new england Archives - Page 4 of 10

Ultimate Guide to Summer in New England

May 29, 2015 by Emily 6 Comments

Summer. The best of all. The motivation to get through our hellish winters. The reason we live here.

And it has arrived!!

This guide is lengthy… we have never met a daytrip we didn’t love! But there are also so many things to enjoy in Boston if you’re visiting the city//already live here and just aren’t interested in leaving it.

If there are other towns or regions you’re wondering about, let me know and I’d be happy to send along any tips I might have xx

First Fridays at the ICA. The mister and I stumbled upon this a couple summers ago, and we swear it is the hidden gem of Boston. We already knew the Institute of Contemporary Art was a great museum, but the first Friday of every month, they host a party, and the summer Fridays are really the time to enjoy it:: The back deck is open with live music, oysters, dranks…

Take a drive up on the North Shore to Newburyport. This is the perfect town for a daytrip– close, but you feel so far from the city.

Visit the Brimfield Antique Fair. Am I going overboard by saying it’s a rite of passage for any New Englander? Even if antiquing isn’t your thing, this is still a sight to see, and so many treasures to be found. It happens three times per year, this year’s dates being May 12-17, July 14-19, and September 8-13.

Drive over the bridge to Cape Cod. A place so special to us and you’ll never run out of things to do here. I have guides+ideas for Truro // Welfleet // Chatham // Nauset, but it’s hard to go wrong with any town down the Cape. And now that the MBTA is running the CapeFLYER on weekends, it’s even easier to get there.

Take a Boston Harbor Cruise. Whether you’re spending a day on one of the Boston Harbor Islands, taking the ferry to Provincetown, or enjoying one of their cruises [we love their brunch cruise!], this is such a good excuse to sail around the Boston Harbor.

Hop on the Woods Hole ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. Our favorite vacation spot, and you could visit for a day or a month. Full guide here!

Shakespeare on the Common. One of the coolest things Boston has to offer in the summer. Runs July 22-August 9 with FREE performances Tuesday-Sunday evenings, and this year’s play is King Lear.

Spend a Sunday at SoWa. Running May through October, this is the South End’s open market, where you can find everything from fresh produce to food trucks, and modern art to antiques.

Take a sunset sail aboard the Liberty Clipper. Another spontaneous decision of ours one night a couple summers ago, and SO worth it.

Other summer favorites? Have drinks on the roof at Legal Harborside, do your grocery shopping at Haymarket on Fridays and Saturdays, go to a North End feast in August, catch an outdoor movie at the Boston Harbor Hotel on Friday nights, and for the love of God please forget the crowds and experience at least one Fourth of July in Boston. There is nothing like that show, and the Boston Pops never fail to give me the chills.

I could go on forever, but I’ll leave you with that. Happy summertime friends!

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Truro Vineyards

May 8, 2015 by Emily 3 Comments

Hi friends! Back for the briefest of moments before jetting off again!

Call me cliche, but we could never have even imagined a more perfect wedding day. I can’t wait to tell you about it sometime 🙂

For now, I’m leaving you with a few snapshots from our minimoon! We stayed down the Cape for a couple days following wedding weekend, and spent one at Truro Vineyards. Where, mind you, the wine bottles are shaped like lighthouses. So it already had that going for it.

Spanish Rose Dress, Paper Crown x Rifle Paper Co. [print 1; 2] | Denim Jacket, Old Navy | Leather Crossbody, Kate Spade [similar] | Peep Toe Booties, LC Lauren Conrad

For ten buckaroos you get to choose five wines to taste, or try all ten between a couple. Finding activities on Cape Cod isn’t the easiest in the off-season, but the grounds are open until 5 all through May, with tastings every half hour. Tours start Memorial Day Weekend!

[ Truro Vineyards ]
[ 11 Shore Road ]
[ North Truro, Massachusetts ]
[ 508.487.6299 ]

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Ultimate Guide to Spring in New England

March 24, 2015 by Emily 6 Comments

I think it’s safe to say that Spring isn’t exactly tourist season around here.

Though folks do seem to have a thing for traveling hours to experience St. Paddy’s Day in Boston. Understandable.

