Day Trips: The charm of Del Ray's neighborhood is the turn-of-the-century cottages revamped to house specialty shops full of coffee, chocolate and vintage wines. My favorite for fashion and home furnishings is Kiskadee, a two-story curio of upbeat accessories, fine accents for the home and casual wear.

Invision a quaint historic home full of your favorite things -- from bejeweled necklines, to hot pink readers, to artisan belts from Peru and handmade nautical jewelry -- and you'll have a feel for Kiskadee.

Each room is brimming with merchandise to fit the room. For example, the kitchen on the second floor is decorated with Mariposa fine metalware and handwoven linens. The nursery with plush onesies and adorable fluffy bath towels and matching booties. The parlor with armoires open to showcase Milly dresses and JPK bags.

It's a fun, upscale spot that always gives me more than one idea for a special gift or accent piece that gets noticed. Make sure you stop in when you're in Del Ray.