A Rooftop Weekend in Toronto

Toronto has the potential to be an amazing destination for a summer #longweekend.  It's only an hour flight from the city, has a burgeoning food scene, and there are enticing day-trip options (wine tasting, Niagra Falls).  I visited Toronto in late July for the equestrian event of the Pan Am games and had a lovely time.  

That said, Toronto is still a work in progress.  Because it's so cold near the water during winter, the city was built inland and the waterfront was left undeveloped and industrial.  The lack of any real waterfront is a shame because it can get quite hot in the summer, and it would be nice to have bars and restaurants along the water.  We sought relief from the swelter in elevation--floating in the pool atop the Thompson Hotel and sipping cocktails on the rooftop of Terroni.  On a hot weekend, you'll wish you knew someone with a boat.  But if the weather is nice, Toronto is a lovely alternative to New York for an urban summer weekend.  

Thompson Hotel Roof

Thompson Hotel

Thompson Hotel

Distillery District

Pan Am Games

El Catrin

El Catrin

Terroni

Terroni

Terroni

Eat:  Terroni (the Bar Pitti of Toronto); Sasafraz (chic brunch spot); Colette (the Lafayette of Toronto, great for breakfast); Bar Isabel; Black Hoof; Harbord Room; Grand Electric (tacos); Bar Rabal; Bang Bang (ice cream); Rock Lobster (get the Rock Lobster Caesar); Fat Pasha; El Catrin (Mexican spot with great decour); Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill; Pulp & Press Juice.  

Stay: The Thompson; The Drake.

Daytime:  Explore the town on bikes using Bike Share Toronto (Toronto is quite spread out so this is your best bet to get around efficiently); visit the CN Tower and maybe even try the Edge Walk; visit the St. Lawrence Market; hang out by the pool on the roof of the Thompson Hotel. 

Nighttime:  Walk around the Distillery District, grabbing drinks, shopping, and eating dinner at El Catrin or Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill); drinks at the Drake Hotel or the Chase Rooftop.   

Day Trips: Niagara Falls; wine tasting at Niagara-on-the-Lake.  

An All-American Weekend in Nantucket

Luxury Director of BRIDES Magazine Annemarie DesLauriers took a break from planning her own upcoming nuptials on Harbour Island to chat with me about her dreamy Fourth of July weekend in Nantucket.  Read on for her tips for the perfect, all-American beach weekend.  

How do you get there?  We took a direct flight on United, it’s about an hour-and-a-half long.  The airport is so tiny and charming, much like the one in Martha’s Vineyard.  We left Thursday night and got back Monday morning.  

Where did you stay?  We stayed in a cottage at the White Elephant.  They have a lot of different properties, including the hotel, cottages, lofts and private homes.  We were right on the Boat Basin where all of the fabulous yachts and boats dock.  There are little shops near there and it's a really pretty stroll at night.  We were there over the 4th of July weekend, so the yachts were all lit up, with people playing music and having parties late into the evening.  

How do you get around?  We went almost everywhere on bike, and nothing was more than a 20 minute bike-ride away.  You don't need a prior reservation, there are bike rental shops everywhere. We took a cab to a restaurant maybe twice.

What are the beaches like? The main beach is called Jetties Beach.  There’s a restaurant on it and a little shop where you can rent chairs and umbrellas.  Jetties Beach was a bit too crowded for us, so we ended up walking down to more secluded beaches like Steps Beach.  You can wander along the beaches to find others that are pretty, quiet and feel more local.  All of the beaches are public, although there was one called Great Point Beach that was really beautiful and reserved only for guests of nearby Wauwinet Inn (you didn't hear it from me, but don't mind the signs).  That was the only private beach we came across.   

What’s the best thing you ate?  We had ice cream every day at a place called The Juice Bar.  The line is around the block day and night, but it’s worth it.  They have a million delicious flavors, interesting juices like watermelon and lime, and homemade ice cream sandwiches and waffle cones...I could go on, it was just the greatest.  My fiancé also discovered a yummy tart beer from Maine called Peeper Ale. We had never seen it before, so we ordered that everywhere. 

How do you compare Nantucket to Martha’s Vineyard?  They are very similar--and both are so lovely!  But I think I liked the restaurants better in Nantucket better and it felt bigger…but maybe that’s just because we explored more.  I also read that it’s the most architecturally and environmentally accurate representation of a late 18th/early 19th century New England seaport town.  Because it's a landmark, they have building mandates, so all of the houses look exactly the same.  It’s this little island of sprawling identical homes on really beautiful land and beach plus a tiny town.

