All Americana
As much as I’ve traveled internationally, admittedly, there are many popular stateside destinations that I haven’t crossed off my idiomatic list.
The Grand Canyon, Moab, White Sands National Park, the mountains of Montana… They all call to me, but being in my backyard, I always think, “I’ll get to them some day.” I have discussed this predicament with close friends in the industry who feel the same way. We’ve determined it’s like living in NYC and not visiting the Statue of Liberty or Empire State Building: we don’t prioritize the things — as grand and exotic as they are — in our own backyard.
Nonetheless, since the pandemic, I will say that I’ve explored more of the great country I call home with a fresh perspective that’s inspired me to plan even more travels within reach. This summer, I’m thrilled to stay put to visit novel and favorite New England destinations, alike.
A few spots on my radar are:
Plymouth, MA: Only an hour away from Boston, I’m intrigued by the boutique Mirbeau Inn & Spa that’s been recommended by friends for their sprawling spa, 16,500-square-feet to be exact.
South Kingstown, RI: As much as I love me some Island Creek Oysters (their Duxbury location is a prime hangout spot on a summer Sunday) I decidedly need to switch it up and Matunuck Oyster Bar is that answer. I can just see myself whiling away an afternoon on their waterfront dock, beginning with a platter of oysters, of course, before making my way through the rest of the farm-to-table menu.
Chicago: Since The Bear’s return (say what you want about this show, but I’m a fan and since I don’t write about TV, I’ll leave it at that) and a recent trip with a travel writer based there (hi, Ari Bendersky) I have some amazing recommendations for a forthcoming trip at the end of summer. Stay tuned for that recap, but a few spots I’m especially excited for are cocktails at Bisous, croissants at Mindy’s Bakery and checking into my suite at the swanky Pendry Chicago in downtown.
I also wanted to put a few spots on your radar from my stateside sojourns:
Rogue Valley, Oregon: This southwestern region flexes an incredible wine scene. In fact, they may just have the best Tempranillo outside of Spain. I wrote all about it for Oenologique as well as the best things to do in the Valley for USA Today 10Best. Highlights include: a gourmet picnic with Rogue Picnics, cheese tastings at Wooldridge Creek and rafting down the Rogue River.
Dallas, Texas: There’s never been a better time to visit the Big D. A luxury hotel boom (I wrote about it for Robb Report) has brought new business to the central business district and beyond to the PGA’s new headquarters in Frisco. Whether sporty or a shopper, a foodie or fitness guru, you’ll surely find your groove here.
Kennebunk, Maine: I’ve highlighted this New England oasis before and I’ll continue to for many years because this destination truly embodies all Americana. Don’t miss a walk on Goose Rocks Beach, a farm-to-fork feast at Earth at Hidden Pond, the Schooner Eleanor for sunset cocktails and The Clam Shack for a lobster roll, fried clams and onion rings.
Barnard, Vermont; Santa Barbara; Walland, TN: What do these three corners of the country have in common? Renowned Relais & Chateaux properties that showcase unparalleled access to America’s natural beauty. Respectively, Twin Farms, Harbor House Inn and Blackberry Farm are three of the countries most respected hotels — they recently bolstered their reputation by collaborating with Krug Champagne and Indagare Travel to host a series of weekends that start this fall for a luxury immersion to their already top-tier hospitality. Having experienced Twin Farms and Blackberry Farm, I can’t imagine how indulgent these weekends are going to be.
I’ve shared a few more articles spotlighting destinations across the country below:
Destination Guides:
Locales worth traveling for:
This Sonoma Inn Has 5 Rooms, 3 MICHELIN Keys and 3 MICHELIN Stars
The goop Villa at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach is a Hot Place to Cool Down
This Newport Hotel Pays Homage To Its Gilded Past With New Whisky Room
For planning ahead:
I can’t wait to hear where your travels take you around our country (please share!). In the meantime, here’s to the Fourth of July and a long weekend filled with leisurely days around the pool, grilling and enjoying the official start to summer.
XO,