But there’s something special about spring for us New Englanders. That first warm day—and by warm I mean 55 degrees—when everyone dons their shorts and sundresses and heads to the Boston Common to sit in the sun. We may hate each other all winter, as we push ourselves onto crowded T’s and get in fights over parking spots, but on that first true spring day, we become a community again.

While I spend all Fall and Summer, and even a chunk of Winter, planning weekend and day trips, Spring is really when I want to stick around Boston. So here, my dears, are some of my suggestions to get the most out of this season in the city::

Have a Picnic on the Common // As aforementioned, the Boston Common is the place to see and be seen in the warm months my friends. Pack a picnic dinner, or grab something from one of the numerous sandwich shops that line Boylston and Tremont.

EarthFest // I have been going to this outdoor festival on the Esplanade since college, and have never had anything but a fantastic time. Free food and free music [Third Eye Blind anyone?]. This year’s date TBD, stay updated here!

Go to the Ballet // There’s something about a spring evening spent at the ballet. Boston Ballet has a fantastic lineup for this spring, including Shades of Sound (March 19-29), Edge of Vision (April 30-May 10), Thrill of Contact (May 14-24).

The Boston Marathon (Third Monday in April) // While always a holiday to the true Bostonians, Marathon Monday means so much more now than it did a few years ago. THIS. This is really a day about community. Get out there. And if you can, cheer until the end. Those finishing at the end of the day are those who appreciate your support most.

Visit the MFA // Sure you can curl up in the Museum of Fine Arts anytime of year, but this spring has an especially fun lineup, including fashion photographer Herb Ritts and the annual Art in Bloom exhibit. Wednesdays after 4pm are free!

The Kentucky Derby (First Weekend in May) // So like, yes, I know this is Boston and not Churchill Downs. But I loooove me a good Derby celebration in Boston— the bougeys really get into it up here. Julep Bar and The Charlesmark have both hosted great events in the past.

HarpoonFest (Third Weekend in May) // Beer. Music. Friends. Enough said.
More here.

Walk for a Charity // You want to be outside with friends anyway– turn that weekend day into a great cause. Two very close to my heart are Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger (May 3) and the Boston Walk for Epilepsy (May 16).

Go to a Red Sox Game // Cliche, but really. I don’t care if you don’t like baseball; you’ll like an evening spent at Fenway Park. Full schedule here!

How are you spending your spring days in or out of the city?

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Bean Boot Guide

November 24, 2014 by Emily 9 Comments

Oh HOW much fun did I used to make of my mama for wearing her LL Bean Duck Boots? I thought they were the funniest when I was little. Then I grew up. Moved to New England. And became a convert quicker than you can say “Nor’easter.” These silly things are lifesavers in Boston winters.

I remember getting a lot of questions regarding mine last winter, about which style and insulate I have + recommend, so here’s your cheat sheet::

Rubber Moc:: The tried and true “duck boot.” Not great for snow, but make a good rain bootie when you don’t feel like wearing knee-high wellies.

6-inch:: Truthfully, I like where the 6-inch boots hit my legs a bit more (I’m 5’4 for reference), but in the snow + slush, I’m grateful to have the extra height while walking through some of the bigger snow drifts.

8-inch:: Mah jam. Seen here.

For the lining? Standard will certainly save you a few bucks, but if you’re wearing these in single-digit winter temperatures like I am for a handful of months each year, you’ll be happy with a little extra lining. Mine have Thinsulate and are plenty warm [I wear extra knobby socks, like these, for super frigid days]. You can also take things a step further with their Thinsulate/Gore-Tex to be sure no moisture seeps in, or Shearling-Lined for serious warmth.

Not sponsored by LL Bean, just a serious fan girl over here.

Do you wear Bean Boots? Which ones do you have?

Portland Head Light

November 12, 2014 by Emily 8 Comments

Ohhh but haven’t you missed your unofficial New England lighthouse guide? It’s been WEEKS. 🙂

Last month, we took a mini trip up to Portland, Maine for BF’s cousin’s wedding. While wedding weekend activities didn’t leave much time for exploring the town, I did make sure we stopped at Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth on our way in.