Would you go back?  Absolutely.  It feels like an endless summer there.  You roam around like a little kid.  I felt so relaxed coming back, as opposed to coming back from the Hamptons where you're hungover and you don’t want to talk to any more humans, haha.  In Nantucket, you're sipping wine and eating delicious seafood on the beach, biking along the greenest backdrop and closing the days with waffle cones.  It's the perfect weekend getaway.  

Complimentary bicycles at the White Elephant Cottages

Brant Point Lighthouse

Fresh food truck

Enjoying Jetties Beach

View from the Boat Basin at White Elephant

Young lads serving fresh seafood at Cisco Brewery

Picking strawberries at Bartlett's Farm

Boats docked at the Boat Basin at White Elephant

Ventuno

Annemarie’s Itinerary

Thursday Night

We ate dinner at Galley Beach.  It feels very Crow’s Nest... you have drinks in the sand outside under little mini-cabanas and then you’re inside for dinner.

Friday

Morning: We had breakfast at Black-Eyed Susan's.  The standout dish is the Tofu Scramble but I should also mention that on almost every breakfast menu we noticed the option to add pesto in your egg scrambles--it's actually so good!  We walked around town and found an adorable food truck with fresh fruit and flowers and tons of cute little shops.  Then we hopped on bikes and went exploring.  We rode to a lighthouse (Brant Point Lighthouse where it's customary to throw a penny in the water to ensure a return visit) and then to Jetties Beach.  We parked our bikes and walked over to Steps Beach. 

Afternoon:  We rode back into town and had lunch at The Club Car.  It’s an old train car from when Nantucket was originally established and they serve lobster rolls, shrimp salad, clam chowder.

Evening:  We had dinner at The Pearl which everyone recommended, although the atmosphere is a bit strange...It feels like you're under the sea, with blue lights and glass displays around you and an older crowd when we went, but food was delicious.  The signature dish (which I strongly recommend) is the salt and pepper wok fried lobster lo mein.  

Saturday (4th of July)

Afternoon: We rode our bikes to Cisco Brewery.  They had a live band, and three different areas where you could order all kinds of different beers and cocktails.  There were food tents serving fresh oysters and shrimp plus a lobster roll truck with clam chowder.  We spent all afternoon there, and I definitely recommend going for some day drinking fun.  They also have brewery tours.  Right next door is Bartlett’s Farm, where you can go strawberry picking.  There’s also a little grocery store where you can buy yummy home grown goods.

Evening: We went to Ventuno, a garden wine bar, and then we ate at American Seasons. 

Sunday

Breakfast:  We had drinks and brunch the next day at Boarding House.  It has a southern-inspired menu, with unique appetizers like cinnamon biscuits with some delicious sugar sauce and fried chicken with waffles.  The Bloody Mary’s are excellent.

Afternoon:  We shopped at Murray's Toggery Shop, which has a whole room devoted to Nantucket red--a million hats, overalls, shorts, dresses, all in Nantucket red.  You must get a hat there, they are so cute.

Evening:  We took a taxi to Wauwinet Inn, where everyone had recommended we go for sunset cocktails and dinner.  The restaurant itself was a bit stuffy for us…a lot of families that had been coming there for years and big heavy curtains.  But the lawn outside was absolutely gorgeous.  It's huge, with cozy lounge chairs set on really green grass overlooking the water.  This place and Galley Beach were by far the best places for sunset cocktails. 

Stay: White Elephant; Wauwinet Inn.

Eat: Millie's; The Juice Bar; Galley Beach; Boarding House; Ventuno; American Seasons; The Club Car; Black-Eyed Susan's; The Pearl; Cru (for oysters & cocktails).

Do: Cisco Brewery; Bartlett’s Farm; Steps Beach; Sconset Beach.

Shop: Organic beauty store Follain; Murray's Toggery Shop; TownPool.  

The Sunday Scaries: Hamptons Edition

You know the feeling.  You wake up Sunday morning in the Hamptons with crippling anxiety.  How will I get home? Train or Jitney? Should I leave now? Or should I stay and try to have a day?  Do I really need to be at work Monday morning? 

