Head to the ‘town of books’

Among book-lovers, Hay-on-Wye is something of a legend. More than 40 bookshops line the streets of this charming town, and late May-early June marks bibliophile paradise: the Hay-on-Wye festival, a celebration of all things literary. Bill Clinton called it “a Woodstock of the mind.”

Go local with uniquely Welsh food

For a taste of what makes Welsh food really special, go local. Friend Heledd notes that even Welsh Starbucks now source their milk from local dairy cooperatives. Set at the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, Abergavenny is considered by many to be the “foodie capital” of Wales as its markets and local artisan food produce spotlight locally sourced ingredients like Welsh lamb and organic methods of farming. Stop here during the Abergavenny Food Festival in September for a taste of what’s making Welsh cuisine so hot. Foodies know that the British cheese-making tradition stretches back thousands of years, and they are licking their chops for the next Great British Cheese Festival which will be held in Cardiff Castle this September. Of course, you can go really local in Wales—and arrange a dinner in a real Welsh home through Home Dinners in Wales.