The Original Pumpkin Patch

 

Cherry Blossoms outside DC

When we moved from DC, I thought that was it for our annual Spring coming of the Cherry Blossoms. Little did I know that I'd find myself seven years later living in a house with a lovely matured cherry tree in my yard. Happy Spring to everyone!

Cortland Park in Essex, CT

Ladies, when visiting Essex, Connecticut, one must pop in for a look at Cortland Park. 

The store carries its own products, including lines of cashmere, cotton, knit, and Royal Cort washable silk.

The store also features inspiring brands, including Barbour, Jack Rogers, and Sail to Sable, just to name a few...

Winter at The Greenbrier

Though its most popular in the summer, I love The Greenbrier in the winter.

The Greenbrier truly is a trip back in time to the ways of old. Let's take a ride in a two horse open sleigh... 

Nestled in between West Virginia's mountainous state parks, the views are spectacular.

The golf course, Old White, covered in a blanket of white snow

Rain or shine, warm or cold, the original 1778 spring still flows wildly in its rotunda.

Not really a day for tennis...

Tennis Hall of Fame

When in Newport, you must visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame. 

The museum site dates back to 1880 and its historic grass courts are the world's oldest continuously used competition grass courts, which are also the only competition grass courts open to the public for play.

There is a restaurant attached to the museum where you can sit outside, grab a drink and/or a bite to eat, and enjoy the view of the grass courts. Be a true tennis connoisseur and order a Pimm's Cup!

When we were there, we were lucky enough to catch a Court Tennis match being played. Court Tennis, or Real Tennis, is the game from which all racquet sports evolved, dating back to the Renaissance era. The game is housed in a cavern-like 90' x 40' court with a red cement floor and is confined on the sides by towering gray slate walls.

 Enough verbal jargon, just check out the pics below:

The US Open "serving up bagels"

Nothing beats a New York bagel.  They say it's in the water, and it truly has to be. Really any New York bagel beats every other bagel, but my favorite in the Big Apple is Ess-A-Bagel.

Finagle a Bagel in Boston does run a close second, and in DC, I like to hit up Bagels, Etc in Dupont Circle, pretty legit.

But what cracks me up these days are the Announcers at the US Open calling out Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray, just to name a few, for "Serving up bagels" meaning a scoreless set for their opponent, 6-0.

Classic New York.

Newport Mansions

When it comes to Newport, the first thought that comes to many minds is that of big houses.

The Newport mansions were all initially built as summerhouses to the wealthy (must have been nice, huh?). Among some of the more popular Gilded Age mansions open to the public for tours are The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff.

The Breakers was constructed in 1895 for a member of the prosperous Vanderbilt family and is known as the grandest of the Newport mansions. The mansion is five-stories with 70 rooms; suffice to say that the tour does take some time. 

Marble House was built in 1892 for another member of the Vanderbilt family and was a 39th birthday present to his wife. I wonder what she was expecting for her 40th - way to set the bar high!

Rosecliff was a summer home mansion for non-Vanderbilts. It was built by a silver heiress and her multi-million shipping business husband looking for a place to suitably entertain during the summer months. Its exterior was constructed with terra cotta tiles, which have given the mansion a pinkish hue.

Yes, it may be touristy, but if you haven't already, next time your in Newport, you have to at least just take a drive along Bellevue Avenue to marvel at these spectacular abodes.



Nantucket

After taking the trip up to Martha's Vineyard and spending a few lovely nights on the island, we were itching for a visit to its sister island, Nantucket.

First and foremost on the top of the list of places to see and things to do after grounding ashore from the ferry was a stop at the original Murray's Toggery Shop.  We stocked up on East coast essentials like the Nantucket reds (both in shorts, pants, and skirts), cable knit sweaters, nautical themed ties, and a little bit of this and that. 

Nantucket is smaller than its neighboring island, but the down town area is nothing short of expansive.  There were plenty of places to stop in and stimulate all the important senses, like seeing (shopping), tasting (food and drink), and smelling (the salty ocean breeze).

Summer fun with Kites

Kites soaring through a bright blue sky

Ocean Avenue

Newport, Rhode Island

Martha's Vineyard

I had always heard of this mystical place referred to as Cape Cod, but seeing is believing, so for the first many years (admittedly 20 +) of my life I wasn't totally convinced that this wonderland existed.  Until finally, one day, we made the drive up, and out, to the arm of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

While the mainland has its own wonders, it was the islands that really got me.  We first hopped the fast ferry over to Martha's Vineyard for a few nights.

Upon arrival at Martha's Vineyard, we headed over to the original Black Dog Tavern for some fish and chips and a lobster roll.  This was my first introduction to the Black Dog, while I had seen it on T-shirts all over the country, but it was not going to be my last. It's the story behind this salty dog that had me at hello.  I think everywhere else across the island where a shop was to be found, I was also to be found in it.  Thank you for your patience, husband.