The oldest lighthouse in Maine, it was first lit in 1791 and is still pretty darn postcard-perfect today. Worth a visit just as much as the lighthouse itself are the grounds it sits upon, Fort Williams Park. And this COASTLINE. We could have very well parked ourselves there just to sit and soak it in all day.

A trip fit for total tourists, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Can’t wait to make a drive back up to Portland soon to experience more of what the town itself has to offer…!

The Daytrip Diaries: Concord

October 23, 2014 by Emily Leave a Comment

BF and I are doing everything they tell you not to do when moving into a new home– buying allofthethings right away. What I like to call treasure hunting is quickly becoming one of our favorite activities, as we fill the new place with fun and unique decor and knickknacks. The Sunday of Columbus Day weekend was TOO beautiful to spend inside with football (sorry Pats), so we hopped in the car and took a spontaneous drive up to Concord to do a little antique shopping.

If you paid attention in your high school history and literature classes, you may remember that Concord was home to Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, and the site of [half of] the Battles of Lexington and Concord. But in addition to its rich history (and, therefore, plentiful museums), it’s also home to numerous antique shops, adorable taverns, and the gorgeous Walden Pond.

[ outfit details ]
Fisherman Sweater, Old Navy [similar 1; 2] | Jeans, GAP [similar] | Boston Red Sox Cap | Kensington Satchel, Madewell | Brogues, ALDO

[ travel summary ]
who:: So weird but I guess he isn’t sick of me yet?
what:: Strolling, shopping, and soaking in history.
when:: Fall = OH THE NEW ENGLAND FOLIAGE
where:: Shop at Thoreauly Antiques & Antique Therapy. Visit Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House and the Ralph Waldo Emerson House. Take a short drive out of town to Walden Pond. And while we missed this, everyone seems to SWEAR by Reasons to Be Cheerful for ice cream.
wear:: If you’ll just accept spontaneity as an excuse for my un-thought-out comfy casual outfit, that’d be great. BUT, I do love a good boyfriend jean + cozy knit sweater.

The Lucky Finn

October 14, 2014 by Emily 4 Comments

Anyone here remember my beloved Quarterdeck? I announced its closing after 45 years back in February, but I am SO excited to show you what it has turned into today: The Lucky Finn Cafe. Local art + coffee + New England fare [hi, lobster rolls and homemade apple turnovers] IN. A. BOATHOUSE. If the QD had to have seen its last days, then this is as perfect of a replacement as I ever could have pictured.

Oh, and you can take tall ships rides on its own Lucky Finn Schooner which docks out back. Nope, not cool at all.

The cafe opened just this month but I’m so excited to see it grow. If you find yourself on the South Shore this fall, stop in! I highly recommend Patty’s Pies– just be sure to get there before 9am if you’re hoping to snag one 😉

[ The Lucky Finn ]
[ 206 Front Street ]
[ Scituate, MA ]

psst! In other news, huge Shopbop sale this week! Take 25% off with code FAMILY25!

Ultimate Guide to Fall in New England

September 15, 2014 by Emily 11 Comments

The fall-talk around here seems never-ending now, huh? And to think I was the one so hesitant to say see ya to summer! But I realized, though I’m working on it, this blog–which aims to be your quintessential guide to living and dressing in New England [think of it as the poor girl’s Yankee magazine]–is not so organized. So I’ve been doing a bit of archiving and have compiled this little blueprint to experiencing, and dressing for, autumn in our beautiful neck of the woods.

I hope that many more fall trips and adventures are a comn’, so this guide will be updated in due time!

In case you haven’t seen, I’ve also added an entire Travel category for all seasons– in case you’ve got the itch!

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

what to do::

[ click the photos for my detailed guides! ]

Stroll the streets [and specifically, Acorn Street] of Beacon Hill. Cozy up in coffee shops and independent boutiques. Fill up on french toast at The Paramount and pizza at Figs.

Celebrate Halloween season in Salem— just don’t celebrate Halloween night unless you’re ok with crowds and crazies!

Enjoy an autumn picnic in the Boston Common. TripAdvisor claims Boston proper has some of the best fall foliage in the country.

