Mother’s Day Weekend at the Watch Hill Inn

Watch Hill, Rhode Island is a breathtaking coastal village situated on the southernmost tip on Rhode Island, jutting out into the Block Island Sound. This picturesque town makes the perfect setting for a weekend away. Jen celebrated Mother’s Day with her girl’s here and they enjoyed a few days of luxuriating. Activities include bike riding along the coast, shopping in the quaint New England boutiques, relaxing at the spa, and sampling the local cuisine. The town has long been famous, but Taylor Swift now has a home here (see the picture below), putting the town on the map in a major way.

Rooms at the inn range from simple, to suite, to seriously suite and you can choose your own seaside adventure during your stay. While in Watch Hill, you can also use the amenities at The Ocean House, which has great dining and hildren’s activities such as paddle boarding, croquet lessons, and even the state’s oldest “free-flying” carousel designated as a National Historic Landmark nearby. For even more adventure, sailing and yacht rentals are available and The Mystis Aquarium is just a short drive away.

If you are looking for a weekend of R&R, we highly recommend leaving your watch at home and heading to Watch Hill!

Pickering House Inn (Wolfeboro, NH)

Tucked away in New Hampshire’s lake region, Pickering House opened in 2018 and has quickly gained status as one of the world’s best hotels. Patty and Peter Cooke have left no detail to chance in this historic landmark that they renovated for 2 years before opening.  The result is an awe-inspiring retreat where modern comfort meets classic charm. Their dedication to excellence is apparent in the decor through to the food and boutique spa. Linger in your plush bed with a fresh baked good and coffee brought to each floor in the morning or wander downstairs for breakfast in the light-filled kitchen. Don’t miss a meal at Pavillion, Pickering House’s own acclaimed restaurant where sharing a variety of delectable snacks and dishes as a table is encouraged. Work up your appetite by hiking along The Cotton Valley Rail Trail, golfing, or visiting a local museum. Spending a luxe, leisurely weekend at this hidden gem will not only restore your mind but warm your heart.

Rabbit Hill Inn (Waterford, VT)

Nestled in the Northeast Kingdom, this B&B offers a fairytale escape for a couple’s weekend. Hit the road for The Taster’s Tour to see the Ben & Jerry’s factory, visit the Cabot cheese store, and pick up some fresh maple syrup.  Your weekend isn’t complete without antiquing in the local villages and ATVing through the White Mountains to take in Mother Nature’s colorful splendor. Back at the inn, cozy up in front of the fire with a good book and local craft brew, or end your day with dinner at their farm- to-table restaurant.

White Barn Inn (Kennebunkport, ME)

This inn blends seaside serenity with rustic New England charm to create one of the most charming coastal getaways you could ever imagine. The White Barn Inn knows how to do luxury from an array of activities including a helicopter tour of the coast, sailing lessons, and a wine and cheese pairing class. Relax at the spa with a Milk and Honey Ritual followed by piano happy hour in the barn. Be sure to take in Kennebunkport’s beautiful scenery and shops and don’t miss the town trolley tour.  If you visit in early December, you will definitely want to join in the festivities of The Christmas Prelude, the seaside scene of the season (more to come on this extraordinary event!)

Castle Hill Inn (Newport, RI)

Lauret can honestly say she spent one of the best days of my life at this romantic inn which is perched on a gentle hill overlooking the most picturesque seaside cove. Enjoy a lazy afternoon cocktail as you watch sail boats glide by from the inn’s grand Adirondack-dotted lawn.  Traipse into town to peruse quaint shops, take a brisk hike along The Cliff Walk, and round out your trip with a tour of Breakers, one of the famed Vanderbilt mansions.  At the end of it all warm-up with a steam shower in your cozy cottage or enjoy the tasting menu, full of coastal flavors at The Dining Room, Castle Hill Inn’s very own Forbes Four Star restaurant.

Mayflower Inn & Spa (Washington, CT)

It is no secret that we are fans of Auberge Resorts, and undoubtedly a visit to this breathtaking inn will live up to expectations.  Exquisitely elegant ambiance pairs with a countryside locale to transport you to a state of relaxation.  If you need another nudge towards nirvana, book a Garden Scrub at THE WELL spa.  Leisurely pursuits are plentiful and include bike riding, holiday shopping, and craft cocktail classes.   Visit the Garden Room for an unforgettable meal featuring New England’s bounty prepared by Chef Cortney Burns or ask for a table for 2 in the library or covered porch for a private interlude. No matter what your leisurely or gastronomic pursuits, The Mayflower will not disappoint!

Sleepy Hollow and The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

Nestled in the Hudson Valley is the quaint village of Sleepy Hollow, named after the legendary book by Washington Irving. Although this town lives up to its monicker, it offers spooktacular fun during the Halloween season. It is the perfect setting for not only a ghost story, but a magical family night-out in the fall.

We began our story with a ride through the village of Sleepy Hollow where we stopped to see the Headless Horseman statue. The statue is easy to miss, as it is situated unobtrusively along the side of Broadway before you hit the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery where Washington Irving is actually buried (across from the Phillipsburg Manor).

We continued our drive up the river to Croton-on Hudson, another cute hamlet. Here we grabbed a burger at a local grill (105 Twenty), before we made our way over the The Blaze. As expected, The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze was a sight-to-be seen! After checking in for your reservation, you can stop to buy treats such as apple spiced donuts and pumpkin spiced ale, as well as glow sticks and other trinkets for the kids. Upon entering, you set off on a whimsical walk through the woods lined with hundreds of carved pumpkins and lanterns. Along the way there are spectacles made up of more carved pumpkins formed into amazing visions. We saw dinosaurs and the Mona Lisa, a windmill surrounded by tulips, a fire-breathing dragon, and even the Mona Lisa.

In total it takes about an hour to make your way through the entire experience. We recommend buying your tickets early when they become available in August to get a weekend evening in October. They sell out fast! And of course, if you aren’t in the NY-NJ-CT area, you can visit similar experiences across the country including Glow, The Pumkin Passage, and Hallowed Harvest.

Williamsburg, Virginia is an ideal 3-day escape in a charming historical destination for those looking for a long weekend for Labor Day, Columbus Day, or any time you are itching for a quick trip. With beautiful architecture, and southern hospitality you are sure to have a good time no matter what you plan. Depending on whether you are traveling with kids or adults, you can adjust your itinerary, but here are the highlights of Jen’s most recent getaway:

• For those with children who are thrill seekers, don’t miss Busch Gardens. They have some seriously sick (pun-intended) rollercoasters as well as concerts and theme events. Be sure to check out their schedule before you go to
• To cool off on hot days, head to Water Country USA, a water park with plenty of fun slides and raft rides, in addition to a wave pool. Since it is run by the same parent-company as Busch Gardens, you can purchase a 2-day ticket at a discounted price if you plan to hit both parks.
• For the traveler who loves history, Colonial Williamsburg is an interesting destination to visit since it holds the honor of being the world’s largest living history museum! Take a step back in time and learn about colonial life in what used to be the capital of the Virginia Colony.
• And let’s not forget about shopping! For those who like a little retail therapy, head to Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchant Square for some great boutiques in a nostalgic setting.
• In terms of hotels, we recommend (for all of our Bonvoy people) The Marriott Manor Club at Ford Colony (where Jen loved her headboard more than her night’s sleep) or the Williamsburg Lodge and the Williamsburg Inn that both offer luxury accommodations sure to leave you feeling like gentry!

There are also spas, golf, swimming, and plenty of great places to eat, making Williamsburg one of our favorite places to experience.