travel Archives - Page 6 of 8

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?

A Day at the Races

August 7, 2014 by Emily 9 Comments

What’s one thing summer should be about? Besides salty hair and sand found in your purse on a Wednesday and sticky-from-popsicles sunkissed skin, of course?

Spontaneity. And I’m bad at that. In almost all cases, I’m a planner, and summer days especially I feel I have to fill to the brim as to not waste them. So LET ME TELL YOU how proud I am of myself for jumping on the opportunity to take a last minute road trip to Saratoga Springs to go to the horse race track. And by spontaneous I mean that this was planned in three weeks or less. It’s progress, people.

But back story and personal flaws aside, it ended up being one of the best weekends of our summer. Sun and seersucker and horses and drinks and new friends = I’m game.

The Saratoga Race Course is open every day except Tuesday between July 19 and September 1 [ish– dates may vary slightly by year]. For six summer weeks, the grounds turn into a full-on backyard party. You can go to the track itself to watch any of the day’s ten races, but in between you see people of all ages picnicking, meeting the race horses and ponies, making new friends, sharing their beers… it’s the kind of place families go for generations, special because of the tradition. For just a $5 entrance fee, it’s a classic summertime activity that the whole family can find value in.

The gracious team at America’s Best Racing hosted us for the day… sharing with us the history of the course, breaking down the betting, showing us the paddock and introducing us to the jockeys. I’ve always loved getting dressed up for the Derby, celebrating and watching the Triple Crown races, but after visiting Saratoga, I truly have a new appreciation for the sport. So much more goes into it than I realized, and I LOVE how old the tradition is– the Saratoga course first opened in 1863, making it the second oldest racetrack in the country!

Our hosts, Dan and Victoria, also went above and beyond to make sure our first experience with live racing was a blast– they both grew up surrounded by horse racing, so it was especially great to hear their stories, and now current involvement with ABR.

But of course, the fashions, too, really struck my fancy.

[ outfit details ]
Carolina Cup Dress, Lilly Pulitzer [similar 1; 2; 3; 4] | Derby Hat, Marley Lilly | Madeline Sunglasses, Lilly Pulitzer | Hamptons Classic Navajos, Jack Rogers

The funniest thing was the array of attire. While some folks were dressed to the nines–derby hats and seersucker suits and all–you saw lots of families in the clothes they’d wear to any backyard BBQ.

[ my winning jockey… #heyo ]

It was such a fun day and I can’t wait to go back. Might just need to work on my gambling before then… my whopping $1.40 didn’t exactly cover the gas mileage from Boston 😛

Have you been to any races? Saratoga?

[ Saratoga Race Course ]
[ 267 Union Ave ]
[ Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 ]

Full disclosure: I was provided with complimentary admission to the races by ABR. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Day by the Sea: Newburyport

June 30, 2014 by Emily 13 Comments

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.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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!

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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!

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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.

Nauset Light & Coast Guard Beach

May 14, 2014 by Emily 10 Comments

First Cape weekend of the year! And it’s never looked better. BF [we’re just going to keep calling him that cause it’s easy, k?] was running a relay and I was volunteering, but we still made time for a little exploring on Sunday.

[ nauset light ]
“The Three Sisters” lighthouses were built in 1838, but due the the constantly retreating shoreline, they have been rebuilt and replaced many times. The current Nauset Lighthouse was built in 1877, but resided in Chatham first. Only in 1923 was it dismantled and moved to Eastham, its current location.

Anyone else made it over the bridge yet this spring?

Miami Snaps

April 2, 2014 by Emily Leave a Comment

I had big, big plans for my camera on our trip to Miami last week, but for some reason down there, piña coladas and laying comatose by the pool became serious priorities, and Mr. Nikon didn’t see much outside of my suitcase.

I did, however, pull it out for a day that included shopping and eating our way down Lincoln Road [Havana 1957 is a MUST] and a walk along Miami Beach. I never thought a city like Miami would be very much my style, but my oh my it was hard not to love!

