
MJF and I often chat about how if we were absolutely FORCED to trade in the city for the ‘burbs, Newburyport is where we would head. It feels like a small city of its own {my wallet has definitely helped the local economy}, and ya can’t beat the views son.
We drove up there on a record-cold Memorial Day to catch the end of three tall ships’ stay in town. Docked behind the Custom House Maritime Museum to celebrate Maritime Days, these beauties were opened to the public for the weekend, and shoutout to the crew who definitely let me overstay my welcome.

We had a wave of deja vu stepping onto The Alabama–the same ship we took a sunset sail on during our very first trip to Martha’s Vineyard together. Hashtag young love.




Ooh let’s chat about my outfit for a sec, d’you mind? My most-comfortable-ever kicks are the latest edition to my Keds collection (c/o), and they were designed by a local beaut by the name of Alaina Marie. Inspired by “the sea’s working waterfront,” they were the perfect choice for a day on the ships. Boat shoes are so last year.
Haven’t heard of her work? Get on that—and shop her limited edition Keds here.
My new sunnies (c/o) are from another company I’m feeling pretty passionate about these days:: DIFF Eyewear. For every pair of glasses purchased, they donate a pair of reading glasses to someone in need. Doesn’t sound much like a luxury to us, but they are virtually unattainable in so many other parts of the world. I’m also so excited to give you 25% off your pair with code EMILYSHELL. Try limiting yourself to just one. It’s not gonna work.
These ships have unfortunately sailed for the season, but they’ll be back next year! Keep up with Shop Newburyport & the Custom House Maritime Museum to be the first to know.

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SHOP THE POST::
Full disclosure:: I received two complimentary tour tickets for the purpose of this review.


I’m dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s on this post in the wake of a Hawaiian vacation. While I don’t discount the incredible time we had on said exotic escape {I can’t wait to tell you more about it later!}, relooking at my photos from a weekend in Newburyport, Massachusetts reminds me that you don’t have to go very far at all to have an I’ll-remember-it-forever kind of getaway.
I was lucky enough to spend a chilly but beautiful winter weekend in 



And the food! Oh we were treated to some of the best meals {and snacks!} I’ve enjoyed in ages, including a dinner by Justin Perdue, Executive Chef for Lark Hotels. Whether you choose to stay in one of these sweet retreats or not, you should make a point to try one of Chef Perdue’s restaurants, like
While Blue isn’t home to its own on-site restaurant, Newburyport’s downtown is less than a 10-minute drive over the bridge, and I’ve chatted about a couple of my favorite NBPT eateries
Speaking of eats, I felt like I was in the presence of greatness all weekend alongside some of the Yankee magazine team. We spent Saturday learning how to curate the perfect New England party spread with Senior Food Editor 



While so much of New England is seasonal {or so they say–I’ve been known to brave blizzards for 








































































































