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Winter getaways seem to be the topic of conversation more than ever this year. I don’t know about you, but I have become desperate to unplug from the world on weekends, and being near the ocean has been my saving grace.

A few weeks ago, we started discussing a possible winter trip to Martha’s Vineyard. We craved being on a boat, hiking, good food and wine, and quiet, and we knew that we could find all of that close to home on MV.

As fate might have it, just a couple of days after that discussion, I received an email from the owners of the Nobnocket Boutique Inn on Martha’s Vineyard, inviting us to come and stay for a Valentine’s getaway. The timing was absolutely perfect, and after swooning over the inn’s website photos, we were soon counting down the days until we left Woods Hole for Martha’s Vineyard.

One major perk of visiting Martha’s Vineyard off-season? We left mid-day on Friday and hit absolutely no traffic. The ferry was fairly empty, and the entire trip was a breeze. Once we drove off the ferry in Vineyard Haven, it was about two minutes to Nobnocket. Vineyard Haven’s adorable town center is easy walking distance from the inn, and you’ll likely encounter a few dozen turkeys along the way!

Photo via Nobnocket Boutique Inn website

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Upon our arrival, we were welcomed with offers of coffee, tea, water, wine, and we chose tea, which we enjoyed while chatting with inn owners Annabelle and Simon.

tea time

The common areas of the inn are welcoming and cozy, and, like the rest of the property, decorated with beautiful little details everywhere you turn.

Nobnocket Boutique Inn

Nobnocket Boutique Inn

The breakfast room is also an all-day oasis, with coffee and tea, cold drinks, filtered water, snacks, and a few nightcap options.

Nobnocket Boutique Inn

The surroundings are just as lovely as the inside of the inn. A fresh snow on the island made things just a bit more sparkly, and the trees, including massive holly trees, brought a nice touch of natural beauty right up to the doors of the inn. Another perk of winter? The trees aren’t grown in, and you can easily see the harbor in the distance.

Also, the turkeys! Who knew that Martha’s Vineyard had SO many turkeys?

Martha's Vineyard

 

lighting

 

Nobnocket Boutique Inn

Before settling into our room, we toured the other guest rooms, each delightfully appointed with its own unique details. The above room is as it was in the original home, with details like a brick fireplace and lots of beautiful dark wood that has been lovingly treated, giving it a more lodge-y, masculine look than the others.

Nobnocket Boutique Inn

Rooms upstairs are bright and sunny, each with its own color scheme that’s perfectly woven throughout. I appreciate an eye for detail like this immensely; I certainly don’t have it! Throughout the weekend we continuously pointed out little details that we hadn’t noticed earlier.

Nobnocket Boutique Inn

inns of Martha's Vineyard In our luxurious yellow-and-black room, even the beer opener was yellow!

Martha's Vineyard Nobnocket Boutique Inn has managed to perfectly blend chic design and clean lines with beachy coziness, making every space feel warm, welcoming, and relaxing. Our room was no exception, with a plush and comfy bed, lots of pillows, bathrobes, slippers, a fireplace, and a bathroom that was to-die-for.

luxury on Martha's Vineyard

How amazing is this tub? What I didn’t capture is the flat-screen TV on the wall behind it. I love a good, super hot soak more than anything, and I am surprised I left that space all weekend long.

Martha's Vineyard inns

luxury bathroom

Attention to detail extended beyond design and into every aspect of the day,  from turndown to turndown.

On our first night we were greeted with homemade lemon cookies (which I knew about from their Instagram post earlier in the day!) And yes, we turned in for the night by 8:08 on our first night.

cookies for turndown

Breakfasts were works of art. On our first day, yogurt parfaits, poached eggs, bacon, and toast started our day.

Nobnocket Boutique InnAfter a busy day of exploration, we relaxed by the fire with our wonderful hosts and another couple (Hi Matt and Dave!) before dinner. . .

Nobnocket Boutique Inn

And when we arrived back home were greeted by the most decadently delicious chocolate chip cookies and chocolate covered strawberries. To.die.for.

cookies at turn down

The next morning there was more breakfast art; a bento box of yogurt and fruit, flaky homemade sausage rolls, local baguette and scones, and the best ginger pear marmalade from New Lane Sundries.

Nobnocket Boutique Inn

We were thoroughly spoiled with treats, comfy spaces, and lots of laughs throughout the weekend, and it wasn’t easy to leave. If you’re craving a relaxing getaway, keep Nobnocket Boutique Inn at top of mind. Their specials and packages page is a great place to start!

More on Martha’s Vineyard in the winter to come. . .

Our stay was generously hosted by the inn. All opinions are my own. Thank you again to Annabelle and Simon for such a fantastic weekend!

Tags: inns, luxury travel, Martha's Vineyard, New England, New England travel, travel blogger, travel. Travel Tuesday

As we always do in Ireland, we did our fair share of eating and drinking on our last visit. Food in Ireland is really good; people who think otherwise are missing out!

Below are just a few of the bites and sips that we enjoyed in County Galway just a few weeks ago.

O'Grady's on the Pier Seafood chowder, brown bread, and pints of Guinness at O’Grady’s in Barna, a must visit every time I am in Galway

 

champagne and strawberries

Champagne and a board of Irish seafood at Gaslight at the Hotel Meyrick in Eyre Square Galway – this was the perfect spot for a little rest from the crowds during the Galway Races.

Irish seafood board Irish coffee

Irish coffees with a view in Roundstone, one of my favorite County Galway towns

Roundstone Ireland

bank holiday in Galway Plenty of Jameson and ginger ales on a Sunday Bank Holiday

Connemara Red Ale Irish craft beer! I loved this Connemara Red Ale from Independent Brewing Company of Ireland. Years ago I wondered why Ireland didn’t have many craft brewers, and now the scene is full of great craft beer. I wish I had opened a brewery then!

goat cheese salad Goat cheese and local veggie salad at An Cruiscin Lan in Spiddal

 

99 ice cream cone 99 ice cream cones with a Cadbury Flake – Irish soft serve ice cream is the best!

 

 

queen cakePink Queen Cakes – Queen Cakes come with many different colors of frosting, but mine has to be pink. I love these delicate little sweets at tea time.

 

Ard Bia Galway  A romantic date night at Ard Bia, dripping candles, local fare, and a great wine list included

Ard Bia Ard Bia has some of the best food in Galway, and I stuck to my seafood theme with the crab cocktail and mussels with a lovely grapefruit topping.

mussels

baked Irish oysters

Galway oysters baked with a creamy roux, made by my mother-in-law – the oysters were so fresh and briny, and we gobbled them  down right out of the broiler.

Vindaloo

Veggie Vindaloo from Kahsmir Galway, my favorite Indian restaurant ever – my extra spicy meal is always the topic of conversation, but truthfully I don’t find it that bad at all!

 

G Hotel Galway

Drinks and a cheese plate in the fancifully-decorated G Hotel in Galway – always a favorite spot for a cocktail and to people watch, and to admire the decor

Tags: Dining out, Food, Galway, Ireland, Irish coffee, travel. Travel Tuesday, wine

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