The Hamilton Area (Hamilton, Earlville, Brookfield)

What do you get when you combine equal parts unique retail shopping, fantastic restaurants, a vibrant arts scene and one of America's best universities? You end up with the village of Hamilton, and it is the perfect spot for your next vacation. The retail district in Hamilton features a wide variety of specialty shops and boutiques. Find a one-of-a-kind outfit at Steph Boutique on Lebanon Street or the perfect gift for your inner gourmet at the Peppermill. You will always find something you just can't live without when you check out the digs at SWANK. They anchor the downtown business district, right across the street from the Colgate Bookstore, a wonderful independent bookstore.

If art is more your style, you will not want to miss the Evergreen Gallery, located on Lebanon Street in the heart of the business district. For live theater you will want to check the schedule at the Palace Theater. They have a year round schedule of local and national acts and they offer package deals with local restaurants to make it a perfect date night. The big screen is alive and well at the historic Hamilton Movie Theater, so let the smell of popcorn draw you in.