Summer Sojourn: The Memorial Day Weekend Travel Guide
An accessible island trip is the best way to spend a long weekend and there’s nowhere better to do it than Nantucket. Soak up the sun, fill up on fresh lobster rolls at Sandbar, and show off your new summer staples all at once.
Memorial Day weekend marks the official start of the summer. Lobster rolls are imminent, summer whites are back in style, and ice cream is acceptable all times of the day.
We rounded up the idyllic spots we’re visiting to kick off summer in style–from romantic northeast escapes that are just a ferry away to SoCal sunshine that gives you a much needed reprieve from Hollywood, below.
An accessible island trip is the best way to spend a long weekend and there’s nowhere better to do it than Nantucket. Soak up the sun, fill up on fresh lobster rolls at Sandbar, and show off your new summer staples all at once.
Where To Stay:
A must-visit for anyone traveling to The Islands in Massachusetts, the White Elephant hotel in Nantucket recently reopened for the 2023 season after undergoing renovations paying homage to the hotel’s 100th anniversary. Re-designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects, the renovations dial in on Nantucket staples, such as rattan and gross cloth textiles, along with cottage re-vamps inspired by the island’s native plants, including bayberry, hydrangea and daylily.
The White Elephant's hotel pool is the perfect place to start off your summer tan, with poolside cabanas to ensure a truly relaxing day. We like to begin our vacation by unwinding at the hotel’s luxe spa—trust us, a deep tissue massage is the answer to feeling like a new person before exploring Nantucket’s endless charm. When it comes to transportation… the White Elephant’s complimentary beach cruisers are both fashionable and functional, and perfect for exploring the coastal environment, beach rose covered cottages, and crisp Nantucket Sound air. We recommend booking one of the Garden Cottages to fully experience the island’s botanical and beach dual beauty.
Where To Eat:
No matter how many times we have dined at TOPPER’S while visiting Nantucket, we always find ourselves going back. Located on Nantucket Bay, Chef Kyle Zachary utilizes the restaurant’s waterfront location, providing dock-to-table cuisine guaranteeing a decadent meal. Open exclusively from May through October, TOPPER’S offers a seasonal prix fixe menu serving a variety of fresh catches and locally based recipes. TOPPER’S also provides an award-winning wine list and refreshing cocktails to pair with your meal. Our favorite drink to order is the Coconut Jalapeno Margarita–this drink tastes like island time with Tanteo tequila mixed with dry curacao, coconut milk and puree lime and sprinkled with coconut shavings.
To get to the scenic location, the journey includes a 45 minute complimentary cruise from Nantucket Town–departing at The White Elephant hotel–to the restaurant in which you get to take in the beautiful views of the island and the ocean.
Where To Play:
Our picture perfect day in Nantucket is simple (and of course starts at the beach). After loading up on sunscreen, we are ready to head to our favorite day-time spot: Jetties Beach. Although a frequent visit, Jetties’ soft sand and seemingly endless views of the Atlantic never cease to amaze. Only 0.8 miles from The White Elephant, a bike ride to this beach is a great way to start your morning, followed by a relaxing day listening to the sound of the ocean. If you aren’t up for a bike ride, Jetties offers plenty of parking. A great destination for families not only because of its safety aspects–a calm surf and on-duty lifeguards–but also because of its amenities. The beach has public bathrooms and changing rooms, a playground, and a restaurant. A stop at Sandbar is crucial when spending the day at Jetties, whether for lunch or a refreshing drink. If you do find yourself hungry, we recommend ordering the lobster roll, and of course, a frozen margarita. To end the much needed beach day, head over to Millie’s Market for a delicious scoop of ice cream while watching the infamous Nantucket sunset.
What To Pack:
Eat, sleep, play, repeat! A vacation that offers just the right amount of sport and ease. From a morning pickleball match to a movie night under the stars laying in luxury with Heating & Plumbing London’s Picnic Blanket.
Where To Stay:
About 30 miles from the city of Charleston lies Kiawah Island and its luxurious hotel The Sanctuary–which is the perfect mix of southern charm and beach getaway. Located within Kiawah Island Golf Resort, The Sanctuary has endless activities: two outdoor pools, tee time at the critically acclaimed golf course, the Ocean Course, pickleball and tennis. After a day full of activities, head over to the spa for a 60-minute Seaside Escape Facial, which incorporates the island’s oceanic ingredients.
Where To Eat:
If you are up for an adventure, we recommend going into Charleston for at least one night for dinner. Founded in 2003, FIG transformed from a small bistro to a lively restaurant that many struggle to land a reservation at. FIG is a downtown favorite, serving dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The menu is its backbone, often changing with product availability, promising a fresh and delicious meal. Due to this, we do not have one specific recommendation while dining at FIG, but if you are a seafood lover like us, this will instantly be your favorite restaurant. The impeccable service makes this dining experience even more appealing. Not only are the servers extremely friendly and attentive, they also know every nuance of the menu, as well as fun facts and recommendations for the city.
But, sometimes after a long day of activities in the sun, dining close to home is preferred. Kiawah has plenty of local dinner spots that will satisfy your palette. Hege’s Restaurant, a French bistro located in Freshfields Village, is fabulous and chef and owner, Richard Hege, combines French recipes with seasonal and local ingredients. If a lobster item is on the menu when you visit Hege’s, we recommend ordering it. Post-dinner stop by our Kiawah Island store, which is right around the corner, or pop in before to get your appetite up.
