The Chestnut Hill Experience

I’ve got a whole smorgasbord of fun things to show you today! Last week, I spent the better half of my Sunday with little seester Morgan at Chestnut Hill Square, just minutes outside of Boston. Talk about supercenter! CHS has a little bit of everything– fitness, shopping, pampering, and somuch wining and dining… basically, something for every section of this blog.

Here’s a little taste of how we spent our day…

Equinox:: Pilates
Anddd the photos stop here, because after Megan Fitzgerald’s amazing pilates class, I was a hot mess! I’ll be the first to admit I’m no fitness buff and would much rather start my weekend mornings snuggled in bed with a latte thank you, but waking up with a class that’s somehow both challenging and relaxing really put me in the right mood for the day. Equinox is beautiful and has so many options for classes and group fitness.

Another option for exercise in the square (besides the cardio you get from shopping, that is):: SoulCycle.

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Drybar:: Blowouts
I can’t say enough great things about Drybar– 4o bucks for a cocktail, hour of pampering, and a blowout that lasts multiple days? So worth it in my book. I’ve given a more thorough review here, but I also tried a Floater for the first time on this visit– a 10-minute scalp massage during your shampoo. Hi, bliss.

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Brio Tuscan Grille:: Lunch
I live in the North End = I love my Italian. Brio totally lived up to expectations– my Shrimp Mediterranean was packed with flavor, but didn’t leave me feeling like I needed to detox for three days like I do after most heavy Italian meals. Fun atmosphere, and I can’t wait to go back for their brunch menu!

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Shopping
Already a great variety of stores here (I visited the beautiful Anthropologie back in December), with new ones popping up each day. Most of my time this weekend was spent between Francesca’s and Sail Loft.

Francesca’s has one of the best selections of costume jewelry I have seen around here. Any color you need, from mint to tangerine to pearl– they’ve got it. I grabbed these quirky earrings and adore them! It’s really an accessory-lover’s heaven in there.

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Being overly obsessed with all things nautical and Nantucket-related, I was crazy excited to check out Sail Loft. This is the only location off of ACK, and it’s home to so many brands that you do usually only see in resort areas– Kiel James Patrick, Maui Jim, Smathers & Branson, Trina Turk… I’m having a love affair with my new GiGi New York Clutch that co-owner Peter helped me personalize.

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Seasons 52:: Flights & Flats
And to refuel, wine and flatbreads! This is a fantastic deal– $15 for a full-sized flatbread and a 3-wine tasting, plus a full glass of your favorite. How perfect would this be for a date night or Girls’ Night Out? We also indulged in some incredible mini desserts… quite positive that the chocolate caramel one changed my life permanently for the better.

Many, many thanks to Chestnut Hill Square for giving us an unforgettable day! Tons more things are still to come, and I can tell this is going to be a frequent destination for me this summer.

Have you been to CHS? What are your favorites there?

Full disclosure: I was treated to a complimentary day at Chestnut Hill Square; all opinions expressed are genuine and my own.