Cape Cod Weekend | A Classic New England Clambake & Emma on the Beach

**I'm re-sharing this post from our trip last Memorial Day Weekend to Cape Cod.  This year in our Cape Cod-style house we've hosted two parties and will have attended two others by the weekend's end of both new and old friends.  While I miss our vacation lifestyle with weekend excursions to fabulous New England locations, I love being settled into our new house in our "home" city.

Emma's on Summer break this week, so my blogging might be sparse... but I'll be sure to take a lot of photos of our projects.  I hope you're having a great weekend!

Jenny
.....

Last year when we first moved to the Boston area, we drove out the Cape to see what it was all about.  We came across the beautiful Chatham Bars Inn on our driving tour- it was picture perfect Cape Cod.  It went right to my list of 'musts' during our stay in New England.

On Thursday last week I got the itch to get out of town.  I needed that feeling of freedom.  That mind clearing, its the weekend, free from the computer, free from laundry, give me a cocktail feeling that only a vacation can give you.

After a two hour drive we were transported to the grand and stately Chatham Bars Inn.

The moment we entered, I was taking design notes the entire time, noting fixtures, upholstery choices, drapes, the subdued color palate and the refined, yet comfortable feeling the rooms had.  I was thinking, "I would love for our future home to feel like this..." Then the inevitable day dreaming of our future 'perfect' home/life begins.  My mind starts racing- how I long for a stately home to fill with unique finds, comfortable furnishings and pieces full of character... budget?  What budget?  Ah, what a lovely life that would be.


 
Then we step out onto the beach.  Restored.  My crazy head stops its babbling and I breathe.  Fresh. Ocean.  Air.

I watch Emma smile at the wind in her face.   All of those thoughts about needing, wanting, waiting for more seem distant, almost insane to think that they would make us...

Happier.

I think God for vacations...



...that remind us to breath.  And smile. 

Maybe that is what vacations are for.  To get rid of the if, when, if only, then, then our lives will be perfect state of mind.  They wake us up- you're already there.

Enjoy the ride.  And so we did...

At our first official clambake.  Clambakes hold a special place in our hearts.  You might remember that Mike and I have hosted a clambake at our house for the last 3 years... in our old backyard, back in the Midwest.

It was our tradition.   Actually, it was my tradition... Mike was a only guest at my first clambake. 

Clambakes throughout the years...

The Clambake of 2012.



It was almost surreal as we sat there feasting in the sand during sunset with living music playing, a bonfire roaring and lanterns lit.  We missed our friends that made those backyard clambakes so great, but loved celebrating our first clambake with Emma.



Surreal.



Snuggled, getting ready to drift off...



Enter: Daddy 



And time for s'mores.

The view as we walked back to our cottage.



 A great weekend.

Bedford Post Inn | Our Trip to New York | Travel

When I scheduled this trip down to New York for a Martha Stewart packed 3-day trip (click here for all of my posts about the trip!), I knew exactly where I wanted to stay.

I've been anxious to visit at The Bedford Post Inn ever since I saw it featured on The Martha Show.  Owned by Richard Gere and his wife, Carey Lowell, The Bedford Post is a luxurious, cozy 8-room inn just 30 minutes north of Manhattan in Westchester County.

Our stay at The Bedford Post was everything I'd imagined it would be - luxurious, cozy and pampering.  It felt like staying at a lovely country inn... that just happened to be incredibly restored and designed with reclaimed wood, soft muted interiors, and rustic embellishments.  It was a feast for design inspiration!

We arrived at 9pm from a long drive and walked into this perfect little foyer.  My eyes couldn't stop - I think I even instantly got out my camera.  I adore the natural bare wood, heavy bronze hardware, and stunning fixtures.

Beyond the beautiful setting, the staff was graciously accommodating.  We arrived later than planned, so they arranged for our dinner from the "Barn" restaurant on the property to be ready and waiting for us.  Now that is service! 

Our room was incredible.  It was located on the second floor, tucked in the vaulted ceilings of the old farmhouse, which gave it dramatic slopping ceilings and exposed original beams.

Yes, those are fresh baked cookies from the inn's bakery waiting for us on our bed... just exactly what this pregnant lady needed after traveling.

I was taking mental (and digital) notes of all of the color and material choices.  Notice the wall color - the softest whisper of blue.  I'll be calling them for the exact color soon.

The space was very cozy and lofty - every detail was perfect.  Aren't the beams beautiful?

Ahh, the bathroom!

The claw-foot tube was such a treat.  We stayed two nights and I took at least two bubble baths. 

East Hampton Weekend | The Mill House Inn | New England Weekend Trips | Travel

East Hampton Weekend Getaway 

Over the weekend, Mike and I went to East Hampton with his parents for a little relaxation and exploring.  The little town is like something out of a story book - charming homes, picket fences, historic sites, stunning beaches, immaculately kept landscaping, abounding with nature - we spotted deer at least 5 times. 

Posts from Our East Hampton Weekend :

We even spotted The Barefoot Contessa and drove by Martha Stewart's Lily Pond home.

Our early morning walk on the beach with Mr. Darcy.

The beautiful homes and charming town of East Hampton

We wanted to take Mr. Darcy with us, so we searched high and low for a 'dog-friendly' hotel.  Joy, my mother-in-law, stumbled upon The Mill House Inn... it was perfect.    It was a bed-and-breakfast located right on Main Street. 

The rooms were so calming... I loved the decor.  I've changed (back) my thoughts on all white painted furniture.  The walls were a soft neutral warm grey and so were the floors!  I can't wait to paint some floors!  I'd love to do a grey and white checkered painted wood floor.... that's for another post. 

Here is a link to the Inn's webpage with our actual room.

The suites were gracious and comfy - I like the frosted french doors leading into the sitting area.  Again- note the painted floors.



We had an air-jet giant tub...

And an equally amazing dual head shower - I love the wooden stool in the shower.  It adds a great natural element.


It was amazing to be able to have Mr. Darcy with us for the weekend - where he was not only "allowed" but welcomed.


Our room had a stuffed dog toy (we got to keep!), plush dog bed, treats, dog bowls, and pet accessories there waiting for us.  They even made him scrambled eggs for breakfast... I know, amazing. 

I always love a well-stocked (free!) mini-fridge.   Oh, and we got to keep the steel water bottles. 

Mr. Darcy thoroughly enjoyed his post beach bath in the giant tub... I think we've finally spoiled him. 

The front porch - love the lanterns.

The entire house was beautiful - the breakfast parlor stayed open all day (and night) and was fully stocked with homemade cookies, snacks, juice, tea, coffee, gourmet treats, etc.

I've got something in mind for those double under-cabinet refrigerators... project time.

The fresh baked cookies were an afternoon ritual for us - these are the boxes we packed for the trip home.

And the breakfast... it. was. unbelievable.  The breakfast was served in the breakfast parlor, or you could have it ordered to your room.  They started with serving fresh squeeze orange juice, coffee, toasted brioche, butter and jam.  Then... they brought out a family style fruit tray with mango, papaya, berries, pineapple - it was lovely. 

Katie and Leah, this pic is for you... me enjoying a piece of papaya while wearing my jcrew papaya cardigan and scarf.  Couldn't help myself.

Everyone else, please ignore my the non-existent makeup and hairdo. 

The first day, I had a lobster frittata (I know it sounds a little extravagant, but hey, the entire breakfast menu was included in our room rate!).   Mike had french toast.
   

Stay tuned for more posts from our weekend in East Hampton... did I mention that the Barefoot Contessa sat at by us at dinner?!