Where To Play:
If you still need things to do after taking advantage of everything that Kiawah Island Golf Resort has to offer, we’ve got you covered. A great activity for families, friends, or a solo night out is visiting Freshfields Village’s Starlight Cinema to spend a night watching a movie under the stars. This series takes place every Wednesday night from June 28th to July 26th at 8:30pm, and what’s even better… it's complimentary. Make sure to bring a beach chair or blanket, as the outdoor cinema is set up on the village median. The 2023 summer schedule is already out, with everything from family friendly options to all-time favorites…including one of ours: Grease!
What To Pack:
An easy trip that feels like you went abroad. Santa Barbara offers the best of both worlds: the secluded oasis of Belmond El Encanto, scenic relaxing beaches, and a lively city – a trip to the Golden State is the perfect occasion to show off a vibrant pop of color, which can be effortlessly done with Hermes’ Glenan Double Tour Bracelet in Orange Minium.
Where To Stay:
Located in the foothills of Santa Barbara, Belmond El Encanto overlooks the city with breathtaking views. Acclaimed as “the original Hollywood getaway”, El Encanto first opened in 1918 honing in on a mixture of Spanish-colonial and Californian architecture. Among its endless list of lavish amenities, our favorite is the century-old Lily Pond, found in the resort’s seven acre garden. Close your eyes and imagine this: the buzzingof hummingbirds, coupled with the relaxing fragrances of lavender, jasmine, and roses while strolling through terraces lined with wisteria on a warm, sunny day.
Where To Eat:
Loquita–an authentic Spanish restaurant in Santa Barbara–embodies Spanish heritage through vibrant decor and a delicious menu featuring dishes such as seasonal paella.. We recommend starting with the Croqueta de Jamon– with n’duja spice, calabrian chili aioli, and cilantro, we are obsessed with this Spanish take on a French classic. Pair with a deep red from Loquita’s thoughtfully curated wine list, consisting of mainly Spanish and locally sourced wines.
After wrapping up at Loquita, enjoy a 10 minute walk to the Santa Barbara Pier, also known as Stearns Wharf, for a stunning sunset (that always seems to be Instagram ready).
Where To Play:
A picnic on the beach is a must while vacationing in Santa Barbara. Arroyo Burro Beach–often referred to as Hendry’s Beach by locals–is one of our go-tos. Expect cloud-like sand, a perfect beach walk (the Arroyo Burro Beach Loop is 1.3 miles), and plenty of gorgeous views.
What To Pack:
Classically chic is what comes to mind. Indulge yourself in the finest New York has to offer… and look your best while doing it by elevating your summer fits with statement accessories such as Chan Luu’s Sedona Hoop Earrings.
Where to Stay:
A 19th century mansion refashioned into a boutique hotel, Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton is the “heiress beach getaway” we’re channeling this summer. Topping Rose House takes the phrase “modern heritage” to a new level–traditional architecture combined with contemporary design and picturesque landscaping make this spot one of the most glamorous getaways on our list. With a total of 22 rooms, including 16 guest rooms and 6 one-bedroom suites, there are no bad options to stay.
Fully immerse yourself in the mansion’s history by booking your stay in the House Suite, which is established around the building’s original essence and design. Or, plan the truly perfect getaway weekend in the Cottage King Suite–a private balcony overlooks the breathtaking scenic estate. Although it will feel as if you could stay in your suite all weekend long, the opulent amenities available are too good to miss. A weekly fitness schedule is offered to guests at The Ness facility, and it is safe to say you will find us at the Bounce Stability classes where we’ll get both our cardio kick and dance session for the day ahead. After a morning workout, head to the Spa for a custom massage using Farmaesthetics–each massage is created specifically for you using handmade herbal oils catered especially to you, for you.
Where To Eat:
Sometimes, a meal close to your vacation home sounds too good to pass up, and lucky for you, Topping Rose House has the best of the best from the best of the best: celebrity chef Jean-Georges. The renowned chef owns 5-star restaurants all over the world and currently brings elegance and taste to Bridgehampton by serving his farm-to-table recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Jean-Georges at Topping Rose House. Start your night off with a weekday happy hour from 5:00 to 6:30PM–we recommend a spicy summer margarita or a glass of rosé, locally sourced from one of the Hampton’s vineyards. The sophisticated, yet laid-back ambiance of Jean-Georges at Topping Rose House coupled with the striking scenery of the surrounding grounds, are an Instagram-worthy moment–especially while wearing one of our new summer dresses or matching sets. It doesn’t matter what food you’re in the mood for, Jean-Georges at Topping Rose House has it all. From Black Truffle and Fontina Cheese Pizza to Roasted Maine Lobster, you could honestly eat here for every dinner of your stay and order something new, yet just as delicious, as the last.
Where To Play:
Calling all beach lovers–Ponquogue Beach, a fan favorite, is the ultimate place to soak in the sun and catch up on some much needed “me time”. About a 45 minute drive from Topping Rose House lies this spectacular, family-friendly beach just over Shinnecock Bay. The beach’s newly renovated pavilion offers concessions, outdoor showers, and restrooms, so once you pay for parking at the Ponquogue Beach lot and get a beach pass you are ready for a sun-filled day ahead. There’s no doubt that you will find yourself sprinting into the irresistible blue ocean, even if it’s minutes after applying a full coat of sunscreen… they say you get tanner in the water anyways!
Rent a boat from Yacht Hampton in Sag Harbor for a day of elevated fun in the sun. The rentals range from 4 to 6 hours, or a 3 hour sunset cruise–with 30+ yacht options to browse through, one is sure to be the perfect fit.
