Southern New England Living 2016

BOSTON, NEWPORT, PROVIDENCE

From Boston to Netflix Hit Series

OrangeIstheNewBlack

RESTAURANTS FOR EVERY CRAVING

GLORIOUS GETAWAYS

Resorts Worth the Splurge

THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE BUYING A PRISTINE, GLOSSY MAGAZINE:

it’s like a secret little indulgence that you keep in the wings until that magical moment when you have some time to yourself. And magazines don’t come with the worries of a novel purchase: Will I finish it? Will I like it? They deliver what their cover lines promise, are easy to pick up when you’re free (or put down when you’re busy) and are typically engaging but oftentimes inspiring. Need I say more?

Personally, I usually dog-ear home features and recipes, but I have to say it: I also love a good celebrity profile, which is why I’m so excited that actress Uzo Aduba agreed to be interviewed for our 2016 cover story. Writer Juliet Pennington traveled across The Pond to London to speak with Aduba, who was in the midst of the critically acclaimed run of The Maids. I won’t give away too much but suffice it to say she is just as well recognized and appreciated in England as she is here in the U.S., and rightly so. The Medfield, Mass., native and Boston University grad is no less than a refreshing delight.

We also checked in with New England Patriots player Devin McCourty, who, at 28 years of age, has already achieved a great deal. He’s the Patriots’ starting safety and defensive captain but, impressively, puts just as much energy into giving back. Along with his twin brother, Jason, he founded the charitable organization Tackle Sickle Cell, and in general frequently supports children suffering from sickle cell, cancer and other serious disorders. No wonder Robert Kraft sings his praises.

Celebrity insights aside, Southern New England Living has the distinct pleasure of inspiring our readers to get out and revel in the region, and we hope that you find these carefully curated pages educational. For starters, find a restaurant to satisfy your every craving, from seafood to Mexican to pizza, in “Feel-Good Food.” Then, forego that lackluster drive-thru experience and grab a cup of java at one of our “Best Brews” recommendations (you can thank us later). Need a night out? Take in a comedy or musical at a local theater company: “Rave Reviews” lists the best of the best.

And never let it be said that we don’t pamper our readers. “Glorious Getaways” showcases the region’s (and the country’s!) best resorts, where a simple weekend away can be truly transformative. Meanwhile, “The New You” proves that a spa visit is more than just an indulgence; it’s about achieving personal wellness, and who can argue with the need for that?

While you are enjoying this issue, we will be working on the next one, and we encourage you to share your thoughts and recommendations with us throughout the year. Tag us with @SNELiving on Instagram or like us on Facebook.com/SouthernNewEnglandLiving to be part of the conversation. Talk soon!

Best,

Jennifer Sperry Editor

Southern New England Living jsperry@lhmediasolutions.com

BOSTON, NEWPORT, PROVIDENCE,

CAPE COD, SOUTH SHORE, SOUTH COUNTY

EDITORIAL & CONTENT DIRECTOR

Janice Randall Rohlf

EDITOR

Jennifer Sperry: Southern New England Living, Southern New England Weddings

LMS EDITORS

Maria Allen: South Shore Living, Plymouth Magazine

Rachel Arroyo: Home Remodeling

Lisa Leigh Connors: Cape Cod Magazine, Chatham Magazine

Rob Duca: New England Golf & Leisure

Colby Radomski: Falmouth Magazine, Hingham Magazine

Tom Richardson: New England Boating, New England Fishing

Janice Randall Rohlf: Southern New England Home

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Eric Brust-Akdemir

ART DIRECTOR

Sharon Bartholomew

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTORS

Alexandra Bondarek

Jennifer Kothalanka

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Rachel Clayton DESIGNER

Kendra Sousa

TV/VIDEO SENIOR WRITER/PRODUCER/HOST

Parker Kelley

TV/VIDEO SENIOR EDITOR/VIDEOGRAPHER

Jimmy Baggott

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER/VIDEOGRAPHER/ ASSISTANT EDITOR

Tommy Costello

VIDEOGRAPHER/VIDEO EDITOR

Tyler Adams

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lenore Cullen Barnes, Jessica Bowne, Rachael Devaney, Rob Duca, Allie Herzog, Laurie Higgins, Juliet Pennington, Charlotte Roth, Sarah Shemkus

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brian Vanden Brink, Dan Cutrona, Amanda Friedman / Trunk Archive, Lisa Rigby

PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Russell A. Piersons

rpiersons@lhmediasolutions.com

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER (DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT)

David F. Jensen djensen@lhmediasolutions.com

PRESIDENT (VIDEO-TV)

Gene Allen gallen@lhmediasolutions.com

VICE PRESIDENT SALES & MARKETING

Steve Wyman swyman@lhmediasolutions.com

VP NATIONAL ACCTS & ACCT MGMT

Mike Alleva malleva@lhmediasolutions.com

BRAND MANAGER, SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND LIVING

Erin Soderstrom esoderstrom@lhmediasolutions.com

REGIONAL SALES MANAGERS

David Honeywell dhoneywell@lhmediasolutions.com

Erin McCluskey emccluskey@lhmediasolutions.com

Janice Rogers jrogers@lhmediasolutions.com

Suzanne Ryan sryan@lhmediasolutions.com

Kelly Sykes ksykes@lhmediasolutions.com

DIRECTOR ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT

Oceanna O’Donnell

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Ailish Belair

Michelle Overby

SALES AD COORDINATOR (PUBLISHING, TV, WEB)

Hillary Portell hportell@lhmediasolutions.com

SENIOR WEB DEVELOPER

David Fontes dfontes@lhmediasolutions.com

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Allie Herzog

DIGITAL CONTENT COORDINATOR

Lannan O’Brien

CONTROLLER

Connie Walsh cwalsh@lhmediasolutions.com

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Angela McPherson amcpherson@lhmediasolutions.com

ASSISTANT TO CEO & OFFICE MANAGER

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Mondays at 6:30 p.m. on NESN

Cape Cod Office: 396 Main Street, Suite 15, Hyannis, MA 02601 508.534.9291

Boston Office: 850 Summer Street, Suite 207, Boston, MA 02127 508.534.9291

Rhode Island Office: P.O. Box 568, Portsmouth, RI 02871 401.396.9888

Cover photo by Amanda Friedman / Trunk Archive

FEATURES

IN THE NEWS

STAY IN STYLE

Hashtag: #exactlylikenothingelse. Signature cocktail: Come Play With Me. TV stands: repurposed bicycle frames. True to its Innovation District surroundings, The Envoy Hotel is creative, forward-thinking and vibrant. From its lobby chandelier made from reclaimed materials including rope and phone cords to its dramatic rooftop bar, The Envoy brings all things brash to Boston.

To arrive at The Envoy, the first Boston property of Autograph Collection Hotels, travellers follow the bronze “This Way Forward” message etched in the street to a sculptural check-in desk backed by a wall of heat-sensing bulbs that mirrors guests’ movements. In the elevator, a mural depicting an ocean horizon keeps the vibe compelling, and throughout the AAA Four-Diamond rated hotel, custom handcrafted, artisan-style décor features reclaimed wood and sleek, modern finishes.

While stepping outside these state-of-the-art guest rooms is difficult, the allure of the sweeping rooftop bar is sure to work its magic. Offering incredible views of the Boston skyline and waterfront and open to both hotel guests and locals, Lookout Rooftop Bar serves fresh-ingredient-driven cocktails and local beers, including a seasonal house brew created especially for the property by Harpoon Brewery and a signature Lookout Punch with rum from Privateer, a local distiller.

Of Cuban heritage, chef de cuisine Tatiana Pairot Rosana values regional ingredients and allows those flavors to shine in her dishes. “Tatiana has been part of The Envoy family since our opening and has impressed us with her bright, creative approach to pairing and showcasing local, seasonal ingredients in her cooking,” says Joe Mellia, The Envoy’s general manager. “She has created a great menu reflecting her diverse culinary experience and passion.”

The darling of millennials, the amenity-rich Envoy Hotel exceeds the expectations of every generation. 70 Sleeper Street, Boston, MA, 617-338-3030, theenvoyhotel.com

—Janice Randall Rohlf

TASTEMAKERS

Shipyard Brewery is now serving up freshly poured brews with a fresh new look, thanks to a recent renovation of its tasting room in Portland, Maine. Now three times larger, with 1,700 square feet, the inviting space combines industrial accents like metal stools and brick walls with a Cheers-worthy glossy wood bar and big chalkboards announcing the tasting options. The rotating menu proffers 14 beers—including core Shipyard and Sea Dog varieties and even pilot brews—and the full portfolio of six Capt’n Eli’s sodas. Sampling options range from flights to 10-ounce pours; plus 32- or 64-ounce growlers are available for those favorites that are homeward bound. 86 Newbury Street, Portland, ME, 207-761-0807, shipyard.com

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

You can never have too much storage space, which is why both yearround and seasonal residents rely on Cape Cod Custom Car & Self Storage in Mashpee. It offers climate-controlled self-storage units in a variety of sizes, but specializes in storing cars, from million-dollar Ferraris to collectors’ show cars to snowbird vehicles. Top-shelf HD 1080-pixel intelligent video surveillance provides round-the-clock monitoring, and its climate-controlled conditions are optimum for long-term storage.

But that’s not all: now, with 50,000-square-feet of space, Cape Cod Custom Car & Self Storage is offering fine wine storage on its second level. The entire area, which can hold up to 3,000 cases total, is kept at a constant 55° F and 70-percent relative humidity. Individual lockers hold anywhere from 12 to 300 cases of wine, allowing customers to stock up on their favorite vintages to their hearts’ content.

104 Falmouth Road, Mashpee, MA, 508-539-9700, customcarstorage.com

MAKING A SPLASH

Your kids will thank you for taking them to the brand-new Cape Codder Water Park at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis, opening this summer. The 30,000-square-foot indoor water park features four body slides (ranging from 50 to 160 feet in length), a 300-foot “Stormy River,” kiddie spray pool and play area, wave pool and snack bar. To top it all off, a retractable roof opens in good weather and closes for continuous play on rainy days. (Editor’s note: At the time of this printing, the park’s opening date is yet to be determined, so we recommend calling ahead before visiting.) 1225 Iyannough Road, Hyannis, MA, 855-861-4370, capecodderresort.com

HIGH-WATTAGE DESIGN

These days, with improved lighting technologies but also increasingly complicated buying options, achieving a successful home lighting scheme is no small feat, which is why homeowners rely on the expertise of Cynthia Lafarier, owner of Harbour Lighting Boutique in Exeter, R.I. Lafarier, who launched the company in 2006, does it all, from overseeing her 1,700-square-foot showroom to spec’ing schemes for every

sized project, from just one room to whole homes and even landscapes.

“There’s light, and then there’s lighting. There’s an art to it,” says the design consultant, who deftly manages aesthetics, placement, proportions, wattage, lumens and even bulb selections, oftentimes from the blueprint stage. Her advice on common lighting mistakes, not to mention upcoming trends, is well worth the read.

How did you get your start in lighting design?

I used to model when I was a kid; I still love fashion and keeping up with trends. My mother always used to bring me around to houses. She loved driving around and showing me different properties and their features, which got me involved in home design at an early age. I started off my career as an interior designer but eventually specialized in lighting. I just fell in love with it—I enjoy helping and teaching people. I also like being in the know regarding what’s new and different.

What are some common mistakes that you see homeowners make in their lighting decisions?

Color temperature is a huge consideration with LED lights. Temperatures that are too warm can make items in your home look yellow; bulbs that are too cool can make things look chalky. Unfortunately, people have no idea what they’re getting themselves into and then have no idea why they hate their home’s lighting.

The spread of light is another important consideration. This is one of the secrets to good lighting design. I can walk through a house and easily see which fixtures should be casting more degrees of light. Plus, the design of some lightbulbs can limit their light circle, which is why it’s important for clients to know what they’re buying, particularly with the cost of bulbs these days.

Overall, exterior and bathroom lights are the hardest to purchase. Bathroom lights are challenging because it can be tricky finding the right location for them with limited space and mirrors. Exterior lights are difficult because they are usually an afterthought. Position wise, homeowners are sometimes limited to where the electricians poke holes for the wiring; then they go out and buy a particular light that they like and the proportion and scale are all wrong. Planning ahead

is always best, when a home’s size and position can be taken into account.

What trends are emerging for 2016?

Believe it or not, gold colors are coming back, and crystal is still popular. The biggest trend I see, though, is that homeowners are embracing clean lines and choosing more contemporary fixtures, even if their home’s style is not necessarily modern. They are mixing and matching styles with sophisticated results.

What’s new at Harbour Lighting this coming year?

This fall we’re redesigning the showroom walls to have cleaner displays that include whole panels devoted to top brands like Hubbardton Forge, Northeast Lantern, Visual Comfort and more. But we’ll still have home accessories and even jewelry for sale throughout our displays. Jewelry makes sense for us because, as I always tell my customers, lighting is jewelry for your home!

Cynthia Lafarier Owner, Harbour Lighting Boutique harbourlightingboutique.com

Unique finds that fit your southern New England lifestyle

NEW GROWTH

Harbour Lighting Boutique’s Brindille table lamp by Hubbardton Forge evokes stark natural forms with its subtle yet visually arresting design. Crafted from aluminum and available in soft gold (shown) and vintage platinum, with four different shade options. 16.70 inches tall by 10 inches wide. 567 South County Trail, Suite 104, Exeter, RI, 401-294-7959, harbourlightingboutique.com

STACK ATTACK

If you like stackables, then these bracelets are destined for your jewelry box. Appropriately called Four Keeps, they are equally comfortable with dressy or casual outfits, making them the perfect accessories for any occasion. Crafted from sterling silver, they are available in pink, yellow, white and black and in single, double and triple strands. Their expansion design ensures a fitted look no matter how many you mix and match. Available from M.R.T. Jewelers, 927 Warren Avenue, East Providence, RI, 401-435-3500, mrtjewelers.com.

FLOWER POWER

If you’re tired of run-of-the-mill stripes, then these bold yet timeless tie designs by Trumbull Rhodes are for you. All Trumbull Rhodes neckties, bow ties and cummerbund sets are handmade in the USA using the finest cotton fabrics created by Liberty Art Fabrics of London. Available in a variety of patterns, including Plymouth, Arundel and Canterbury (shown clockwise from top). Self tipped, 3¼ inches wide and 57 inches long. 703-304-7116, trumbullrhodes.com

CHEERS!

Founded by brothers Will and Dave Willis, Bully Boy Distillers is Boston’s first craft distillery, and its 750-gallon copper pot still produces spirits in small, limited-run batches. The company’s latest release is Estate Gin, crafted in the London Dry tradition but enhanced with bigger botanical flavors and aromas typically found in American gins. Instead of just neutral grain, this gin begins with a neutral apple and grain proprietary base, which imparts a clean taste with great depth of flavor. For purchasing locations, visit bullyboydistillers.com.

