An East Coast Summer Vacation

Catching rays on the Flyer
see all photos »

I flew east to Providence, RI to meet my mom and sister for our annual summer vacation. This is a long-standing family tradition and we've traveled to places like the Grand Canyon, Maine, and Alaska. As my mom gets a bit older, we stay a little closer to home for her and aren't having as many 'physical' adventures.

This year we enjoyed a traditional east coast vacation with several days in Newport, RI, Cape Cod and Nantucket, MA.

No cars are necessary on Nantucket, but for some reason Massachusettsians feel the need to bring over their oversized Sports Utility vehicles for which the streets are too narrow and the parking - unavailable.

Do you know the way to 'sconset?
see all photos »

We spent the first couple of days in Newport at my mom's boyfriend - Mr. Case's - place on Simmons Street just off Thames. [Yes - my sister and I still call him Mr. Case even though they have been dating for over 25 years. It's tough to break a habit started before you're even a teenager.] We spent an afternoon sailing around Newport Harbor on the Flyer, a catamaran. My sister and I also spent some time paddling around the harbor in kayaks. Some gorgeous boats out there. We had a great lobster dinner at Elizabeths Newport Cafe, known for their shared dinners [see my review].

Family photo.
see all photos »

Next stop Hyannis. It took about 2.5 hours to drive there. Spent the night at the Hyannis Inn Motel (basic) [See my review] across the street from the ferry and took the first high speed boat to Nantucket in the morning.

We sat outside because it was a beautiful warm day, but once we were out on the water it was cold and windy out on the deck of the high speed ferry. We wrapped ourselves in our new beach blanket bought at the fabulous Christmas Tree Store in Hyannis.

The ferry lands right in Town and you can walk to most accommodations. We stayed at the Center Board Inn a charming bed (without a real breakfast) on Center Street. [See my review.] We spent the day exploring on foot. No cars are necessary on Nantucket, but for some reason Massachusettsians feel the need to bring over their oversized Sports Utility vehicles for which the streets are too narrow and the parking unavailable.

Sailboat under the Newport Bridge
see all photos »

That day we took Gail's tour of the island, which was an excellent way to learn about the history of the island and get the lay of the land. Our van tourmates were two families with 7 kids between them, but Gail had the good sense to seat them in the back of the van. As a third generation islander, Gail had a great sense of island history and gave us an insider's tour. Kim and I got a kick out of mom, who acted like she was the only one on the tour, responding to all of Gail's questions and asking many of her own.

Nantucket Lighthouse at sunset
see all photos »

That night we had dinner at American Seasons, across from our guest house, an absolutely wonderful meal. [See my review.]

The next day my sister and I rented bikes and rode all over the island. While the town streets are too narrow and some cobble stoned, the bike trails are fantastic. My bike frame was a bit too big for me which made getting on and off a challenge. Stopping at a stop sign was a major challenge. The longest ride was a trip out to sconset a charming village with rose covered bungalows on the ocean.

Family photo in front of 'sconset lighthouse
see all photos »

That evening we had lobster dinner at a family style restaurant. I was hoping for cheap lobsters served unceremoniously outside like I had experienced on a trip to Northeastern Canada, but alas, that was not to be. These lobsters were market price not cheap - Nantucket style. Afterwards we found a bar/restaurant near the docks featuring two acoustic singers.

Our last day on the island was spent at the beach. The water is VERY shallow at low tide not good for swimming but perfect for families with small children. You can rent a beach chair for about $10 with a deposit.

We walked to a breadshop/sandwich shop for lunch. Had the largest roast beef sandwich youve ever seen. I ordered one chocolate chip cookie but got 3. We sat outside at picnic tables with the other diners and a well behaved standard poodle.

Back to Hyannis on the high speed ferry. We sat inside this time. We were entertained by a very drunk society lady and her young consort. The bar cut her off and she got into a verbal brawl with a guy in the rest room. High drama on the high seas.

Another night in the Hyannis Inn Motel (remarkably in the very same room!). Skipped the horrible continental breakfast and went out for some protein. Then began the drive back to Newport. Kim got a speeding ticket for following a state trooper! $75 ticket, a break because he only charged us for going 10 mph over the speed limit, when in reality we were probably going 85 because that's how fast the trooper said he was going.

Last day in Newport was a scorcher! Kim and I walked around town and did some shopping. Then we stopped at Christies dock for a frozen drink and to listen to the guitar player. Mom got worried- some things never change. I didn't have my 'damned raspberry' with me so she couldn't call.

Next day, back to California (with a 3 hour layover in Atlanta) and, sadly, another great summer vacation was over.