The world knows no Sunday scaries as scary as the Sunday after Thanksgiving scaries. Sooo I’m currently ignoring the pile of leftover dishes in my sink and trying to chase away the end of vacation blues with a little reminiscing on our trip up to Marblehead, MA earlier this month!
We’ve fallen into an accidental tradition of sneaking a little getaway into our November schedules—last year was Portland, Maine—before the craziness of the holidays hits. This year we headed up to the North Shore for a little Marblehead weekend getaway. Now at less than an hour away from Boston, we more or less frequent this historic town, though never in the fall. Talk about a pretty place to curl up and enjoy a New England autumn weekend.
[ stay ]
We were hosted by The Hotel Marblehead, just a stone’s throw from historic downtown Marblehead. This 14-room boutique inn was recently renovated and upgraded with allllll the modern amenities. The design, though, is what really had us drooling. Half nautical, half mid-century, so basically, my Pinterest board. And what I’ve been trying to figure out how to pull off in my own home for the last four years.
While our November stay was so relaxing, I’m dying to get back in the summer to take advantage of their free bike rentals and badminton court out back. Can’t you just see me in this?
[ play ]
Marblehead on its worst day is still the heavenliest of all door heavens. I often have no plans beyond strolling the streets and secret passageways of the Marblehead historic district, but if you must:
Put your history hats on and visit Abbott Hall to see the Spirit of ’76. It is 100p worth the four minutes it will take you to do so.
Get a thigh workout climbing up to Fort Sewall and Crocker Park. Sandwiching Front Street, these two parks offer some of the prettiest views of Marblehead Harbor. Then drive (or find a handsome man with a yacht) across the harbor to Chandler Hovey Park, where Marblehead Lighthouse sits. One of the weirder lighthouses I’ve ever encountered, but don’t tell it I said that.
If you’re there for bikini season, it’s all about Devereux Beach. But if you’re there in the fall, hop in the car for a 10-minute ride into Salem. I wrote that post in 2013, you’re welcome.
[ eat ]
5 Corners Kitchen | We swear by 5 Corners Kitchen’s Sunday brunch, and especially the eggs bennie. This bistro is upscale and yet so comfortable and inviting, and we’re dying to get there for dinner one night soon.
The Landing | For a couple years, this was the only Marblehead restaurant we visited. A lobster roll on their back deck overlooking the harbor is what summers are made of. My mother locals also swear by the divey, but charming, Barnacle a couple blocks down.
Shubie’s | This gourmet grocery store has sneaky some of the yummiest sandwiches I have ever encountered. Pick up a bottle of vino on your way out to accompany you back to the hotel.
Counter | Down the road in Salem, this Lark Hotels-owned restaurant is everything you would expect out of a Lark Hotels-owned restaurant. Unique decor, creative dishes, colorful cocktails. For sure worth that $12 Uber.
Summer, fall, winter…Marblehead is the perfect town for a New England experience anytime of year and we can’t waiiiiit to get back!
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Full Disclosure: I received a complimentary hotel stay from The Hotel Marblehead for the purpose of this review and Marblehead travel guide. All opinions expressed are my own.
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