I also planned on getting more sun than this, but you know, #palepeopleproblems.

Have you been to Miami? What were you must-dos and sees?

Nantucket in the Winter // Part Three: Exploring the Frozen Island

March 5, 2014 by Emily 10 Comments

We spent the second half of our weekend on Nantucket bundled up for exploring the island. I didn’t have the highest hopes for even making it to the East side, where Sankaty Head Lighthouse + the sweet village of ‘Sconset lie, but we fell into some extreme luck + happened to stay at an inn whose owner was in town and all over taking us on a jeep tour around the island, allowing us to see so much more than I expected [another point for the Centerboard Inn!].

[ sankaty head light ]
Built in 1850, this is another oldie! Like Gay Head Lighthouse on Martha’s Vineyard, Sankaty Head is falling victim to erosion; it has already been moved back once [400 feet] from its original location on the eroding bluff. You may be familiar with Cisco Brewers’ Sankaty Light Lager, and this sweet lighthouse is its namesake.

Back closer to town on the North side of the island lies Steps Beach. Despite the wind chills we felt, there was something so calming and beautiful about the snow covering the sand. Almost makes me fall back in love with winter!

My super-soft scarf is from Shawlsmith London, and the lovely folks there are continuing my reader discount and giving you all 25% off your order with code SSL25! This is the best transition scarf for spring– cheery yellow but enough cotton fabric to keep you warm.

Thank you all for bearing with me through this series! May it inspire you to take advantage of the few pretty things about living in New England through the bitter winter. Now let me know, where have you jaunted off to this season?

Nantucket in the Winter // Part Two.Point.Five: Brant Point Light

February 26, 2014 by Emily 14 Comments

Shocker: We made time for lighthouses on our trip.

We saw Brant Point Light this past summer, but it was quite possibly even more beautiful under a fresh coat of snow. It was frigid out there on the point, and yet we couldn’t help but stick around for a while… clearly capturing every angle possible…

Toggle Coat, American Eagle [similar] | Crossbody Bag, Madewell | Boots, LL Bean

Nantucket in the Winter // Part Two: After the Snow

February 25, 2014 by Emily 8 Comments

And then the snow arrived on Nantucket and created the prettiest of winter wonderlands.

Major to-do if you just can’t take the cold anymore: dinner + a movie at Starlight Theater & Cafe— teeny tiny movie theater showing just one film a day, and you can bring your beverage of choice right on in there with ya!

[ travel summary ]
continued…
who:: just BF + me, again.
what:: rotate between seeing all of the sweet, snowy sights + warming up inside with coffee, tea, & adult beverages. don’t feel guilty if you resort to going to the movies because a) nantucket has the cutest movie theaters around, and b) at a certain point, you gotta give into the cold.
when:: this is for winter. if it is above 45 degrees and not precipitating, get the heck outside.
where:: snuggle up + caffeinate yourselves at the bean and petticoat row bakery | eat, drink, and watch a flick at starlight theater & cafe | again, stay at the centerboard inn [ innkeeper lyn serves tea each day at 3pm + it was the perfect escape from the cold! ]
wear:: ok, bundle up a little more this time. and bean boots are especially key.

[ For full who//what//when//where//wear, see last week’s post! ]

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!

How To: Pack for Winter Weekends

January 23, 2014 by Emily Leave a Comment

Cutie pies! Catch me over on the darling Amy’s blog today [Cupcakes & Couture], where I’m sharing my best packing tips for winter weekends away! Then let me know: what are your must-haves for ski trips and cozy jaunts to the mountains? And where are your favorite cold-weather destinations in New England?

Southern Vermont

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A Day at the Races

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A Day by the Sea: Newburyport

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Nauset Light & Coast Guard Beach

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Miami Snaps

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Nantucket in the Winter // Part Three: Exploring the Frozen Island

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Nantucket in the Winter // Part Two.Point.Five: Brant Point Light

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Nantucket in the Winter // Part Two: After the Snow

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

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How To: Pack for Winter Weekends

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