KATIE KENNEDY

Lunch at Canoe Place Inn

Lunch at Canoe Place Inn
📍 Hampton Bays, NY

Hamptons, Canoe Place Inn, Coastal Grandmother, Lunch, Hampton Bays, Tuckernuck

Top || Jeans || Similar Sandals || Similar Clutch || Sunglasses || Earrings || Lip Color

What a whirlwind weekend this has been! When all is said and done, we spent 24 hours traveling, 24 hours in NYC, and 24 hours in the Hamptons. I’m tired thinking about it, but I wouldn’t have traded it for anything! Although there are countless things to draw us to New York, we popped out east to celebrate our friend’s birthday weekend! We stayed at their sweet beach cottage, available to rent on Airbnb, and partied with all things 80s and 90s. After a lazy Sunday morning poolside, we finished our Hamptons stay with lunch at Canoe Place Inn. It’s a stunning new addition to Hampton Bays, and going to speak directly to the Coastal Grandmother in you!

Hamptons, Canoe Place Inn, Coastal Grandmother, Lunch, Hampton Bays

Established 1697

The site of Canoe Place has been a Hampton Bays inn since 1697. Since then, it has hosted Revolutionary War soldiers, celebrities, and presidents. Over 300 years of tradition and love have been brought into the revitalized space. Located on six pristine acres and across the street from the water, you can consider it the ‘first spot, out east,’ It’s a wonderful welcome to Hampton’s life. As you arrive via their fleet of new Grand Wagoneers, you’ll admire quiet gardens, an enviable pool, and interior design that has perfected the modern farmhouse aesthetic. It felt like Ina Garden or Martha Stewart could appear at any second, and I loved every piece of it.

Hamptons, Canoe Place Inn, Coastal Grandmother, Lunch, Hampton Bays, blue and white

Exploring the Stunning Decor

This was a kid in the candy store moment for me. The interior design found throughout this space is just heavenly. Think warm woods and exposed brick balanced with serene shades of blue and green. I was taking copious mental notes. Even the art found throughout Canoe Place Inn has been thoughtfully curated to mix modern and traditional styles. One particularly striking piece in the hotel lobby pays tribute to the local Shinnecock people who first inhabited the area. When you visit, enjoy this feast for the eyes and don’t be ashamed to take lots of pictures.

Hamptons, Canoe Place Inn, Coastal Grandmother, Lunch, Hampton Bays, lobster roll

Lunch at Good Ground Tavern

Now, on to the main event and reason for our visit… Lunch! Good Ground Tavern is led by Chef Ülfet Ralph, who uses her Mediterranean roots to create a menu that pairs old-world flavors with quintessential Hamptons dishes. I ordered the Lobster Roll Crostini and was blown away by the flavors, particularly the pinch of tarragon. These incredible dishes are created using locally sourced ingredients that change with the seasons. I paired my meal with a Lavender Spritz cocktail and relished in the perfect Hampton’s day with friends.

Hamptons, Canoe Place Inn, Coastal Grandmother, Lunch, Hampton Bays, pool

After lunch, there was time for one last lap around the hotel before our trip back into the city to admire the outdoor space. I will be daydreaming about this pool set up for the foreseeable future. I can’t wait to stay here so I can take a dip and stay in one of their suites or cottages. Canoe Place Inn, there’s a very good chance you’ll be seeing me again soon. 

Love from the Hamptons,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Why I Blog

Why I Blog
📍 New York Public Library

Social Media, Instagram, Style Blogger, NYC, Creative

Dress || Flats || Handbag || Earrings

So, I’ve been thinking a lot about this topic recently. Why do I blog? There’s a lot that I absolutely love about this space, even with the seemingly endless hours I put into creating for Orange to Apple. That’s in addition to my full-time 9-5 career, which I will never leave, and the freelance chances that pop up. There are so many wonderful opportunities that have come my way since its founding in 2018. Still, sometimes it feels like an ultimately thankless task. Creating quality content that I’m proud of takes time, resources, and energy. None of it could be accomplished without my incredibly supportive husband/photographer, David! For this post, I wanted to take a moment to share the very real pros and cons and what I’ve learned about myself along the way. This is one of the few posts that isn’t about style or travel, so I appreciate you following along!

Pro: Connecting With So Many Wonderful People

In a social media world, it only makes sense to find the social element in it. Especially when I was living in New York, I met so many wonderful women with whom I know I’ll be lifelong friends. Some, I’ve had the pleasure of getting together in person, while others are still on Instagram, but they’re the first to like my pictures. Upcoming lunches and get-togethers are on the horizon! Without my life as a blogger, my paths may have never crossed with them. I also have to mention how thankful I am to have the opportunity to partner with some of my favorite brands. Whenever they reach out for collaborations, campaigns, or simply share my picture, I feel my content must be on the right track. 

Social Media, Instagram, Style Blogger, NYC, Creative

Con: Feeling So Small in a Big Social Media World

With over 500,000 influencers on Instagram and about 1 billion users, it’s easy to feel too small in a vast pond. There are a few so-called “vanity” metrics, like the number of followers and likes. These can be manipulated, hence the vanity, but that is a practice that I wouldn’t be caught dead doing. Still, I can’t help but get caught up in the numbers game. When I take the time to style an outfit, take the pictures, edit the images, and create the posts, it’s incredibly disheartening to feel like no one is seeing the fruits of my labor. The worst days are when I get down on my self-appearance, which I used to struggle with during my younger years. Yes, I’m in a wonderful marriage with a husband who makes me feel loved daily, but self-doubt can sometimes come out of nowhere. I remind myself to keep posting for the pure enjoyment of it and joke that maybe the next Instagram post will be the one that gets me “noticed.” 

