendary artists such as Pink Floyd, the Grateful Dead, Fleetwood Mac, Janis Joplin, and many more. Its stage helped define an era of live music and continues to hold a special place in music history.

Today, The Capitol Theatre carries that legacy forward by presenting world-class artists across genres. Upcoming performers include Jason Mraz, DEVO, Gary Clark Jr., and the Indigo Girls, alongside an eclectic lineup of concerts, comedy shows, and special events. A beloved cultural landmark in Port Chester, New York, The Capitol Theatre remains a vibrant gathering place for music lovers and audiences from across the region.

Find out more: www.thecapitoltheatre.com

[NORTH CAROLINA]

NORTHERN OUTER BANKS

Savor natural beauty paired with laid-back charm

Discover the Northern Outer Banks, where wide-open beaches, wild horses, and untamed coastal beauty create a truly unforgettable escape. Located along North Carolina’s scenic barrier islands, this quieter stretch of coastline offers a refreshing alternative to crowded beach destinations. Explore the pristine shores of Corolla and Carova, where the famous Wild Spanish mustangs roam freely against a backdrop of dunes and sea oats. Climb a historic lighthouse, paddle through peaceful maritime forests, or simply relax with the sound of waves and endless horizon views.

With no high-rise development in sight, the Northern Outer Banks blends natural beauty with laid-back charm. Whether you’re seeking adventure, family time, or a tranquil retreat, this coastal gem invites you to slow down, reconnect, and experience the Outer Banks the way it was meant to be—wild, free, and wonderfully unspoiled.

Find out more: www.northernouterbanks.com

[PENNSYLVANIA]

EAGLES MERE INN

Savor a timeless escape with historic charm

Nestled in the heart of the Endless Mountains, Eagles Mere Inn offers a timeless escape where historic charm meets modern comfort. Established in 1887, the Inn has long been a beloved destination for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural beauty. Guests can enjoy unique accommodations, warm hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels both refined and relaxed.

The Inn’s restaurant highlights seasonal menus inspired by fresh, locally sourced ingredients, while the cozy bar provides the perfect setting to unwind after a day of exploring. Whether you’re strolling through the quaint village, taking in the views of Eagles Mere Lake, or simply savoring a quiet moment on the porch, every stay feels effortlessly special. Ideal for weekend getaways, romantic escapes, or leisurely vacations, Eagles Mere Inn invites you to slow down and stay awhile.

Find out more: www.eaglesmereinn.com

[VIRGINIA]

CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND

Adventure, coastal cuisine, history, and ponies are a road trip away

Discover your love of Chincoteague Island. As you wind your way across the five-mile causeway connecting Chincoteague Island to the mainland, the vibrant colors of the marsh, and unique sounds of over 300 species of birds and waterfowl greet you, guiding you to this secluded little paradise island. Living up to its moniker the “Beautiful Land Across the Water,” this peaceful village moves at a quieter pace, giving travelers respite with its southern hospitality. As the marshland gives way to the Atlantic Ocean, you will find yourself in nature’s playground.

Known for the world-renowned wild pony roundup, swim, and auction, a 100-year tradition, Chincoteague offers something for everyone. From pristine natural beaches, miles of nature trails, kayaking and boating, to shopping, dining, and adventure, there are so many things to love. Discover what you LOVE about Chincoteague!

Find out more: www.VisitCIVA.com

SAILFEST AT CAPE CHARLES

Celebrate America through the stories of its historic tall ships

As a Sail Virginia℠ 2026 Affiliate Harbor, Cape Charles will welcome multiple tall ships to SailFest Cape Charles from June 19 to June 21. The four ships—schooner Lynx, New Jersey’s tall ship AJ Meerwald, the majestic Kalmar Nyckel, and the replica privateer Luna—will be open to the public for free tours from noon until 6:00 pm on June 20 and June 21. The SailFest Cape Charles days-long series of special events, including a Saturday night concert and fireworks, will provide a wonderful means to tell the story of the contributions of the Eastern Shore during the Revolution and the establishment of a nation. All activities are free.

SailFest Cape Charles promises to be a fun-filled, family friendly festival in and around Cape Charles Harbor, which includes historians, boating enthusiasts, period reenactors, local musicians, artisans, and many more groups from the area to help welcome visitors, celebrate America, and showcase the ships being hosted in this bayside town.

Find out more: www.sailfestcapecharles.com

Originally published at Bethesdamagazine