As the day progresses and the drinks start to flow, you find yourself opening the Blade app.  It's only $500, right? But alas, there are no seats left on any evening or early Monday morning ride.  You're stuck with a three-hour journey back, but the question remains: when do you leave?  This past weekend I did something I rarely do.  I refused to let Sunday end, and it ended up being one of the best days of my life. 

It started on the beach in Montauk.  We sat on towels in various stages of mental and physical health, pondering how and when we'd return to the city.  On a walk down the beach, I ran into a group of friends who were heading out to sail on Fort Pond.  "I'm in!" I declared, mentally disposing of any prospects of the 1:40 train.  We rented Hobie Cats from Puff 'n' Putt ($45/hour for up to four per boat) and sailed past Surf Lodge, heckling those unfortunate enough to be on dry land while we flew like birds in the wind across the pond. 

After sailing, we packed into a taxi to head to the train station for the 3:30 train back to the city.  As we drove past Navy Beach, I found myself staring at the crowds of Sunday revelers, rose in hand, basking in the afternoon light.  "Stop the car!" I yelled.  Five minutes later, my butt was in a white bean bag chair on the beach and I was three bites deep in truffle mac and cheese.  The reggae band was playing, the sun was gentle and warm, and I found myself dancing in my bikini, not a care in the world. 

But all good things must come to an end, or so I thought.  The waitress spilled a bottle of rosé on my friend, the sun began to wane, and the water grew cool.  It was time to move on.  We loaded into the car, our hearts heavy at the prospect of a long drive home.  But suddenly, the silence was broken when someone mentioned Wolffer Estate Vineyard, in Sagaponack.  "Why don't we make a quick stop? Just for a glass of rosé and some cheese?"  And just like that, Sunday continued. 

Wolffer is magic at sunset.  We wandered barefoot through the vineyard, verdant against the neon sky.  The waitress poured us rosé and brought plates of cheese in various consistencies, with sides of preserve, olives, nuts and hummus.  We indulged in our platter, and as we washed down the cheeses with the crisp rosé it was as if Monday didn't truly exist. 

When I finally got home to my apartment, it was around midnight.  It was cleaner than I expected, and I brushed my teeth and got ready for bed, tired but happy.  I thought about unpacking, but decided to leave that for Monday.  Today was mine.  

Sailing on Fort Pond

Navy Beach

Wolffer Estate

Wolffer Estate

Wolffer Estate

Montauk: A Hamptons Weekend Without Driving (mostly)

Montauk may be a bit further east than the other towns in the Hamptons, but it's worth every extra minute of the commute.  Once you're in Montauk, everything you need is within walking distance (or a short taxi ride away).  The weekend just feels more relaxing when you can access the beach, amazing food and the best bars by foot or bike...especially now that Uber has been banned in the Hamptons.  Here's your step-by-step weekend itinerary, with distances to all your destinations from your hypothetical home-base, a hotel right on the beach, the Montauk Blue.

FRIDAY

1.  Arrive as early as you can and check into the Montauk Blue.  Your front yard is the Montauk beach (literally) so get excited for early morning beach runs and falling asleep to the sound of the waves.   

2.  Walk over to La Brisa (.2 mile) for fish tacos and stroll around town.  Stop into Share With (.2 mile) and peruse their selection of colorful, beachy shorts and gauzy, giraffe-printed rompers.  Grab a beer on the outdoor patio at the Shagwong (.3 mile) and listen to the reggae band. 

3.  Have dinner at Crow's Nest (2.1 miles).  If there's a long wait for a table (likely) order a cocktail and head down to the water or relax around the bonfire.  To eat, I recommend the kale salad, the burrata and the spicy crab pasta. 

SATURDAY

1.  Wake up early and take an 8am yoga class at Love Yoga (.2 mile).  Had a rough Friday night?  Sleep a few more hours and start at Step #2, which involves food.   

2.  Get breakfast at Joni's Kitchen (.2 mile).  I like the California wrap or the warm quinoa with walnuts and dates.  The line can get long, so if you're pressed for time, call ahead and place your order by phone to skip the line. 

3.  Spend the day at Navy Beach (2.1 miles), drinking rose and pondering the occupants of the $50 million yacht that just pulled in.  The beach is a bit rocky, but perfect for swimming since it's in a protected cove and there are no waves.  For extra points, swim up to a yacht and get invited aboard for some rose.   (Navy beach is also a great option for dinner because the food is amazing and there is a beautiful sunset.)  

