travel Archives - Page 7 of 8

Monograms and Memories

January 3, 2014 by Emily Leave a Comment

Though my family no longer lives there, I couldn’t resist a short trip down to my home area of the Brandywine Valley in Pennsylvania when the opportunity arose over the holidays. It really deserves a travel post of its own, but most of our time on this particular journey was spent inside visiting old friends [and eating… namely Wawa, Philly Cheesesteaks, Half Moon Saloon‘s Crab Nachos, and Hank’s Place‘s famous corned beef hash].

I did have to take a few moments, though, to show BF some of my favorite childhood sights, like this darling covered bridge. While the original from 1839 has since burned down, this 2002 version was rebuilt to replicate the original, and it still holds the same rustic, single-lane charm [as nerve-racking as driving over it may be!].

Sweater, Banana Republic [similar 1; 2] | Plaid Skirt, J.Crew Factory [similar] | 24K Gold Plated Monogrammed Necklace c/o Onecklace | Pearl necklace, J.Crew [similar] | Bag, Jesslyn Blake [similar splurge // similar steal] | Boots, Lauren Ralph Lauren [similar]

#hairflip

My monogrammed necklace [which has been on my wish list for-EVER] was sent to me by the kind folks at Onecklace— much more affordable than most retailers I’ve seen, yet still beautiful quality. And you just cannot beat free shipping!

A Winter Escape

December 20, 2013 by Emily 12 Comments

This past weekend, BF and I braved the oncoming snow and took a drive down to northern Pennsylvania. We had a, quite literally, dreamy winter-wonderland weekend bundled up at Skytop Lodge, a stunning resort in the Poconos Mountains that dates back to 1925. It was like taking a step back in time… such a beautiful place with so much rich history!

[ outfit details ]
Lobster Sweater, Vineyard Vines [sold out, but hat and scarf still available] | Oxford, Polo Ralph Lauren | Jeans, American Eagle | Pearls, vintage [similar] | Snow Boots, L.L.Bean

Hello life-size gingerbread house!

Felt like I was in the Nutcracker sitting by this tree.

[ travel summary ]
who:: family, friends, or romantic getaway. we went a huge group of family and it could not have been more fun.
what:: stay cozied up at the lodge, the inn, or one of the cottages. lounge around the lodge living and game areas. ice skate. soak in the hot tub. climb to the observation deck. have milkshakes in the tea room. hike if weather cooperates. ski the bunny hill on the property, or there are other mountains within a 45-minute drive.
when:: this post only speaks to skytop in the winter [which was amazing!], but it is even more popular in the summer.
where:: skytop, pennsylvania in the pocono mountains. within a 5-hour drive of boston, nyc, and philadelphia.
wear:: not too long ago, you were not welcome in the dining room without a jacket. things have casual-ed up a bit, but still better to be overdressed than under here! #shmancy

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post script: other fun holiday things!
Check out my stocking wish list over on la vie j’aime today + this fun new feature from the team at Blog Better Boston!

These local bloggers were chosen to represent the best of the best holiday themed blog posts in Boston via Blog Better Boston’s new {hub}LINKS. They wrote about holiday fashion, cocktails, entertaining, gift guides, and more!

Show these blogs some love:

Kneadle + Bread tackles the task of finding the perfect hostess gifts.
Mon Petit Chou Chou shows us how to make a delicious holiday cocktail.
FiveToNine finds the perfect gifts for our four legged friends.
MOPA stays warm during the snowy winter weather by baking with her family.
A Daily Dose of Vitamin D puts together a festive outfit for holiday gatherings.
Shell Chic’d decorates her bar cart for holiday entertaining.
Cobbs Hill introduces us to beauty products to help you shine all season long.
HollyDolly demonstrates how to create a simple DIY Holly pin for your hair.

Want to be featured in the next edition? Sign up for the {hub}LINKS newsletter and submit your posts!

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!

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.

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

Bag Lady

August 28, 2013 by Emily 16 Comments

[ outfit details ]
Nicolette Dress, Lilly Pulitzer [similar 1; 2; 3] | Chambray Shirt, Old Navy | Bracelets, Oh Buoy Boston; Kiel James Patrick; Tiffany & Co. | Purse, Urban Outfitters [similar 1; 2] | Sunshine Satchel Duffel, Marley Lilly | Wedges, Jack Rogers

Here I am again, talking about my bag lady habits. But I am just smitten with these two pieces lately— one plaid bucket bag I picked up in Urban Outfitter‘s Bargain Basement a summer or two ago, and one darling monogrammed tote I can fit my life and then some into.

