Tag Archive for beach

The Sea in Cinema: A Brief Overview

May 8, 2013 / / Comments Off

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Looking at the picturesque, even cinematic ocean views from The Mansion at Ocean Edge on Cape Cod got us thinking: What are some of the most classic beach scenes in modern cinema?

There are tons to choose from, of course, so we tried to pick a few you may not think of right away … and one you definitely would think of–each and every time you set foot in the ocean.

All images courtesy of imdb.com

Quirky: The Life Aquatic – Wes Anderson’s films are the embodiment of “offbeat,” perhaps none more so than this tale of a washed-up undersea explorer searching for the shark that ate his friend. A forlorn, bearded Bill Murray steals the show as the movie’s protagonist, Steve Zissou.

Inspiring: The Karate Kid – This 1984 classic has lots of memorable moments–Wax on/wax off, “Sweep the leg!” and that ridiculous shower stall Halloween costume–but the image of young Daniel-san practicing and perfecting his crane technique on the beach remains the most iconic.

Romantic: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – There are lots of easy choices for this spot–From Here to Eternity is an obvious one. But we like Eternal Sunshine for its unique look at love and heartbreak, and memorable scenes set on the sand in wintry Montauk.

Scary: Jaws – OK, so maybe this is obvious, but come on–each one of us probably knows at least one person who no longer swims in the ocean after seeing Jaws. Set in the fictional beach town of Amity, but filmed all over Martha’s Vineyard, this movie still has teeth almost 40 years after it was released.

Category: The Big Screen / Tags: , , , , , , ,

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.

Category: In Season / Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Throw a Polynesian Feast at Home!

April 25, 2013 / / Comments Off

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Te Tiare Beach Resort in French Polynesia is a South Pacific paradise: Crystal blue water, lush terrain, and a perfect white sand beach. The resort also features a Polynesian dance and dinner program, featuring authentic dishes and traditional performances.

Photo courtesy of the Polynesian Cultural Center at www.polynesia.com

And while you may not have a tropical lagoon in your backyard, or a white sand beach for that matter, you can recreate the experience of a Polynesian gathering right in your own home. Here are a few recipes to help you get started, and no, you don’t have to bury a pig in the sand (though you can if you really want to).

Kalua Pua’a, or roast pig, is typically prepared in an underground steam oven. However, the dish can be easily replicated in the home oven with good results. Ti leaves, which are wrapped around the pork, can be difficult to find; check with your local Asian grocer or shop around online.

Poi is a doughy, sticky paste made from two ingredients: Boiled taro root and water. Traditionally the paste is made by mashing the root between a stone and wooden board.

Poke is similar to ceviche, but with a Polynesian twist thanks to sesame oil and soy sauce. If you’ve never prepared raw fish at home, don’t fear: Just ask your local fishmonger for sashmi-grade tuna.

Huapia is a traditional stiff coconut pudding that can be served in bite-sized cubes. Of course, a big platter of fresh fruit will suffice as well!

Category: Uncategorized, Wine & Dine / Tags: , , , , , ,

Our Favorite Seaside Towns

March 15, 2013 / / Comments Off

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Camden, Maine, has everything you want in a coastal village. Scenic views from Mt. Battie, a quaint and bustling downtown featuring unique shops, outstanding local seafood, and welcoming Inns and B&Bs like the Camden Maine Stay Inn.

But while Maine may have a lock on charming seaside escapes, it’s hardly the only place travelers can go to get a little oceanside R&R. Here are a few of our favorite coastal getaways:

Clockwise from top left: Carmel shopping, Motif #1 in Rockport, aerial view of Friday Harbor, sunset over Sanibel Island. Photos courtesy of carmelcalifornia.com, Shutterstock, and visitsanjuans.com.

Friday Harbor, Washington – It’s not uncommon to spot an orca or two on your way to Friday Harbor, located in the San Juan Islands between Washington and British Columbia. The town is tranquil, friendly, and a little bit rugged, and features a vibrant arts scene and, of course, plenty of coffee shops.

Rockport, Massachusetts – A walk down Rockport’s famed Bearskin Neck is a must-do. Lined by shops, galleries, and lobster pounds, visitors are rewarded with a memorable view of the Atlantic at the Neck’s end. Don’t miss Motif #1, a famous red structure decorated with buoys, which is said to be the most photographed building in the world.

Sanibel, Florida – This is not Walt Disney’s Sunshine State. Much of Sanibel is set aside as a nature preserve, and its beaches are famous for the pristine and prized seashells that regularly wash up. Oh, and don’t miss the fabulous sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.

Carmel, CA – Mix a little bit of posh and a whole lot of California you get Carmel, a fog-bound hamlet just south of Monterey. The shopping and dining on Ocean Ave is outstanding, and the long sandy beach is perfect for a stroll. Architecture fans will enjoy spotting Carmel’s unique and often quirky homes near the sea.

Category: Around Town / Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Guest Post: PureWow on What to Pack for Sunshine or the Slopes!

February 8, 2013 / / Comments Off

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While partnering with PureWow—the free daily email and website, which features the very best in culture, fashion, travel, tech & so much more—for an upcoming sweepstakes (you can win $3,000 toward a dream vacation), we discovered a kindred travel spirit. We asked them to share some of their tips with you, and they graciously agreed.

We’re delighted to bring you our first guest blogger: PureWow

Remember four months ago when you booked that desperate “I need a break” vacation? Good news: It’s here.

Whether your idea of Zen is zipping down the slopes or lounging by the waves, we’ve got the packing essentials you may have forgotten.

Photo courtesy of PureWow

Photo courtesy of PureWow

Ski In an effort to avoid looking like the abominable snowman, a pair of sleek, lightweight boots like these Tofino canvas ones from Sorel ($105) should be first in your tote ($95). Next, shield your sensitive skin with Clarins sunscreen ($26) and Nu Skin’s petrolatum-free lip balm ($6). And protect your second-most-sensitive asset–your iPhone–with Lifeproof’s winter-ready Frē case ($80).

Beach A luxurious beach getaway clearly necessitates a luxurious beach bag, like Marni’s vinyl parrot version ($350). Fill it with this zebra beach towel ($225) and a colorful caftan ($295). Finish off the breezy style with a spritz of Philip B.’s sea-salt hair mist ($22). Incapable of leaving your tech gadgets back in the hotel room? Let your phone enjoy the rays too, with the help of a solar-powered charger ($49).

Category: Style Files / Tags: , , , , , ,
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