4.  Head to Surf Lodge (1 mile) for dinner and watch the band play against the sunset.  Note that Surf Lodge has a very difficult door.  I've learned from experience that one can be denied entry no matter how good looking or perfectly adorned in surfer-chic Montauk garb.  So, please get a dinner reservation or know someone who works there before attempting this maneuver.  Another fun option is to check out Lazy Point Saturdays at Ciao on the Beach (1.4 miles).  Make sure to try their signature cocktail "Bramble Rose" by Lazy Point's Jeremy Strawn (also of Mulberry Project).

SUNDAY

1.  It's always a challenge to decide whether to stay on Sunday, or return to Manhattan to get one's life together.  If it's a nice day out, you should probably just cancel that Tinder date and enjoy the beach another day. 

2.  You may be a bit hungover today, so it's okay if you forgo quinoa from Joni's and indulge in some Goldbergs bagels (.2 mile) instead.  

3.  Have a chill beach day in Montauk (0 mile).  Play paddle ball and cards and wonder why you ever pay money for beach beds and rose when you're having such a good time for free.  

4.  After the beach, get lobster rolls at Duryeas (1.8 miles), and head home on the train (.4 mile from Duryeas, leaving hourly).  (Note: taking the train back on from Montauk is great because you're the first ones on the train so you'll get a good seat.)    

Montauk Blue

Montauk

Love Yoga

$22 per class, reserve spot online. 

Jonie's

Call ahead for take out and skip the line! 

Jonie's

There's no better way to start the day then eating breakfast at these tables.  They have a very full menu and everything is fresh and healthy. 

La Brisa

La Brisa

Shagwong

Our front porch at Montauk Blue

Beach walk in front of the hotel

Perfect day at Navy Beach

Navy Beach

A small boat goes back and forth to bring people into Navy for lunch. 

Navy Beach

Kale & rock shrimp

Surf Lodge lobster roll

Surf Lodge

Surf Lodge

Surf Lodge

Montauk Beach day

Note my new giraffe-print romper from Share With. 

Duryea's Lobster

Lobster rolls are $22; BYOB.

Duryea's Lobster

Duryea's Lobster

Across the street is this picturesque swan lake

Whalebone store

Whalebone store

Amanda's Anguilla: Insider Tips for an Iconic Island Weekend

Fifty-one years ago, my family made the West Indies their home. My grandparents moved there from New York for an entrepreneurial life in the Caribbean and never looked back. Le sigh.

The West Indies have always been where I feel the most at home - the sun shines brightly, the salty wind licks against your skin, and the fruit is tangy and sweet.

When my husband and I began the terrifying journey to decide where to get married, Anguilla was our obvious choice. The food is exceptional, with plenty of island access to European wines and cheeses, the weather is gorgeous for most of the year with very little rainfall, and most importantly, getting to Anguilla is convenient and cost-effective to travel to, considering how remote it feels.

The only thing better than a Caribbean horseback ride on the beach is one in the water.

The view from Cap Juluca's oceanfront rooms.

Grab a lunch laden with fresh catch on Sandy Island - a small strip of sand in the middle of the ocean with an incredible BBQ shack, tunes and fine wines.

The view from the tip of Sandy Island.

The full spread for lunch at Sandy Island - don't forget to order the sticky ribs with your Crustaceans!

Our wedding dinner on the beach by Cap Juluca on a full moon. Photo by Jen Huang Photography.

Walking with your toes in the sand at Cap Juluca Resort's Maundays Bay is a must for all visitors to Anguilla. Photo by Jen Huang Photography.

The pool at the Viceroy Anguilla. Photo by Jen Huang Photography.

A rainbow with St. Martin in the distance taken at the Villas at CuisinArt with the men returning from an afternoon swim.

Namesake flowers in bloom at the Frangipani Hotel.

Every room at Cap Juluca is oceanfront with the waves lulling you to sleep at night and welcoming you to a new beach day in the morning.

The tanning accommodations at Cap Juluca with full butler service and exceptional piña coladas will make you want to stay well past sunset.

