New England Summer
As we all begin to look at summer through the lens of our “new normal”, everyone is excited to travel as soon as we are released from our “stay at home” orders. Many of you have told me that it may still be a while before you feel comfortable traveling too far afield. Others of you have had fabulous summer trips to beautiful destinations postponed and are looking for alternatives to fill your vacation days. Either way, I am here to help!
Over the next few weeks, I am going to focus on destinations that are a bit closer to home - places just a short flight or a drive away, that are traditionally a bit quieter and less crowded.
I am beginning with some of my favorite destinations closest to MY home - New England...
Nantucket
Known as the “far away island” or the “grey lady of the sea”, Nantucket is located 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod. When stepping off the ferry on Nantucket, you feel as though you have landed in another era - a simpler and more carefree time…
Visit Nantucket if…
You love charming flower lined cobblestone streets…
Beautiful uncrowded beaches make your day…
Excellent dining and shopping top your vacation checklist…
You need to just escape the mainland for a while…
Photo via The White Elephant
Stay
Many visitors rent homes are cottages, but for shorter stays, there are several excellent hotel options both in town and further afield.
My top recommendations are The White Elephant and The Wauwinet.
Insider Tips
Enjoy sunset cocktails and dinner at Galley Beach
Arrive by boat for lunch at Topper’s at the Wauwinet
Arrange a sailing day with friends (or join a scheduled sailing) onboard The Endeavor
Bike to S’conset Lighthouse and admire the nearby rose covered cottages
Dine amongst the roses at The Chanticleer in S’conset
Sample the freshly backed donuts at The Downyflake
Buy yourself a new summer hat at Peter Beaton or splurge on an authentic Nantucket lightship basket
Pick up some Nantucket “reds” at Murray’s Toggery Shop
Hire a local photographer for family photos at Brant Point Light
Chatham, Cape Cod
Another of my favorite places in New England is Chatham, Massachusetts in the heart of Cape Cod. Chatham is typically charming seaside town…the star of the show is the renowned Chatham Bars Inn. We loved our stay there a few years ago and look forward to returning again soon!
Photo via Chatham Bars Inn
Insider Tips
At the hotel:
Photo via Chatham Bars Inn
Book the cottage rooms or suites for the best water views
Arrange a visit to the farm owned by the hotel that provides all of the fresh vegetables for the restaurants.
Get out on the water - the hotel offers complimentary daily shuttle service to North Beach Island or arrange a private charter for the day.
Nearby:
Hang with the locals at The Squire
Tired of lobster and chowder? Enjoy excellent sushi at Bluefin
Shop til you drop on Main Street - filled with charming boutiques…including one that sells nothing but rubber duckies and another with tasty homemade chocolate confections.
Cape Neddick, Maine
Southern Maine is an easy drive from Boston or even New York City. Once you cross the border into Maine, you immediately can sense you are in a different world…“Down East”.
Photo via Cliffhouse
Cliff House rests on top of majestic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic, offering stunning views at every turn. Between all of the activities offered on property and those you can discover within an easy drive of Cape Neddick, there is plenty to do for everyone in the family.
Insider Tips
At the hotel:
Be sure to include a Friday or a Sunday in your stay to enjoy the traditional Lobster Bake set up by the hotel
Take advantage of the hotel’s fleet of Volvos to explore the nearby area
Enjoy a seasonally themed “Salt of the Sea” massage at the hotel’s 9000 square foot spa
Nearby:
Go “lobstering” for the day and catch your own dinner
Create your own “lighthouse tour” of southern Maine, starting with the famous Nubble Lighthouse right in Cape Neddick
Sign up for a cooking class at the Stonewall Kitchen Company Store in York, Maine
Head about an hour north to Freeport to visit the original LL Bean store - open 24 hours.