Day trip season is baaaaackkk!

These are the weekends I live for. Those that make the calamity that is New England winters worth it. Give me a six hours out of the city on a spring Sunday and I’ll be a new person come that 6am alarm Monday morning.

Now that I’m working for a small company in an industry that relies on seasonal business, I have even more of an appreciation for the stores, restaurants, and other establishments that endure the challenges of seasonality. New England Development sent me and three other fab ladies up to Newburyport last weekend to explore, shop, and eat our way through town, and while it’s not quite Nantucket-level, this is, more than not, a summer town. I’ve always been a proponent of shopping locally, but now, supporting small businesses in heavily seasonal areas is something I’ve grown increasingly passionate about.

SO, long story short, HERE is my updated Newburyport Shopping Guide! Shop  small, shop local.

But first, coffee::

Plum Island Coffee Roasters // 54R Merrimac Street {in the boat yard!}
I’m quite positive that the key to happiness in life is good coffee with a great view. PIC has that. S’mores latte in Adirondacks overlooking the harbor? Sign. Me. Up.

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Sea Bags // 6 State Street
I’ve been living under a nautical rock because I only just recently discovered Sea Bags {we sell them at Shift on Nantucket!}. Made out of recycled sails–in the USA, mind you–they are such high quality, unique pieces. Setting you back about $150-250, the tote bags aren’t exactly a no-brainer, but you’ll find wristlets, coasters, wine bags, and plenty of other tempting treats at this location.

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SOAK // 7 State Street
I first visited Soak a few summers ago, and remember being overwhelmed by the kindness of this bath & body shop’s owner, Dianne. In her tiny space, she packs in a shell of a lot of product, while still offering the relaxing shopping experience that any store of this kind should be able to promise. And wait until you meet her new addition…

& Shoreline // 7 State Street
I thought SOAK was my oasis until I walked next door into its new sister store, Shoreline. Turkish towels, coastal chic decor, and the softest loungewear you’ve ever felt….if you’re ever in need of a birthday present for me I’ve left my wish list at the door.

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mk benatti jewelers // 1 State Street
Speaking of gifts for me, anyone want to send this link to my husband?

Just about every piece in this jewel box is custom made. In. The. Store. I had failed to every really think about how much fine jewelry is made overseas, and now I can appreciate owner and designer Matt Khatib’s work even more. Did I mention you can build your own ring? Read about how so with his 3D design tool and wax models…!

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Valentine’s // 12 State Street
For as many stores as it is home to, Boston hasn’t really given me a good go-to option for quick and easy–but creative and meaningful–gifts.  Yet this is exactly what Valentine’s offers. It’s got your Alex & Ani. Your Mariposa. Your monogrammable goods. Baby, engagement, wedding, birthday, just-because. It’s alllllll here and then some.

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Life is Good // 8 State Street
And quirky gifts for everyone else on your list. Newburyport is home to Life is Good’s FIRST brick and mortar shop, but more than the products, I love its purpose.

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Best of British // 22 State Street
I don’t think it’s any secret that I’m a bit of an anglophile, so I feel right at home at 22 State Street. Behind its unapologetic British flags, cardboard cutouts of QE2, and royal wedding memorabilia, you’ll find Hunter boots, Barbour jackets, and a wall of Crabtree & Evelyn. Not gonna name any names, but I’ve seen products on sale here that you just don’t see mark downed anywhere…

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But where should we eat?

Oregano’s // 16 Pleasant Street
I am one of those people who believes that there is such thing as bad pizza.

Oregano’s is the furthest thing from said bad pizza.

I’m still dreaming about the above Shrimp Scampi menu item, but in addition to pizza, you’ll also find incredible pasta dishes, unique Lebanese dishes, and–possibly most importantly–an outdoor patio.

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Michael’s Harborside // One Tournament Wharf
We closed out our day with oysters and grapefruit cocktails at one of my favorite places in town–the deck at Michael’s. Don’t be put off by its reputation as one of the bigger go-to tourist spots:: there’s a reason it’s so well-loved. The gals and I walked out already planning our next trip up there for some drinks and apps at the outdoor bar.

As always, a huge thank you to New England Development and Shop Newburyport for giving me such fantastic opportunities to explore everything our little upper-right corner of America has to offer. Newburyport is just an hour north of Boston, but it feels a world away. Easy enough for a day, enough to do for a weekend, it has definitely creeped its way up on my list of favorite New England towns.

Now go say hey to Kate, Maggie, and Leigha!

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Full disclosure: I received gifts and complimentary meals as a part
of this collaboration. All opinions expressed are my own.