TAKE A SEAT

They are iconic signs of summer. Seaport Shutter’s Adirondack chairs are handcrafted in the company’s Chatham woodshop from western red cedar. The gently sloping seat has extra slats for maximum comfort, the frame is two inches thick for added sturdiness and each paddle arm is nine-and-a-half-inches wide to easily accommodate a laptop or cocktails. Customize yours with the color of your choice, a whimsical cutout design or a carved name or company logo applied to the bottom slat. Meticulously finished with five coats of paint, these chairs are available as a rocker, settee, child’s Adirondack or the “Senior,” which has a specially designed flat seat to make the transition out of the chair easier. 1714 Main Street, Brewster, MA, 508-896-8900, seaportshutter.com

TOPNOTCH SERVICE

Since learning the art of pottery as a teenager, Tessa Morgan of Flying Pig Pottery has perfected the sgraffito technique, which involves carving designs through a colored slip to the contrasting clay body beneath. Whether her dreamed-up motif is flying pigs, serenading mermaids, cats chasing mice or herons catching fish, her functional stoneware is immediately recognizable for its whimsy and, oftentimes, its nod to Cape Cod’s marine life. She carves her designs on tiles, bowls, vases, platters, mugs, cups and more; custom orders available. 410 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA, 508-548-7482, flyingpigpottery.biz

DRESSED FOR SUCCESS

Boston-based Atlantic Co. takes classic prints and turns them into fun fabric drink coasters that are always in fashion. Comprised of a water-resistant inner lining and an absorbent cotton outer layer, these functional textiles are machine washable and even dishwasher safe. Shown here are Patchwork Madras and Classic Seersucker designs, but Flannel and Washed Denim are also tempting options. atlantic-co.com

NATURAL INSTINCTS

An artistic floral arrangement can have a truly transformative effect on an interior, and Susan Swanson, owner of The Green Door in East Greenwich, R.I., specializes in everlasting versions. Using only the most realistic and botanically correct elements, she creates wreaths, baskets and table arrangements that range in style from lush and romantic to coastal and seasonal. Here, she mixes white orchids and onion bulbs with real shells in faux water. 130 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI, 401-885-0510, thegreendoorathome.com

GOURMET TO GO

Pain D’Avignon might be best known for its bread, but maybe not for long, thanks to its new line of individually wrapped pastries—some of the bakery’s most popular. The tempting treats include rich brownie bites; gourmet granola bars; raspberry shortbread; and fig, lemon pistachio, chocolate espresso and cranberry almond biscotti. Available at Pain D’Avignon’s Hyannis bakery and café (15 Hinckley Road, 508-778-8588) and online at paindavignon.com/marketplace.

HOP TO IT

Looking for a new brew to try this summer? Look no further than Shipyard’s new yearround beer, Island Time Session IPA. An easy-drinking IPA, it is built with a variety of Northwest hops, which contribute to the grapefruit and pine nose and spicy hop finish. Available nationwide in bottles, cans and on draft, Island Time joins Shipyard’s highly acclaimed and award-winning family of beers, all handcrafted at the family-owned brewery in Portland, Maine. shipyard.com/beer/island-time

Take

BY LAURIE HIGGINS

PHOTO: NILE SCOTT/NILE SCOTT SHOTS

When done well, theater has the unique ability to delight but also provoke. Whether the subject matter is history or modern-day life, comedy or tragedy, audiences respond to theatrical works that deliver profound and provocative observations about the human condition. They also appreciate the performers’ talent and spontaneity and the challenge of performing live.

While New York City is considered the go-to spot for world-class theater, southern New England has plenty of incredibly talented theater companies that make traveling unnecessary. From classic theater like the plays of Shakespeare to innovative world premieres, the following theaters always deliver brilliance.

The Huntington Theatre Company in Boston was awarded the 2013 Regional Theatre Tony Award with good reason. Artistic Director Peter DuBois and Managing Director Michael Maso bring artists from Boston, Broadway and beyond to their stage.

Huntington is a national leader in the development of new plays and has produced more than 100 New England, American or world premieres to date. In addition to providing an amazing outlet for talented actors, it also supports local writers through a new playwright-in-residency program that guarantees future talent. huntingtontheatre.org

An inside look at a Huntington Theatre Company production in the Boston University Theatre.

Boston is also well represented in the theater world by the SpeakEasy Stage Company, whose season runs from Labor Day through Memorial Day each year.

“We focus on contemporary plays and musicals that haven’t otherwise played in Boston, and we are committed to using local actors, designers and directors,” says Marketing Director Jim Torres. “The other thing that sets us apart is the intimacy of our space. Our main home is a 209-seat black box theater and no seat is more than 30 feet from the stage.”

This year will be the second season of SpeakEasy’s new works initiative, The Boston Project, which supports the creation of plays set in Boston. The project’s goal is to introduce more stories about the city and its culture and residents into the theatrical ecosystem. speakeasystage.com

With nearly 120,000 seats filled annually, Providence’s Trinity Repertory Company is the gold standard of southern New England theater. Impressively, it features one of the country’s last longstanding professional resident acting companies and is also a pioneer in theater education, with programs like the Project Discovery student matinee program and its partnership with Brown University to offer MFA programs in both acting and directing.

“We’re now in our 52nd season and present a balance of classics, new works and world premieres each season,” says Katie Leeman, director of marketing. trinityrep.com

PHOTO: MICHAEL AND SUZ KARCHMER

Moby Dick, Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater

PHOTO: KEVIN SPRAGUE

PHOTO: COURTESY SPEAKEASY STAGE COMPANY

In nearby Warwick, the Ocean State Theatre Company, founded in 2012, is a newcomer to the scene that focuses on providing a highquality theater experience. Its mission is to preserve the tradition of live theater with an emphasis on musicals. To that end, this season will present the classic Damn Yankees as well as the more contemporary Avenue Q, a musical with puppets about college grads in New York City trying to find a purpose in life. oceanstatetheatre.org

Shakespeare & Company in the Berkshires is one of the largest Shakespeare Festivals in the country. Each year they host professional actors from all over the world.

“To see a show at Shakespeare & Company is to be drawn into the experience,” says Artistic Director Jonathon Croy. “Our approach is based on the model of Shakespeare’s own company. Our work is wide open, bold, clear, physical and direct in ways that push the common boundaries of the relationship between actors and audience.”

In addition to plenty of classics penned by The Bard himself, Shakespeare & Company will also put on exciting new plays such as Liz Duffy Adams’ Or, about one chaotic night in the life of poet, spy and first female playwright Aphra Behn, and Ugly Lies the Bone, Lindsey Ferrentino’s play about a newly discharged vet who served three tours in Afghanistan. shakespeare.org

Cape Codders are lucky: they can readily enjoy a variety of theaters that consistently mesmerize audiences with innovation, creativity and sheer talent. Cape Rep Theatre in Brewster offers amazing stories, stunning set designs and passionate artists who aren’t afraid to take a chance on the stage.

Dogfight, SpeakEasy Stage Company

Master Class, Shakespeare & Company

Ivanov, Trinity Repertory Company

PHOTO: MARK TUREK

In addition to classic crowd-pleasers like the upcoming Hairspray: The Broadway Musical, Cape Rep is also presenting creative choices like The Woman in Black, Stephen Mallatratt’s spooky story within a story. Rick Elice’s Peter and the Starcatcher is another sure-fire winner this season; its madcap pace is the type of show that Cape Rep excels in producing.

In addition to having its own acting company of regular performers, Cape Rep deliberately brings in Equity actors for various roles to ensure the highestcaliber casts possible. caperep.org

Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater has consistently produced thought-provoking programming since 1985, including some cutting-edge theater. Their mission is to provide an alternate theater experience than cannot be found elsewhere in the community.

This season’s most exciting shows include Mike Barlett’s Cock, a comedy that explores the fluidity of sexuality, and Bill Russell’s Unexpected Joy, a world premiere musical about four singers’ various degrees of career success. The East Coast premiere of Kenneth Jones’ Alabama Story, set in 1959 Montgomery, also promises to be excellent. what.org

Cotuit Center for the Arts stages six or seven phenomenal shows on its main stage each year. This season’s highlights include Rodgers & Hammerstein’s high-spirited musical Oklahoma, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Driving Miss Daisy.

It also produces about a dozen exceptional and edgier shows in its intimate Black Box Theater. This season’s shout-outs include playwright Neil LaBute’s The Money Shot, about two actors faced with a taboo decision that could revive their careers, and David Ives’ Venus in Fur, about an erotic power play. Some of the plays in the Black Box are written by local playwrights such as the Fat Ass Cancer Bitch series by Christine Rathbun Ernst, who will debut Fifty’s a Bitch this season.

“I am blown away every day by the talent that goes up on the stage,” says Executive Director David Kuehn. “It’s amazing.” cotuitcenterforthearts.org

A Christmas Carol, Trinity Repertory Company

PHOTO: MARK TUREK

PHOTO: MICHAEL AND SUZ KARCHMER

PHOTO: COURTESY SPEAKEASY STAGE COMPANY

Time Stands Still, Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater

In the Heights, SpeakEasy Stage Company

BY CHARLOTTE ROTH PHOTOS COURTESY ROCK SPOT CLIMBING

Reach new peaks in your workout regime with indoor rock climbing.

For many, rock climbing conjures images of steep mountains and precarious ledges, complicated harnesses and frightening drops. In recent years, however, indoor rock climbing facilities have transformed climbing from a risky endeavor along the lines of skydiving or bungee-jumping into a fun, accessible sport that men, women and children of all ages can practice safely.

Southern New England facilities have been on the cutting edge of this trend for years. Carabiner’s, an expansive facility in New Bedford founded in 2004 by veteran climber Steve Caton, boasts 35,000 square feet of climbing surfaces that stretch 65 feet into the air. Rock Spot Climbing, launched in 2002 by co-owners Lary Norin and Nadav Minkin, offers four state-of-theart locations: two in Rhode Island (Lincoln and Peace Dale) and two in Mass. (Dedham and South Boston).

Climbing is mainly an individual sport, but indoor climbing facilities bring together enthusiasts and create a supportive community.

CLIMBING’S RISE

Steve Caton has observed the meteoric rise of indoor rock climbing from the start. “When I built Carabiner’s, it was one of the only gyms in the area, and the largest,” he explains. “I’ve seen so many new facilities open up and stay open—there’s a ton of demand in the market.”

Rock Spot Director of Marketing and Special Events Kat

Waterhouse agrees: “When our Lincoln facility opened in 2002, there were just three or four climbing gyms in New England. Now there are at least six in the greater Boston area alone.”

Waterhouse attributes the sharp spike in popularity to the sport’s inclusive nature, as evidenced in Rock Spot’s motto: “All ages, all abilities.” She elaborates, “Indoor rock climbing is a fairly easy sport to get into. You don’t need a ton of natural ability or even strength to start out.”

GETTING STARTED

First-time visitors to Carabiner’s and Rock Spot Climbing find friendly instructors, introductory courses and all the gear necessary for beginners to start their journey. Both gyms offer rentable basics like harnesses, ropes and climbing shoes.

After a brief orientation, which spans basic climbing techniques and safety rules, Rock Spot employees generally take a hands-off approach, although staff are always on hand to answer questions and ensure climbers’ safety.

Carabiner’s has an inventive methodology for a beginner’s orientation. “Most people have a natural reluctance to heights at first,” Caton explains. “Our protocol first intellectualizes the equipment, explains how and why it works. To start, people will climb just four or five feet and practice falling in a controlled way. When they feel comfortable, we progress to eight or ten feet. These incremental increases really help habituate new climbers.”

Waterhouse has observed that visitors to Rock Spot tend to fall into one of two categories: climbers and bucket listers. “Climbers are usually experienced members and climb several times a week. Bucket listers may come just once to check rock climbing off their to-do list,” she explains. “However, I’ve seen so many people go from one-time bucket listers to habitual climbers—it’s kind of our mission to make people fall in love with the sport.”

BOULDERING AND TOP ROPING

Both Carabiner’s and Rock Spot gyms offer the two primary types of indoor rock climbing: bouldering and top rope climbing. Bouldering involves climbing angled surfaces, lower to the ground and without a harness. Top rope climbing involves climbing a tall vertical wall with a harness whose rope runs up to an anchoring system at the top of the wall and down to a belayer on the floor.

Rock Spot gyms have between 20 and 50 top rope walls with countless routes varying widely in height and difficulty. At Carabiner’s, 120 top rope opportunities dispersed throughout the large gym offer hundreds of potential routes for climbers. Both gyms vary their routes frequently— which is why expert route setters are integral to the quality of the indoor climbs.

“Route setters are like artists on the wall,” says Waterhouse. “They conceive different patterns that force the body to work in different ways and develop different muscle groups.”

INDIVIDUALS WELCOME

“Generally,” says Waterhouse, “Climbing is not a team sport. While many people climb together, when you’re on the wall, it’s an individual activity. It’s your movements, your decisions, your strategy.”

But there are ways in which indoor rock climbing can be highly collaborative. In top rope climbing, the relationship between climber and belayer is crucial to the safety and success of the climb. While the climber scales the wall, the belayer stays on the ground, maintains tension in the rope and lowers the climber gently in case of a fall. At most facilities, belayers must take a certification course or pass a test to prove they can belay safely.

Although solo climbers can use devices called auto belays or hire staff to belay them, Caton recommends that climbers learn to belay. “It’s an immensely helpful skill that boosts confidence, responsibility and fosters a sense of teamwork, especially for young people,” he explains, adding that the convivial nature of the sport has a way of bringing people together. “I see people walk into the gym alone and within just a few minutes they’ve met another climber who can belay them and exchange advice.”

FULL-BODY WORKOUT

Climbing exercises the body and the mind, favoring precision and forethought over brute strength. Waterhouse laughingly likens climbing to “a giant living video game,” adding, “The mental game is all about problem solving.” Caton agrees: “It’s about the journey and how you flow on the wall, not just getting to the top.”

Many would-be climbers are put off by the idea that climbing requires super-human upper body strength. Both Waterhouse and Caton insist that’s not the case. “Climbing is actually much more about technique and strength in the legs and feet,” Caton explains. “Climbers tend to be wellrounded athletes with speed, skill and coordination.” Waterhouse stresses the full-body nature of the workout: “You’ll absolutely be sore the next day. Climbing engages your legs, core, flexibility and your sense of balance.”

IN OR OUT

While some indoor climbers may have outdoor climbing aspirations, “Indoor rock climbing is really a sport in its own right,” says Waterhouse. “Most of our members are indoor-only climbers, although we do offer tools to make the transition from indoors to out.” Rock Spot gyms provides outdoor gear rentals and occasional excursions to climbing sites, like the Quincy Quarries in Mass.

Caton, who began his own climbing career outdoors 35 years ago, is living proof that indoor and outdoor climbing can work in harmony: “Indoor climbing absolutely prepares you for outdoor, and vice versa,” he contends.

For more information, visit carabiners.com and rockspotclimbing.com.

Opposite and This Page: Rock Spot Climbing’s four locations in southern New England provide a variety of challenging vertical and boulder climbs, and beginners are always welcome.

BY JULIET PENNINGTON

As a starting safety and five-year defensive captain for the New England Patriots, Devin McCourty puts everything he’s got into his on-field efforts. But it’s off the field where McCourty’s drive and commitment are making a difference in the lives of those fighting sickle cell anemia and their families.

Since childhood, McCourty, 28, and his twin brother, Jason, a cornerback for the Tennessee Titans, have watched their aunt Winifred McCourty battle the incurable disease, which is marked by a deficiency of healthy red blood cells to carry the necessary amount of oxygen throughout one’s body.

When they made it to the National Football League, the McCourty brothers knew they wanted to help those afflicted with the debilitating disease. They founded a charitable organization called Tackle Sickle Cell (tacklesicklecell.org) and partnered with Embrace Kids Foundation, a New Jersey-based nonprofit that helps children with cancer, sickle cell and other serious disorders.