…it also ranks Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park as well! Take a drive up to Maine for true New England nature + charm.

Head over the river to Cambridge the penultimate full weekend in October (10/18-19 this year) for the Head of the Charles Regatta. Rowing races + chowdah in a bread bowl = two of my favorite fall things.

You get a triple-threat fall experience at Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton, MA: Apple picking, pumpkin picking, and wine tasting.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

what to wear::

That is allllll compiled here in my Autumn Wardrobe Essentials post! And all my local Northeast girls: you pay special attention to the outerwear I list, k? #brrrrr

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Tell me:: How do you take advantage of fall in New England?

A Guide to Martha’s Vineyard

August 26, 2014 by Emily 11 Comments

Our second Martha’s Vineyard summer trip is complete, and I already can’t wait to plan next year’s!

This island does not disappoint, and the best part–my dear Bostonians–is you can visit for a day, a weekend, or a month. There’s enough to do and see to last you all summer, but it’s easy enough to get to [take the ferry from Woods Hole, Falmouth, Hyannis, New Bedford, or even Rhode Island] and–for the most part–easy enough to get around that you can pack a mini getaway into a weekend, or even a day if you’re ambitious.

[ travel summary ]
who:: This year, we rented a bigger house and brought two friends with us… a couple’s retreat, if you will.
what:: SO MANY THINGS. Visit each of the five towns– Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, West Tisbury, Aquinnah, and Chilmark. See the lighthouses. Take a cruise on the Black Dog Tall Ships. Jump of the bridge where Jaws was filmed. Ride the Flying Horses carousel. Bike the whole island.
when:: SUMMER. Like Nantucket, many businesses will close in the off-season. July and August are the busiest, but you do bargain a bit more with the weather in June.
where:: Rent a house or stay at the Pequot Hotel | Eat fried seafood at Nancy’s and Lookout Tavern; enjoy a nicer dinner at The Sweet Life | Coffee at Mocha Motts | Treats at Murdick’s Fudge and Chilmark Chocolates | Shop at In the Pink, Slip77, and the home of original Vineyard Vines.
wear:: All I can say is, it gets CHILL-ay at night, and you do not want to make the same mistake I did and attempt riding a bike in a dress. Shorts, all the way.

Southern Vermont

August 20, 2014 by Emily Leave a Comment

While Saratoga was well worth the travel, it was a good 3 1/2-hour drive from Boston [props to all the Boston Bloggers who did it in a single day!], so BF and I decided to break up the trip and stop for a day + night in Bennington, Vermont.

[ travel summary ]
who:: BF apparently isn’t too sick of me yet. Just us two.
what:: the city has been all sorts of cray with tourists and whatnot lately, so I was happy to just get out and enjoy wandering around a small town! we’re also just a few days away from moving into a new space, so antiquing + thrifting for decor, furniture, and other fun things was a priority, and we were surprised at how many stores like such we came across.
when:: we, admittedly, visited in VT’s shoulder season, where we got a very good rate at the b&b. the prime time to visit is fall for the foliage, so I suppose we’ll just have to go back 😉
where:: stay at safford mills inn & cafe— this is not your average bed & breakfast! namely, because there’s no breakfast included. it turns into a martini bar on friday & saturday nights, so in lieu of scrambled eggs, you’re provided with complimentary cocktails and appetizers | eat & drink at madison brewing co pub & restaurant | treasure hunt at The Owl’s Nest Upholstery & Antiques | visit the Bennington Battle Monument [it’s not New England without a little history!]
wear:: I doubted my normally preppy, coastal style would be so welcome in Vermont, so I opted for a more casual, boyfriend look… this is me trying to be cool and fit in with the Bennington College kids, Chuck Taylors and all yo.

Madison Brewing Co.

Have you been to Bennington? Where else should we explore in VT?

Ultimate Guide to Summer in New England

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Truro Vineyards

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Ultimate Guide to Spring in New England

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Bean Boot Guide

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Portland Head Light

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The Daytrip Diaries: Concord

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The Lucky Finn

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Ultimate Guide to Fall in New England

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A Guide to Martha’s Vineyard

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Southern Vermont

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