Writer, journalist, and filmmaker John Baxter has lived many lives. Born in New South Wales, Australia, in 1939, he also spent time in Britain and the United States, authoring science-fiction novels and biographies on directors such as Federico Fellini and George Lucas. He has written for publications such as The Australian and taught college students in Virginia. But the great love of Baxter’s life is Paris, where he moved in 1989 and wrote four autobiographies and several French-history books, qualifying him to answer all of your Paris-related questions—which he does in Untold Paris. Baxter dives into a range of esoteric topics, like why waiters tend to have an attitude, how snails made it onto bistro menus, and where Ernest Hemingway spent his afternoons. A treat for first-time tourists and habitués alike. ($26.99, amazon.com) —Jeanne Malle

It was 106 degrees in Colorado last week, but in London, restaurants are still cranking the outdoor heaters. In regions where cashmere is a year-round affair, Plain Goods’ polo sweater is a wardrobe necessity. With an open spread collar and ribbed details around the sleeves and waistline, it communicates a bit of jauntiness as well as stylish tailoring. Available in julep, chamomile, persimmon, and many more delicious-sounding shades, its patron saint is probably the low-key and elegant garden designer Miranda Brooks, who was photographed in the loden shade for the Connecticut-based retailer’s latest lookbook. ($398, plain-goods.com) —Ashley Baker

It may be premature to proclaim Devon as the new Provence, but as temperatures continue to rise, the English coast and its relatively moderate climate is looking more appealing by the moment. Only a few hours’ drive from Heathrow, its sandy beaches, dramatic moors (don’t miss the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site), and increasingly interesting culinary scene are just a few of the county’s delights. Now a new collection of more than 100 vacation homes, Devon Hideaways, has a little something for everyone—a rustic thatched cottage, a sprawling estate, and a lighthouse keeper’s cottage are among the tempting options. (Some holiday rentals are even dog-friendly.) Our favorites tend to be the quirkiest, such as the Lookout Tower near the charming seaside village of Beer. Its modern interiors and wood-burning fireplace are only part of the fun: it also has spectacular views of the sea and is close to some of the most scenic hiking trails in southwest England. (from $1,802; devonhideaways.co.uk) —Ashley Baker

’Tis the season to carry a bottle of white wine to your friend’s patio for a leisurely summer lunch. For those of us who don’t like traveling with a chilled vintage in a plastic bag from a last-minute trip to the liquor store, the London-Rome Bucket Bag, by TL 180 and Maison Flâneur, is a perfect alternative. This rattan-trimmed, calf-leather wine holder doubles as a flower vase. Plus, when the bottle is empty, the bag makes an adorable purse for your walk back home. ($320, maisonflaneur.com) —Elena Clavarino

Established in 1961, Damon Containers of Leicestershire is the U.K.’s last remaining fiberboard-storage-box manufacturer. This particular style of industrial container is a British classic, long used by workers everywhere from shoe factories to Buckingham Palace, for laundry transportation. Apart from a wastepaper-bin model made exclusively for Labour and Wait, Damon for years had been a dormant project after the distribution link to its primary wholesale customer—Japan—stopped. Thankfully, much like how America’s Steele Canvas brand evolved from offering industry-wholesale to premium home-storage solutions, this summer Damon Containers has been revived with a new range that is available and made-to-order online. Still manufactured in the same factory (and on the original machines!) in Market Harborough, on offer from the new site are the Square One, Rectangle One, and Vinyl One—the latter of which I can personally vouch for as the Cadillac of record crates. (from $81, damoncontainers.com) —Spike Carter

Grab your sword, chain mail, and cowboy hat because it’s time for the Texas Renaissance Festival. The largest congregation of its kind in the United States is the subject of HBO’s new docuseries, Ren Faire, directed by Lance Oppenheim. The docuseries follows the aged George “the King” Coulam, who founded the fair in 1974 and, 50 years later, has finally decided to abdicate his throne. In true Arthurian fashion, he needs to pick an heir to run the show. As it happens, there are multiple eager successors in contention, who will do whatever it takes to get in the King’s good graces. That means begging, scheming, and pitching visions of the festival’s future under new leadership. Amid this Succession-esque narrative, we also get to watch Coulam navigate the world of online dating. Chivalry lives. (max.com) —Jack Sullivan