“We saw the struggles and the hardships our aunt went through and wanted to do something,” McCourty says. “A lot of people don’t even really know what the disease is and how people deal with it.”

He met with Glenn Jenkins, executive director of Embrace Kids Foundation, in 2013, and learned that the foundation had been trying to launch a sickle cell anemia awareness campaign but didn’t have enough funding.

“So when I came in, it just worked out perfectly. We decided to go with a 5K walk/run, and it’s taken off since then,” says McCourty, who, along with his brother, has worked diligently to educate himself about the disease. “I had a chance to go to Boston Children’s Hospital and sit down with doctors there. It’s been cool to learn from some of the brightest people in the world who deal with sickle cell.”

Patriots star Devin McCourty shares his on- and off-field passions.

McCourty says he has always been close to his brother and enjoys partnering with him on this endeavor. “We work together to make sure everything runs full speed and it helps that we can network and get other players involved,” he says. “We talk every day either by text or FaceTime, so I can see his kids and talk to them.”

And while McCourty says there isn’t any rivalry per se, there is some good-natured ribbing between the two: “We definitely keep track of what each one does throughout the season, whether it be an interception, tackle or other big plays, and we’ll talk trash to each other, but it’s cool.”

The twins are identical but they can be told apart by chicken pox scars (on Devin’s nose and Jason’s forehead) and birthmarks (on Devin’s earlobe and Jason’s neck). The first time they played against each other, in 2012, they had between 20-30 people—including their mother and older brother, both of whom wore split Titans/Patriots jerseys—in the stands.

“We were both captains, so we met at the coin toss before that game,” McCourty recalls. “To see both of us achieve our goals by not only playing in the NFL but both being captains and leaders of our teams…that meant a lot.”

Because their aunt has sickle cell anemia and their dad, who died when the boys were young, carried the gene, they were tested at five years of age for the trait, and thankfully the result was negative.

According to the Mayo Clinic, for a baby to be born with sickle cell anemia, both parents must carry a sickle cell gene. The gene is more common in families who come from Africa, India, Mediterranean countries, Saudi Arabia, the Caribbean islands and South and Central America, according to the Mayo Clinic’s website. In the U.S., it mostly affects blacks.

Each year, about 1,000 babies in the U.S. are born with sickle cell anemia, between 70,000-100,000 individuals have the hereditary blood disorder and 3 million have the sickle cell trait, according to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.

McCourty marvels at his aunt’s strength and fortitude as she battles the disease. “When she was young, she went to the doctor and was told she would be lucky if she made it to the age of 35,” he reveals. “Now she’s 65. She has her struggles: she’s legally blind and she’s on oxygen 24/7, but she’s still out and about.”

That positive attitude and resiliency is important when living with this or any other disease, McCourty asserts.

McCourty visiting patients at Boston Children’s Hospital.

McCourty and special teams captain Matthew Slater leading campers from the Ron Burton Training Village out to the field for “NFL Combine” themed activities.

COURTESY THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS COURTESY THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

“When I meet with kids in the hospital, one of the key things I try to do is go in and be uplifting, whether it’s playing a game or watching TV, signing a picture for them…I just try to keep their spirits up,” he says. “One of the great things I’ve done with Children’s Hospital is they’ve made videos for kids with me and other athletes telling them about how we deal with injuries, how we feel and how we deal with pain from playing the game of football, and kind of compare our experiences to the different things they are going through.”

And while he is dedicated to his foundation and the fight against sickle cell anemia, McCourty always makes time to attend his teammates’ charity events.

“Devin has been a leader on our team since we drafted him in the first round in 2010,” says Patriots owner Robert Kraft. “He earned Pro Bowl honors at cornerback as a rookie and was named a defensive co-captain in just his second season. He has since transitioned to safety and earned Pro Bowl honors at that position as well.

“As important as his contributions have been to the Patriots on the field, what makes Devin so very special are the contributions he makes as a Patriot off the field,” Kraft continues. “For the past six years, he has been one of the most engaged and active participants in our community programs, regularly volunteering his time and resources to support causes and initiatives throughout New England. He is a great role model for young players to emulate, both on and off the field.”

McCourty, who grew up in Nyack, N.Y., and played football with Jason at Rutgers University, lives in Alpine, N.J., during the offseason and in Foxboro, Mass., in-season. When we caught up with him this past March, he had recently purchased a house in New Jersey and was in the midst of planning his April wedding to fiancée Michelle Powell, a doctor and first-year resident.

“We were furniture shopping for the house and then my fiancée threw me right into wedding planning,” he laughs. “It’s been fun, but hectic.”

During the off-season, McCourty enjoys playing pickup basketball; watching professional basketball (he’s a huge NBA fan, and Kevin Durant from the Oklahoma City Thunder is his favorite player); and spending time with teammates, including Matthew Slater, whose wife, Shahrzad Ehdaivand Slater, is also a doctor. “Whenever we’re together, Slate and I don’t say much,” he admits with a grin. “They talk about a lot of stuff we don’t understand.”

Now happily married, McCourty says he is looking forward to the 2016-17 football season, including meeting new players and coaches and forging bonds that will be strengthened over time.

“I know it will be a huge challenge like it is every year, but we know—and I know—that our team will be good and we’ll find ways to win games,” he says with confidence. “It’s the way we do things in New England.”

Identical twin brothers Devin and Jason at a Titans/Patriots game.

COURTESY THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS/DAVID SILVERMAN

A spa visit feels good but the results are even better.

BY LENORE CULLEN BARNES

If the prospect of a snow day sends a child’s spirits soaring, the promise of a spa day may be the adult equivalent. More than ever, amid the cacophony of our all-media-all-the-time culture, the allure of a sanctuary devoted to rejuvenation, wellness and calm is paramount.

Throughout southern New England, we are fortunate to have access to spas that marry cutting-edge technology with natural, organic products and that pair skilled technicians with soothing settings. In short, they offer beauty bliss. And in case you wrestle with a tinge of guilt over treating yourself, let it go. Spas do a lot more than pamper; they help make you well, and that’s a goal we can all pursue in good conscience.

Debra Catania, co-owner with her brother, William Catania, of the Beach Plum Spas, located in Hyannis, Sandwich and Plymouth, affirms the concrete benefits of spas. “Our services are very results oriented,” says Catania. “It’s not just about feeling good; there are reasons behind the treatments we administer.

“A massage can reduce pain and breaks up the toxins in your system. Then, soaking in a bath with Himalayan salts afterward releases those toxins,” continues Catania. “Our ultrasonic machine drives nutrients into the skin beneath the surface, promoting healthier emerging skin. All of these services have direct benefits. We try to educate our clients as well as provide services, and we want people to leave here with real results.”

One of Mirbeau at The Pinehills’ rest and relaxation areas.

PHOTO: DAN RAPOZA

The Hyannis location, in the Cape Codder Resort, includes medical spa services, with a medical director, medical aesthetician and nurses on staff to administer injectables, medical peels, laser treatments and more. beachplumspa.com

To the uninitiated, visiting a spa for the first time can spark a little anxiety. This is why Stillwater Spa at the Hyatt Regency Newport prides itself on its unintimidating tone, says spa director Charlotte Michael.

“Our spa has beautiful panoramic water views but is also warm and comfortable,” says Michael. “Even first-timers are at ease. From making a reservation to check out, we try to make your visit a marvelous experience.”

One Stillwater “must try” service is the Vichy Shower in the Wet Room, marked by its floor-to-ceiling views of Narragansett Bay. From a bar suspended over the treatment table, cascading water from six jets targets lymphatic points, increasing detoxification.

“All of our treatments incorporate one of the five natural elements,” Michael adds. “Swedish massage is still the most commonly requested, but we are noted for our Raindrop Aromatherapy technique, which helps with absorption of essential oils. For our facials and body treatments, we use Babor, a German skincare line that is absolutely exquisite and very luxurious.” newport.hyatt.com/hyatt/pure/spas

The themes of ocean views and luxury continue at OH! Spa at the Ocean House in Watch Hill, R.I. One of only 47 spas in the world to earn a fivestar rating, OH! treats its clients to personalized attention in a classic coastal environment.

Beach Plum Spa

“It’s very important to us to know what type of experience a guest is looking for so that we can cater our service to meet expectations,” Gagliardo continues. “Guests may be joining us for a massage because they are sore or in pain, to celebrate a special occasion or perhaps they are seeking solitude following a difficult experience in life. We are able to personalize our service to create a memory that is individual to that person. This type of connection with guests is what brings them back time and time again.”

In 2015, OH! Spa was voted the number-one hotel spa in the continental U.S., ranking highest overall in the world by Travel & Leisure, a position voted on by Ocean House guests and the magazine’s readers. “It is very meaningful to know that our mission has been appreciated and so well received,” says Gagliardo of the honor. oceanhouseri.com/oh-spa

Another award winner, Bliss Spa at the W Hotel in Boston received top honors from both Boston Magazine and Improper Bostonian in 2015. Spa manager Morgan Wedge describes Bliss as “very bright and fun, with a flirty vibe. We play lyrical R&B music. We focus on building relationships so that the client is comfortable and connected with the technicians to achieve the best results.”

Among Bliss’ signature services is the Triple Oxygen Facial and a new “multifaceted facial that is highly customizable, according to the client’s needs,” says Wedge. Besides its topnotch service, Bliss is also famous for, surprisingly, tasty brownies served in the lounge area along with lemon water, cheese, crackers and olives. blissworld.com

Bliss Spa at the W Hotel

At Mirbeau at The Pinehills, in Plymouth, the flavor is decidedly French. “Our spa is a truly unique, French-inspired paradise that beckons guests to incorporate some ‘me time’ into their regular routines,” says spa director Diane Scott. “Guests can make an entire day of it and utilize all of our amenities, including our unique Resting Area, which is located in the heart of the spa and features a stone fireplace and heated foot massage pool.”

Other destinations to explore are Mirbeau’s state-of-the-art fitness center; eucalyptusinfused steam rooms in the finely appointed locker rooms; and the Aqua Terrace, a yearround outdoor oasis complete with relaxing whirlpool, waterfall, fire pit and bar.

A new addition, introduced this spring, is Vinothérapie by Caudalie treatments. “They include luxury facial and body treatments taken from the vineyards of Bordeaux, France, to nourish and relax the body and mind,” says Scott. “We are one of the only resort spas in this area to offer them.”

After enjoying the aesthetically appealing facilities and even a treatment room with fireplace, guests can sample some French fare or a glass of wine at the upstairs bistro. mirbeau.com

Citron in Providence is a boutique-style spa with a “very Zen and refreshing” atmosphere, according to owner Christina Allen. The creative name is apropos to the experience, which is designed to invigorate and uplift the spirit.

“The décor of natural wood combined with pure white reflects our philosophy of rustic nature meets modern science,” describes Allen. “Our spa is warm and welcoming, not big and overwhelming. We’re very close with our guests; we value personalized relationships.”

Beach Plum Spa

Mirbeau at The Pinehills

PHOTO: ERIC ROTH

The main product line, Aveda, features allnatural ingredients and only plant-based products. “We use an Elemental Nature Chart to assess factors like a guest’s stress level, energy level and sleep,” says the spa owner. “We identify which elements are out of balance and design treatments to restore that balance.”

In addition to massage, facials, waxing and nail treatments, med spa services are administered by a nurse and include the latest technology in Botox, collagen replacements, peels and enzyme treatments—including the Perfecting Plant Peel, an all-natural alternative to a 35-percent glycolic peel. “We believe if it’s going to help with your self-confidence, then that improves your overall well-being,” asserts Allen. citron.com

This Cape Cod home has its priorities straight.

BY LENORE CULLEN BARNES

BRIAN VANDEN BRINK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

The main house is a traditional Cape with whimsical touches, but a shift to board-and-batten denotes the more rustic “barn” wing, which cleverly disguises a two-car garage topped by a guest suite.

Frequently painted and even more often photographed, Wychmere Harbor presents a quintessential Cape Cod setting. A future house blessed with this storybook view needed to be something equally extraordinary, fitting into the landscape while remaining distinctive.

The team at Polhemus Savery DaSilva Architects Builders (PSD) is well schooled in ways to simultaneously capture Cape Cod character and infuse a home with unique details and individuality. John DaSilva, design principal for the firm, collaborated with the couple, lifelong fans of the Cape, and his colleagues to achieve the desired aesthetic.

“Our initial vision was to build a Cape Cod-style home with modern-day comforts that fits in with the neighborhood and maximizes our view of the harbor,” says the homeowner. “We wanted a house that had practical, comfortable and inviting spaces where we could entertain our family and friends for years to come. We wanted a home where our kids would want to spend their free time—now and as they grow and have their own families.”

PSD lent its own interpretation to that vision. “Our goal in designing this house was to create something that is both a Cape and a representation of a Cape, meaning something like what a child might draw, abstracted and scale-less,” says DaSilva. “At first glance, the house looks straightforward, but it is a Cape with a twist. Its primary street-facing typology follows the Cape diagram—one-story façade with a low eave and dormers above—but the proportions and details are exaggerated and unexpected. The

Two flat columns with heavy crown molding create the feeling of separation between the family and dining rooms.

windows are oversized. The shutters have unusually large louver blades. The columns at the entry porch are broad, flat and stretched far apart. The dormer is almost too big for the roof on which it sits. The elements jostle for primacy but ultimately coexist peacefully.”

While the structure’s left side, overlooking the water, is the Cape design, the right extension is what DaSilva describes as a “symbolic barn.” Crowned by a cupola, it features a false barn door accented by a traditional gooseneck light. Besides a two-car garage, its saltbox shape houses a second-story guest suite with bath, accessed by a private back stair. A built-in desk makes it a suitable workspace but parallel window seats under the eaves invite reading, daydreaming and naps. Conventional garage doors are located discreetly on the structure’s side and are obscured by landscaping. Red cedar board-and-batten on the barn contrasts with the main home’s Alaskan yellow cedar shingle siding.

The rear of the house offers outdoor living amenities that encourage family and friends to linger and savor the setting. An oversized screened opening dominates one wall of the expansive, enclosed porch, clad in red cedar V-groove boards. The adjacent bluestone patio’s offerings, including a stone pizza oven that is representative of an allegorical “witch’s hut,” notes DaSilva, make it hard to find a reason to go inside.

But you’ll be glad you did: the family room is an inviting mix of cozy and airy. The design palette is subtle, allowing details like the stone fireplace and the ceiling’s V-groove paneling in a checkerboard pattern to enrich the space. “The checkerboard pattern and other unexpected details are casual and fun,” DaSilva says. “Similar to the exterior, the interior is balanced between serenity and intensity.”

This reading nook overlooks the bustle of Wychmere Harbor.

In the adjacent kitchen, a stainless hood—descending from the raised ceiling and enhanced by cove lighting—takes center stage. Marble countertops and white cabinetry keep the ambience fresh, and a window seat makes a perfect perch.

Between the family room and dining room, two flat columns with heavy crown molding reference the same details surrounding the fireplace. A tray ceiling further defines the dining space.

Family time is prioritized in the kitchen thanks to a seating area around the range and a window seat next to the fridge.

Connecting the living areas with the garage/barn is a high-functioning mudroom with multiple built-in cubbies and hooks. A custom bench for three dog bowls affirms the importance of every family member. The fanciful faucet even sports a sculpted dog motif.

