holidays

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Spectacle Island Luau with Boston Harbor Cruises

June 21, 2018 in Food, Travel by traveleatlove | No comments

Happy first day of Summer! Boston is my favorite place to be during this magical season, and if you’ve been reading my blog any length of time, you know that I spend every minute I can boating, swimming, and on beaches.

As such, I was so excited to learn about Boston Harbor Cruises luaus on Spectacle Island, and to be invited to one that fell on my husband’s first Father’s Day. It turned out to be the perfect day for a cruise over to Spectacle, as it was in the 90s, and we enjoyed beautiful sea breezes.

Since it was a luau, I made sure we were dressed accordingly. Welcome to a lifetime of coordinated family outfits, Myles!

We enjoyed a lovely and smooth ride out to the island and then were greeted with its beautiful beaches, trails, Boston views, and a tent set up and ready for our dinner.

We made a quick stop at the bar for Sam summers, and then we found seats under the tent to begin our luau feast!

The main dish at the luau was a whole roast pig, which I fully enjoyed, but I decided to omit a photo, as I know many people (including myself) have a hard time looking at the pig itself. I have to say though, it was really yummy, super tender and flavorful, and the team serving it up was lovely and friendly!

As usual, for me, the side dishes stole the show. I ate the majority of this frisbee full of tomatoes. Nothing says summer like tomatoes, and these were simply delicious. I also loved this noodle dish and a combo pasta/potato salad that just says summer picnic.

After we devoured our side dishes and melt-in-your-mouth pork while chatting with our luau neighbors, we were presented with a creamy coconut pudding . . . which was incredible!

The timing of the luau meant that we were able to go for a nice walk on the island before heading back to the boat and enjoying a glorious sunset over Boston as we rode home. We took turns relaxing on the bow (It was a bit too windy for the baby.) and we all just felt super happy and relaxed when we arrived home and ready for a deep sleep and to tackle the week ahead. My husband said he felt like he was on vacation while out at the luau. I wholeheartedly agree.

Thank you for hosting us, Boston Harbor Cruises! I look forward to coming aboard for my annual trip to Provincetown and hopefully for many other journeys this summer!

Tags: beer, Boston, events, Food, holidays, summer

A Festive Lunch Spot

December 4, 2017 in Cocktails, Food, Travel by traveleatlove | 1 comment

As much as I like having access to all Boston has to offer, I more than love escaping to wide open spaces outside the city, whether it be to the ocean or places a bit further inland. One favorite quaint New England spot is Longfellow’s Wayside Inn in Sudbury, an easy drive from Boston, and perfect for a festive lunch or dinner during the holiday season.

We recently celebrated my in-laws’ anniversary at the Wayside Inn, and it was an absolutely perfect day for strolling the grounds of the historic inn, then warming up inside with a delicious traditional New England meal and cocktails.

The Martha Mary chapel is a must-visit while at Wayside, as is the path behind the inn, where a beautiful pond and forest await.

Inside, you will definitely feel like you stepped back in time! The Wayside Inn has a fascinating history which has many famous players involved, It is definitely haunted!

I had done a long run the morning of our chilly visit to Sudbury, and I was craving all of the warm comfort food in the world! A cold Meeting House Punch, made with beer, rum, lemon, and brown sugar was the perfect way to start the afternoon, and I enjoyed bites of lobster pie, paired perfectly with mashed potatoes and squash, along with classic New England clam chowder.

Seriously, bring your appetite when you visit!

I never tire of really good bacon-wrapped scallops, and these were excellent, with crispy bacon and sweet, tender scallops, just as they should be.

I was the only one craving dessert after all that, but I guess an 11 mile run will do that to a girl. Pecan Chocolate Chip Bourbon Pie was gooey and warm and exquisite, with dollops of fresh cream setting off all of that chocolate-y richness.

The service at the Wayside Inn is outstanding, and the place is just so cozy and festive. We lingered over a long late lunch and left feeling stuffed and super relaxed.

Tags: Food, food blog, historic, holidays, hotels, inns, Massachusetts, New England

Merry and Bright

December 30, 2015 in Food, Living, wine by traveleatlove | 3 comments

I hope you are having a nice holiday season! I’ve been busy visiting family and wrapping up a very busy work year but wanted to share a few favorites from the Christmas season to keep the cheer alive, especially as the weather in Boston has turned downright gross! Wishing you all a Happy New Year . . . see you in 2016!

Wandering Boston and taking in the decorations at the Four Seasons

Listening to choir practice and feeling thankful at the Old South Church

Driving around Milton looking at the beautiful Christmas lights Christmas tree

Loving the old fashioned Christmas decorations on my mom’s Christmas tree

Milk and homemade cookies every night before bed

Incredible food gifts like this package from Kerrygold, makers of the best Irish butter and cheese ever. I received this as part of the Kerrygold blogger network, but we basically don’t buy any other butter ever. It’s the best.