From New York to New England, discover the cradle of the American nation

Standouts along this smart avenue are Tom Ford's sleek flagship boutique; Berluti, the only U.S. outlet of the French bespoke and ready-made shoe line; and the elegant new Ralph Lauren womenswear and home decorating store. Special finds include Lisa Perry, for mod 1960s clothing and home decor in a converted bank, with jewelry displayed in the former vault; and, for readers, tiny Crawford Doyle Booksellers where personal service is a hallmark. For fine art, besides the Whitney Museum of American Art, several powerhouse galleries, such as Gagosian and Richard Gray, are intriguing to visit.

Amble along the popular High Line, a former elevated railway reinvented as a green urban oasis, 1.45 miles long and fringed with wild flowers. Back at street level, contemporary art is on view at several galleries nearby in Chelsea. Or stroll around Greenwich Village with its brownstone houses, cool boutiques and coffee shops.

The oldest used book shop in America has been attracting bibliophiles since 1825. Hundreds of thousands of used books and collections have been sold in its history, among which was a copy of the 1st edition of The Great Gatsby that Fitzgerald dedicated “to the greatest living poet, T.S. Eliot”. Whether it's used books for a few dollars or priceless special editions, the shop is chock-full of countless treasures.

The residence built by businessman Frederick Ayer is one of the few surviving examples of Tiffany architecture conceived by the American designer Louis Comfort Tiffany. Spectacular from every point of view, the building is decorated with specially made mosaics, stained glass, graceful ironwork, furniture, and other objects. It is a masterpiece that marvelously represents the work of one of the artists most associated with the Art Nouveau style in the United States.

Strawbery Banke is a 10-acre waterfront neighborhood and museum in Portsmouth, NH, named by the first settlers in 1630. Spend the day exploring the Portsmouth neighborhood known for 400 years as Puddle Dock. Stroll through the centuries from the 1600s to the 1950s. Visit historic houses and learn about colonial life from the knowledgeable docents in period dress.

You just have to go inland to understand why the moose is the state of Maine's totem animal. Luminous signs along the roads herald the frequent presence of the largest deer in North America. The summer, in particular, is a good time to search for them in the pine forests or along the banks of Moosehead Lake. You just have to keep quiet and keep your eyes open…