new england Archives - Page 6 of 10

Nantucket in the Winter // Part One: The Calm Before the Storm

February 19, 2014 by Emily 17 Comments

We’re bACK! I have to say, Nantucket was beautiful in the summer, but I have a whole new appreciation for it after spending a few February days on the island. We were super lucky, and arrived safely on Saturday before any of the snow hit [though that did make for some pretty pictures later!].

I selfishly can’t bear to squeeze the whole few days into one post, so here ya go: day one. Exploring downtown, ducking into the few open shops only to find everything 75% off, a trip to the Whaling Museum, and lots of r&r in our sweet inn.

[ travel summary ]
who:: in the winter, there is a very cozy, quiet, romantic feel to nantucket, so i’d definitely recommend this for a couple’s escape. bonus points if you run into a long-lost friend like I did–the darling miss lindsay from lindsay’s look who now lives on ACK!
what:: visit the whaling museum; shop the incredible winter sales; visit the island’s most highly-rated restaurants without a thought of needing reservations; and stay cooped up inside with water views outside. go on a few adventures too– more on that next week 🙂
when:: i really + truly advocate for going off-season now! you save money, and you escape the crowds [nantucket’s population surges to 50-60,000 in the summer]. if you can, plan for president’s day weekend– you’ll find many stores and restaurants open for this weekend only to accommodate the few extra travelers. for summer doings, click here.
where:: eat at dune + lola 41 [stay for their sunday sushi specials!] | shop at murray’s toggery + milly & grace‘s president’s day weekend sale | coffee at the bean + books at nantucket bookworks or mitchell’s book corner | and, most of all, stay at the centerboard inn. this was quite honestly my nautical princess palace and truly deserves a post of its own.
wear:: you’ll see a lot of bean boots around wintertime nantucket, but really you’ll be safe with anything but heels, weather allowing. the islands are also slightly warmer than the rest of massachusetts, so take advantage of wearing that dress! [with tights]. for winter beach walks, you’ll want something slightly more durable, but more on that to come!

The Quarterdeck

February 12, 2014 by Emily 20 Comments

This. This is The Quarterdeck. A small seaside gift shop selling every sort of nicknack, from rubber finger puppets to mood rings to seashell jewelry to vintage travel books to weathered photographs to incense to postcards to war antiques and so much more. This is my happy place.

And after 45 years in business, it is closing.

Forgive my personal pity party over here, but I feel a sort of duty to honor the harbor-side store in which I learned to shop. My parents would bring me here every summer and give me a couple dollars, to which I could spend HOURS trying to figure out how to spend. The shell ring or the mini turtle figurine or the woven change purse?! The possibilities were endless.

I realize now how much its nautical treasures and motifs shaped my own style, both in fashion and decorating. Twenty-some years later, it’s still my favorite place to shop.

I had to make one more trip down to Scituate… to say goodbye, buy ~~a few~~ a ton of unnecessary but oh-so-special treasures for myself, and load up with photos to reminisce on later.

This vintage multi-strand pearl necklace? Found at the QD years ago.

If anyone lives or will be traveling to the South Shore (Massachusetts) before mid-March, everything in the store is 45% off! It also has a supporting role in the Cher classic The Witches of Eastwick, so you’ll get a little bit of Hollywood out of your trip there as well 🙂

Sappy girl OUT.

Head of the Charles 2013

November 6, 2013 by Emily 18 Comments

One of my favorite fall traditions, aside from apple picking and trips to Salem, is heading over the river to Cambridge to watch the Head of the Charles Regatta. Whether or not you’re a fan of crew, there’s something for everyone on the race grounds.

I remember high school friends making the trek to Boston every October to participate in the Regatta. Even though I wasn’t a rower myself, I remember being so excited at the prospect of getting to go watch one day once I moved to Boston.

Brooks Brothers is a HOTC sponsor, and their two tents—one by the finish line and one by Harvard’s Weld Boathouse—are not to be missed for themed apparel and gifts!

[ activity summary ]
who:: Something for all ages; if you go with a group, be ok with splitting up!
what:: Watch the races; eat fried food, chowdah’ in a bread bowl, and Wild Bill’s root beer at the Weld Exhibition on the Cambridge side; shop for limited-edition goods at the Brooks Brothers and Sperry Top-Sider tents + others at the Rowing & Fitness Expo by the finish line on the Boston side.
when:: The penultimate full weekend of every October
where:: All up and down the Charles River, on both the Boston and Cambridge sides. I think it’s most fun to watch the races from the bridges! View a full map here.
wear:: Clothes comfortable for walking around + sitting in the grass; boat shoes or rain boots/Bean Boots if the conditions are muddy [they often are!]

Have you been to the regatta, or other boat races? What are your favorite things to take part in?

Salem Weekend Trials

October 23, 2013 by Emily 22 Comments

Since I moved to Boston six falls ago, I don’t think I have let one Halloween season pass without taking a trip up to Salem. The ghost tours + costumes + witch shops + all are always a sight to see, but I’ve learned that the little town also has so much more to offer than tourist attractions. Sweet coffee shops, delicious cafes overflowing with fall beers and hot ciders, the Peabody Essex Museum, and quaint streets away from the crowds.

