somewhere on the South End
So, here we are: flying day. Oh how I hate it. But as soon as the plane touches down at Logan, I’ll be a happy clam. Not only do I get to attend the Design*Sponge business meetup, but I have a long list of shops I’m looking forward to stopping at. Mostly looking – I’d just like to declare that – mostly looking.
Here’s the list. Leave a comment if I’m missing your “must see”:
Good, French Dressing (always wanted to go and w/no boys along, the perfect opportunity), Black Ink, Beacon Hill Chocolates
Louis Boston, dress, Simon Pearce, Sweet cupcakes, Fresh, Kate Spade
South End looc, Hudson, South End Buttery, Flour, B&G Oysters/Stir, Formaggio Kitchen, Chocolee Chocolates, Winston Flowers Design Studio (can you visit this? @160 Southampton)
Barney’s, Friday Farmer’s Market
Cross your fingers that the flight is uneventful. See you tomorrow.
And for the giveaway winner: Congratulations, Benson! You’ve won the pushpins! Just send me an email (see my profile) with your shipping address by Monday, and I’ll get the package on its way to you.
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photo by juergen teller for wmagazine.com
Until the mailman breaks down and delivers my backlog of September magazines (where are they, says the impatient addict!) the web will have to suffice. Love this photo of Tilda Swinton from W’s September issue.
photo from poppiesforgrace.com
I just adore this “Babe” wedding invitation set by Poppies for Grace that I spotted at Snippet & Ink today.
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The final stop on our driving vacation was the Indiana Dunes State Park. We drove home along Highway 12, and stopped in the Visitor’s Center, as we wanted to find the “best” spot for a quick visit. Great move, as we learned only two parts were open (due to parking) and the 11 minute video gave us an informative overview of the area, especially since we were going to see such a small part.
The skies were overcast, and the weather was late summer, but climbing the dunes sure warmed you up quickly. There’s nothing like climbing up a hill of sand to make you feel old, especially when your 10-year-old is gleefully running up and down, while kicking a soccer ball. He’s somewhere in the photo above. I had yet to start my ascent.
There were lots of interesting stones to collect. (Maybe that’s why it was so hard to climb the dunes – my pockets were full of stones!) The glass above is filled mostly with my dunes work: the perfect souvenir.
Thursday and Friday, we set off for Harbor County, Michigan. After a frustrating start to the drive when our iPass didn’t work at the Skway toll booth (the credit card expired 9 months ago w/o notification), we arrived safe and sound in New Buffalo. I think we covered a lot of ground in the two day getaway. Good food and charming shops abound. Here are some favorites:
- Stray Dog Bar & Grill Our first stop, for a late (eastern time!) lunch. Great food. My son loved his bbq chicken wrap, my husband made short work of his sandwich, and I renewed my August blt obsession here. There’s a gear shop next door where you can pick up the obligatory tshirt. I was denied, however, as August makes for slim pickings on the seasonal items. Next time, I’d like to eat on the roof as I think there’s a water view.
- Marina Grand Resort/Bentwood Tavern Our hotel was just a few short blocks from the Stray Dog. After a walk to the beach (photo of lighthouse at top) and quick drive to get a feel for the “neighborhood”, we checked in and headed to the bar for a drink. The outdoor tables had a beautiful view of the marina …. we enjoyed it so much that we decided to return for dinner. Our waiter said that we should get back before 7:30 for an outdoor seat, and we listened. A quick pool visit for our son, and back we were. Same view. Same waiter. Delicious food. We split a pizza and salads, and for dessert, pavlova. One of my (long list of) favorite desserts.
- Marco Polo Bob at Pomegranate directed us to Marco Polo, an antiques shop in Harbert. Wow. Not only is the building a visual feast, but the barn had these skirted cushion chairs, and I fell hard. Stared and stared and finally worked up the courage to ask if I could take some photos. When I’m ready to add some funky and original accessories to my home, this shop will be at the top of my list.
- Blue Plate Cafe Saturday for lunch we picked the Blue Plate Cafe, from the multitude of options along Red Arrow Highway. A line inside can only mean deliciousness. I had (wait for it) a blt. We sat outside and drank up the late summer day. Oh, and we grabbed a couple of chocolate chip cookies on the way out for sustenance.
- Green Door Dairy We drove up Red Arrow to Sawyer, Michigan, and then down Three Oaks Road to the charming town of Three Oaks. Three Oaks was probably my favorite town of the weekend. It felt small town, and there were lots of things to see (like some very Mad Men 60s purses – you know, the snap closure, a pocket for the coin purse, everything a purse ought to be – from the estate of Adele Astaire), and more places that I’d like to have eaten at. One of those was Green Door Dairy. Is this the cutest building ever, or what? Ice cream, hot dogs, root beer floats ….. I tried to tempt my son with something since he has a 10-year-old’s metabolism, but he wouldn’t bite. One bottled water, coming up. All I can say is, Next Time For Sure.
Quick listing of other places I’d recommend: Sawyer Garden Center, Catherine Doll (loved chatting about dogs w/you!), Froehlichs, French Twist (Three Oaks), and Opulence (home of the perfect purses).
More later. I have to get organized today, and pack. Tomorrow morning, I’m headed to Boston :)
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