in travel
Thursday, September 14, 2017
A WEEKEND IN KENNEBUNKPORT MAINE
We visited the adorable coastal town of Kennebunkport, Maine last weekend. A classic New England town with beautiful views, cute shops and great restaurants. I had booked this trip last minute because we were all in need of a relaxing getaway, especially Rob who hasn't taken a vacation since the beginning of the year. I knew he needed a relaxing weekend away and this was the perfect little getaway. Since it was last minute I was scrambling to find a hotel, places to eat and things to do. I'm not originally from New England so I hit up a couple friends who are for recommendations. Nothing disappointed.
Where we stayed: The Lodge on the Cove
This place is a hidden gem! I wanted a kid friendly place with a pool that was close to everything. When I saw the description said the hippest kid friendly hotel in Kennebunkport, I was sold. This checked off everything on our list and more. I was nervous about not being in the heart of everything but this ended up being exactly what we needed. It was a quick bike ride to Dock Square which was our favorite thing to do as a family. It was so quiet and peaceful. We loved all the extras around the hotel. They have free bike rentals, including kids bikes. They also provided towels, beach chairs, surf boards for the kids and beach passes. All you need to bring is your bike helmets. The lodge has a ping pong and shuffle board table which is right next to their restaurant the Dory. So us parents could enjoy a drink in our cozy little booth while we watched the kids battle it out in ping pong. Right off the restaurant is the pool which was nice and warm. So even with our chilly temps that weekend, the kids didn't mind jumping in. Next to the main lodge was a little clubhouse to hang out in with even more games, movies and a cozy fireplace. They have smore kits to make your own smores, a movie night and an ice cream sundae night. The hotel was filled to capacity but the whole time we felt like we were there with maybe 5 other people. They included muffins, fruit, coffee, tea and juice for breakfast but we explored some other places.
The Dory
via instagram
via instagram
Where to eat: (We didn't eat at all of these places but they were on our list and recommended by some locals we met)
Breakfast: Salt & Honey, Satelite Donuts (this is a must when visiting)
Dinner: The Tides Beach Club (ask for a table on the porch so you have a view of the ocean) Bandaloop, White Barn Inn
We also got in the car and drove to Perkins Cove to eat at MC Perkins. Although we didn't get to explore because it was pouring, the view is amazing and so is the food.
What to do:
Bike rides. We took a bike ride along the coast. We checked out the Bush compound, fought a couple whining kids and took in the scenic views. Take a trolley tour around town. A lobster cruise. Hit the beaches. Explore the shops at Dock Square. One of my favorites was Day Trip Society. Beach Grass, Dannah's, Shoot the Moon and Spaces are a couple others to check out. Hit the Sugar Shack with the kids.
We really enjoyed our weekend away. Although I had done day trips before I didn't have the chance to explore as much as we did and we fell in love with this cute little town. It's the perfect getaway for a family or a romantic weekend away. We passed The Cabot Cottages on our bike rides which looked adorable as well as The Kennebunkport Inn for a romantic weekend away.
What I packed:
Monday, June 6, 2016
A FAVORITE NANTUCKET HOTEL
Last weekend one of my best friends and I were surprised by our husbands with a last minute trip to Nantucket. When my husband said he booked a room at The White Elephant I think I may have jumped up and down like a little kid who was just told they're going to Disney World. I have been wanting to go to this hotel since I found it on a Google search trying to plan an anniversary trip to Nantucket. I'm happy to report that it met my expectations and left me wanting to come back again. I may have even mentioned that I wasn't leaving there. If you're planning a trip to Nantucket, I highly recommend checking out the White Elephant. I don't have anything to compare it to but I'm pretty confident to say you won't be disappointed.
There are a couple of different options with the White Elephant. We stayed in a one bedroom villa which was equipped with a kitchen, living room, cute little seating area, amazing bathroom and a bedroom with an outdoor patio that connected to our friends room. That was a bonus! We could have easily stayed here with our 2 boys for a weeklong vacation and been very comfortable.
We enjoyed breakfast at the main hotel but unfortunately it was raining so we didn't get to enjoy the beautiful view from our table. But this is what it looks like on a sunny day.
