Rachael's trip to Martha's Vineyard had her sampling from the local vineyard and then dining at The Seafood Shanty where they "got it all," from shanty-style mussels to peel-and-eat shrimp. But Rachael had to try the Lobster Quesadilla made with Jack and cheddar cheeses and a mango and papaya salsa.

Rachael headed to this cozy garden restaurant for lunchtime lobster rolls, oversized omelettes and comforting sweet and savory breakfast dishes. Rachael recommended the "delicious," "nutritious" house-made granola with seasonal fresh fruit that will "pop in your mouth."

Designer Vanessa Noel opened the Vanessa Noel Hotel in 2002 as the first boutique hotel in Nantucket, Mass. Inside the hotel is Cafe V Bar. Rachael was enchanted with this cool hotel, ''hip bar,'' and ''sexy'' shoe shop in one where ''you can shop, have a cocktail, then take a nap.''

Follow your nose to this little bakery, which is known for large, chewy cookies in varieties like chocolate chipotle, frosted cranberry oatmeal, butter pecan and one of Rachael's favorites, pistachio lime, which she compared to Key lime pie.

A must for brunch on Nantucket, Black-Eyed Susan's is a quaint yet popular island spot. Rise early to snag a table, or mingle with locals at the breakfast bar. Breakfast grub like the Portuguese Scramble and Huevos Rancheros are local favorites; dinner is BYOB and known for being super fresh.

Food Network's $40 a Day, Rachael Ray discovers Even Keel Cafe, named the 2010 Nantucket Chowder Contest Winner, in Nantucket, MA.

Head to Cafe Mews, a Provincetown, Mass., institution for 40+ years, for casual fine dining with stunning ocean views. After you eat, visit the beautiful mahogany bar for an after-dinner cocktail. Rachael recommends a Cape Codder made with local vodka that she calls "a perfect way to end the day."

Rachael Ray stops by the Little Green Grocer, in Portland, ME, a family-owned and organic market on Food Network's $40 a Day.

No matter what you're craving, Pepperclub will satisfy your stomach and your soul. Funky decor and a mellow ambiance go hand-in-hand with an eclectic menu. The kitchen changes things up weekly, so come back often to see what's new - Rachael scored big with a crab, corn and asparagus quesadilla.

Every November, Becky's Diner pairs Thanksgiving dinner with the local catch of the day, going "outside of the box and not stuffing turkeys," but lobsters instead. Not visiting for the holiday? Any day of the year, the seaside spot offers family favorites like lobster rolls and fried clams.

Rachael Ray enjoys listening to live music in New Orleans, LA at the Jazz Parlor at Storyville, and upscale music hall playing jazz, blues, R&B, swing and rock, on Food Network's $40 a Day.

A go-to indulgence for both Rachael Ray and Alex Guarnaschelli is the muffuletta, a 2-pound sandwich that originated at this store. A sesame seed-studded loaf is layered with Swiss cheese, provolone and slice upon slice of imported cold cuts (think mortadella and capicola), then finished with a briny olive salad.

When in New Orleans, Alton wakes up and strolls over to Café Beignet for its — you guessed it — beignets. Café Beignet prepares the classic New Orleans dessert to perfection. Be sure to grab a cup of the bitter chicory coffee. Then, dunk beignet in coffee, savor and repeat.

The pecan pie at Brigten's is a "sit back, relax and luxuriate in the moment kind of pie," according to food writer John T. Edge, who brought us there on The Best Thing I ever ate. He says they have the secret to Southern food: simple honest cooking done exceedingly well.

On her trip to Portland, Maine, Rachael found the quintessential state dish at Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster Co. The sweet lobster rolls are served in "no-frills" fashion with big lobster chunks and a little mayo. But they also serve fish sandwiches, fried clams, burgers and hot dogs.