We're not fans of breaking it to you, but it’s almost officially the end of summer. If it doesn’t feel like you quite took advantage of the warm weather, you’re not alone – we’ve put together a masterlist of some of the best quick getaways on each coast (just in time for Labor Day, we might add) so you can squeeze in some last-minute rest-and-relaxation before locking back into work. With a variety of beachside and small town locales, find your perfect long weekend destination below.
This classic Gilded-Age vacation spot, combining palpable historic luxury with seaside coastal-grandmother charm, is only three-and-a-half hours from New York and an hour-and-a-half drive from Boston. Throw on a cable knit sweater with some bermuda shorts and hop in a sailing boat, go for a cliffside walk, or plant yourself at the nearest fish-and-chip shop. Go berry picking, pick up some homemade ice-cream, or peruse some of the most charming antique shops imaginable. Chock-full of both cozy inns and glamorous resorts, try The Hilltop Inn for that classic seaside charm, or Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina to guarantee you a spot close to the regatta action.
This countryside village-slash-township is full of rustic colonial architecture and historic white oak trees. Stay at the quaint Bedford Post Inn and eat by The Barn or The Farmhouse (easily interchangeable) for either a casual brunch or formal French dining, with food sourced from local farms. For that sweet country air, try walking or hiking the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, the largest park in Westchester County. Stop by the Katonah Museum of Art to browse intimate collections and sculptures, or tour the John Jay Homestead to view restored vintage furniture pieces, a rotating gallery, and 62 acres of country meadows and gardens.
As rural as rural can be, come to The Berkshires to truly get away from it all amidst a backdrop of autumnal hills, highlands, and winding rivers. The quiet region is chock-full of Baroque and Georgian-style residential spas like the Blantyre, the Canyon Ranch Lenox, and the Miraval Berkshires – pick your luxury, whether you want rustic farmhouse charm or grand English mansion sitting rooms. Indulge in early-autumn past times like apple picking at Bartlett's Orchard. For entertainment, check out the Norman Rockwell Museum or Williams College Museum of Art for some iconic collection pieces, or the Shakespeare Company's lively summertime performances.
RECENT ARTICLE
LIFESTYLE │ Fashion
Our Favorites Wallets and Coin Purses
Not having a wallet is one of the biggest organizational faux pas you can make — but who hasn’t used their makeup pack or handbag pocket as a coin purse (or maybe that’s just me). Regardless, not having a fashionable wallet or coin purse is probably an even bigger one. These are our favorite picks that combine fashion, professionalism, and convenience with both quiet luxury and practical utility.
This gorgeous desert oasis is only a few hours from Los Angeles, a celebrity hotspot and wellness destination to boot. Glam it up at the Colony Palms Hotel, Frank Sinatra’s historic vacation abode, or book a quiet stay at Instagrammable bohemian bothole Les Cactus. For dining, nothing beats the eateries owned by restaurateurs Liz and Mark Ostoich – try Farm for French provincial breakfast fare, Tac/Quila for a delicious south-of-the-border lunch, and Clandestino for a tacos-and-cocktails dinner. Check out the Aerial Tramway for some gorgeous mountain views, go shopping at the Desert Hills Outlets for some premium thrift, or stop by the Mary Pickford Theater for a delightfully air-conditioned movie.
This textbook storybook town, complete with quaint cottages and cobblestone streets, is only a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco. Hotels like La Playa (a former heiress's seaside estate) and Le Petit Pali (a trendy new bed-and-breakfast) are decorated just as beautifully, with seashell accents, four-poster beds, and plush throw pillows. Pick up the town's most beloved brunch at Stationaery or grab a Michelin-star dinner at Chez Noir. Amble about the idyllic streets while shopping for books at Pilgrim's Way, or view art at boutique galleries like Weston's or Monica Graham's.
This artsy beachside town is an oasis of local art galleries, picturesque main streets, and breathtaking sunsets. The Montage Laguna Beach is a Craftsman-style resort complete with a pool, spa, and extensive gardens, while Casa Laguna boasts Spanish-style mosaics and 1920s interior design. For the prettiest seaside views, both Selanne Steak Tavern and Driftwood Kitchen offer gorgeous formal options where the wine is always flowing. This town of artists boasts a namesake Art Museum originally founded in 1918, and the community hosts a yearly Pageant of the Masters where actors bring classic art pieces to life.