Whilst it appears that most summer vacationers rent a house for the week, we stayed our few nights in Edgartown at the lovely Harbor View Hotel.  Highly recommended.  There is a great view of the lighthouse from the Adirondack chairs on the wrap-around front porch.  If anything, pop into the bar at this lovely hotel, grab a drink (Hot Buttered Rum for the chilly nights), kick back, and enjoy the view.


Edgartown is a happening town on the island of MV.  There are plenty of fun shops, including my new and old favorites:  Black Dog, Vineyard Vines, J. McLaughlin, and the Island Shop, just to name a few.


Ocean House at Watch Hill, RI

Wedding season is upon us, which brings me back to a year ago today when we attended a wedding at the Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island.  (Well, technically the wedding was at The Misquamicut Club, but the Ocean House was kind enough to house our rowdy crowd.)

The Ocean House does it right, in every way.  From the bar, to the staff, to the rooms, there is a reason this getaway continues to operate under high standards, a rare five star and five diamond resort.  Despite its recent restoration and renovation, all the old charm remains.

Ocean House from the Front

And Oh, the spa...  It's a lovely must, especially the spa experience room with its uniquely oval room overlooking the ocean.  They'll serve you up some spa water, hot tea, and tasty housemade granola.  Need anything else?  Just ask and it'll be there.  

Don't forget to participate in the activities - cooking, wine tasting, squash, spinning, yoga.  But remember, if you plan to play a little croquet, wear your whites!  Then again, there's nothing wrong with spending the day poolside, or beachside with the ocean breeze.

Ocean House from the Beach

Watch Hill itself is an adorable little town.

Newport, RI

Having grown up sailing (correction, riding on a sailboat while Dad captained and crewed the boat, thanks Pa!), I have always had an appreciation for the open waters and its docking ports. After taking my first trip to Bermuda, it further reiterated my love of the life of a sailor and desire to visit well-known boater destinations. So, it was with much anticipation that we made our way up to Newport, Rhode Island, a popular port known for its naval influence.

To get there, one must drive over the Newport Bridge, which is one of the highest bridges I have ever encountered. Here I must admit that I have an awful fear of heights. But today, I can successfully say that I no longer have to pull the car over and ask someone else to drive over the bridge (sure, it took four visits, but I finally got there). I have conquered my fear of heights! Well, okay, maybe just pertaining to this bridge...

New Haven, CT

Home to the prominent Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut is a neatly unique town to visit, inclusive of good food, good shopping, and of course, New Haven style pizza.

Yale University

When my husband and I are driving up from DC to Boston, or Newport, or Maine, New Haven makes for the perfect stop to rest our heads for the night. It's conveniently located just off I-95 and has certain hot spots that we cannot seem to go without.  For example, Pepe's Pizza.  This is New Haven pizza at its best.  Don't be foiled by the line out the door because the restaurant's concept gives it the convenience of a quick turnover, so you shouldn't have to wait more than ten to twenty minutes to get seated.

The classic New Haven menu item is the Clam pizza. It's uniquely delicious and a real local fare.  The base is a white pizza topped with cheese, garlic, and of course the main star of the dish - New England clams!

Clam Pizza

We are real suckers for the classic Tomato pie.  Our first introduction to this splendor was at Pepe's and we have been trying our best to recreate this masterpiece at home ever since.  It's back to basics - pizza dough, tomato sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese.  Simple, easy, but not at all boring to the taste.

Tomato Pie

Adam Richman, of Man v. Food, swears by Modern for pizza, and one day I would like to give it a try because I'm sure it is also a classic New Haven delight, but when we just have time to squeeze in one seating, we have a hard time straying from Pepe's...

Jim's Cheesesteaks

Recently we found ourselves in Center City Philadelphia for a wonderful wedding at the College of Physicians, which is a coolly unique museum and garden if you have time to spare. But, you cannot go to Philadelphia without visiting one of the classic cheese steak hot spots. Upon an earlier visit to the city of Philadelphia, my husband not only visited Geno's for a cheese steak, but then also went across the street to Pat's for a second fix. He declared that he had to give both a fair shot at his taste buds. I watched excitedly from the sidelines, satisfactorily full after the first cheese steak went down the hatch. Needless to say, I don't know if he was able to eat anything else for the rest of the day because he was so full, but it was well worth it! Those two are classic joints.

These days we find ourselves going back to Jim's Cheesesteaks on South Street. Jim's does it just right. The roll is soft and fresh and just the right size. The cook behind the counter knows just how much steak to accompany the cheese, onions, peppers, etc. I usually go with the steak and provolone, while most still swear by the whiz. Sometimes I go with onions, maybe I'll add peppers, but you can't go wrong with just the steak and cheese. Classic.