Friday, June 27, 2014

Edgartown | MV

Edgartown is magical. I think one of the reasons I am so enthralled is because I grew up on Cape Cod and I've never been here. To Martha's Vineyard, sure, but I guess as a kid it was always Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven, never mind I can't remember the last time I made it to the Island itself as an adult. I love discovering new-to-me places that have been close by all along.

An elegant seaside village where early 19th Century whaling captain Greek revival style houses have been carefully maintained and preserved, the streets of Edgartown are a picture perfect setting. There are plenty of great options for eating, drinking and beaching.

Our hotel overlooked Lighthouse Beach, a calm and pretty spot just a stones throw away. Another day we took the short bus ride over to South Beach or Katama, a gorgeous barrier beach with miles to explore.
Breakfast:
Among The Flowers Cafe | 17 Mayhew Ln
Cute and casual, table service was friendly and efficient, a relaxing open-air breakfast of fried eggs, homefries, toast and mimosas. 
Tocco Purro | 3 S Water St
Tiny but well appointed take-out counter shop serving gourmet organic coffee, breakfast sandwiches and Italian pastries. The bagel and lox was a nice start to my day!
 Espresso Love |  17 Church St
Another great coffee shop with a large outdoor patio.

Dinner:
The Port Hunter |  55 Main St
We ate at the bar starting with freshly shucked oyster and clams followed by some local seafood specials. Pictured is my whole Menemsha Fluke encrusted with almond and coconut flakes over a bed of sautéed kale. They ended up having a great live band, so we stayed until they closed!
Alchemy | 71 Main St
A fancy French bistro downstairs, a cozy bar and lounge upstairs (in the back). We sunk into some leather couches and shared the Chicken n Waffles with maple gravy and the PEI Mussels steamed in coconut broth with leeks and tomatoes.
Seafood Shanty | 31 Dock St
We went here for lunch - their sushi is amazing. So are the Bloody Marys. Grab a spot on the deck to take in the gorgeous harbor views and watch the Chappy Ferries float by.

Drinks:
Awesome location right on the docks! We found ourselves back for drinks on multiple occasions. Don't forget to grab a slice of bacon! (Yes, they put jars of bacon on the bar).
The Newes | 23 Kelley St
A casual American pub with a nice selection of New England draft beers and a menu featuring classics like Haddock fish 'n' chips and bangers & mash.
L'Etoile | 22 N Water St
An elegant French restaurant and martini bar. I would eat here next time, the food looked amazing, we just popped in for espresso martinis. 
Henry's Bar | 131 N Water Street 
The dark wood paneled bar at our hotel is a cocktail worthy destination. A hidden gem!
 Martha's Vineyard is an awesome summer getaway and I would definitely recommend staying or at least spending the day in Edgartown if you go!

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Harbor View Hotel | Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard


A row of rocking chairs painted a soft teal blue line the wide wraparound porch overlooking a pristine Edgartown Harbor, where a lighthouse in the distance is surrounded by a lush, beachy landscape. It is here where guests start their day and where they end it, rocking with cups of coffee in hand, and later sipping a cocktail like the San Tropez (house made rose infused vodka, raspberry violet syrup, Peychauds bitters, champagne, grapefruit twist) from Henry’s Bar. The Harbor View Hotel and Resort located on charming North Water Street is a short stroll away from the picturesque shops and restaurants of Edgartown, and proves a welcome seaside retreat to compliment a visit to Martha’s Vineyard. 
The staff were kind and hospitable and the grounds well maintained with gardens in full bloom. The rooms were clean and comfortable as well as spacious and light filled. The cheese plate they generously delivered was top notch. The pool area beckons daily if even for a couple hours in the morning or later in the afternoon. After a day spent soaking up the sun on South Beach or venturing into Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven, returning here is always something to look forward to. The views inspire relaxation and so beautifully paint a picture of carefree and romantic Island life.  
*Harbor View Hotel generously provided a media rate of half off our stay. A standard king room with a small balcony during the second weekend in June is typically $300 a night. All opinions are my own*

 131 North Water Street
Edgartown, MA 02539

Monday, June 9, 2014

cape & islands spring

Cape Cod and the Islands in the springtime are a lovely place to be. I feel like I packed in an entire summers worth of favorite places after back to back weekends in May. There was lots of quality time with Mom - dinner at Brewster Fish House for Mother's Day, grilling on her back deck and long beach walks in Dennis. Memorial Day Weekend saw opening night at The Beachcomber, a bike ride to Chatham Light and lunch at The Squire, and a spontaneous day trip to Nantucket to party with the Figawi Crowd. 

Also, I just spent four days on Martha's Vineyard, so, a lot of that coming up next....

1. The bar at Brewster Fish House 
2. evening walk on Corporation Beach
3. Pan-Roasted Skate Wing w/ marcona almond puree, pea tendrils, maitake & curry vinaigrette
4. Blue Haired Ladys at The Tavern on Nantucket
5. treasures from Chapin Beach in Dennis
6. Harpoon IPA at Chatham Squire | Lobster Roll at The Tavern
7. Chatham Lighthouse Beach
8. a morning on Chapin Beach in Dennis
9. dunes at Chatham Lighthouse Beach
10. salad and grilled pizza on my mom's back deck in Yarmouthport