Blog — JETSETTING WITH JESS

As many of you know, my husband and I relocated to the West Coast from Boston a couple of months ago. The original plan was to end up in Los Angeles, but our plans changed a bit when my husband got a job offer in San Diego that he could not pass up. But we are close enough to LA that it's now my new favorite for a weekend getaway.

I know there are tons of people who can't stand LA but maybe they have not been to the right places? I dunno, because I LOVED it. LA reminds me of a sunnier, more spread out version of New York City. Lots of energy but not too much (because after all it IS California we're talking about) and made up of a bunch of neighborhoods all with their own personality. So just find your groove and you too will learn to love LA.

By no means am I an expert in this city, considering this was my first real visit (can't really count the night before my Mexican Riviera cruise in '09) but I can promise you that these things will not disappoint:

Hollywood Boulevard & the Walk of Fame - Okay so this one might disappoint. It's kinda gross (this is where Vivian was picked up by Edward in Pretty Woman...) but it's fun to look for your favorite stars. No need to spend more than an hour or two here and avoid the Chinese Theater if crowds are not your thing--it's like Times Square. TIP: To maximize your time, look up the location (by block) of your star in the search bar here so you're not wandering around aimlessly.

Hollywood Sign - Nothing defines LA more than this and the best view is from Griffith Park. But if there are events being held at the park making it impossible for you to get there (need I mention the awfulness known as LA traffic?!), the next best thing is to head up into Hollywood Hills to Runyon Canyon Park. The view of the city and the mountains are spectacular and you're able to spot your famous sign.

Rodeo Drive - Don your best outfit, don't forget your wallet and take a stroll down this beautiful boulevard lined with designer shops and fancy cars. Big mistake. Big. HUGE.

Beverly Hills - Home to gorgeous parks and streets, celebs, Rodeo Drive, icons like the Beverly Wilshire Grand and the Beverly Hills Hotel, and the best show of the 90s (but if you want to see the Walsh residence, you'll have to drive to the 'burbs...Altadena to be exact).

Palm tree-lined streets of Beverly Hills

West Hollywood - If Beverly Hills is the Upper East Side of LA, then West Hollywood is the Village. This neighborhood feels super trendy/cool and has more going on than adjacent Beverly Hills.

In LA, even the Restoration Hardware is beautiful

If you're curious about where to eat, some memorable places include Mario Batali's Osteria Mozza (reservations needed) and the Neapolitan pizzeria and craft cocktail joint Sotto (also need reservations) for dinner. Check out Bouchon in Beverly Hills, perfect for brunch or lunch on a lovely outdoor patio (don't forget to pop into their bakery for a treat and keep your eyes peeled for celebs). For top notch espresso drinks and delish avocado toast, visit Comoncy in Beverly Hills.

And lastly if you're curious about where to stay, first choose your neighborhood (like Beverly Hills or West Hollywood..really I don't know where else you'd want to be) and then see what's available in your price range, roofdeck pool a plus. We landed a good rate (and wanted the Starwood points) at the hip SLS but some other good options are the Mondrian, the Viceroy and the Montage. Enjoy!

Rodeo Drive, oh how I wish I had unlimited funds to spend...

New Englanders, rejoice! It's that time of year we all look forward to--Memorial Day weekend a.k.a. the official kick off to summer. Snow is a thing of the past (for the next several months anyway) and now it's time to enjoy the best of what New England has to offer! The island of Martha's Vineyard is one of my favorite places to do just that. While MV is one of those places you could easily spend a week or two in, it is possible to do a short little weekend getaway (carless, even!) if you can't spare the vacation time. Here's my take on the perfect MV weekend:

FRIDAY

4:00p: Shut-down that computer and hop in a cab to Logan. Check-in for your Cape Air flight, put to use that TSA pre-check, and make your way to the gate. If you made it with a few extra minutes to spare or if your flight is delayed, DEFINITELY take the time to have a cocktail. These planes are TINY (you're welcome).

6:00p: Arrive in Martha's Vineyard after a short (or long, depending on if you had that cocktail or not) 45 min scenic ride over Cape Cod. Hop in a cab and head to Edgartown to check into your hotel, Lark Hotel's stylish boutique inn, The Christopher. The decor is just lovely.

6:30p: Drop those weekend bags and head on over to the The Atlantic, just a short walk from your hotel, for happy hour. Grab a spot at the bar and you can have dinner with your martinis.

8:30p: End (or start) your night at the popular watering hole The Wharf. The Sox will be on at the bar up front but head to the bar in the back for the party if that is your thing.

10:00p: Call it a night and tuck into your comfy king sized bed with soft pillows and plush linens. Rest up for a busy but fun day ahead!

SATURDAY

9:00a: Rise and shine! It's time for some coffee and bagels at Espresso Love. So many good options to choose from but you can't go wrong with The Islander (veggie cream cheese, bacon and cucumber).

10:00a: Rent some bikes from Wheel Happy located conveniently next door to your hotel and map out your ride. Make sure you get a picnic basket which will come in handy!

12:00p: Get some exercise and pedal your way out of town to Morning Glory Farm to pick up some provisions for lunch--fresh-grown fruits, veggies, and freshly baked goods. On your way back into town, stop at Black Sheep to pick up some gourmet cheese and meats. Followed by a stop at Vintage MV Wine & Spirits for some wine. Then make your way over to Lighthouse Beach for a picnic with a view.

2:00p: If the weather's nice, enjoy the beach or better yet get on over to South Beach (MV's best beach in my opinion). If there are more clouds than you'd like (it is New England after all), not to fret. Pedal those bikes to nearby Bad Martha Farmers Brewery for some local craft brews. Best get a flight to sample them all!

5:00p: Head back to the hotel for some freshening up for dinner. Don't be afraid to pull out the Vineyard Vines. When in Rome...

6:00p: Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail and oysters at the bar at Alchemy. (Note: this is also an excellent restaurant to dine at too)

7:30p: Sit down to a lovely candlelit dinner at L'Etoile. If it's warm enough, dine in the outdoor terrace under the string lights. It's magical.

9:30p: Finish off the night with an ice cream cone from Mad Martha's. There's always room for dessert!

Doesn't get any more American than that!

The llamas at Ernie Boch's seaside mansion

SUNDAY

9:00a: Back to Espresso Love. It's just that good.

10:00a: If the weather is nice, you can't say no to some sun and some waves at South Beach. Hop on that bike and burn of the previous day's imbibing.

1:00p: Head back to town for some lunch and drinks on the roofdeck at the Seafood Shanty. It's an institution not to be missed. Lobster roll, obvi.

4:00p: Return the bikes, grab your bags and sadly head back to the airport. With a smile of course because you just lived it up all weekend on MV.

Accommodations: The Christopher (24 South Water Street Edgartown); thechristophermv.com

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A Weekend Jaunt to La La Land

A Weekend Getaway in Martha's Vineyard