Tag Archive for california

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

Share:

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.

Style + Sky = Skylish?

Share:

Flying used to be an elegant affiar. Men would wear suits. Women would don dresses. Meals were served. Really! Actual meals, with silverware and everything! That’s why we like the Custom Hotel in Los Angeles–it evokes that long-gone sense of flying being special, adventurous, and fun.

Nowadays, flying is more akin taking the bus. But that doesn’t mean you can’t add a dash of style to the skies. Here are four items that can spice up your traveling ensemble:

From left to right: Tumi Vapor international carry-on, photo courtesy of nordstrom.com; Kate Spade iPad cover, photo courtesy of katespade.com; Skullcandy Aviator Headphones; photo courtesy of bestbuy.com; Dogit Butterfly carrier, photo courtesy of wayfair.com

Tumi Vapor international carry-on

Kate Spade Pop iPad folio

Skullcandy Aviator headphones

Dogit Butterfly carrier

Our Favorite Seaside Towns

Share:

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.

The Best Place for Novices to “Hang Ten”

Share:

Santa Cruz is widely known as a surfer’s heaven. With several reliable surfing spots ranging from gentle curls to dangerous cliff side breaks, surfers from all over the world flock to Santa Cruz’s chilly Pacific waters to test their skills.

Guests at the Dream Inn have a front-row seat to the action at Cowell’s Beach, one of the better places for beginners to get their feet wet. The long, slow breaks aren’t too challenging, and are popular with long boarders as well.

Watching the action at Santa Cruz’ famous Steamer Lane, photo courtesy of Surfer magazine.

Where else can you learn to surf? Glad you asked! Here are a few great beginners’ spots around the U.S.

Huntington Beach, California – No surprise that California would show up again. Huntington Beach, nicknamed Surf City U.S.A (a title also claimed by Santa Cruz), has great entry-level waves, as well as breakers expert surfers love.

Waikiki, Hawaii – Perhaps the best place to learn, Waikiki’s waves are reliable and easy to catch. An abundance of nearby surf schools makes it easy for beginners to get out on the water.

Sea Isle City, New Jersey – Perfect for beginners, waves here are low, gentle waves over a sandy beach. Plus, unlike most California beaches, the water actually gets warm in the summer!

Nantucket, Massachusetts – New England is generally thought of as having cold water, but the seas around Nantucket actually warm up nicely during summertime. Add in miles of south-facing beaches and it’s a beginner’s paradise.

If You’re Going to San Francisco…

Share:

…Be sure to prepare by booking a fabulous hotel room (we’re currently loving the Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf) and turning on some tunes about the city! And if you’re not headed west anytime soon, don’t despair. Simply pour a glass of Napa Valley wine, fill your bathtub with hot water (steam looks like fog, right?) and let these tracks transport you to the City by the Bay.

Hyatt Fisherman's Wharf

Photo courtesy of Lonely Planet

San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair) by Scott McKenzie

Lights by Journey

San Francisco by Steve Tannen

(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding

San Francisco Nights by Eric Burdon and The Animals

I Left My Heart in San Francisco by Tony Bennett