DAYTIME

1. The Beach at Cap Juluca Hotel in Maundays Bay

2.  A Boat Charter to Sandy Island for Lunch and Rosé (or Rum Punch)

3. A Catamaran Sail to Prickly Pear Island with Bluebeard Charters

4. Jumping off the rocks at Little Bay (short travel by boat)

5. Golfing at CuisinArt

NIGHTTIME

Sunset at the Viceroy Hotel’s aptly named Sunset Lounge

Live Music at Bankie Banx Dune Preserve  (Bankie Banx is the “Caribbean Bob Dylan”)

For more of a local night spot, try The Pump House or Elvis Beach Bar in Sandy Ground

Drinks at Spice Bar overlooking the beach at Cap Juluca

WHERE TO STAY

Cap Juluca – the best beach, white glove butler service, exceptional food and new renovations. A romantic and family friendly location

Viceroy Anguilla – the best place to watch the sun set, perfect for the traveler who likes the modern Euro party vibe. Best for a new romance getaway or fun friends trip.

Malliouhana – Newly re-opened, this was once the top destination for celebrities visiting Anguilla. Great food from a Michelin-star chef, Elle Décor-style furnishings and the best pool on the island.

Anacaona Boutique Hotel – the best deal ($170/night April to mid-December) in the heart of West End’s fantastic restaurants and swanky hotels. 

RESTAURANTS

1. Veya (Sandy Ground - Island Fusion - Fine Dining, Dinner): Known by many as the "Treehouse" restaurant for it's set up, this is everyone's island favorite - which is saying a lot, considering the cuisine available. Try the Morrocan-Spiced Shrimp "Cigars" or consider the tasting menu!

2. Picante (West End Village - Caribbean Taqueria – Casual, Dinner ): Fantastic Mexican with a Caribbean twist aka fresh seafare! The vibe of this place is wonderful and the food matches, making it one of the top go-tos for any hungry bellies.

3. Jacala (Meads Bay - French Caribbean – Fine Dining, Lunch, Dinner): A delicious French restaurant right on the water with a gorgeous beach and your not-so-typical large lounge bean bag to soak in the sun after enjoying your rosé. Great for lunch!

4. Blanchards (Meads Bay – Fusion – Fine Dining, Dinner, Casual, Lunch): We haven't met a person who went to Anguilla and didn't love Blanchards Beach Shack! It has a wild hodgepodge of casual cuisine, from Greek to Mexican to Hot Dogs to straight American BBQ. All very delicious and with prices like, "$8.91," you will be chuckling to yourself while digging your toes into the sand.  The restaurant, which is separate, has a deliciously fresh menu for a more romantic evening.

5. Mangos (West End Village – Seafood – Fine Dining, Dinner): A stunning beachside restaurant with candlelight and fine dining linens. Expect to watch the sunset from Adirondack chairs on the beach and taking your time to delight in your meal!

6. Dolce Vita (Sandy Ground - Italian, Fine Dining, Dinner): It's safe to say this is the best view of the yachts that come to moor off Anguilla's coast. The setting and clientele for such a sight is a perfect match, in a Caribbean way. For phenomenal saucier work, spiny lobster, and an airy gnocchi to pair with your Nero D'Avola, this is your Friday night.

7. Sun Shine Shack (Rendezvous Bay, - BBQ - Casual, Authentic, Lunch): If you are looking for some authentic, Caribbean-style grilling, get thee to the Shack! It's a brightly painted wooden hut on the beach, where all of your hunger will be satiated with a plate of chicken with rice & beans or a sunny cocktail, whichever your preference. All served up with big Anguillan smiles.

8. B & D BBQ (Long Bay Village – BBQ – Authentic, Casual, Lunch, Dinner): A true local experience where you eat on plastic tables under a makeshift tent. Do yourself a favor and grab some johnny cakes, the ribs, and a Carib beer or Ting soda. If you don’t mind bones, treat yourself to the whole fish feast and don’t forget the rice and beans!

9. Falcon Nest (Island Harbour – Caribbean – Authentic, Casual, Lunch, Dinner): All I can say is wow. The rice and peas, the potfish straight from the wharf, the french fries. This place is a local favorite and it’s easy to see why once your plate arrives.

10. Trattoria Tramonto (West End Village – Italian – Casual, Lunch, Dinner): Italian food with a surprisingly authentic gravy (red sauce) and a wide range of comfort food such as calamari.  Sit back and enjoy the gorgeous view of the sunset with a great glass of wine.

WHEN TO GO

Anguilla is a Fall, Winter or Spring destination, but an insider tip is that in mid-April to late May, the weather is still gorgeous, but considered, "Off Season," so large discounts apply to most accommodations. It also never hurts to sunbathe without many passersby and walk directly to your table at the best restaurants!

MAP OF SOME HIGHLIGHTS