Summer 2016 in Pictures

After two difficult years, this summer has made up for time I thought I already lost. 

It was the first summer that I wasn't either living or spending an extended period of time in Rhode Island—I thought I was going to be stuck in suburbia, perhaps make the occasional trip to New York City. I was concerned that it was going to be a bore. 

I was wrong.

Caught up with friends who I haven't seen in a while. Finally went to the Westport Duck Race. Found a speakeasy in New York City while celebrating Cara's birthday. Flew to the West Coast for the first time to visit Steph in California. Read a few books. Tried new restaurants. Spent a few weekends in Rhode Island—not just in Newport and Narragansett, but also Watch Hill with my family. Went sailing. And probably tried every Pimm's Cup and prosecco cocktail between New York City, Westport and Newport.

Effy's Kitchen | Spanish Harlem, NYC (blog post)

Fashionista Hosts Garance Dore (blog post)

Bottomless Brunch in the West Village (brunch)

The Ocean House & Watch Hill Inn

California Central Coast | Big Sur

How to Spend 72 Hours in California | Part 2 (blog post)

How to Spend 72 Hours in California | Part 3

How to Spend 72 Hours in California | Part 4

Fishers Island Lemonade, the Next-Level Hard Lemonade (blog post)

Tusk and Cup Opens New Location (blog post)

Find of the Week | 40 (blog post)

Rothbard Ale + Larder (blog post)

The Starboard Sea (blog post)

BXL Zoute | Flatiron District (blog post)

Looking through these photos, I am grateful for having amazing friends and family that have made this summer—and the rest of seasons—an absolute dream. There are a lot of moments that are not captured in pictures, but I try to take snapshots of the best of them.

Time to switch from Pimm's Cups to spiked hot ciders...

Gansett Cruises Boat Tour

After spending all of my summers in Narragansett and attending university in Newport for four years, there has been no reason for me to play tourist in Rhode Island. What else could I possibly want to do besides relaxing at Narragansett Town Beach and enjoying a medium-size Del's Lemonade?

Since I have had more time to try different experiences, some of the tourist-y things are enjoyable for locals, too. 

I drive over Narragansett Bay everyday--it would never occur to me to go on a boat cruise.

I went on a 4:30 PM cruise with Gansett Cruises a few days ago and loved seeing Newport and Jamestown from a different perspective. 

As a bonus, Gansett Cruises also offers a complimentary Rhode Island treat. For the afternoon cruise, you can choose to either order a Del's Lemonade or a coffee "cabinet." I would normally choose the Del's, but I went for the cabinet instead. which was a solid decision. You can also enjoy other beverages from the cash bar, including a Narragansett Beer, the boat's namesake.

Even though I already knew most of the information the tour guide shared about Newport, I learned some historical tidbits about yachts in the harbour, private summer homes, and inlets in Newport and Jamestown.  

The Providence--Johnny Depp was filmed on this boat in "Pirates of the Caribbean"

Rose Island

The Wharton's House in Jamestown

Castle Hill Inn--Arguably the most beautiful spot in Newport 

(I went there for Newport Restaurant Week last spring)

Hammersmith Farm

Fort Adams

If you're from New York City, \the same architects who designed Central Park also designed this bridge. 

Ida Lee Yacht Club--Ida Lee was the nation's first female lighthouse keeper. The red flag on the mast has fourteen stars on it, which signifies the fourteen ships she had saved on her watch.  

Rum Runner was a boat that was used during Prohibition to transport alcohol hidden in Narragansett Bay that was shipped in from England

I told my parents about the boat cruise--it looks like I'm going on another Gansett Cruise in the near future with my family...