My rental car rattled over the old cobble stone road as I made my way into the historic town of Nantucket. Tourists were strolling the sidewalks dripping with flowers in window boxes. I was fresh off the red eye from San Jose to JFK and then JFK to Nantucket so I was feeling a little tired. The smell in the air was a mixture of fresh roasted coffee and the ocean. I was in love. I found my way to Union Street and into a tight parking place and sighed, it finally felt like I was on vacation. The hotel I had selected was a mid 18th century B&B and it was lovely. The cobblestone roads and brick laid cross walks made me feel like I was stepping back in time. Below are a few photos from my visit on the island… I wish I could send you the smell of fresh cut grass and sea roses. Enjoy! Shelley D
I have a special love for this hotel where I’ve stayed many times. I actually never knew there was a beach front hotel in the Manhattan / Hermosa Beach area until my Mom and I happened upon it about 20 years ago. We were out for a walk along the Strand and there it was.
Since then, it’s my go-to place when I want to escape since it’s a 5-6 hour drive along the coast from where I live in Northern California. About two weeks ago, I was heading to Long Beach to meet my Mom and sister to visit Catalina Island. On my way home I pulled over and stayed the night at the Beach House Hotel in Hermosa Beach. Let me tell you a little bit about this special hotel and the area that surrounds it.
I lived in Manhattan Beach years ago and loved it. There are a bunch of small ocean-front towns that string along the cost…Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Long Beach and on and on. The coolest part of a lot of these beaches is that they have a walkway that allows you to easily walk or ride your bike – listening to the waves, dodging the seagulls, viewing elegant yards of the massive homes and of course stopping at top notch restaurants and bar. Voyeurism at it’s greatest! Before we get to the strand, let’s visit the hotel, The Beach House in Hermosa Beach.
This is a view from my room so you can see that you are right on the water. There are no roads with crazy traffic that you have to look over to see the ocean. No, you’re just there with only The Strand to cross before you can put your feet in the sand. When you enter the hotel you’ll find a beautiful lobby. I can remember my sister waiting on one of the couches on one visit and that was so special. And my Mom and even my childhood friend Anne. At night you’ll find the fireplace burning which is always nice on chilly coastal evenings.
The rooms are wonderful and are actually small suites with kitchenettes, a fireplace (gas now, but I can remember when you could burn a duraflame log!) Not all rooms face the ocean but some have partial views. If you’re in a full ocean front you can open the sliding doors, pour yourself a glass of champagne and watch the volleyball players, bike riders and people strolling along the strand while relaxing on your deck.
Here are some of the images of the hotel room. I always ask for a corner room if possible so you get a window in the bathroom. They can’t guarantee it but they always try.
Once you’ve dropped your luggage off and put on your walking shoes, you’re ready to explore! Let’s take a walk along The Strand…
Manhattan Beach Home along The Strand
If you go, make sure to take good walking shoes. Once you park you can get everywhere on foot or by bike. Let me know if you go! If you’d like to see more of my blogs on that area they are listed below. Cheers! Photogirl
The car rattled over the old cobble stone road and I made my way into the historic town of Nantucket. Tourists stroll along the sidewalks dripping with dense flowers in window boxes. I’m fresh off the red eye from San Jose to JFK and then JFK to Nantucket so feeling a little tired. The smell in the air is a mixture of fresh roasted coffee and the ocean. I’m in love. I find my way to Union Street and into a tight parking place on the Union Street Inn property and sigh, I finally feel like I’m on vacation. The hotel is a mid 18th century B&B and it’s lovely. One of my favorite parts of the town are the cobblestone roads and the brick laid cross walks. It’s like stepping back in time. Here are a few photos from my first day on the island…
I’ll write more on the hotel in a separate post. But now I want to take you through the town with my photos. I wish I could send you the smell of fresh cut grass and sea roses. Here are some photos from my first day 💗💗💗
Martha’s Vineyard has always been a favorite of mine. There are a few towns on the island, but I always stay in Edgartown by the lighthouse. The photos below were taken on an early walk around this beautiful town. Sipping a cup of hot coffee and bundled up, I took in the sunrise and beautiful surroundings. Enjoy!
I took a quick trip over to see the bridge on Chappaquiddick which is a small island next to Martha’s Vineyard. It’s know for it’s bridge and the famous Ted Kennedy incident. Apparently he was drunk and drove off the bridge leaving the woman he was with to die. Oh Ted…..
So 1000s of people, including me apparently, take the ferry over to see it. Here’s my trip. This is a pic of where you get on the ferry. I’m off season so there were just a few cars. During the season, tons of cars are lined up.
There are 3 cars per ferry and it takes about 2 minutes to cross.
Once you get to the other side follow the road until it takes a sharp bend to the right. Before you take that turn, you’ll see a dirt road in front of you, take that road to the end. Here’s the infamous bridge and the views around it.
It costs $12.00 on the way there and nothing to come back which is nice. Here’s the view of MV before you get on the return ferry.
Quick travel note: Just my humble opinion, if you’re in the Vineyard for awhile it’s a fun trip. But if it’s a short stay it would not be a “must see”, especially if you had to wait in a long line to catch the ferry. I’d see the lighthouses and eat lobster in Menemsha first. Cheers!
#Feelingthelove! Especially since this amazing coffee shop is the first one open in the morning. That, and their coffee is fabulous! If you’ve been reading my blogs you know coffee is a super close second to….well…. bacon so … Bring it! And bring it early! You can find this local coffee shop in the quaint town of Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard. If you visit this is a must see/try!
Coffee in hand, I’m sitting on a bench, outside the court house listening to the birds. I hear rain is on the way but right now it’s sunny and gorgeous. Thanks Espresso Love!
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