[ travel summary ]
who:: definitely visit with friends. preferably ones who do not get claustrophobic in crowds.
what:: the tours are so-so; I think it’s more fun to do the city at your own pace. do try to learn some history while you’re in town, though.
when:: october, of course. the earlier, the better, as the crowds increase the closer you get to halloween.
where:: eat at gulu-gulu cafe | sip pumpkin-flavored coffees at jaho | stay at the hawthorne hotel [pricy, but gives you the full salem experience]
wear:: orange, of course. + comfortable walking shoes!

How Do You Like Them Apples?

October 16, 2013 by Emily Leave a Comment

And then we finally went apple picking and all of my fall dreams came true.

We tried Nashoba Winery this year, and despite the damp + overcast day and pretty picked-over trees, I had such a blast. At just about any orchard, when all else fails, you can at least sit down for an apple cider doughnut. But at Nashoba, when all else fails, you can have wine with that apple cider doughnut. #winning

[ travel summary ]
who:: small or large group of friends!
what:: apple picking, wine and beer tasting
when:: autumn
where:: nashoba valley winery | 100 wattaquadock hill road | bolton, ma 01740
wear: jeans + boots
[weather-proof ones; do not follow my example above!]

Camden, ME

October 9, 2013 by Emily 15 Comments

More Maine today!

To break up the five-hour drive from Bar Harbor back to Boston, we stopped in the sweet harbor-side town of Camden: home of Mount Battie, Penobscot Bay, Down East Magazine, and one of my best college friends!

The last time I visited Natasha in Camden, I was a fresh 21-year-old, and cared more about not standing out as a tourist in their locally-loved bars and finding a place that served food past 10pm than anything else. This time around, I was happy to be a tourist, and soak up everything else the locals love about the fun town they live in.

[ curtis island lighthouse ]
Sitting atop Curtis Island, this sweet lighthouse is only accessibly by boat, so unfortunately my only photos of it come from the Curtis Lighthouse Overlook. It was first constructed in 1835, and its green light has earned it the nickname of “The Jewel of Penobscot.” Also seems like something out of The Great Gatsby!

[ travel summary ]
who:: family fun in the summer; better for couples the rest of the year
what:: see where the mountains meet the sea; enjoy a quieter weekend away than you would get in ogunquit or kennebunkport; watch the lobster come in on the boats in the harbor, then eat it at the waterfront!
when:: it’s beautiful in the summer, but crowded. early fall is just as sweet, especially for the foliage.
where:: {updated june 2018} Whitehall by Lark Hotels is so gorgeous and authentically Maine it hurts.
wear:: It’s a casual town, but it does get cool! Think layers, and comfortable shoes for walking the town’s slopes.

Made in America

October 8, 2013 by Emily Leave a Comment

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of American-made goods. So when American Field popped up in the SoWa area a couple weekends ago, you know where I was to be found!

Created by Ball and Buck, American Field is the largest gathering of made-in-the-USA apparel, footwear, and accessories. I saw lots of familiar faces, but also met a number of impressive new brands.

L.L. Bean was a co-sponsor, and since I usually rely on their catalogue, it was so great getting to see so many of their current products in person— and being made right there! They had a seamstress on hand working live on the famous canvas totes.

The Bootmobile even made the trip from Maine!

Vintage ties from General Knot Co.

The fine gentlemen of New England Outerwear were there! So inspired by this company— read my review of their shoes here.

Stunning capes with nautical-inspired details by Ellsworth & Ivey. I’m excited to tell you a lot more about them in a couple weeks, so stay tuned!

I’m a sucker for pretty paper products, so I loved meeting the folks behind Almanac Industries. Their paper, leather, and cloth products are all made by hand in Baltimore.

I’m still such a huge fan of Paxton 1345 boxers. Read my review of them here!

Lots of soft choices from New England Shirt Co., manufactured in Fall River, Mass.

This is hardly even a sampling of all the vendors that were present; just a select few of my favorite booths.

You can vote for the next location of the American Field show on their website, but I definitely have my fingers crossed for Boston again 🙂 So inspiring to see so many quality goods being made over here, and the more we buy from them, the more jobs they can create. #politicaltalkover 🙂

Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park

October 2, 2013 by Emily 18 Comments

Last weekend, the BF and I celebrated his birthday by taking a quick weekend jaunt up the coast to Maine. We first landed in on Mount Desert Island, home of the adorable Bar Harbor and the glorious Acadia National Park [what irony that I had this post already scheduled for today! #shutdown].

Where better to experience fall foliage but New England? It’s a bit early down here, but since we were further North, we were able to catch some glimpses of changing leaves.