Upstairs, the master suite includes a spa-worthy bathroom with two vanities, separate toilet room, shower and built-in tub under an eave. A cathedral ceiling and abundant windows flood the bedroom with light. The room comfortably accommodates an easy chair, a relaxing spot for overseeing the lively harbor. Three children’s bedrooms and two more bathrooms complete the second floor.

“Our intention was to make the house memorable and endearing without being cute,” explains DaSilva. “So the memory that the family holds while they are away is a clear image, a larger-than-life impression of a place to which they long to return.”

According to the family, mission accomplished. “The best decision we made was working with PSD,” the homeowner contends. “We chose them because we have always admired their work. They were incredibly easy to work with—professional, organized, timely, detail oriented and so talented with incredible vision.”

For more information, visit psdab.com.

Above: The terrace’s stone pizza oven and kitchen features make outdoor entertaining a breeze. Left: Ocean hues and a soaking tub invite relaxation in the master bathroom.

Our top picks for first-class vacations.

here should be an award for whoever came up with the concept of a resort. Find a beautiful setting; add the finest creature comforts, a host of fun activities and a staff dedicated to making your visit as pleasurable as possible, and the result is a recipe for the perfect getaway. Sound like just what the doctor ordered? Maybe it’s your turn to indulge in a family vacation or weekend escape at one of these premiere resorts, all well versed in delivering first-rate service and memorable experiences.

A boardwalk of Brazilian wood, covered in lounge chairs, surrounds Wequassett Resort and Golf Club’s main pool and Jacuzzi.

PHOTO: COURTESY WEQUASSETT RESORT

CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS

BY LENORE CULLEN BARNES

Since the 1920s, the White Elephant has been an iconic landmark on venerable Nantucket, evolving over the decades into its current entity as a first-class resort. “The White Elephant represents casual elegance,” says general manager Bettina Landt. “Its harborside location, steps from town, lends itself to a great vacation for everyone: families, couples, even business travelers. The experience is authentic and informal. Anyone can pick up a guidebook, but we [the staff] try to share with guests what makes Nantucket special in our hearts and minds. We get people excited about getting out there and doing things on the island.”

Guests can choose among the hotel’s 67 airy rooms; 11 one-, two- and three-bedroom adjacent garden cottages; and two three-bedroom lofts in town. Enjoying a cocktail or dinner on the Brant Point Grill terrace, with lovely and lively Nantucket Harbor as a backdrop, constitutes a perfect summer evening. whiteelephanthotel.com

Top and Right: Lounging and unwinding are encouraged throughout the White Elephant.

If your idea of a getaway is a little farther away, check into The Wauwinet on Nantucket. Idyllically located with the Atlantic on one side and Nantucket Bay on the other, but still only a 20-minute drive from town, The Wauwinet has been hosting vacationers since 1888 and now houses 33 individually designed guest rooms plus the recently opened three-bedroom Anchorage House.

Although a jitney transports guests into town, you may never need to make the short journey. Complimentary tennis, bicycles, Sunfish sailing and paddle boarding keep energetic visitors entertained, while more languid types enjoy the sun and sea breezes from the chaise lounges on the lawn. Watch the sun set over the bay before wandering in for dinner at Topper’s restaurant.

“There are a million reasons why The Wauwinet is special,” says general manager Eric Landt. “We’re a small boutique hotel set nine miles outside of town, nestled between the ocean and the head of the harbor. When you arrive at the property, you immediately unwind. It’s a place where you can actually grab that hardcover book that sat next to your bed all year and finally read it undisturbed.”

Landt stresses that the staff is genuinely interested in making people’s experiences fantastic. “The property is beautiful, the location is stellar, but it’s the people who take it over the top,” he says. “It’s all the special touches and nuances, remembering guests’ names and preferences, birthdays and anniversaries, that make their stay memorable and keep them coming back.” wauwinet.com

Natural beauty abounds at The Wauwinet, from its expansive lawn (top left) to the views from a guest room (top right) to the deck at Topper’s (above).

While Harbor View Hotel dates back to 1891, its current roster of 114 guest rooms and suites is all about contemporary style and comfort. Besides a fitness center and outdoor heated pool, the Martha’s Vineyard hotel’s standout feature is the pleasurable five minutes it takes to walk into downtown Edgartown. However, guests can easily stay on the property and enjoy a memorable cocktail or meal at the family-friendly Lighthouse Grill, the intimate Henry’s Hotel Bar or the poolside North 41. A typical activity at Harbor View is to plant yourself in a rocker and watch the ferries and sailboats glide past Edgartown Light and Chappaquiddick Island. harbor-view.com

Last year, Condé Nast Traveler named Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard one of the top 100 hotels in the world and one of the top 25 in the U.S. Accommodations include one- to fourbedroom suites, private cottages and Mattakesett Properties’ private home rentals. Heated pools, a tennis club and a complimentary children’s day program are among the amenities that make this resort a favorite. The Dunes, Winnetu’s casual dining restaurant overlooking South Beach, has also won awards for its craft beer selection and New American cuisine that incorporates fresh, local ingredients. winnetu.com

PHOTO: COURTESY WINNETU OCEANSIDE RESORT

PHOTO: ALISON SHAW

The Harbor View Hotel and its Lighthouse Grill (top).

PHOTO: ELI DAGOSTINO

The Dunes’ open-air deck.

“Wequassett is a very special place where you can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the spectacular setting along with five-star service from a staff that goes above and beyond at every turn,” says Mark Novota, managing partner. “Our guests are often generational, with families creating childhood memories; eventually those children bring theirs to keep the family tradition alive.

“We offer personalized service and work very hard to have an emotional connection with our guests,” he continues. “We want them to become raving fans of the resort and we understand we have to work extremely hard to earn this.” Wequassett’s efforts are paying off, according to Forbes Travel Guide, which just named it the Cape’s first and only Forbes Five Star property. “We are very proud of the recent attainment of our fifth star and look forward to working harder than ever to be worthy of this special distinction,” says Novota. wequassett.com

Back on the mainland, in Harwich, the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club offers another luxury oasis on 27 acres overlooking Pleasant Bay. Twenty-two historic buildings and 120 guest rooms and suites comprise a relaxing retreat infused with local ambience. Two pools, two beaches, boating and water sports, four tennis courts and access to a championship golf course ensure everyone is having fun. Dining options include the elegant Twenty-Eight Atlantic and clubby bar Thoreau’s as well as outdoor options: Outer Bar & Grille, LiBAYtion and Pleasant Bay Terrace.

PHOTOS THIS PAGE: COURTESY WEQUASSETT RESORT

Clockwise from top: Set on the shores of Pleasant Bay, Wequassett offers ocean-view accommodations and amenities.

PHOTO: COURTESY OCEAN EDGE

The first sign that you’ve reached Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, in Brewster on Cape Cod Bay, is its stately 1890s mansion and carriage house. Once home to the Nickerson family, the mansion is now on the National Register of Historic Places and is an impressive sight to behold.

Accommodations inside the mansion include 90 newly renovated rooms as well as the luxurious Presidential Bay Collection villas, which come with a personal concierge, stocked kitchen, outdoor patio and easy access to the weekly s’mores bonfire on the resort’s private beach. Or, guests can opt for the Villages guest rooms set along Ocean Edge’s Nicklaus Design golf course. Besides easy access to golf and tennis, these rooms are near Blueberry Pond’s stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking opportunities.

“Ocean Edge has something to offer all types of travelers, whether visiting as a family for a summer vacation or simply enjoying a romantic weekend getaway,” says general manager Robert J. Newman. “Guests can do anything from relax all day by the water, pedal along the adjacent Cape Cod Rail Trail or play croquet on the expansive front lawn. Ocean Edge provides a special ‘home away from home’ atmosphere with all of the benefits and amenities of a resort.” oceanedge.com

Chatham Bars Inn presides over the Atlantic like the established paragon that it is. Town & Country Travel magazine termed it “the ultimate Cape Cod luxury experience,” and its setting, architecture, amenities and service validate its first-class reputation.

Besides a range of room and suite options, many of them ocean view, Chatham Bars Inn is home to a variety of dining experiences, including Stars, which is famous for its dry-aged steaks, wine list and fresh ingredients from the resort’s own eight-acre farm, and The Beach House, where lunch and dinner are served with an ocean backdrop. Couple delicious meals with a private beach, heated pool, award-winning spa and quick access to downtown Chatham, and it’s easy to see why Chatham Bars Inn is so highly lauded. chathambarsinn.com

PHOTO: COURTESY OCEAN EDGE

PHOTO: COURTESY CHATHAM BARS

Above: Ocean Edge from Route 6A. Opposite: The Ocean Terrace at Ocean Edge features fire pits and bay views.

The Beach House at Chatham Bars Inn.

BY JENNIFER SPERRY

First impressions count, and The Colonnade Hotel makes an excellent one. Set in Boston’s Back Bay, within striking distance of Newbury Street, The Shops at Prudential Center, Fenway, Symphony Hall and more, The Colonnade combines luxury and convenience with a dose of high style.

The hotel’s lobby, complete with plush seating and an oversized table featuring a map of historic and presentday Boston, sets a posh, luxurious tone that continues into the 285 guest rooms and nine luxury suites, where a soothing chocolate brown color palette is accented by blonde wood and geometric patterns. Operable floor-toceiling windows let in plenty of natural light.

Fine cuisine is readily available onsite thanks to Brasserie Jo, an authentic French brasserie where European charm abounds. Here, guests can indulge in a leisurely

Outdoor seating at Brasserie Jo.

Top: Views from the RTP.

meal with oversized martinis and French specialties like steamed mussels and coq au vin, or simply sip their wine of choice at the restaurant’s charming bar.

But without doubt, The Colonnade’s icing on the cake is its spectacular rooftop pool, dubbed RTP for short. “Over the years, RTP has become a beloved summer tradition for Bostonians and visitors alike,” says David Colella, The Colonnade’s vice president and managing director. “During the day, starting at 8 a.m. with breakfast service, RTP provides an urban oasis 12 stories up with cabanas, day beds and chaise lounges as well as full food and cocktail service until 10 p.m. At night, the scene transforms from sunbathing to post-work cocktails and a sunset experience that you won’t find elsewhere in Boston.”

From its state-of-the-art fitness center to its themed packages and special offers, The Colonnade hits every note when it comes to guest service. “From check in to check out, we anticipate and take care of our guests’ needs so that they can truly relax and enjoy themselves,” says Colella. colonnadehotel.com

RHODE ISLAND

BY JENNIFER SPERRY

The impressive Ocean House resort—which indeed looks like a house, albeit a very large one, outfitted in cheery, hard-to-miss yellow—began as a grand Victorian hotel in 1868. After the original hotel closed in 2003, it was purchased in 2004 and rebuilt for six years before reopening in 2010. Today, Ocean House is still just as grand and probably even more inviting. A Relais & Châteaux member and a Watch Hill icon, it enjoys Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond ratings.

Amenities include 49 rooms and 18 Signature suites, plus a 650foot private beach with cabana beach service and unrivaled views of Montauk, Block Island and the Atlantic. A croquet lawn, putting green and shuffleboard court invite outdoor activities while the relaxing main living room, which serves afternoon tea, and the onsite OH! Spa encourage indoor unwinding. A spectacular meal is never far away thanks to the resort’s fine dining restaurant Seasons, its warm and welcoming Bistro and its view-laden outdoor dining spots, Verandah, Dune Cottage and Seaside Terrace. oceanhouseri.com

Examples of Signature suite interiors include a two-bedroom (top) and studio (above).

Special summertime events at Ocean House include decadent lobster boils.

On the western-most tip of Newport, Castle Hill Inn enjoys an entire peninsula to itself with views of East Passage and the Atlantic. Originally the summer home of noted marine biologist and naturalist Alexander Agassiz, it is now part of the prestigious Relaix & Châteaux family and welcomes both weekenders as well as long-term vacationers with a blend of luxury and classic coastal charm.

Room options range from cottages by the beach to cozy rooms in the mansion to Harbor House rooms overlooking Grace Kelly Beach, a rocky enclave frequented by the famous actress one summer during a movie shoot. Once settled, guests can opt for an indulgent spa treatment at The Retreat followed by a special-occasion meal in the dining room, where the cuisine is bested only by the restaurant’s signature views of Narragansett Bay. But no one should ever leave Castle Hill without experiencing “The Lawn,” where small plates and summer cocktails can be delivered right to your Adirondack chair. castlehillinn.com

Top: Castle Hill Inn’s secluded peninsula. Left: Sightsee with a cocktail in hand on “The Lawn.”

Walking along Newport’s Cliff Walk and taking in the sights of the mansions is one thing, but staying in one is quite another. This is why The Chanler at Cliff Walk is such a special place: it’s a 19thcentury mansion-turned-boutique-hotel with just 20 exclusive, romantic rooms decorated in various period styles. Equally appealing is The Spiced Pear restaurant, which serves up New England cuisine with French influences.

Upon check-in, guests are greeted with a glass of sparkling wine, and the decadence doesn’t end there. The Chanler offers complimentary car service to Newport destinations such as mansions, beaches and restaurants. During the summer months, it’s possible to arrange for daytime butler service on a Newport beach of your choosing: besides the requisite chairs, umbrella and towels, this package comes with a perfectly prepared picnic lunch for two. thechanler.com

PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE: COURTESY THE CHANLER AT CLIFF WALK

Top: Romantic gardens surround The Chanler at Cliff Walk. Left: View from The Spiced Pear. Below: An English Tudor-style guest room.

DRESSING UP THE CLASSICS

Photographed at HIGHFIELD HALL & GARDENS in Falmouth, MA (highfieldhallandgardens.org).

Fashions provided by BLOOMINGDALE’S at The Mall at Chestnut Hill, Chestnut Hill, MA (bloomingdales.com); CAPE CHIC, Falmouth, MA (capechic.com); and PURITAN CAPE COD in Falmouth, Mashpee, Hyannis and Chatham, MA (puritancapecod.com). Jewelry provided by M.R.T. JEWELERS in East Providence, RI (mrtjewelers.com).

Hair styling by THE KEEP SALON in Falmouth, MA (thekeepsalon.com) and makeup by AMANDA MCCARTHY BEAUTY (amandamccarthybeauty.com). Models provided by MAGGIE INC. (maggieagency.com).

Photography by LISA RIGBY

Lanai open blazer in denim melange with matching pant by Theory, Jastrid silk ruffle top in ivory by Theory and Christian Dior Diorella patent calfskin peep-toe heels in marine. All from Bloomingdale’s.

THIS PAGE

Slim-fit Hugo Boss dress shirt, Eton tie, Salvatore Ferragamo belt and 7 For All Mankind jeans. All from Bloomingdale’s.

OPPOSITE PAGE

Knit dress and navy clutch from Cape Chic. Circular earrings in 14k yellow gold with lapis stones, stacked diamond eternity bands in 14k yellow gold and a mosaic stone bracelet in 14k yellow gold from M.R.T. Jewelers.

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Cutout wave suede pumps by Prada from Bloomingdale’s; Jasneah Admiral Crepe dress by Theory from Bloomingdale’s and 14k rose gold drop earrings with pink mother of pearl inlay and diamond frame from M.R.T. Jewelers; oversized mosaic bracelet featuring natural fancy pink diamonds framed by colorless white diamonds (20 carats total weight) and coordinating teardrop-shaped diamond ring from M.R.T. Jewelers.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Kensington trench coat in honey by Burberry, Kalstinn high-low silk top in rosewood by Theory, white pants and suede pumps. All from Bloomingdale’s. Doublet ring (center stone made from blue topaz and mother of pearl) by Doves and white gold constellation-style diamond earrings from M.R.T. Jewelers.