Social Media, Instagram, Style Blogger, NYC, Creative

Pro: Having My Own Creative Outlet

When I started Orange to Apple, I was a classroom teacher with little creative outlet to speak of. I’ve always been an avid writer and had a passion for style, starting at a very young age. As a side note, I should find the pictures of me raiding my mom’s closet when I was four. In high school, when I was a high-level athlete and eventually a varsity swimmer in college, those interests took a big backseat. As in, I wasn’t doing even the smallest thing to pursue them. After so many years of only thinking about my swimming career and only wearing workout gear, it was time to redefine my personal style. Admittedly, it took some trial and error, but I’ve gotten to a place where I look back and still love outfits from five-plus years ago. 

Con: Always Wondering If I’m Doing Enough

In short, yes! I always know that I could/should be doing more. This may turn into a veiled criticism about the algorithm’s priority of Reels but just bear with me. I know it’s not a fresh take, but I’m not a fan of having to make Reels to watch my blog and Instagram grow. Some of my Insta-friends have been doing an incredible job and serve as a huge source of inspiration. It’s all about balance. I know I could spend all my waking hours juggling posts, reels, and stories, but I can’t. I have a 9-5 job that I love and the need for a social life that doesn’t always involve my camera or phone. Besides, you don’t want to see me in video form. I have all the grace of a bull in a china shop. Part of blogging for nearly five years is that I’ve learned my strengths, the poses that work best for me, but also my weaknesses. 

Social Media, Instagram, Style Blogger, NYC, Creative

Since I want to end this list on a positive, let me say that I love blogging! The glee of thinking up blog topics, styling outfits, and editing pictures alone is worth it. This blog is something I own. I don’t have clients to make happy, no corporate policies that I have to adhere to. It’s just me. And that is ultimately where this post came from. I’ve learned to really like myself after some out-of-sync high school and college years, and it’s freeing to share myself with you as often as possible. Thanks so much for stopping by and getting to know me. You have no idea how much I appreciate it! 

Love from NYC,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Early Mornings in SoHo

Early Mornings in SoHo
📍 SoHo, New York City

Early Mornings, Summer, SoHo, NYC, Coffee, New York

Tank Top || Skirt || Flats || Similar Handbag || Earrings

Without a doubt, my favorite time of the day in New York is the early morning hours. Especially during the summertime, a beautiful light fills the street. The city of 8 million is still, and you have it all to yourself. While this moment of quiet and calm is short-lived, it’s an incredible experience that I love to take advantage of on every trip. During this time of the year, the sunrise is around 5:30 am. That’s an early wake-up call for even the peppiest of morning people. Here are my top recommendations to take advantage of early summer mornings in SoHo and anywhere else in Manhattan.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

In a city that never sleeps, it’s very tempting (and all too easy) to stay up into the wee hours of the morning. I’ve been guilty of doing that on several occasions myself and have suffered the consequences the next day. Especially if you want to take advantage of an early morning exploration, getting a good night’s rest is critical. Start with happy hour, enjoy a wonderful meal on the town, and wind down the evening by relaxing at the hotel. Cozy in a hotel robe by 10 pm with to-go dessert? That sounds like an ideal night to me!

Early Mornings, Summer, SoHo, NYC, Coffee, New York

Go Easy on the Adult Beverages

When enjoying the evening with friends, this is sometimes my downfall that keeps me from getting up with the sunrise. I’m not saying you have to abstain entirely, but definitely save it to a minimum. I’ve found that a cocktail at happy hour and a glass of wine with dinner, mixed with several glasses of water throughout, is a good measure. Instead of having a few rounds of post-dinner cocktails, hold off until mid-morning. Countless brunch spots around the city have incredible mimosa specials. It’s all a better reason to start your weekend mornings earlier. 

Early Mornings, Summer, SoHo, NYC, Coffee, New York

Use the Black Out Curtains

Oh, how I’ve come to love this on our stays in New York! Blackout curtains are so helpful in blocking out both light and sound. I’m a pretty light sleeper, and while the sounds of the city often lull me to sleep, one expected noise jolts me awake. I also never sleep well the first night in a hotel room, but getting it as dark and quiet as possible is helpful. I will recommend leaving a little sliver open, so you can see the morning light as it begins to trickle in. Without, you may sleep in well beyond the early morning hours. 

Visit a Local Coffee Shop

Nothing like a full cup of caffeine motivates you first thing in the morning. Whenever I wake up early to explore a new neighborhood, I always scout the local coffee shop scene. The little things help me get some extra pep in my step. Take your drink to-go with your favorite pastry, and wander the area. Relax at a nearby park if you find one and watch the world pass. The point is that the peace and quiet are even better when you have a great coffee in hand, making the early alarm much more bearable. My personal favorite in SoHo would have to be Felix Coffee Roasting on Greene Street.

Early Mornings, Summer, SoHo, NYC, Coffee, New York

After a quiet morning to yourself, you’re now ready to take on the day in New York. Join your friends for brunch, book a ticket at your favorite museum, and explore all the city has to offer. Whether you’re just visiting for the weekend or have the pleasure of calling yourself a resident, early mornings are the perfect opportunity to see bustling Manhattan at its very best!

Love from NYC,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.