Archive for In Season

Hot Town, Summer in New York City

May 16, 2013 / / No comments

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New York City has a way of making everything more magical—even summer itself. From theatrical performances in the park to rooftop cocktails with Hudson River views, NYC offers summertime activities for everyone. And a stay at The Blakely New York (just a few blocks from Central Park) puts you in the center of all the action. If you’re still debating a Big Apple getaway, here are 3 free summer 2013 events (one for each month!) that will definitely convince you to book a city stay.

Photos courtesy of Bite Sized, Bloomberg and NYCxplorer

June: If good food and good music are your thing, head to Madison Square Park for the 11th annual Big Apple Barbecue Block Party (June 8-9). In addition to top-notch BBQ dished out by pit-masters from across the country, you’ll find free, live blues and rock performances and cooking demonstrations. Better get your bib ready.

July: In addition to the city’s famed Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, the city celebrates independence (this time, French) with a festive Bastille Day street fair (July 14). The fête is fun for the whole family, with crêpes, cheeses and baked goods for sale, live music, cultural dances, face painting and more!

August: On 3 consecutive Saturdays each summer (exact dates to be announced), nearly 7 miles of NYC streets are closed down to vehicles—creating the pedestrian-friendly Summer Streets celebration. The event comprises food, entertainment (think a zip-line and a climbing wall) and eye-catching outdoor art installations.

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Great Memorial Day Getaways with the Family (or Without!)

May 1, 2013 / / Comments Off

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Guess what?! Memorial Day is just around the corner, meaning the unofficial start of summer is finally, mercifully upon us. Here in Boston we’ve endured another typical New England winter, with January’s snow, slush, and ice giving way to March’s mud, chilly rain, and steel-grey skies.

But–but!–lawns are finally greening up, flowers are blooming, and we’re ready to plan some summer getaways.

To that end, Sniqueaway will be highlighting sales with Memorial Day availability, such as the Stage Neck Inn in York, Maine, and The Inn of Fifth in Naples, FL. Keep an eye out for more Memorial Day offers in the coming days.

Portsmouth, NH; photo courtesy of Shutterstock

 

Here are a few great options for the upcoming long weekend:

Washington, D.C. – To honor the patriotic side of this very patriotic holiday, there’s no better place to go than D.C. Expect a few crowds, sure, but fair weather for exploring the city’s sights.

Cape May, NJ – Beach towns all over the country start their season Memorial Day weekend, and this gem of the Jersey shore is a great spot to ring in another summer.

Santa Cruz, CA – “Summer” is relative here (expect wake up to chilly, foggy mornings) but this seaside surf haven kicks into high gear on Memorial Day–rides on its famous boardwalk are open until 11pm.

Portsmouth, NH – One of our favorite local towns, Portsmouth embodies everything we love about New England: Crisp, salty sea air; historic architecture; eclectic cuisine, and tight-knit community feel.

Austin, TX – Memorial Day is the de facto kick-off for boating season in Austin, making this a perfect chance to hit the water (and grab some of Austin’s famous BBQ, of course).

Seattle, WA – Everyone thinks Seattle has terrible weather, but the reality is that summers are fantastic–think temps in the 70s and less rain than we get here in Boston! Memorial Day, and May in general, is a great time to visit this beautiful, vibrant, and unique Pacific Northwest city.

Chicago, IL – Chicago, like Boston, emerges from its winter doldrums with much fanfare. The city’s beaches officially open, and on Sunday the 26th, Lakshore Drive closes (temporarily) for cyclists to enjoy.

Sanibel Island, FL – May is considered for this quiet Gulf Coast retreat–the snowbirds have gone but summer’s humidity is (usually) still holding off, meaning visitors in May get the best of both worlds.

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Celebrate St. Patrick with Irish Pubs around the Country!

March 17, 2013 / / Comments Off

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day, fellow travelers! Here in Boston, we’re lucky enough to get front-row access to the second-largest parade in the country: The South Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Boston’s also home to a slew of famous Irish pubs, like the Eire Pub (located just a hop, skip and a jump from Nine Zero, a Kimpton Hotel). In addition to touting pints of Guinness and hot lunches, Eire Pub is known for playing host to Presidents Clinton and Reagan. But Boston isn’t the only city that embraces the Emerald Isle; here are 3 more pubs across the country that we can all say “Sláinte” in.

Photos courtesy of Butch McGuire’s, The Dubliner and Molly Malone’s

{From left}

Chicago: One of Chi-Town’s original “singles bars,” Butch McGuire’s is said to have brought together over 5,000 couples. And if you’re not looking for a wee bit of lovin’, at least stop by for their signature Irish coffee.

Washington, D.C: Named after the famous James Joyce novel, The Dubliner is an authentic Celtic pub that serves up traditional drinks and dishes alongside nightly Irish jigs, ballads and more.

Los Angeles: Raise a glass at Molly Malone‘s! This dimly-lit brick-and-wood venue is a hot spot for live local and Irish music.

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Fall in Love … with Chocolate!

February 14, 2013 / / Comments Off

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Happy Valentine’s Day, friends! We’re celebrating with loved ones, friends, bubbly and, of course, chocolate (which, we might add, doesn’t require a holiday to be enjoyed). If you’re planning an escape to Wild Dunes resort in Isle of Palms, South Carolina, we recommend a pit-stop at Sweeteeth, located in nearby Charleston. The artisanal chocolate shop crafts chocolate bars in flavors like Sea is for Caramel (salted caramel) and PB+C (peanut butter and chipotle). Mmm.

Here’s a roundup of a few other can’t-miss chocolate shops around the country that will satisfy your sweet tooth no matter the season. Whitman, who?

Wild Dunes resort

Photos courtesy of Christopher Elbow Chocolates, L.A. Burdick and Marcie Blaine

{From left}

San Francisco: A dual boutique and lounge, Christopher Elbow Chocolates features a selection of painted (either by hand or airbrushed with cocoa butter) sweets in flavors such as Whiskey Walnut and Brown Butter Pecan.

New York City / Boston: An East Coast staple, L.A. Burdick offers sophisticated bonbon flavors—including Almond Chamomile and Earl Grey—along with whimsical chocolate mice, bees and penguins (and did we mention the amazing hot chocolate?).

Philadelphia: Handcrafted in a studio kitchen at the back of the shop, the chocolates at Marcie Blaine come in delightfully-funky flavors like French Farmer (elderflower and champagne) and Banana Tahini (fresh banana puree and sesame tahini).

 

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Chill Out with Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Trademark Ice Wine

January 14, 2013 / / Comments Off

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Niagara-on-the-Lake is famous for a lot of things – picturesque scenery, a charming British manner. But the town is best known for its ice wine, a dessert wine made from grapes that have been allowed to freeze on the vine.

The Niagara Icewine Festival takes place every January (hey, that’s now!). Guests at the Riverbend Inn and Vineyard can and should check it out, but if you can’t make it across the border so quickly, fear not: ice wine is readily available everywhere.

And you know what? It’s Monday, so how about a little ice wine cocktail recipe courtesy of Food and Wine.

Photo courtesy of Food and Wine magazine

Ice Wine Martini

  • 10 large seedless green grapes, plus 2 halved grapes for garnish
  • 2 ounces ice wine
  • 2 ounces vodka, preferably Ciroc
  • Ice

In a blender, puree the 10 whole grapes with the ice wine and vodka. Pour the puree through a tea strainer into an ice-filled cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain again into a large chilled martini glass and garnish with the grape halves.

Cheers!

Category: Exciting Events, In Season, Wine & Dine / Tags: , , , , , ,
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