We hiked, drove along the water and up Cadillac Mountain, walked along Sand Beach, Southwest Harbor, and Bar Harbor itself. Ate lobstah, Rosalie’s Pizza, Ben & Bills sweets, and the most dee-lish breakfasts cooked at the Holland Inn right “downtown.” If you need a place to stay in the area, PLEASE call Evin at the inn. You will not regret it.

[ bass harbor head light ]
First lit in 1858, this lighthouse sits on the southeast corner of the island, and is now owned and operated by the US Coast Guard. Unfortunately, it is best viewed from the water, but somewhat nasty weather prevented us from a boat tour!

[ outfit details ]
Romper, Jack Wills | Necklace, J.Crew [similar] | Watch, Urban Outfitters | Bag, Matt & Nat [similar] | Flats, Kimchi Blue [similar 1; 2]

[ travel summary ]
who:: romantic getaway, family trip, or small group of friends
what:: hiking, breathtaking views, boat rides, new england culture
when:: fall [after labor day, but before the chill of mid- to late-october sets in]
where:: stay at the holland inn bed & breakfast
wear:: layers of active clothes for outdoor park activities; playful, casual romper [& a jacket!] in fall colors for strolling around town and dinner in bar harbor

Sail the Ocean Blue

September 25, 2013 by Emily Leave a Comment

I cannot let go of summer this year.

Last weekend, we were down by the Boston Harbor when we decided to take advantage of tourists being gone for the season, and hop on the Liberty Clipper for a last-minute sunset sail. It was the perfect way to send off the season, and the fact that we didn’t plan far ahead of time made it all the more fun.

I wore my new scarf from Margaret Turner Designs. This scarf designer totally knows the way to my heart— seashell designs galore! Mine is cotton voile, but she also offers silk scarves, baby blankets, and watercolor prints now, all with this darling shell theme! You know I am just smitten.

pssst! Margaret was just featured in Coastal Living, so you know these are about to get big! Next on my wish list is her Starfish Skinny Scarf and Sand Dollar Surf Silk Scarf [how Lilly is this one?!].

ANYWAY, back to the cruise.

I tell ya, it’s downright magical seeing this beautiful city of ours from the water. Watching the sunset with a Dark & Stormy in hand wasn’t half-bad either. Can’t wait for an opportunity to do this again!

Your Clothes, Your Color, Your Cause

September 4, 2013 by Emily Leave a Comment

Today I’m featuring the wonderful beacon & brewster. Oh be still my lighthouse-adoring, charity-loving prepster heart. This is quality clothing company with a big-hearted mission.

We all know that certain colors represent different causes— pink for Breast Cancer Awareness, green for Leukemia & Lymphoma, purple for Alzheimer’s (and Epilepsy!), yellow for support of our troops, and so on. beacon & brewster donates 25% of the sales price directly to the charity of the corresponding color. This is one of the more perfect examples I’ve seen of shopping for a cause.

Choose your charity: Alzheimer’s Association, Boston Children’s Hospital, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, Fallen Patriot Fund, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Make-A-Wish Foundation, National Breast Cancer Coalition, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Delta Gamma Foundation, or list another!

[ outfit details ]
Pink Polo c/o beacon & brewster | Boyfriend shorts, Target | Anchor belt, ASOS | Wrap bracelet, KJP for Brooks Brothers | Boat shoes c/o New England Outerwear

Like my New England Outerwear boat shoes, these polos are manufactured in New England with all American-made materials. And did you notice the sweet lighthouse logo? From b&b:
“As a recognized symbol of reassurance and hope to sailors as they navigated difficult waters, the lighthouse underscores our hope of providing support to the charities we donate to through the sales of our shirts.”

So next time you’re on the market for a new polo or tee [for men, women, and children], I hope you’ll consider beacon & brewster— I have my eye on the lilac shirt for my next purchase! Which reminds me— summer is coming to an end, oddly meaning that the holiday season is already upon us. How thoughtful of a gift would be one that benefits more than just the recipient? Now you’re able to donate money in your friends’ and families’ names, while still giving them something physical to keep. Cold Christmas? No problem— I’ve been having fun layering my polo with sweaters, so I can definitely attest to this being a year-round purchase!

Shop beacon & brewtster here. Do let me know which color you select and which charity you’ll be supporting!

« Previous Page
1
…
4
5
6
7
8
…
10
Next Page »

Nantucket in the Winter // Part One: The Calm Before the Storm

Like this:

The Quarterdeck

Like this:

Head of the Charles 2013

Like this:

Salem Weekend Trials

Like this:

How Do You Like Them Apples?

Like this:

Camden, ME

Like this:

Made in America

Like this:

Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park

Like this:

Sail the Ocean Blue

Like this:

Your Clothes, Your Color, Your Cause

Like this:

sharing is caring!

Like this:

sharing is caring!

Like this:

sharing is caring!

Like this:

sharing is caring!

Like this:

sharing is caring!

Like this:

sharing is caring!

Like this:

sharing is caring!

Like this:

sharing is caring!

Like this:

sharing is caring!

Like this:

sharing is caring!

Like this: