Travel Archives - Page 38 of 90

Going Back to Newport

October 1, 2021

Going Back to Newport
📍 Newport, Rhode Island

Now that October is here, I can finally get in a Fall state of mind. The weather is starting to get cooler here in Florida, but there’s one New England town with some of my favorite Fall memories: Newport, Rhode Island. Just as luck would have, we’ve gone to Newport every year since 2018 (minus 2020, of course). The first time was for a friend’s wedding, but the 2019 trip was thanks to AAA. It was an incredible partnership where AAA sent me to cover the Newport Boat Show. Looking back, it was the first time I felt like I was making real growth in the blogging world. It’s an experience I will always hold dear and will never forget. Tomorrow, we’re waking up bright and early to catch a flight to the Ocean State for some fun events at David’s alma mater. That means going back to Newport! Because I can hardly contain my excitement, here’s a quick roundup of my last trip that started my love for the little nautical town by the sea.

Newport, Rhode Island, New England, Fall Trip

Left: Button-Down || Sweater || Jeans || Ballet Flats || Sunglasses || Earrings

Right: Slip Dress || Heels || Wrap || Clutch

Road Tripping from NYC

Our day started by taking an early train ride from Manhattan to pick up a rental car in Connecticut. NYC Insider Tip: it’s much cheaper to rent a car from CT. From there, we drove the quiet two and a half hours to Newport. Once we checked into the Newport Beach Hotel, the first objective was to find authentic New England clam chowder almost immediately. I’ll never call myself an expert, but lunch at the Black Pearl Patio is pretty hard to beat! There’s excellent food and nearly unrivaled views of the harbor. It was the perfect place to begin a quintessential Newport weekend!

Date Night at The Vanderbilt and White Horse Tavern

To cap off the day, we had a quiet date night at some historic spots around town. Pre-dinner cocktails were held at the rooftop bar of the luxurious Vanderbilt Hotel. The Roof Deck is called one of the best-kept secrets in Newport and offers sweeping views of the water. It was no surprise that the sunsets are always stunning from here. I wish we had more time to mix and mingle with Newport society, but it was off to dinner reservations at the White Horse Tavern. Established in 1673, it’s the oldest operating restaurant in the United States and the 10th oldest in the world. Our entire meal was exquisite, from start to finish, including a bottle of Chilean Malbec and classic entrees. While there are a few other historic restaurants in Newport, definitely make the first a priority!

Left: Tee || Jeans || Sneakers || Bracelet || Earrings

Right: Similar Dress || Heels || Clutch || Earrings

Day One of the Newport Boat Show

On Day One of the Newport Boat Show, we got up early to walk into town and begin our day with Coffee Grinder. This teeny-tiny coffee shop is in an iconic location, right on Bannister’s Wharf. Grab your coffee and pastry to-go and either walk along the waterfront or daydream amongst the colonial houses. While there were so many homes to love, I was always partial to the bright colonial blue ones. Once at the Boat Show, we had our fill of window shopping and daydreaming. I learned so much about boating culture and met the nicest people along the way in the process.

Dinner at the Clarke Cooke House

Our second dinner in Newport was just as incredible as the first. The Clarke Cooke House is another New England legend. It offers casual dining in the Bistro and Candy Store, but we were so fortunate to snag a reservation at the Porch. In this intimate corner, you are surrounded by pink and green decor that I absolutely loved. While the menu offers some of the freshest seafood you can possibly find, whatever you do, don’t skip The Snowball in Hell for dessert. It pairs perfectly with a fun little cocktail called Newport Water (Veuve Clicquot, Grand Marnier, St. Germain, on the Rocks).

Left: Sweater || Stripe Tee || Jeans || Sandals || Clutch

Right: Sweater || Similar Skirt || Heels

Day Two of the Newport Boat Show

On the second day of the Newport Boat Show, we took more time to explore the boats. We “tried a few on,” and I can definitely I can see myself taking on the boating life, full-on! Is it too early to already be excited about retirement? Since it was surprisingly warm for a New England September day, we treated ourselves to a local classic: Del’s Lemonade. It’s a simple frozen treat that I can’t wait to get my hands on again!

Shopping Through Newport

For a small town, Newport has so many perfectly New England boutiques. Each visit requires at least a few hours to peruse and pick up a fun souvenir. One of the biggest names in Rhode Island style is Kiel James Patrick. There are so many wonderful nautical pieces, and it’s hard to narrow down what to buy. I’ll absolutely be leaving some room in my suitcase. Other favorites include Monelle (I love shopping their sister store in Vermont) and Pink Pineapple (for adorable intarsia sweaters).

Left: Sweater (Similar)

Right: Button-Down || Jeans || Sneakers || Earrings

Dinner at Flo’s Clam Shack

Our final night in Newport was such a lovely, quiet one! We opted for an earlier dinner at Flo’s Clam Shack. This spot across the street from the beach is no-frills but is still a must-visit! Put any sort of diet to the side because various types of tried seafood make up the bulk of the menu. Another noteworthy item is the Bottle of Moet and Hot Dog special. It definitely sticks out on the menu and maybe what I order on the next visit. After dinner, we sat on the rooftop deck of our nearby hotel to admire a final New England sunset with Narragansett, a local favorite!

Sunrise Cliff Walk and Drive Home

We got up before the sun for our final act in Newport to take an iconic Cliff Walk sunrise. Here, you get pristine views of two things: the seemingly endless Atlantic Ocean and the Newport Mansions. Either one, alone, is a reason to visit. Having worked up an appetite, we had breakfast at Belle’s Cafe. Located at the Newport Shipyard, I loved watching the boats come and go!

I’m beyond excited to get back to this little spot by the sea. I have to say now, don’t be surprised if someday we decide to take the plunge and become full-time Rhode Islanders. Until then, Newport, I’ll see you tomorrow!

Love from Rhode Island,
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.

Our Perfectly Quiet Hamptons Weekend

September 13, 2021

Our Perfectly Quiet Hamptons Weekend
📍Westhampton, NY

The Hamptons, New York, Southampton, Out East

Shirt || Jeans || Similar Sandals || Similar Handbag || Earrings || Bracelet

When you think of the Hamptons, you often think of an epic White Party in Bridgehampton or eating Lobster Rolls in Montauk. Since I had never been before, I didn’t quite know what to expect. I was just happy to be invited to stay with our friends at their new house in Hamptons Bays and have a brief escape from Florida. The three days passed by in a flash, and I realized that it was probably the most relaxing weekend I’ve had in a long while. So, if you’re looking for a jam-packed Hamptons itinerary, you’ll need to go elsewhere. To learn more about our perfectly quiet Hamptons weekend, keep reading!

Hamptons, Westhampton, Out East, New York

Grilling Out Poolside

Since we arrived Friday afternoon, our friends were already in full relaxation mode. Their pool was open, and the weather couldn’t have been better! As soon as possible, we slipped into our swimsuits to join in the lounging and sunbathing. I’m thankful for the men taking care of the grilling the entire weekend. Nothing says weekend like hamburgers, hot dogs, and fresh fish on the grill! Yum!

Coffee and Donut Run in Westhampton

On Saturday morning, we got up well-rested and ready to take on the day! That meant starting with a quick drive to the beach. We admired each and every house, having an intense debate if our “future” Hamptons home will be a traditional or modern design. From there, we stopped for coffee and donuts. Even though there was a slight chill in the air, I still had to order an iced dirty chair from North Fork Roasting. After perusing the local farmer’s market, we found ourselves at Beach Bakery to pick up jelly donuts. This was definitely the spot to be, and for a good reason. The donuts were some of the best I’ve ever had!