The staff was very accommodating and friendly. The lobby is perfectly decorated. White shiplapped walls with navy and orange accents, wicker chairs and lots of stripes (Nantucket's signature pattern) that transported you to a seaside retreat. This was my first time to Nantucket. I was in love and I knew I would be. It's a quaint little island with cobblestone streets, picket fences and cedar shingle cottages. You can't get any quainter. It was within walking distance to town but they also had shuttles and bikes available as well.
The rooms are beyond amazing! Simple yet luxurious. We had an eating area, deck, living room area with a fireplace and a kitchen that had everything but a stove. These are stock photos because they're much better then my iphone pictures. You can also see how everyone is different and amazing in their own way. The ceiling is gorgeous in this one.
Ours was decorated just like the one below.
The bathrooms were HUGE! They had these amazing soaking tubs and gorgeous vanities with blue granite that looked like water.
We didn't get a chance to check out the pool but it looks amazing. Of course if our kids were with us this would have been our first stop.
We also ate at Dune which was fantastic. The decor inside was beautiful! Covered in grasscloth wallpaper, fun light fixtures and amazing art.
This was a really quick trip, barely 24 hours and it rained the second day, so we didn't get to explore too much but we can't wait to go back. Maybe next time check out the Lofts at the White Elephant
Here's a look at some of the other rooms at the White Elephant
Three Bedroom
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
What's in my bag...
Once you have children your bags get bigger and bigger. Remember the days of carrying a makeup bag, a pretty organizer and headphones? Well let's see, my make up bag has been replaced with Lego's, I don't have room for an organizer and headphones, actually I do use for the gym but with the weight of my bag these days I probably don't even need the gym. Or maybe I should actually carry a pair of these when the whining has gotten to me and I need a little time out.
I love the nights when I get to just carry a clutch but then again I'm a bit clutch obsessed so any excuse to carry one works for me.
Here's is what my bag currently consists of:
My new Stella & Dot bag (which I love for Spring). I needed to switch it up and rotate out my black bag.
My ipad which comes in handy for waiting rooms. I store it in this cute elephant clutch, see I told you I was always looking for a way to use a clutch. This isn't technically an ipad case but it fits a mini perfectly and has a little padding to it which makes me feel safer toting it around everywhere. When traveling I then use this as a clutch. It has interior pockets too!
A scarf because I'm always cold and I love the Stella & Dot scarves because they're big and soft but not bulky and again if you're traveling (hopefully somewhere warm) they can be used as a sarong.
My iphone which is like my 3rd child. It's my camera, my calendar, games for the kids, pinterest for me, etc. etc. and it's case I adore from Pretty Smitten Designs. They have so many cute cases to choose from!
I carry my phone in my Stella & Dot tech wallet because it's easy to pull out if I'm just running in the store and don't want to carry my whole bag. It serves as a wristlet and holds my phone. Win, win!
I tend to wait in the car a lot at car pick up line. I never have the patience to do my nails or put lipstick on but this is the perfect opportunity. So I always have a nail file and my favorite essie nail polish, ballet slippers on hand and my sugar lip tinted balm with SPF 15.
I have so many of these little Stella & Dot poufs but they are so useful for so many things. Cords, make up, first aid kit or as seen in my bag...Lego's. They make cute gifts filled with fun stuff too! Hint Hint hubbies....Mother's Day gift idea filled with a spa gift card.
My new Chanel glasses because my eyes are getting older and I can't seem to see anymore.
My Mom's One Line a Day book which I just got because I have the funniest 6yr old and a smart 9yr old who corrects him. I was writing all his Jake-isms in my notes section on my phone but I tend to not keep things organized and this reminds me to write it down and put a date to it. It will be something he will have in place of his baby book which was never finished. He's a second child, things happen.
and last but definitely not least snacks! What's even more fun is when one of your kids decides to throw a cheese stick in your bag and doesn't tell you.
the other half of my bag.....receipts. I spared you that scene!
I try and clean out my purse every Friday or in the car pick up line. Doing so has kept me more organized with my receipts and emptying out cheese sticks before they get too gross. Little trick I learned from The Fly Lady which I'll blog about another time.
Cheers to heavy pocket-books! Who came up with that word anyway?
Jen
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