Friday Faves, Week III

Grad Weekend in New England

If you saw my Instagram stories last weekend you know my eldest son graduated from Emerson College. We went to Boston for the weekend and then skipped down to Nantucket for a couple days to make an extra long weekend out of it. Nantucket in May is my absolute favorite - the cherry blossoms, the flower boxes, having the island to yourself, it’s heaven on earth. I’m often asked to share Boston and Nantucket favorites - many of which are saved in IG highlights and old blog posts, but I thought a little round up of where we stayed and what we loved last week made for a fun edition of Friday Faves! (This is not a comprehensive list by any means, but worth bookmarking if you find yourself there for a short stay.)

1. STAYING IN BOSTON - We have stayed in so many hotels in this favorite city of ours over the years, especially the last 4, with trips to move in and visit Andrew. This time we stayed at The Langham and loved it. The rooms are nicely appointed, the staff was great and the breakfasts in the restaurant were very good. It’s located in a renovated old bank in the financial district. I was a a little leery of the location (which is why we haven’t stayed here before) because it feels a bit out of the way from where we normally like to stay, but we just ended up with extra high step counts for a couple days. Boston is so walkable and if you get tired the T is super easy to navigate. My favorite Boston hotel remains The Four Seasons located across from the Common and Public Garden (they have two locations, high tea is served at the other but the Boylston Street location is my favorite to stay. It helps that it’s right across the street from Beacon Hill and right next to Emerson’s campus.

   

2. PIZZA IN BOSTON - Regina’s in the North End is 10/10. They have multiple locations but you want the one on Thacher Street.

   

3. CELEBRATORY STEAK DINNER - Abe and Louie’s was fun. It is a classic steak house and was full of graduates and their families. Service was so so, but food was excellent.

4. BEACON HILL BOOKS - Don’t you dare go to Boston and not pop in here. I especially love the New England and travel books on the first floor - so many great gift options! And the cafe is excellent, you will need a reservation.

   

5. TATTE HARVARD SQUARE - The honey and halva latte and a raspberry tea cake is the perfect afternoon treat. The Cambridge location is a fun change of pace and an easy T ride from downtown if you want to piddle around Cambridge for a bit. Andrew and his friends often went to Cambridge, so he was showing us places that held fun memories.

   

6. WALK - If you get a beautiful day, like we did for graduation, nothing beats a walk or bike along the Charles on the Esplanade.

7. STAYING ON NANTUCKET - We stayed in the Boat Basin Cottages right on South Wharf which are run by The White Elephant. These are perfect for 2-3 people, when staying for a shorter stay. They are charming, well kept and well stocked. The bathrooms are a bit small but well designed. We didn’t want for anything and waking up to water views is so fun. Would 100% stay here again.

8. DINNER ON NANTUCKET - Bar Yoshi is the best for sushi and small plates to share. It’s so charming inside. We had a corner table and our food was as delicious as always!

   

9. DINNER ON NANTUCKET - Proprietors is my favorite restaurant on Nantucket. You just have to trust me because the menu is always changing and you never really know exactly what you are ordering but the dishes will BLOW you away. If hummus and Naan are on the menu - order them! We had the amazing fried broccoli salad, a shrimp pasta, roast chicken, a Hungarian lamb dish, and an almond cake tiramisu for dessert (which almost made up for the Juice Bar being closed. Almost.) Everything was exceptional!

   

10. BEST SUNSET - Bike to Madaket Beach. If you are there in season, grab Millie’s takeout.

    

11. BEST BOOKSTORE - Nantucket Bookworks! It’s my favorite bookstore ever. Yes, I adore Beacon Hill Books, but Bookworks is still number 1 for me.

12. BAKERY - Born and Bread is my favorite in town bakery. The Cruffin is worth a trip alone. (Wicked Island is my favorite bakery on the island if you want to bike or walk a bit further, just get there extra early if you want a good selection, it’s a favorite of locals too.)

    

13. BEST DAYS TO VISIT IN MAY - Many shops and restaurants open after Daffodil Weekend in April, but a lot still have restricted hours and days. You are better off going Thursday - Sunday than earlier in the week. A few of my faves were not open yet, including new shops on Main Street like Doen.