V-neck stretch-woven sheath dress with tonal piping by Narcisco Rodriguez and Baroque suede platform sandals by Prada from Bloomingdale’s.

Round-neck tank shell, slim pant and sheer dress by Eileen Fisher from Puritan Cape Cod. Vintage oversized blue sapphire mosaic bracelet featuring multicolored blue sapphires from various continents and heart-shaped sapphire and diamond ring from M.R.T. Jewelers.

THIS PAGE: Natural golden yellow South Sea graduated pearl necklace and natural fancy, yellow, orange and green mosaic band with micro-pavé diamond accents from M.R.T. Jewelers. THIS PAGE RIGHT: Movado Bold wristwatch from M.R.T. Jewelers.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Byron sport coat, Southern Tide sport shirt and Peter Millar khaki pant from Puritan Cape Cod. Bone silk dress by Eileen Fisher from Puritan Cape Cod. Prada wedges from Bloomingdale’s. 14k yellow gold eternity band (4 carats total weight) from M.R.T. Jewelers.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Christian Dior pumps from Bloomingdale’s; vintage oversized blue sapphire mosaic bracelet featuring multicolored blue sapphires from various continents from M.R.T. Jewelers; Prada heels from Bloomingdale’s and mosaic bracelet featuring fancy, orange, yellow and green diamonds, all natural color, and 18k white gold (20 carats total weight) from M.R.T. Jewelers; eternity-style bands available in all metals and sizes ranging from 2.00 to 5 carats total and platinum ring with 6.03 carat Radiant diamond center surrounded by round diamonds totaling 2.47 carats from M.R.T. Jewelers.

Max Mara Fred dress and Prada heels from Bloomingdale’s. Mosaic bracelet featuring fancy, orange, yellow and green diamonds, all natural color, and 18k white gold (20 carats total weight); geometric micro-pavé diamond earrings by Doves in 14k white gold; and 18k white and yellow gold ring with 1.21 carat round center diamond and 1.90 carats of supporting white and natural yellow diamonds. All from M.R.T. Jewelers.

The chance to go out to dinner presents itself, and this is how the conversation starts: “What do you feel like?” Choosing a restaurant involves tapping into the moods of your taste buds, whether they desire something new and different or comforting and familiar. To make the process simpler the next time this promising question arises, we’ve gathered our favorite restaurant picks in key craving categories. So let your taste buds be your guide, and then let these top eateries do the rest.

A restaurant for every craving.

A decadent surf and turf entrée at Chapel Bar & Grille in Cranston, Rhode Island.

Steakhouse

WHERE MEAT LOVERS UNITE

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House

Sleek and visually stunning, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House on Liberty Wharf in Boston’s Seaport District has long been a regular haunt for power players, world-class Boston athletes and in-the-know foodies looking for a great piece of perfectly cooked steak. In warmer weather, stake out your spot on the expansive waterfront patio or grab a post-work seat at the circular bar inside the sprawling restaurant. Sip on one of 1,200-plus wine choices while noshing on appetizers like seared Wagyu beef carpaccio or the thick-cut bacon au poivre with bourbon molasses glaze. Then, get right to the dishes that really lured you in, like the 24-ounce prime porterhouse or the spectacular Wagyu tomahawk chop.

—JESSICA BOWNE

250 NORTHERN AVE., BOSTON, MA

617-951-1368, DELFRISCOS.COM

The Capital Grille

Mention a high-class steakhouse to any southern New Englander, and The Capital Grille immediately comes to mind. The steak options speak for themselves: seared tenderloin with butter poached lobster tails, bone-in Kona coffee-crusted New York strip with shallot butter and gorgonzola- and truffle-crusted dry-aged New York strip. You can also keep it simple and order a delectable 10-ounce filet mignon or 24-ounce dry-aged porterhouse. However, no steak at The Capital Grille is complete without some sharable à la carte sides, like soy-glazed Brussels sprouts with bacon and lobster mac ‘n’ cheese. Don’t leave without trying the Stoli Doli, the grille’s signature martini with Stoli vodka infused with fresh pineapple, chilled and served straight. With three locations in Mass. (Boston, Burlington and Chestnut Hill), one in Providence and two in Conn. (Hartford and Stamford), it’s easy to find a location to your liking.

—JENNIFER SPERRY

THECAPITALGRILLE.COM

Pate’s

If a nice juicy steak is your pleasure, Pate’s in Chatham is where you’ll want to be. Pate’s opened in 1957 and has been serving classically prepared food and hand-cut steaks ever since. The steaks and seafood are cooked over an open-hearth grill that is visible from the dining room, which adds a bit of show to your meal. The rustic dining room, with beamed ceilings and maroon over white tablecloths, is retro in a fun way. Customer favorites include prime rib, filet mignon and the fabulous house-made baked stuffed potato. Start your meal with shrimp scampi or oysters Rockefeller and then follow up with a meaty rump steak or grilled swordfish. If you still have room for dessert, the house specialty is the snowball, a scoop of vanilla ice cream rolled in coconut and served with hot fudge.

—LAURIE HIGGINS

1260 MAIN ST., CHATHAM, MA 508-945-9777, PATESRESTAURANT.COM

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House

Ocean Prime

The best of sea and land meet on the plate at the Seaport District’s newest haute spot: Ocean Prime. Start your meal with the white truffle caviar deviled eggs before digging into a lobster roll with pickled serrano pepper and kiwi from the sushi menu. Eventually the big decision hits: surf or turf? It’s hard to decide between the sea scallops with Parmesan risotto, the Chilean sea bass with champagne truffle sauce or a prime steak, perhaps an 8-ounce filet mignon or a 16-ounce ribeye. The sides are a menu unto themselves with favorites like jalapeño au gratin, creamy lobster mashed potatoes and asparagus with hollandaise.

—JESSICA BOWNE

140 SEAPORT BLVD., BOSTON, MA 617-670-1345, OCEAN-PRIME.COM

10 Prime Steak & Sushi

The atmosphere is playful and designed to stimulate the senses with a bright cobalt blue liquor display behind the bar and a variety of funky lighting and art installations. But there’s more to 10 Prime Steak & Sushi in Providence than just its intriguing interior. As one of the city’s leading steakhouses, it sources corn-fed Angus beef from the Midwest, hand cuts the steaks and ages them for four weeks for optimum flavor and tenderness. Once your steak is selected, you can then “top it off” with additional indulgences such as bacon-wrapped scallops or pair it with crispy onion strings, truffle Parmesan fries, asparagus, edamame or any number of vegetable and potato sides. But keep in mind that 10 Prime is just as well known for its sushi menu featuring nigiri, sashimi and designer rolls. The menu, dense with the best of east and west, demands more than one visit.

—JENNIFER SPERRY

55 PINE ST., PROVIDENCE, RI 401-453-2333, TENPRIMESTEAKANDSUSHI.COM

Smith & Wollensky

Start by soaking in the sleek environment first. Smith & Wollensky, on Atlantic Wharf in the Seaport District (there’s a second location in Back Bay), has an intimate patio overlooking the harbor and the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Grab a seat at the spacious bar inside for a glass of wine and one of the signature crab cakes with cognac mustard or snag a table to dine on coffee- and cocoarubbed filet or tender filet mignon with gorgonzola crust. Hungry? Try a seafood tower with chilled lobster, oysters, littleneck clams and Alaskan king crab. Don’t miss a thick slice of the restaurant’s chocolate cake, easily one of the best desserts in the city.—JESSICA BOWNE

294 CONGRESS ST., BOSTON, MA 617-778-2200, SMITHANDWOLLENSKY.COM

Ocean Prime

PHOTO: DEL FRISCO’S RESTAURANT GROUP

PHOTO: MELISSA OSTROW

Boat House

If seafood with a view is in order, then the Boat House in Tiverton is a no-brainer. Set right on the banks of the Sakonnet River, with Mount Hope Bay in the distance, this drive-worthy eatery offers mesmerizing water views from the main dining room as well as the expansive outdoor patio, where tables are highly coveted on warm-weather days. Describing itself as taking the “seafood shack” to the next level, the Boat House excels in seafood prepared myriad ways. From raw bar treats to pan-roasted salmon or hake to surf & turf, there is something to satisfy every oceanderived craving. Besides locally sourced seafood, the restaurant also uses area farms whenever possible. Aquidneck Honey, Barden Family Orchard, Baffoni’s Poultry Farm and Matunuck Oyster Farm are just a few on their long supplier list.—JENNIFER SPERRY

227 SCHOONER DR., TIVERTON, RI 401-624-6300, BOATHOUSETIVERTON.COM

Brewster Fish House

The exterior, a shingled cottage, is unassuming, blending in with its surroundings on Route 6A, but the cuisine served inside is anything but ordinary. The Brewster Fish House, once a retail fish market, is now an award-winning restaurant led by executive chef Jeremiah Reardon, whose carefully curated menus showcase seafood at every turn. But ultra fresh fish and shellfish are just the beginning: Reardon’s sophisticated sides, creative presentations and thoughtfully conceived wine list elevate the entire dining experience, bringing customers back again and again. Both the lobster bisque and Fish House chowder are equally popular, and it’s hard to resist starters like calamari made with Point Judith squid or Stoney Island mussels served in a tomato, leek and saffron cream bath. But leave room for memorable entrées such as the white sage-roasted cod with onion tart or the true North Atlantic salmon with crème fraîche potato purée. Stay for dessert—the vanilla bean crème brûlée and artisanal cheese plate are smart choices—and you won’t be disappointed.—JENNIFER SPERRY

2208 MAIN ST., BREWSTER, MA 508-896-7867, BREWSTERFISHHOUSE.COM

Midtown Oyster Bar

Sited right at the start of Thames Street, in the heart of downtown Newport and overlooking the city’s harbor, Midtown Oyster Bar is a seafood lover’s oasis. Its raw bar is one of the region’s largest and produces perfectly chilled on-the-halfshell beauties that won’t last long on your plate. The two-story restaurant houses a variety of eating and drinking “destinations,” including three dining rooms, two outdoor decks and two trendy bar areas. On the first floor, there’s even a cozy, wood-paneled tavern, where sampling the Midtown Oyster Stout (an exclusive brew made for the restaurant by Harpoon) is par for the course.

Stroll past other diners and you’ll notice the consumption of almost every seafood dish imaginable. You’ll see oyster shooters, tuna tartare tacos, crab cakes and various ceviches and chowders. And these are just starters: entrées run the gamut from grilled Norwegian salmon to pan-roasted Atlantic swordfish, not to mention tempting steaks and burgers. Perhaps the best thing about Midtown Oyster Bar, besides the view and the atmosphere, is that a big meal is not required. Simply sit at one of the bars, enjoy a glass of champagne or even a specialty cocktail like the pomegranate margarita and a couple oysters and some shrimp, and life will be instantly good.—JENNIFER SPERRY

345 THAMES ST., NEWPORT, RI 401-619-4100, MIDTOWNOYSTER.COM

Midtown Oyster Bar

Midtown Oyster Bar

Seafood

THE OCEAN’S FINEST OFFERINGS

The Naked Oyster Bistro & Raw Bar

A festive sliver of a restaurant on Main Street in Hyannis, The Naked Oyster Bistro & Raw Bar is the go-to spot for anyone craving superlative seafood in a contemporary yet comfortable setting. A long bar runs between the brickwalled, street-front dining area and a quieter back room with plush booths, both decorated with one-of-a-kind pieces from local artists. French-born owner and executive chef Florence Lowell puts forth classically prepared dishes using fresh and local products. The oysters arrive daily straight from the restaurant’s own oyster farm in Barnstable Harbor, and all shellfish—including local lobster, little necks, quahogs and mussels—is opened on the spot and prepared to order. A house favorite, sea scallops aurora, features seared scallops in a light tomato garlic cream sauce, and regulars often call ahead to see if the coveted swordfish chop is on the specials menu. For meat-lovers, the seared Pinehill Farm bone-in sirloin never disappoints. Coming for lunch? Try the Thai shrimp or Nantucket fish taco. Some two dozen wines, including four bubblies, are offered by the glass, and a bottle of Sancerre or Pouilly Fuissé is a good choice for a one-wine-fits-all, seafood-centric meal.

—JANICE RANDALL ROHLF

410 MAIN ST., HYANNIS, MA

Scales & Shells

Locals and tourists alike flock to Scales & Shells on Thames Street in downtown Newport for seafood done right. It’s hard to find fresher fare: the restaurant has its own fish truck whose sole purpose is to track down the highest quality catch. The open kitchen showcases the chefs at work—it’s not unusual for patrons to chat with them and choose their meals right then and there. The no-frills menu fits on a chalkboard on the back wall, and the implication of its simplicity is that each dish lets the protein shine. Customer favorites include mussels marinara, clam linguine with red or white sauce and the mesquite-grilled tuna or swordfish. Prepare yourself for a bit of a wait on weekend nights as diners are served on a first-come, first-served basis, but sipping on a chilled martini from the bar will make the time fly.—JENNIFER SPERRY

527 THAMES ST., NEWPORT, RI 401-846-3474, SCALESANDSHELLS.COM

Select Oyster Bar

Longtime Neptune Oyster chef Michael Serpa opened Select Oyster Bar, his own place, a year and a half ago to fill a need he saw in Back Bay for “a quality place you can pop in any night of the week on your way home from work, just to have a bite and a glass of wine.” Oh, and you’d better be passionate about seafood. Located in a brownstone a stone’s throw from the Hynes Convention Center, Serpa’s cozy spot typically has only one meat dish on the dinner menu and there is no dessert. A casual bistro with a convivial pewter-topped bar up front and a modest-sized dining room farther back, it puts piscatorial fare on a pedestal—sometimes literally, as in a towering plateau laden with briny treats from the sea. Oysters are always available, in six varieties each night. Or you might like to start with a crudo (black bass, salmon, Hamachi), followed by Icelandic Arctic char topped with roasted leeks, frisée aux lardons and pistachio dressing, or Gloucester swordfish with rose harissa rub. Another good choice is P.E.I. mussels with roasted carrot and almond romesco.—JANICE

RANDALL ROHLF

50 GLOUCESTER ST., BOSTON, MA 857-239-8064, SELECTBOSTON.COM

Select Oyster Bar

The Naked Oyster Bistro & Raw Bar

PHOTO: STEPHANIE SWANSON

Brasserie Jo

Take a trip to France without leaving Boston at The Colonnade Hotel’s Brasserie Jo. The elegant restaurant, which realizes French food doesn’t have to be formal, stuffy or overly elaborate, serves classics like onion soup gratinée, salade Lyonnaise and steak tartare. While the cuisine is the star of the show, the 1940s-inspired décor—mosaic tile entry floor, low-hanging chandeliers, vintage prints and a winter garden—adds to the brasserie’s charm. Have a sweet tooth? Don’t miss desserts like sweet profiteroles covered in chocolate sauce or a lusciously smooth crème brûlée. Come summer, the restaurant’s patio is the perfect spot for taking a break over mussels Riesling marinière and watching the city pass you by.—JESSICA BOWNE

120 HUNTINGTON AVE., BOSTON, MA 617-425-3240, COLONNADEHOTEL.COM

Gaslight Brasserie du Coin

An inviting South End bistro, Gaslight Brasserie du Coin blends tile and wood floors with antique mirrors to create an atmosphere that charms. Its zinc bar beckons you to unwind with one of the restaurant’s 120-plus wines. Once seated, start with traditional Parisian favorites like the fondue with fontina cheese or the pâté de foie gras before digging into the substantial beef bourguignon with spinach and bacon onion compote or a croque monsieur with béchamel sauce. The traditional bistro offers daily specials like Moulard duck breast, braised pork shank and seared Arctic char. Don’t forget to order a helping of fries with aioli.—JESSICA BOWNE

560 HARRISON AVE., BOSTON, MA 617-422-0224, GASLIGHT560.COM

Red Stripe

Red Stripe on Angell Street in Providence is the ultimate brasserie experience (now there’s one in East Greenwich too). The interior is everything you’d expect: black-and-white tiled floor, white tablecloths, romantic lighting and an open kitchen. The menu is equally comforting, filled with dishes that are simple in context and yet refined in taste. Those in the know opt for the Red Stripe grilled cheese, made with prosciutto, poached pear and basil, paired with oven-roasted tomato soup. It’s impossible to ignore Red Stripe’s famous mussels, which are available in 10 different sauces, from marinara to Portuguese. The menu ranges from burgers and salads to pasta and seafood, ensuring a tempting choice for every palate. Before the food even arrives, try a signature cocktail: the Hot & Dirty martini, with olive and hot pepper brine, is a spicy delight.

