Reem Acra arrived in New York from her native Beirut and realized her own American dream with the beautiful bridal and evening wear label that bears her name. But she never forgot her Lebanese roots and often travels back to the region to soak in the local vibe and find inspiration. Here, Acra shares insider tips on her hometown.

FAVORITE THINGS: Soak up some of the Mediterranean Sea by walking around Raouché. I’m always trying to satisfy my cultural appetite by visiting the National Museum of Beirut, which recently added a new wing in the basement that houses a gallery of ancient funerary art. It includes Phoenician mummies and rare medieval Christian mummies.

MUST DO:  Visit [the site of] the ancient civilization of Byblos — it’s incredible to walk amongst the ruins. On a more glamorous note, I always recommend shopping on Hamra Street, which used to be the “Champs-Élysées” of the Middle East and Arab World.

MUST SEE: The new Aïshti store which feels like a museum, a place where art and fashion meet.

WHERE TO EAT: Taste Armenian cuisine in the Bourj Hammoud area, or fresh fish by the Jounieh Bay. Don’t skip a fish sandwich at Meat the Fish restaurant, a unique restaurant concept that displays the freshest catch on ice in wooden crates.

WHERE TO CHILL: Manara Palace Café a relaxing place to sit on the rocks along the Mediterranean Sea.

BEST STREET STYLE: Saifi Village, my neighborhood, where a lot of stylish locals and artists come together.

ON MISSING BEIRUT: I truly miss the lifestyle. Walking through the heart of Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhaël to admire the traditional homes and all the beautiful architecture and drinking the best Lebanese wine from the Bekaa Valley.