Bottomless Bottles of Rosé

Is it really a trip to the Hamptons if you don’t have a least one glass of Rosé? Whether you pick Hamptons Water or Wölffer Estate, the perfect weekend calls for several pours. It pairs perfectly with lounging in the sun and good company. I can’t even tell you how many bottles of spirits we went through over the course of three days because the answer is almost shameful!

Our Coastal Fall Decor

Sunday morning gave us the perfect opportunity to drive into Southampton and see what all the fuss was about. My dear friend, Sydney, is from here, so I was thrilled to see her hometown. Sunday Brunch was in full swing by the time we got there, but I could have walked amongst the restaurants and boutiques all day. The local Sotheby’s even had a pop-up collection for the Colony in Palm Beach, and I felt right at home! On our next visit, I can’t wait to explore the town even more!

Our Coastal Fall Decor

Each night ended with a poolside campfire. Since it’s just way too hot to have a fire during Florida summers, this seemed like such a special treat. We had music playing, more Rosé, and just enjoyed the company. Another highlight may also have been the gooey-gooey s’mores. It doesn’t matter what age you are, these are always the perfect summertime dessert.

Our Coastal Fall Decor

When it was time to start prepping for our Sunday evening flight, I had the incredible realization that I didn’t look at my phone or computer practically the entire weekend. The one exception was when David and I were looking at local real estate. You know a trip is good when you’re starting to think about make such a huge commitment. While we’re probably not moving to the Hamptons any time, it’s undoubtedly fun to daydream and look at the gorgeous homes. All I can say is, who knows what the future holds!

Her: Swimsuit Coverup

A weekend in the Hamptons… I now fully understand the hype! Our perfectly quiet weekend was exactly what I needed to feel fully recharged. As I was thinking the entire weekend, if you ever get a chance to visit a friend’s Hamptons house, the answer should always be YES!

Love from New York,
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.

18 Hours in New York City

September 10, 2021

18 Hours in New York City
📍 Upper East Side, NYC

New York City, NYC, Upper East Side, 18 Hours, NYC Style

You can live in New York your entire life and still only see a fraction of what the city has to offer. Trust me, I’m speaking from experience. I had the pleasure of living in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood for two years, and there are countless things I’ve yet to do, to see, to eat! The silver lining is that New York is just a quick two-hour flight away, and we’re now in a position to visit frequently. While I would much rather have an extended stay, our most recent trip to the Empire State only gave me about 18 hours in the city before taking the train out to the Hamptons. For a quick trip that’s over in the blink of an eye, here’s my recommendation for 18 hours in New York City.

5:00pm: Land in NYC

While our most recent travel times were a little different, let’s just say you land at one of the New York Airports. Whether you land at Newark, JFK, or LaGuardia, it’s going to take you about an hour to get into the city. the time depends on traffic (obviously), but also where in the city you want to get to. On this particular trip, we flew into JFK and opted to take public transportation the entire way. While it was a little bit longer of a trip, it’s a fraction of what a taxi or Uber will cost. Plus, it just seems faster because you’re not stuck on the highway. Just be sure to give yourself enough time to get to your night’s dinner reservations.

6:00pm: Check-In

Once you’re in the city, you have plenty of time to check in to your hotel. Even though the flight’s pretty short, you may want to take a moment to freshen up and get ready for the evening. While there are countless hotel options in the city, with an endless selection of neighborhoods, I’ve become partial to NoMad. It’s centrally located, letting me get both uptown and downtown in a flash. On this most recent trip, we stayed at The Evelyn Hotel. This charming Art Deco hotel was just a block away from Madison Square Park. Even though we only stayed here for a night, it’s probably going to be a top pick from here on out.

7:00pm: Dinner Reservations

In the city that never sleeps, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a dinner reservation for either 7 pm or much later. Depending on the time, you may even be able to squeeze in a quick happy hour. From our NoMad hotel, we strolled along 5th Avenue until we reached Washington Square Park. It’s a sign that you are official in Greenwich Village. I have a long list of restaurants that I either already love or am dying to try. While the number of possibilities can seem daunting, sometimes, you just need to follow your intuition. A quick list would be: Boucherie, Via Carota, Minetta Tavern, Dante, Claudette, and American Bar. While Greenwich Village and West Village have many incredible spots, feel free to branch and dine in a different neighborhood. The perk with this “itinerary” is that you have all the time in the world.