—JENNIFER SPERRY

465 ANGELL ST., PROVIDENCE, RI 401-437-6950, REDSTRIPERESTAURANTS.COM

Gaslight Brasserie du Coin

Brasserie Jo

Bistro

COMFORTING YET CREATIVE CUISINE

Chills Bistro

Chills Bistro is the more casual side of the famous Chillingsworth restaurant, but its meals are equally memorable. Set in a glassed-in greenhouse with skylights, the bistro has flourishing plants and warm terra cotta tiles. The menu is contemporary and changes regularly. Sample appetizers include steamed local mussels in a saffron broth and crispy fried panko-crusted Chatham oysters. Main dishes you won’t want to miss are the grilled bistro steak with house-cut fries and veal sauce, and panseared scallops. The homemade pappardelle with satiny Bolognese sauce is otherworldly. Make sure to save room for dessert, because the pastries are amazing.

—LAURIE HIGGINS

2449 MAIN ST., BREWSTER, MA 508-896-3640, CHILLINGSWORTH.COM

Chapel Bar & Grille

A modern restaurant with a historic soul, Chapel Bar & Grille greets guests with a dramatic stone exterior that exudes old-world glamour. Located in the Chapel View Lifestyle Village in Cranston, Chapel Grille is a thoughtfully conceived collection of dining and drinking spaces sure to satisfy, whether the goal is cocktails and apps, a special-occasion meal or even a private function or wedding.

The restaurant’s showpiece is its cathedral bar: a historic chapel built in 1891 that has been reinvented into a conversation-starting salon. Easily one of the coolest watering holes around, it wows with a soaring ceiling, stone walls, stained glass windows, portrait paintings and a sinuous bar with plush leather barstools. Once seated, you’ll want to sample from the “Iconic Cocktails” list— you can sentence yourself to the Purgatory martini, made dirty with the heat of hot peppers and garnished with blue cheese-stuffed olives.

Other areas to enjoy are the plush main salon and the Skyline Terrace, where, on warm days, the roof retracts and the walls open for alfresco dining. Even in cooler weather, the Skyline Terrace still evokes outdoor dining thanks to its predominance of glass. And an actual outdoor terrace tempts with seating around an outdoor fireplace.

While each dining area has its own vibe, one thing always remains the same: Chapel Grille’s consistently delicious Italian-Mediterranean fare. The lengthy menu covers all bases, from showpiece entrées like lobster, beef tenderloin and wood-grilled baby lamb chops to more relaxed options like grilled pizza. Ingredients are locally sourced whenever possible and the celebrated wine list means you’ll never have to drink the same varietal twice.—JENNIFER SPERRY 3000 CHAPEL VIEW BLVD., CRANSTON, RI, 401-944-4900, CHAPELGRILLERI.COM

Chapel Bar & Grille

Chapel Bar & Grille

Bluefins Sushi & Sake Bar

Bluefins Sushi & Sake Bar in Chatham offers exceptionally fresh seafood dishes that are so beautifully presented they are like art on a plate. Start with one of its specialty cocktails like a Tokyo Negroni made with Angel’s Envy bourbon, Campari and Tozai plum sake or a Far East martini made with Hendrick’s Gin, Ty-Ku cucumber sake, St. Germain liqueur and fresh lime juice. Appetizer favorites include the wakame salad, house-made kimchee and the sublime barbeque-glazed pork belly. Equally delicious is the Cape Cod monster roll, which comes with lightly torched yellowtail tuna topped with teriyaki sauce, spicy mayo, dots of tobiko, scallions and lime. Those who don’t appreciate sushi will find plenty of other delicious choices as well. The wild Cape mussels and seared day boat scallops are amazing and the menu also includes items like chicken, a petit filet mignon and short ribs.

—LAURIE

HIGGINS

513 MAIN ST., CHATHAM, MA

508-348-1573, BLUEFINSCHATHAM.COM

North

It’s small and doesn’t take reservations, but North in Providence’s West End is always worth a visit for its creative, refreshing Asian cuisine. The menu changes often as seasonal ingredients inspire the chefs and meals range from the familiar (roasted scallops) to the downright adventurous (seared beef heart). Popular starters include the raw littlenecks or oysters, both served with horseradish mignonette, and the hot and sour Chinese American bok choy, prepared with fermented chili, tamarind and puffed rice. For a main course, opt for the hot flavor sesame noodles, dan dan noodles with mutton and squid or the grilled scallion and chicken ramen bowl garnished with boiled egg, radish and wakame. The owners’ engagement in their community is refreshing: 50 cents of every dish sold goes to the Amos House, to which serves warm, nutritious meals to people in need, or to the Rhode Island Food Bank. Now that’s feel-good food.

3 LUONGO MEMORIAL SQ., PROVIDENCE, RI 401-421-1100, FOODBYNORTH.COM

Asian DRESSED UP AND PARED DOWN

Tiger Mama

Following the success of her Fenway barbeque joint Sweet Cheeks, Top Chef alumna Tiffani Faison strikes gold again with the opening of Tiger Mama. The Southeast Asian restaurant just down the street from Sweet Cheeks is drawing a crowd with its celebrated dishes and cocktails served from two bars. Settle in at one of the high-top

Bluefins Sushi & Sake Bar

PHOTO: ASHLEY BILODEAU

Guapo’s Tortilla Shack

At Guapo’s Tortilla Shack in Orleans (there’s also a smaller location in Brewster), the décor is bright and the music is upbeat, adding to the festive feeling generated by the food.

Guapo’s serves Baja-style Mexican-American food with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and scratch cooking. You’ll want to start with the house-made guacamole with chips and some chicken wings. For the main event, there are a dozen burritos to choose from along with amazing fish tacos (served with a signature lime sauce) and California-style burgers. There are also vegetarian and gluten-free options. No Mexican meal would be complete without a margarita and Guapo’s has many fine ones to choose from. They make their own sour mix for fabulous flavor and the bar has a huge list of specialty tequilas for your drinking pleasure.

—LAURIE HIGGINS

136 RTE. 6A, ORLEANS, MA 508-255-3338, GUAPOSCAPECOD.COM

Tortilla Flats

If your wish is a Mexican eatery with a seemingly endless margarita list and an upbeat, colorful atmosphere, then Tortilla Flats in Providence is your place. With generously sized booths and a large double-sided bar in its center, Tortilla Flats is easygoing and appeals to everyone from college kids to datenight couples to families. The menu covers all your Mexican favorites—fajitas, quesadillas, tacos, burritos, enchiladas—but incorporates Cajun (crawdads, catfish and jambalaya) and Southwestern (ribs and pulled pork) fare as well. But to start, no one can resist pairing the house-made tortilla chips with salsa, guacamole or the meal-unto-itself chile con queso. Wash your chips down with a sangria or perhaps a freshly made margarita: flavors include strawberry, raspberry, melon and mango.—JENNIFER SPERRY

355 HOPE ST., PROVIDENCE, RI 401-751-6777, TORTILLAFLATSRI.COM

Naco Taco

There isn’t any corny Mexican décor in sight at Naco Taco, a Central Square eatery helmed by executive chef Norlan Taborda, but there are plenty of house-made gluten-free corn tortillas. Order an icy margarita and then dip your chips into a homemade salsa or some freshly made guacamole before sampling one of the restaurant’s signature tacos. The al pastor with spit-roasted pork and burnt pineapple, the barbacoa with braised beef and pickled vegetables and the fried fresh cod with spicy cabbage slaw hit the spot in equal measure. On warmer nights, sit outside and dine on the 100seat patio under twinkling string lights.—JESSICA BOWNE

297 MASSACHUSETTS AVE., CAMBRIDGE, MA 617-945-1548, NACOCENTRAL.COM

Mexican

FRESH INGREDIENTS SERVED WITH SPICY FLAIR

Guapo’s Tortilla Shack

Naco Taco

PHOTO: NATASHA MOUSTACHE

Area Four

The savory pies at Area Four, an all-glass Kendall Square mainstay, are hand thrown, gently dotted with homemade sauce and cheese and expertly layered with toppings. Titans of tech, MIT geeks and even President Obama are all fans. The laidback spot serves up pizzas like the Carnivore, with bacon, soppressata, sausage and mozzarella, and the Caramelized Onion and Gorgonzola with candied walnuts. The secret is in the homemade dough; the team at Area Four uses a 12-year-old starter, flour, salt and water. Cover all the food groups by adding arugula salad with Manchego and lemon vinaigrette to your order.

—JESSICA BOWNE

Extra Cheese

NOT YOUR AVERAGE PIZZA JOINTS

500 TECHNOLOGY SQ., CAMBRIDGE, MA

617-758-4444

Al Forno

No less than a Providence restaurant icon, Al Forno is always busy, always excellent and its fine Italian cuisine is perfect for special occasions. But that’s not to say that it doesn’t also excel at more casual fare, and its grilled pizzas certainly top that list. Just like Al Forno’s entrées, the pizza selection benefits from topnotch Italian ingredients. Classic offerings such as the Margarita, the Pepperoni and the Mushroom Duxelles mingle with more unusual options such as the Bambina, served with crispy onion rings, or the Calamari, topped with fried squid and arrabbiata sauce. Order a glass of Italian Chianti, a pear and endive salad with warm gorgonzola-stuffed dates and you have yourself a meal to remember. And don’t forget to pick your dessert early: each one is made fresh to order and requires advance notice.

—JENNIFER SPERRY

577 SOUTH WATER ST., PROVIDENCE, RI 401-273-9760, ALFORNO.COM

Pizza Barbone

For an Italian-style treat, Pizza Barbone in Hyannis is just the place. The casual pizzeria serves Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas baked in a Stefano Ferrara oven built in Naples, Italy. Everything is made from scratch using the highest quality ingredients like non-GMO Type “OO” Italian flour. Starters include crispy arancini and roasted cauliflower with golden raisins, pickled red onions, breadcrumbs and ricotta salata. Pizzas feature traditional toppings like meatballs and sausage or cool new combinations like crushed potato with garlic cream, bacon, mozzarella and scallions. When all is said and done, cannoli or house-made gelato with biscotti is a sweet way to end a wonderful meal.

—LAURIE HIGGINS

390 MAIN ST., HYANNIS, MA

508-957-2377, PIZZABARBONE.COM

Area Four

Her best-known character is locked up, but actress Uzo Aduba’s career knows no bounds.

BY JULIET PENNINGTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA FRIEDMAN / TRUNK ARCHIVE

As I sipped my English breakfast tea in a cozy coffee shop in Covent Garden, I noticed a flurry of activity behind me. I couldn’t see it but sensed a wave of commotion building when the woman sitting opposite me leaned forward and said softly, “I think we’re about to have a situation.”

A half dozen thoughts raced through my mind in the few seconds it took for the café door to swing open and two women in their late teens/early 20s to eagerly approach our table.

I had been interviewing Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black standout Uzo Aduba for more than an hour, and her warm, friendly demeanor made me forget that I was spending the afternoon with a bona fide, multiple-award-winning star of stage and screen. The adulation that followed sharpened my focus.

“I’m sorry to interrupt but I just had to meet you,” said one of the excited young women, who then turned and gave me a quick “I’m sorry” before adjusting her focus back to Aduba and telling her how “obsessed” she is with her OITNB character, Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren.

“You are such an incredible actress,” she continued, after which her friend chimed in with “You are my favorite on the show,” among other accolades. Aduba could not have been more gracious, asking them where they were from (Houston) and thanking them for taking the time to say hello. After a couple of photographs, the pleased-as-punch duo was on their way and now Aduba was apologizing to me.

“I was worried because there was a group of them and I thought they all were going to come in,” she says. “I didn’t want to steal your time.”

With OITNB about to air its fourth season (June 17), getting recognized has become commonplace for the Medfield native—and Boston University graduate— who calls Brooklyn home. “You kind of develop eyes in the back of your head,” she says. “People are so nice. They really just want to say a kind word.”

Several patrons, who waited until Aduba was ready to leave before approaching, confirmed her contention by heaping praise on the actress and singer (she was a voice major at BU, has sung on Broadway and was cast as Glinda the Good Witch in last year’s NBC production of The Wiz Live!). One college student from Paris said he only had enough money to see one show in London and it was going to be The Maids—even though he didn’t know much about it—solely to see Aduba perform live.

During our interview, Aduba talked about a variety of subjects, including the dark, dialogue-heavy play in which she is cast as one of two maids who fantasize about killing their employer.

I saw The Maids last night and it is one intense play. I couldn’t help but wonder how you remember all those lines. It’s not only that there are a lot of lines, it’s that they’re so dense. To get the “floetry”—the flow and the poetry—you really have to remember it specifically as it’s written and not make up your own version if you really want to make it sing at its best pitch. We would rehearse eight-hour days, but on top of that, I would stay after rehearsal with our associate director, Jess Edwards, who is phenomenal and so generous with her time.

Do you ever have a senior moment when you completely forget your line?

That is going to happen regardless of the play. I’m sure you’ve heard it said by actors that they’re so grateful to their fellow actors. I’m lucky in that I have not yet had the experience where my fellow actor has left me hanging out to dry [laughs].

This play is a heavy lift. There’s one stretch where I’m up there for an hour and 15 minutes talking to another person. You don’t have the wonderful relief of [a film] cut or being able to do another take. Last night was a take. And you do another take the next day. You have to be constantly present and awake and aware and in the moment and listening.

What is it about this play and the role of Solange in particular that spoke to you?

I think a couple of things. The fact that this play falls entirely on the shoulders of women was exciting to me as was the fact that the characters are comprised of really complicated, entirely different women who are seeking something, pursuing their own freedoms. This play was not written as a modern piece. It’s more than 60 years old, and doing something that explores the female psyche in such an intricate way from that time challenges its actors to endure.

Do you see any similarities between Solange and Suzanne from OITNB?

I don’t personally, in terms of who they are, find them to be similar. I think they’re different people. I think their closest comparison is that they are both intensely passionate people, and when that passion is ignited, it’s on full blast.

Are you enjoying living in London?

