San Francisco

From New York to Paris, "shopping concierges" make weekend sprees a breeze. At the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park (50 Central Park S.; 800/241-3333; www.ritzcarlton.com; packages from $2,475, including stay), travel in chauffeur-driven style on a daylong expedition with former fashion editor Kathleen Beckett. Expect private consultations with designers such as Miguel Adrover and Proenza Schouler.

The personal shopper at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago (120 E. Delaware Place; 800/332-3442; www.fourseasons.com; doubles from $320) will plot a customized buying tour and accompany those who need second opinions.

If you long for that Parisian look, try the three-day Je Ne Sais Quoi Package at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée (25 Ave. Montaigne, Paris; 800/223-6800; www.plaza-athenee-paris.com; package from $2,285, including stay), complete with hairstyling and makeup applications and a guided shopping tour.
—Adriana Gardella

Summer is a great time for antiquing. Your arsenal: a sharp eye, negotiating skills, and a wad of small bills. Just be sure your car's got enough room to haul back all the treasures.
—Rima Suqi

WHAT Upwards of 800 booths at the Alameda Point Antiques & Collectibles Faire (510/522-7500; www.antiquesbybay.com; entry fee $5-$15). WHERE Less than an hour east of San Francisco, on a former naval base. WHEN The first Sunday of the month, from 6A.M. to 3 P.M. FINDS Every item sold is at least 20 years old—from electronics (vintage phones, eight-track players) to toys.

WHAT The new Chicago Antique Market (312/951-9939; www.chicagoantiquemarket.com; entry fee $8) handpicks its 175 sellers. WHERE An entire city block in the Randolph Street Market District. WHEN The last Sunday of every month, May through October. FINDS There's always a different collecting theme—plus a vintage-outfit contest, and food from hot restaurants Onesixtyblue and La Luce.

WHAT The Scott Antique Markets (740/569-2800; www.scottantiquemarket.com; entry fee $3), in Atlanta, has been dubbed the Brimfield of the South for its 2,400 booths—most indoors (air-conditioned, thankfully). WHERE The Atlanta Exposition Center (3650 Jonesboro Rd.). WHEN July 9-11 and August 13-15. FINDS Picture Scarlett O'Hara selling the contents of Tara—times 20.