People often ask me what my favorite thing about living in Boston is. This may seem counterintuitive, but I absolutely love that I can enjoy the hustle & bustle of this crazy fun city, but as often as I want, I can escape it. New England is full of hidden gems of coastal towns, and we make is a priority to fit as many day trips as we can into the good-weather weekends.

Last weekend, the lovely ladies of New England Development sent BF and I on a mini trip to Newburyport, up on Massachusett’s North Shore. Less than an hour from Boston, it is perfect for an easy, quick little escape from the city. The town has plenty to offer to fill a day, and it was so hard for us to leave at the end of it!

I don’t know how I’m going to fit everything into one post [in fact, I won’t:: you can find Plum Island Lighthouse here, and a post on the darling Soak shop is coming soon!], so bear with me through this extensive photo diary!

Plum Island Coffee Roasters:: Fuel for the day!
Iced coconut coffee in Adirondak chairs overlooking the harbor. Please, I beg you, tell me something better than that. I could have sat here all morning! Such charm– you can tell this is a place that tourists know they’re supposed to flock to, but that locals know is truly the best.

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Riverside Yoga + Massage
I grew up with some yoga as a part of my dance training, but I can count the number of times I’ve been to an actual yoga class on one hand [let’s be real– two fingers]. But the Slow Flow session was such a relaxing, and yet fun, start to my morning, and co-owner/instructor Rebecca made me feel so comfortable.
Just recently opened, it’s a truly beautiful, calming space [check out this lighting y’all]. They’re currently offering new students 2 weeks of unlimited classes for $30– let’s see your neighborhood yoga studio beat that!

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Madox:: Time to shop!
But of course I couldn’t stay that yoga-calm forever– I had to get my shopping on. We stopped by Madox [their Newburyport location is brand new!], an awesome women’s boutique with incredible variety and a price point to boot [most expensive dress in the store right now is $80]. Outfits for just about any occasion, and TONS of accessories, shoes, bags, and jewelry to match.

For those of you too far out of town still drooling over this place, you can shop online! Madox is offering my readers 25% off their purchase with code LUVMAD from now until July 31st.

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M.K. Benatti Jewelers:: bling bling!
Owner Matt Khatib has been designing jewelry for over 20 years [he started learning with his grandfather!], and it shows. Yet M.K. Benatti is not your stiff, snooty old jewelry store– his jewelers really make you feel welcome and at ease. Forget that BF didn’t pick out my engagement ring there– they still cleaned it and showed us wedding bands to match [or customize!].

But this is not a store for diamonds only; Matt carries an overwhelming selection of beautiful, nautical pieces that completely encompass the style of Newburyport [not to mention my own!]. AND Cape Cod bracelets– number one on my wish list right now!

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Michael’s Harborside:: Lunch with a View
This was everything I love about my favorite hometown restaurant— the view, the atmosphere, the drinks– except with actual amazing food! I think it took us about half an hour to decide what to order, and I was thoroughly pleased with the decisions– White Sangria, Lobster Roll, and–no joke–the best Fish & Chips I think I’ve ever had.

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Best, best day, and the first of many, we’re sure.

[ travel summary ]
who:: anybody, errbody.
what:: I’m here to tell you about shopping, eating, & fitness, but I also recommend popping over to Plum Island [literally, minutes down the road] to see the lighthouse and beach.
when:: to take full advantage of all of the outdoor eating areas, I say why not visit in the warmer months? but absolutely adorable and doable any time of year.
where:: coffee at plum island coffee roasters | yoga (& a massage!) at riverside yoga | women’s shopping at madox | jewelry shopping at m.k. benatti | lunch/dinner at michael’s harborside. for a full list of other stores & restaurants (and their current promos & sales!), click here.
wear:: I wore Lilly Pulitzer, because, obviously.

What must you fit in during a day trip to Newburyport?

Full disclosure: I was provided a complimentary meal and yoga class for review; all opinions expressed are my own.