I’ve been to London before, but this is my first time ever living here. I feel like if New York and Boston had a child, it would be called London. It’s bigger than Boston and has a pace that is New York. It has much of Boston’s charm and makes me think, Am I in the North End or am I in Covent Garden?

What is it about theater that you enjoy so much? How much time do you have [laughs]? I love how alive it is. I love the opportunity to tell stories in their entirety in one shot. That’s exciting because, like I said before, you don’t get another take. It just makes me so happy to be in that space, to feel that life. You hear yourself and everybody on stage—along with the entire audience—and you can feel the collective of people breathing together, living together, as one. It’s never going to be that way again. It’s only going to live that way, like that, that one night. That’s it.

Aduba in character as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in Orange Is the New Black.

PHOTO: COURTESY NETFLIX

Did you go to the theater as a child?

I did. My parents aren’t artists themselves, but they are art lovers— particularly my mom. She loves the arts. She always says if she had been born in this country [Aduba’s parents are from Nigeria], she probably would have been a painter or something in the arts. We went to the theater and also to ballets and operas. I remember seeing Rent in Boston when I was about 15 and, I didn’t have a name for it, but I remember thinking, Whatever this is, I’d love to do it. I always thought I was going to be a lawyer because my parents had always said I was going to be one.

You were ready to quit acting when one phone call, on September 14, 2012, changed your mind. What happened?

I was at a point where, for the first time since I had started working, I truly, in my heart of hearts, decided to quit acting and I was really…I won’t say at peace with it, but I resolved myself to that truth. It was on that very day when I made that decision that I got Orange Is the New Black. I know for sure now that no one should ever quit on their dream, no matter how impossible it seems. That’s what I learned that day. I couldn’t have gotten a better, stronger sign to tell me to stick with it. I’m so curious to know what there still is for me to do.

What can OITNB fans look forward to this season?

Jenji [Kohan, the show’s creator] is right on trend. She is able to really figure out what the conversation is that’s happening in the world, so this season we’re talking a lot about corruption within the penal system and how that can end up affecting those who are incarcerated and the world of prison culture generally. She handles it, I think, quite beautifully, and I think audiences—whatever they have come to know the show to be—are just not ready [laughs]. They’re just not ready.

To what would you attribute the show’s success?

I think that because it has so many different faces to it, people of all walks of life connect to it. It has racial diversity, women, sexual orientation, gender issues, age, size…all of these things are addressed and handled in a really interesting, smart way. I think people are surprised by how much they’re connecting with all of these women, and they see a piece of themselves within one or more of the characters. And I think it’s also a really, really beautiful balance that Jenji struck of light and heavy, that balance of comedy and drama, that sort of push-pull that is constantly there and everchanging and keeping the audience on its toes. When you meet these characters at the beginning, you think you have a real idea about who they are; then as the season starts to peel back, you realize they are so much more than their crimes and more than the women they present themselves to be inside the world of Litchfield. They have really long, vast stories.

Why do you think Suzanne is such a fan favorite?

I don’t know. I really don’t [laughs]. I love her because of her openness and her honesty and her truth. I love how much she is herself—for better or worse, accepted or not accepted. I love that honesty she has with people. She is entirely her: her passion, the depth of her love. I think that’s what I love about her.

Tell me about your four years at Boston University.

I’m so proud of BU. I loved BU. I’ve been seeing a lot of BU students who are here for the second semester study abroad program, which is really, really sweet. I am forever indebted to the teachers I met there and, frankly, a lot of them made me the actor I am today, the artist I am today.

You were a track standout at BU and ran the Boston Marathon last year. Do you plan on running another marathon?

Next year I might run the Boston Marathon because my siblings came out to support me when I ran last year and they got the bug, so we may do it in 2017.

What do you miss most about Boston?

I like to visit friends and go to all of my old BU stops that I used to enjoy like Eastern Standard, a great restaurant in Hotel Commonwealth in Kenmore Square; J.P. Licks on Newbury Street; Upper Crust Pizzeria…

Where did you go on vacation with your family as a child?

Marshfield. [We’d] stay in a cottage by the water. There were five of us kids and we’d share a room. We’d go for walks in the woods, ride our bikes, get logs on the beach and lay a plank of wood over them and make a balance beam. It was great.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love, love, love to read. I’m always up for reading anything. I don’t have a favorite genre or anything. And I love to wander and walk. I used to love to knit, but I don’t do it as much anymore.

Is there anyone special in your life?

Not at the moment. And I wouldn’t say even if there was [laughs].

What’s next?

I’m going back to Orange for season five—at least I hope I am [laughs]— and I have two movies coming out. I made a movie called American Pastoral with Ewan McGregor, Jennifer Connelly and Dakota Fanning that comes out this year; another film, Tallulah, with Ellen Page and Allison Janney, debuted at Sundance this year and is already picked up by Netflix. I just like to tell good stories and do good work. I’m very grateful that good stories and good work have been coming my way, and may it continue.

Aduba in The Maids.

Zawe Ashton and Aduba in The Maids.

PHOTO: MARC BRENNER

PHOTO: MARC BRENNER

Exploring the creative potential of custom bars.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN CUTRONA

Agreat deal of thought goes into the style of a home. From paint colors to finishes to fixtures, there are many moving parts that together must constitute a cohesive—and marketable, if the owners are going to sell down the road— whole. But good looks are not the only consideration: function is also key, which is why Rockland, Mass.-based design-build firm Roomscapes Luxury Design Center spends a great deal of time customizing features to fit its clients’ lifestyles.

An extra thick wood countertop and fine millwork ensure that this elegant furniture bar fits in with its formal surroundings.

On Roomscapes’ reputation for providing innovative design solutions to high-end residences throughout Greater Boston and the South Shore, owner Cameron Snyder, CKD (Certified Kitchen Designer), says: “Our achievement is largely the product of steadily raising the company’s levels of aspiration and expectation. We won the PRISM Gold award for best showroom in the Greater Boston area in 2009, and yet we are continuously updating and tweaking it. The day we stop improving our showroom, training our employees or researching new products and solutions for our clients is the day we stop growing and securing our reputation as the area’s best design firm.”

When it comes to designing personalized spaces for clients, entertaining is always a consideration, and what better entertaining destination than a bar? Whether it’s the centerpiece of a dedicated room or built into a nook or even poolside, a bar encourages unwinding and socializing but also has a variety of practical advantages in terms of function, storage and cleanliness.

“Our newer home designs often include bars,” says Mercedes Aza, marketing director for Roomscapes Luxury Design Center. “A bar should be installed where you host most of the time. Sometimes that’s next to the kitchen, especially in modern homes with open floor plans. Other times it’s built in to a wall in a dining room, great room, library, office or even in your outdoor space.”

To inspire your next bar design, the Roomscapes team has assembled a variety of completed projects, ranging in size and style, which all feature design ingenuity, superior materials and great attention to detail.

Roomscapes Luxury Design Center is a full-service design-build firm located in Rockland, Mass. To browse through its portfolio and see more details on this article’s featured projects, visit Houzz.com/Pro/RoomscapesLuxuryDesignCenter or RoomscapesInc.com.

An entertaining dream, this full bar features cushy seating, plenty of counter space, a sink and even a custom-crafted beverage center for icing drinks (inset).

THE FULL

A full bar benefits homeowners who entertain frequently by accommodating specialized glassware and organizing wine bottles and spirits. Not only does it free up storage space in the kitchen, but it can also be a fun, more casual gathering spot that differs from the norm of just congregating around a kitchen island.

Desirable bar features include shelves for glassware, oftentimes sited in illuminated upper cabinets behind glass doors. Or, some homeowners opt for open shelving for quick and easy access to glasses and cocktail accessories. Ideally there is enough space for a sink, dishwasher and dedicated wine and/or beverage refrigerators, particularly if the bar is far removed from the kitchen. “We’ve seen a rise in demand for wine storage cabinets and built-in ice makers,” adds Aza.

“While most homeowners want to keep their homes transitional and marketable, the bar room is where they allow themselves to be more personal,” she contends. “It can morph into a man cave or rec room,” she continues. “Wine aficionados can indulge their love of collecting with a full wine cellar and tasting table, and sports fans can opt for a pub-style bar with stools, beer taps and a giant flat screen.”

A full wine cellar fulfills both entertaining and storage needs.

Lower cabinetry conceals both an ice maker and wine bottle storage with roll out shelves.

THE WET

Most modern kitchens incorporate a wet bar: a separate area for alcoholic beverage storage and preparation with its own dedicated sink. Typical refrigeration choices include smaller under-counter refrigerators, Sub-Zero drawers and a built-in icemaker. “On occasion, we also incorporate a small dishwasher or even a dishwasher drawer,” says Aza. If countertop space is limited, one of Roomscapes’ clever tricks is to include a sink or ice bucket that can be seamlessly covered with a lid of countertop material when not in use.

A built-in ice bucket is ideal for wine lovers.

A study in serene gray, this wet bar lends the convenience of a dishwasher drawer and two Sub-Zero drawers to a main living space.

THE HIDDEN

THE FURNITURE

Siting a bar inside a dining room or adjacent to it is a popular choice among Roomscapes’ clients. “In these cases, a large emphasis is placed on making the bar look elegant,” notes Aza. “The cabinetry tends to be more custom with delicate finishes, versus the lighter colors you would use for a bar in the kitchen.”

In smaller spaces, the bar is usually concealed behind a closet door or in a cabinet or hutch. This scenario is ideal for homeowners who don’t want their bar’s contents on display all the time.

The pulldown-door to this hidden bar acts as a countertop when open.

Top: Symmetry meets drama in this furniture bar, outfitted with dual wine refrigerators. Above: Bar features like a dedicated beverage fridge are hidden throughout this modern kitchen.

THE BREAKFAST

One interesting and popular addition to the kitchen is the breakfast bar, a separate section dedicated to breakfast prep. The most important meal of the day requires a lot of small appliances—coffee maker, espresso machine, milk frother, toaster, juicer, blender—which contribute to countertop clutter. The solution: grouping them all inside a hidden appliance “garage” in the breakfast bar.

And don’t forget all the mess-inducing accouterments of lunch preparation: travel mugs, lunch boxes, sandwich bags, thermoses and Tupperware. Roomscapes corrals these items with specially designed rollout and adjustable shelves.

Besides its functional features, the breakfast bar offers a variety of aesthetic opportunities. Homeowners can opt for different colors and materials than those used in the kitchen proper, and the latest trend is to conceal a breakfast bar inside a hutch, which looks just like a piece of furniture when closed.

THE SNACK

Families with young children usually like to designate a specific cabinet for snacks and munchies. Roomscapes takes this concept to the next level with a snack bar, outfitted with an easy-to-reach under-counter microwave and a Sub-Zero drawer or small refrigerator for accessible beverages. Snack bar positioning depends on the family’s lifestyle but possibilities include in the kitchen or media room or near play or homework zones.

Folding doors make this sleek gray breakfast bar look like a hutch when not in use.

This custom bar keeps kids’ snacks and beverages out of sight.

BY RACHAEL DEVANEY

Mastering the art of summer entertaining.

Fresh seafood and farmers market produce are summer party staples.

When spring showers wash away winter’s remnants, southern New Englanders look for ways to step out into the sunlight in style. Whether it’s a family barbecue, al fresco dinner party or small family gathering, guests always enjoy sun-kissed produce, fruit-enhanced cocktails and nature-inspired details. To help with the planning of your next outdoor fête, we sat down with the region’s top caterers for their insider tips and tricks. Here’s what they had to say.

PHOTO: EMILIE INC. PHOTOGRAPHY

Blueberry Cobbler Cocktail

Recipe by The Catered Affair

1½ ounces lemon vodka ½ ounce simple syrup muddled blueberries (6-9 depending on size of glass; add more to taste)

Combine the ingredients in a cocktail glass, fill with ice and top off the remainder with club soda. Garnish with lemon wedge. Serves one.

ENTERTAINING OUTDOORS: WHAT TO CONSIDER?

For Andrew Marconi, vice president of sales at The Catered Affair, there is a spectrum of situations to consider when planning an outdoor event, the first of which is the elements. The catering company, which has locations in Boston, Hingham and Cambridge, advises clients to always incorporate a “plan B” in case Mother Nature chooses to rain on your parade.

“Create a solid rain plan with your caterer and be ready to implement it at a moment’s notice,” says Marconi. “That way your party will be safe—and delicious—no matter the weather.”

Aaron Messina of Russell Morin Catering & Events, located in Attleboro, Mass., and Newport, agrees and feels that the one thing that can’t be controlled is the weather. “Part of your rain plan should always include a tent for guests and for your food,” he says. “Tent companies are ready and waiting and can have a tent delivered to your party at a moment’s notice. Hosts can also put tents on hold and confirm or cancel on the same day of the event.”

Messina also suggests using disposable plasticware in place of glass and china, which can easily break from a swift gust of wind. “We often sway folks to use nicer plasticware when poolside or in a backyard because china and expensive glassware can be difficult to manage,” he says. “There is also the option to go hands-free with grab-and-go foods like fresh lobster rolls and kebabs.”

Other considerations include ensuring adequate power for buffet stations and outdoor lighting. If the event site is far from a home’s outlets, or if the required power exceeds that provided by existing circuits, a generator is in order.

PHOTO: SUSAN SANCOMB PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: ZEV FISHER PHOTOGRAPHY

Wasabi Melon Mignonette

Recipe by Blackstone Catering

½ honeydew melon, diced

2 ounces wasabi paste

¼ cup rice wine vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

Combine all ingredients. Blend until smooth. Serve as an accompaniment to freshly shucked oysters and littlenecks.

PASSING THE PLATE: WHEN TO DIY OR HIRE A PROFESSIONAL CATERER?

The first thing Messina asks his clients to think about when considering catering services is the kind of experience they hope to have. He urges hosts to consider “specifics instead of hypotheticals.

“We try to paint a picture based on the details of the event. If a host is inviting 24 people over for Thanksgiving dinner, we encourage her to think about everything from china to flatware to stovetop space,” Messina says. “We also remind her that she may be running back and forth to the kitchen when she really wants to be socializing with family. Just having that conversation can be a wakeup call.”

Through her family business, Pranzi Catering & Events, located in Providence, Nicole Mattiello has helped thousands of clients find a balance between DIY and catering services. Mattiello, who works as Pranzi’s marketing and development coordinator, says clients often opt to take on some hosting responsibilities while hiring catering staff for simple tasks like clearing dishes and working the bar.

“Clients sometimes don’t understand how much hosting can cut into their time with friends and family,” she points out. “Party planners should remember that catering services include things like providing a personal chef, entrée drop-off service to an inhouse event or even just theme development and setup. There are endless possibilities and service combinations that can help streamline a party or family get-together.”

PHOTO: FAITH DUGAN PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: STACEYHEDMAN.COM

Heirloom Caprese Salad Platter

Recipe by Russell Morin Catering & Events

9 pounds red heirloom tomatoes

6 pounds yellow heirloom tomatoes

8 pounds fresh mozzarella

2 cups fresh basil, coarsely chopped

2 cups balsamic reduction

2 cups olive oil

sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Slice the two types of tomatoes and mozzarella into ½-inch-thick slices and then alternate them in layers on a platter. Coarsely cut fresh basil and sprinkle over the top. Then drizzle the balsamic followed by the olive oil (feel free to use less or more based on your desired taste). Sprinkle sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serves 50 guests.