Now I just need to pack these bags and get my head in the Labor Day game! Will your travel bags be taking you anywhere this weekend?

The Daytrip Diaries: Newport, Rhode Island

August 12, 2013 by Emily 17 Comments

I didn’t even realize how ridiculously delayed this photo diary was, until I remembered we took a drive down to Newport right after the Fourth of July. Yet here we are almost in the middle of August! But it has allowed me to revisit a perfect summer day we spent visiting one of my best friends in Rhode Island, and wandering around the charming and perfectly nautical town of Newport.

Dress, Olive & Oak [similar 1; 2] | Clutch, Lilly Pulitzer [similar] | Ring, Pink Pineapple Shop | Bracelets, KJP; Oh Buoy Boston | Wedges, LAUREN Ralph Lauren [similar]

psst! My dress is from the adorable Slip Seventy Seven in Martha’s Vineyard. If you’re ever on the island, you MUST check out this adorable boutique in Oak Bluffs!

MVY –> ACK

July 29, 2013 by Emily 24 Comments

I was absolutely determined to take a day trip to Nantucket while we were on Martha’s Vineyard, despite the rivalry between the two islands. So on one of those tiny 6-seater airplanes we flew, for a little jaunt over to ACK! I think I can now safely say we are definitely more Vineyard people than Nantucket, but the bike riding, endless hydrangeas, Cisco Brewery picnic, and Brant Point Lighthouse trip were definitely highlights of our entire week.

Oxford, Polo Ralph Lauren [similar striped//similar solid] | Shorts, J. Crew [similar] | Anchor bracelets, KJP; Oh Buoy Boston | Belt, vintage

Brant Point Light was first constructed in 1746, and is still in operation! Probably the most famous of the three lighthouses on the island, it really was one of the most picturesque of our whole tour, and I would have been more than content to sit on its beach all day.

Have you traveled to Nantucket? What are your favorite things about the island?

Oak Bluffs

July 23, 2013 by Emily Leave a Comment

We’re getting to the end of Martha’s Vineyard here, I promise!

Our house for the week was in Oak Bluffs, and renting there was the best choice we made of the whole trip. So much to do, steps from everything you need, and though it was touristy, I wouldn’t call it tacky. Oak Bluffs is also home to the famous Gingerbread Cottages— does this look like Disney World or what?

Even the Vineyard Vines fits in!

Oak Bluffs is also home to the oldest carousel in America, the Flying Horses. You bet your bottom dollar we got in line with the screaming little kids to ride it!

Up Island: Aquinnah, Menemsha, & Gay Head Light

July 22, 2013 by Emily 16 Comments

A fews days into our stay on Martha’s Vineyard, we took a drive “up island” to see a handful of different MVY towns. The Aquinnah Cliffs were such a site. If it weren’t for the classic New England-esque brick lighthouse sitting upon them, you could have told me I was in another country and I would have believed you.

Gay Head was Martha’s Vineyard’s first lighthouse, originally constructed in 1799. Its original purpose sounds like a dictionary example: to safely guide shipping traffic through the hazardous Vineyard Sound and surrounding clay cliffs… just look at them!

Oxford shirt, GAP [similar 1; 2] | Shorts, American Eagle [similar] | Belt, vintage | Bracelets, Kiel James Patrick [Vickers Bow + Brooks Brothers Wrap Bracelet] | Boat shoes, Sperry Top-Sider

Further down the road was Menemsha, where we browsed for antiques, wandered around an old fishing village, and ate hot dogs with a view of the cliffs. This area couldn’t have been more different from preppy Edgartown on the other side of the island, but it had so much irresistible character.

Monograms and Memories

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A Winter Escape

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Salem Weekend Trials

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Camden, ME

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Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park

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Bag Lady

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The Daytrip Diaries: Newport, Rhode Island

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MVY –> ACK

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Oak Bluffs

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Up Island: Aquinnah, Menemsha, & Gay Head Light

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