8:00pm: Post-Dinner Night Cap

To go straight home after a great meal is almost a waste of a quick trip to New York City. In the West Village, keep the party going by visiting one of the neighborhood’s many cocktail bars. Some of the restaurants listed above are open into the late hours, giving you time to sit bar-side for a drink. Other places like The Spaniard, Happiest Hour, and The Up & Up are open until the wee hours of the morning. This portion of your trip can last as long and late as you want to. When all is done for the evening, there’s nothing better than crashing into a plush hotel bed.

8:00am: Early Wake-Up

Good morning, sleepyhead! I hope you weren’t out too late. If you’re able, get up with an early alarm to take full advantage of the day. Depending on where you’re staying, take some time to walk through the neighborhood. The early morning is one of the quietest times of the day, so you can admire the architecture and history without bumping into crowds along the way. Grab a coffee if you need and take the subway up to the Upper East Side to finish your quick trip to NYC.

9:00am: Fashionable Morning Coffee

Need a little bit more caffeine? Depending on how hungry you are, I have two favorite options for a morning in my former neighborhood and home. For a lighter fare, you should head to Ralph Lauren for the chicest coffee and croissant in town. If it’s warm out, I love the espresso tonic. It’s a surprisingly refreshing drink with espresso, tonic water, and orange slice. I know it sounds far out there, but don’t worry. They have all of the classics too. Take your drinks to-go and wander through Central Park. Find the perfect park bench and watch the world pass by.

For a breakfast that’s a bit more filling, I always recommend Sant Ambroeus. There are a few locations throughout the city, but the spot in the Upper East Side was a favorite for a morning treat. I could be having the worst day, but walking through the doors under the pink and green exterior seems to make everything better. I’m partial to standing out the espresso bar and chat with whoever stands next to me. On our most recent trip, we stayed for a full breakfast, and it did not disappoint. My tip is to sit near the entrance so you can admire the very fashionable people who come and go.

10:00am: Opening Hours at the Met

The Metropolitan Museum of Art opens up at 10 am sharp every day of the week, except Wednesday. More commonly known as The Met, it’s probably my favorite place in the city and just so happens to call the Upper East Side home. Get a ticket early and be in line right when they open. The line may look daunting, but you’ll be inside in under 5 minutes. You can spend an entire lifetime wandering through the museum and never see all two-million pieces of art. The most popular gallery is on the Southside of the museum or left if you enter from 5th Avenue. Here is where they house the 19th and Early 20th Century European masterpieces. Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, oh my! Depending on the time of year, they may even have an exhibit from Costume Institute. This is what’s commonly associated with the annual MET Gala. If you love fashion, it is always a feast for the eyes. I cannot recommend it enough!

11:00am: Iconic Burger for Lunch

The last stop on the NYC Express is grabbing a classic burger for lunch. You’ll be hungry again after walking through The Met. From the museum, walk East through the Upper East Side, where you’ll find JG Melon on East 74th Street and 3rd Avenue. What can I say about this New York institution that hasn’t already been said? The burgers are incredible! Everything on the menu is so good that I sometimes struggle to decide what to order. My favorite thing about JG Melon is that you’ll feel like a regular from visit #1. Order a cheeseburger and cottage fries to relish in the history and atmosphere of one of the most beloved restaurants in the city!

Ding! Your 18 hours as a New Yorker are sadly over. Are you addicted to the pace and culture yet? After your hearty lunch, scoop up your luggage, if needed, and head off to your next destinations. If you’re going over the Hamptons, the fun is just getting started. If it’s back to the airport, take the time to daydream about your next trip to Manhattan. The beauty is that NYC will always be here waiting for you.

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.