Photography: ALEXI LUBOMIRSKI
Memorial Day marks the first official weekend of the summer season, which means we are gearing up for al fresco lunches, summer Fridays and long weekend getaways in our favourite spots across the country. When choosing destinations for some much-needed R&R, our editors are as discerning as you’d expect, and are on the hunt for the best shopping, dining and luxury stays one can find. Here, our short list for a quick and easy summer holiday–from Nashville to New England’s hotspots.
#1. The Hamptons
Image: Getty
I love heading out East for long weekends, spending long days at the beach and nights cooking with friends and building beach bonfires. My favorite Hamptons spots are definitely Dave’s Grill and Big Olaf’s Ice Cream for dinner and dessert when we’re not entertaining, and the newly-opened Copious Row in Sag Harbor and Tenet in Southampton are my go-to’s whenever we’re shopping around town. – Amanda Alagem, Executive Accessories Editor
#2. Buffalo
Photography: Kerry Pieri; Courtesy of coocoou27
My brother-in-law and sister happen to own Cecelia’s, the restaurant with the best outdoor patio in the city on Elmwood Avenue. There’s some incredible, elevated food in Buffalo;Buffalo Proper‘s owners have presented at the James Beard Mansion and have a fantastic cocktail list and Craving on Hertel Avenue has also been recognised by James Beard. I love doing yoga in an old mansion at Power Yoga Buffalo and visits to The Martin House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and the Albright Knox Art Gallery are cultural musts. For shopping, there are serious estate furniture finds at coocoou27 on Chandler Street. – Kerry Pieri, Digital Fashion & Features Editor
#3. Cape Cod
Courtesy of Wequassett Resort and Golf Club
My family and I have been going to Cape Cod for the past few summers and typically stay inOcean Edge Resort, which puts us right in between Nauset and Skaket Beaches, the two most popular waterfronts in the area. For a more luxurious stay, I highly recommend Wequassett Resort and Golf Club that comes complete with waterfront views, which aren’t as easy to find as one would expect on the Cape. The tide at Skaket Beach goes out for miles–I can’t resist walking out as far as I can midday and then heading back as the tide rolls in and sticking around to watch the sunset. When we’re not diving into tempura haricot verts and margaritas at Joe’s Beach Road Bar and Grille in Orleans, we like to indulge in a perfectly-prepared dinner atABBA, which puts twists on Mediterranean flavours and offers a more upscale dining experience with an expertly curated wine list. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, stop by the Hot Chocolate Sparrow for their unforgettable homemade fudge. If you’re overwhelmed by the amount of options, you cannot go wrong with their classic chocolate walnut fudge, paired with a cappuccino. – Carrie Goldberg, Digital Travel & Weddings Editor
#4. Martha’s Vineyard
Image: Getty
My favourite long weekend destination is Martha’s Vineyard, MA. Hob Knob in Edgartown is the most idyllic inn, with its own bicycles for guests to borrow. The best days on the island are simply spent biking around and exploring–from Chappy to Vineyard Haven. – Cassie Anderson, Fashion Market Editor
#5. Charleston
Courtesy of Instagram and 167raw
Charleston is my newly-discovered, favourite place to visit for a long weekend. The flight from New York is less than two hours–yet feels like your are worlds away. Good food, beaches, sunshine – sign me up! We spend the days walking around and discovering the city, and the food is among the best I have had in the states. If you are in the mood for barbeque, Home Team is the absolute best. For a more refined meal, head to 167Raw–the food is fresh as can be and with only 20 seats, it feels like you are dining in your second home. The best shopping is at Hampden Clothing. The owner, Stacy Smallwood, welcomes everyone with open arms, and with designers like Marni & J.W. Anderson on the racks you are guaranteed to leave more stylish than you entered. – Megan Reynolds, Fashion Merchandising Director
#6. Washington and Fairfield County, Conneticut
Courtesy of The Mayflower Hotel and Bartaco
A lot of people have never heard of Washington, CT–but that’s okay by me! My mum has a house up there and there is shockingly still no cell service, which is even better for maximum de-stressing. For an afternoon of unwinding, The Mayflower Grace is just around the corner from us and they’ve got a killer spa. If you have a hankering for Japanese food, check outNorimaki in town; it shockingly rivals lots of sushi spots in NYC. For some amazing tchotchkes or dinner party gifts, drive over to Privet House, which also stocks my dad’s favourite shaving cream from Musgo. – Caroline Solomon, Digital Beauty Associate
My favourite long weekend destination is Fairfield County, where I grew up. It’s the best place to get out of the city, without going too far. When I’m home, I love walking around downtown Westport for shopping and having lunch on the water at BarTaco, or venturing out to New Haven for a quick traipse around the Yale campus. – Lauren McCarthy, Fashion News/Features Editor
#7. The Hudson Valley
Image: Getty; Courtesy of Peekamoose and Brushland Eating House
Most weekends, long or short, I’ll be upstate in the Hudson Valley jumping into secret swimming holes and eating really good food. My favorite restaurants include Brushland Eating House (try the pork schnitzel), Peekamoose (for the fresh rosemary bread and chive butter), andNorth Branch Inn (for the seasonal ingredients and the 100-year-old bowling alley in the kitchen). Located in Kingston with Parisian vibes, you’ll find Brunette, a wine bar serving up a curated selection of local drinks, small bites and under-the-radar music. In the morning, head to The Alternative Baker for their famous signature breakfast sandwich or Heron in the sleepy town of Narrowsburg. As far as places to stay, I like to rotate between The Spruceton Inn, The Arnold House, and good old-fashion camping. – Olivia Fleming, Senior Digital Features Editor
#8. Pittsburgh, PA
Image: Getty; Courtesy of Cure Restaurant
Pennsylvania is my home state, and I have family in the ‘Burgh, so it’s always nice to play tourist while paying them a visit. The food scene in Pittsburgh never ceases to amaze me–some truly amazing dinners are to be had at spots like Cure, Tako and Meat & Potatoes. Drinks at Butcher & The Rye are a must, and the brunch at The Commoner in the newly opened Ace Hotel is also on my do-not-miss list–they have a Bloody Mary Bar that’s definitely an experience, with options to infuse, rim and top your cocktail with a menu of different flavors.Andy Warhol is a Pittsburgh native, and much of his work can be seen in the museum dedicated to his works on the North Shore. For a nice walk, I head to the Duquesne Incline for amazing views then shopping—I love the vintage shops in Shadyside (shops like Hey Betty!and EONS are my favorites) and Sarri’s Candies. A visit there is as close as you’ll probably get to stepping into Willy Wonka’s factory. – Whitney Young, Snapchat Producer
#9. Miami
Courtesy of The Webster and The Edition Hotel
I always jet to Miami for a long weekend and spend as much time as I can at the EDITION—you can dance all night there, lounge by the pool, go bowling (yes, bowling…) and in some seasons, you can even ice skate there. There’s really no reason to hang out anywhere else. I spend most of the day on the beach and head to The Matador Room for dinner. When I am in town, I always have to stop by The Webster–they are the go-to for all things chic in South Beach, and in their other locations. – Chrissy Rutherford, Senior Digital Editor