TIPS AND TRICKS THAT PUT THE “SUMMER” IN SUMMER PARTY

When it comes to summer party planning, owner and general manager of Blackstone Caterers, John Edick, recently took his own advice and executed a flawless family reunion for 40 at the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown, R.I.

Working with a “New England summer living” theme, he chose to be conscious of what the season had to offer, including views of the Atlantic, harvest-fresh vegetables and the region’s best seafood.

“By focusing on what summer means to New Englanders, it was easy to pull together a menu that featured a raw bar of lobster claws, oysters, clams and delectable shrimp,” describes Edick. “And instead of cocktail sauce we put together a fun mignonette made from fresh honeydew melon and wasabi mustard. For dinner, we decided to stay casual with a buffet featuring steak, sliced and served cold with creamy horseradish sauce; a summer salad of tomato, cucumbers and seasonal vegetables; and a green bean salad tossed with just a hint of garlic and olive oil,” he continues.

PHOTO: JACLYN L. PHOTOGRAPHY

As his theme evolved, Edick was also mindful of drink selections. “We chose a rosé, a light Sauvignon Blanc, a Chardonnay and a light red wine to serve with dinner. We also offered an assortment of local beers and crisp cucumber water throughout the day.” When guests arrived, they were given little beehives filled with freshly squeezed lemonade and garnished with regional fruits. The dinner table was decorated with garden-fresh flowers down its entire length.

It’s important to factor in summer’s heat and humidity when planning a menu, asserts Mattiello, who advises clients to stick with fresh and light options like grilled summer squash or vine-ripened tomato and mozzarella salad. “You might want to stay away from heavy meat options and instead offer grilled salmon or chicken kebabs,” she contends. “It’s not hard to distinguish a summertime feel; you just need to think of what makes you feel good and refreshed on a hot summer day.”

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Mango Salsa

Recipe by Pranzi Catering & Events

Marinate cubes of chicken overnight in a dressing of cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Place on skewers and grill on both sides until chicken is fully cooked.

Mango Salsa

3 ripe mangos, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

½ cup red onion, diced

¼ cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped

2 large limes, squeezed

1 lemon, squeezed

¼ teaspoon salt

Toss all ingredients together and let sit for 1 hour before dressing the grilled chicken skewers.

PHOTO: SARAH PUDLO & CO. PHOTOGRAPHY

Herb-Encrusted

Tenderloin with Creamy

Horseradish Sauce

Recipe by Blackstone Catering

1 tenderloin (usually about 5 pounds)

Herb Rub

5¼ cloves of garlic

3 tablespoons dry red bell pepper flakes

1 bunch fresh parsley, stems removed

¼ cup olive oil salt and pepper to taste

Put all rub ingredients in a blender and combine until smooth (does not need to be completely puréed). Rub blended mixture on tenderloin. Roast meat at 350°F for 30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 110°F. Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Creamy Horseradish Sauce

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup sour cream

½ cup horseradish, drained or pressed to release moisture

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce salt and pepper to taste

Whisk all ingredients together. Serve on the side or atop sliced tenderloin.

HOT STUFF COMING THROUGH: SIZZLING PARTY TRENDS FOR 2016

Just like the seasons, party trends are continually changing and, this year, guests are seeking interactive food stations to motivate more fun in the sun.

“We always advise our clients to create a menu that will not only be delicious day-of but will keep people talking after the event,” says Marconi. “One great way to do that is by creating interactive stations like our party-side guacamole station, where guests can build their perfect pairing of guacamole and chips. Hosts have also begun incorporating miniature items, like mini tacos and mini margaritas, into their menus. Mini lobster rolls, for example, are a crowd favorite and are perfect for light dining in the warmer months.”

PHOTO: FAITH DUGAN PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: STACEYHEDMAN.COM

Messina agrees and notes that in addition to guests being drawn to organic and gluten-free options, diverse food stations and mini menu items are game changers. “A spectrum of stations featuring miniature desserts, cakes and cocktails encourage guests to try a little of this and a little of that. They also motivate guests to get up, move around and mingle,” he says. “Long five-course sit-down dinners have gone by the wayside because guests really enjoy food that becomes part of the conversation and experience instead of just something that’s there to eat.”

Mattiello adds that while many of her clients are embracing “mini” catering, they are also craving traditional favorites with a twist. In her experience, “People are loving the fish and chips, chowder and lobster roll stations but also want to see their favorite barbecue options like hamburgers and hot dogs,” she explains. “We take that a step further and, instead of just a hamburger from the grill, we prepare lamb burger sliders with different seasonal sauces and dips. Instead of franks, we’ll serve mini-bratwurst or sausage and peppers. It’s all about taking what people love and making it unique and distinct.”

THE WOW FACTOR: INSIDER CATERING SECRETS

The number one thing that Edick focuses on when planning an event is attention to detail. He says event planners shouldn’t strive for just one wow factor; they should focus on adding an extra special touch to each element so that the entire event is over the top.

“If you look at a glass of lemonade, for example, what kind of ice cubes are you using and what will the garnish be? Maybe you’ll opt for lavender lemonade and add a lavender sprig and a striped straw,” Edick says. “You want to look at each aspect in the same way: the flowers, food, linens and even the tent style. Take your time and as you develop your details, you will see the scheme come together in ways you couldn’t have imagined.”

When fostering each event characteristic, Messina advises that hosts look at their surroundings and opt for details that awaken the senses. “We have a huge garden at our corporate headquarters and Russ will often use fresh mint and other herbs in his dishes to enhance the food’s natural flavors,” Messina says. “With all the fresh items of spring and summer, guests encounter these amazing subtleties that arouse the nose, mouth and palate.”

Another thing that Messina says guests will never lose sight of is the way an event makes them feel. “The larger overall message that we try to remember is that these events are special to those who are hosting as well as their guests,” he says. “Never losing sight of service and quality helps people form lasting memories, and that’s really what matters at the end of the day.”

PHOTO: STACEYHEDMAN.COM

PHOTO: EMILIE INC. PHOTOGRAPHY

Coffee shops became all the rage in the ’90s, thanks in part to television series like Friends and Frasier, and their popularity is still going strong, whether your poison is coffee black, espresso neat or an iced chai tea latte to go. They are the perfect spot for a business convo or friendly catch-up; yet, unlike a restaurant, there is no stigma attached to hanging solo. Typically, there’s satisfying nibbles and a decent view out the window; plus, let’s face it, your Keurig can’t compete with the magic of a barista with a steam wand. So give in to that caffeine craving and head to the following stops for a pick-me-up.

Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters.

The typical crowd is a mix of college students and working types; at night, after dinner, restaurant goers swing through (it stays open until 10 p.m.). The Coffee Exchange on Wickenden Street in Providence is a welcoming shop where colorful notices (of the “need a babysitter” variety) provide entertaining reading material and an ensemble of wooden tables and chairs achieves a new configuration almost hourly. Mochas are touted as customer favorites because of their deep, intense flavors and the snacks include vegan and gluten-free options. You can buy a bag of houseroasted coffee and feel good doing so, since The Coffee Exchange is devoted to sustainability for coffee farmers and their employees. sustainablecoffee.com

Coffee Exchange.

The Coffee Depot in Warren sports wicker chairs, wood floors, cool murals and wainscoting and gives off a warm and inviting vibe. It has a rotating monthly art exhibit to promote local artists and also supports local farmers like Full Bloom Apiaries and Narragansett Creamery. A variety of freshly roasted coffees and teas are brewed in individual pots and, when the weather is warm, be sure to sample one of the delicious iced teas like blueberry rooibos. When a shipment of PV Donuts arrives on the weekend, don’t delay, because flavors like toasted coconut and peanut butter don’t last long.

At Empire Tea & Coffee’s three locations—two in Newport and one in Middletown—the staff is friendly and prone to remembering your order and name if you’re a regular. Each shop has its own feel, with the Bellevue Avenue site marked by a touristy bustle, Broadway by its neighborhood devotees and Middletown by its order-and-go beach-loving patrons. In addition to its impressive coffee and tea selections, Empire’s baked goods are topnotch. If you happen to be there when a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies comes out of the oven, you won’t be able to resist the wafting aroma and may notice a line quickly forming to snag one while they’re still warm and gooey.

empireteaandcoffee.com

Empire Coffee.

The Coffee Depot.

Coffee Obsession in downtown Falmouth and Woods Hole are funky little coffee shops with a mishmash of tables and chairs. Coffee O’ has books to read and games to play while you enjoy your coffee, latte or chai. The Falmouth location offers bagels, quiche and other baked goods while the Woods Hole shop serves breakfast sandwiches and soups. coffeeobsession.com

If you’re a coffee aficionado, then Cape Cod Coffee in Mashpee should be on your radar. First and foremost, it sources the best, most consistently satisfying beans it can find and then roasts them onsite—plus all beans are grown on Rainforest Alliance Certified farms and many are certified organic. Its shelves are lined with coffee for sale by the pound as well as a variety of brewing equipment for both coffee and tea. And although it doesn’t currently have a seating area, there is a counter where you can order hot and iced coffee and maybe a donut, made fresh daily onsite, before relaxing in one of the 10 cheerful orange Adirondack chairs outside. If you have the time, go behind the scenes and tour its roasting facility on Tuesdays and Thursdays. capecodroasters.com

In Brewster, Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters is a hip new hangout in a 200-year-old reclaimed barn. Husbandand-wife team Manuel Ainzuain and Shayna Ferullo roast their coffee in small batches and meticulously prepare each cup they serve, whether it is cold brewed, poured over or cold filtered. The Jaws blend pour over and coconut-infused Costa Rica cold brew pair well with a pastry or homemade soup.

Snowy Owl is comfortable, with small tables, bar-style seating and one big round communal table. It’s a great place to meet friends, chill out with your laptop or even channel your inner child with one of the adult coloring books. socoffee.co

Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters.

Cape Cod Coffee.

PHOTO: LISA CONNORS

While L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates, with locations in Boston’s Back Bay and Cambridge, serves a great cup of coffee or tea, its most popular order is rich and creamy hot chocolate. And forget about the store-bought kind: L.A. Burdick makes its drinking chocolate by steaming your choice of chocolate—dark, milk or white—with milk, a combination that is, in a word, delectable. At least once, opt for a spicy version (made with ancho, morita and New Mexico peppers): the spice is pronounced enough to awaken your taste buds but mild enough that the flavor can be enjoyed thoroughly. The Burdick Mocha, made with dark hot chocolate and espresso, is sinfully addictive. They sell their hot chocolate blends to go, but the atmosphere is inviting enough that you’ll want to stay.

For an added bonus, the coffee shop is also an artisan candy store and sells chocolates from all over the world, homemade truffles, candies and luxurious pastries. It’s particularly famous for its chocolate mice, which have delicious fillings, toasted almond ears and colorful silk tails. burdickchocolate.com

Each of the six Pavement Coffeehouse locations in Boston has a slightly different décor geared to its respective neighborhood, but they all share the same sleek, ultra-modern style with upholstered leather chairs, cool art and industrial accents like brick and wood. The company specializes in single-origin coffees and customer favorites include the Spanish latte and mocha latte. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a more exotic choice, such as a cup of cinnamon plum tea. Pavement is famous for its homemade bagels that can be eaten plain or turned into a variety of breakfast and lunch sandwiches. The food is flavorful and bold and wins rave reviews in its own right. pavementcoffeehouse.com

L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolate.

Pavement Coffeehouse.

THE POWER OF PREP

An inside look at Newport-based Kiel James Patrick’s preppy fashions and uber-popular Instagram feed.

BY ALLIE HERZOG PHOTOS COURTESY KIEL JAMES PATRICK

From the back of his Jeep to upscale boutiques across the world, Kiel James Patrick’s stylish fashion designs have attracted an audience from the beginning. But believe it or not, he’s not best known for his perfectly preppy clothing line and nautical accessories. For fans of the KJP brand, it’s not just the clothes that make the man but rather the entire lifestyle, from classic cars and wooden boats to weathered beach houses and grand mansions.

Vickers and Patrick’s effortless preppy style suits Nantucket perfectly.

In just a few short years, Patrick (who chose the brand-worthy surname; he keeps his real name private) and wife, Sarah Vickers, have created a true all-American brand with a cult following, and what’s perhaps more amazing is that they’ve done it without spending a dollar on marketing or advertising.

With nearly half a million followers on Instagram and more than 85,000 on Facebook, Patrick and Vickers have grown the brand entirely through the power of social media, enticing followers with the lure of classic New England living. Their social media feeds feature candid photos of the couple doing quintessential New England things and looking effortlessly fabulous in the process. They can be seen living the good life all over their home state of Rhode Island, kayaking on a quaint lake in South Kingstown, visiting the majestic Ocean House in Watch Hill or strolling the Cliff Walk in Newport. They frequent Nantucket in the summer and are no strangers to a good polo match, beach bonfire or mimosa brunch.

Any kid who grew up on the water in New England can remember wearing rope bracelets all season long and having mom chop them off at summer’s end. Of course, KJP’s bracelets can easily be taken on and off but still invoke all of the nostalgia and folklore of a 200-year-old tradition.

Patrick grew up in Warwick, R.I., and attended Bishop Hendricken High School, a prestigious all-male Catholic school that, at the time, had what he calls a “lax dress code.” That all changed when he began selling striped blazers and polka dot ties out of his Jeep in the parking lot. Eventually, the school cracked down on the dress code thanks to Patrick’s sudden infusion of style, and he transitioned to making belts and bracelets, which kids could still wear underneath their uniforms. Around this time he met Vickers, who saw a market for the bracelets. Together they decided to try and make a few bucks selling their handmade creations at Gaspee Days in Warwick, which was a huge success.

Above: A fashionista in her own right, Vickers (@sarahkjp) has over 400,000 Instagram followers. Top Right: Nautical meets tradition in a KJP pearl necklace.

“We sold several hundred in one weekend and that’s really where it all started. We realized we could make money from this—and it was fun,” Patrick says.

The resulting company, Kiel James Patrick, currently operates out of a converted two-story building in Pawtucket. The space, a former 1920s dance hall and roller rink, provided a blank canvas for the company’s vision of a collaborative workspace. The bottom floor houses a colorful factory, where all of the bracelets are made, and the second floor contains the offices, which are appropriately and conscientiously adorned with camp-like décor, wooden boats, Boy Scout memorabilia, Kennedy pictures and a moose head.

KJP prides itself on being Rhode Island born and bred and manufactures a large portion of its products in state. It aims to be 100 percent Rhode Island-made in the near future but, for now, certain items, such as shoes, are manufactured close to home in other parts of New England.

Jeremy Savage came to the company after meeting Patrick and Vickers by chance through a shared passion for classic cars. They soon discovered they shared a much larger passion—one for their home state. Together the three are focusing their efforts on changing the rhetoric when it comes to Little Rhody and attracting young talent to the state’s workforce, and have launched a new program that aims to do just that.

Top: This Matunuck Oyster bow-tie bracelet is KJP’s jewelry version of the boyfriend jean. Above: A dressed-up Patrick on Nantucket.

After the enormous success of KJP’s summer internship program during the past few years, they decided to take things a step further in 2016 by launching a yearlong creative residency program called American Adventurists (americanadventurists.com). The program offers young creatives the opportunity to come live and work in Rhode Island and immerse themselves in the KJP brand. It’s a paid position that covers travel and housing costs and is designed to be accessible to anyone with a dream and a suitcase.

“We don’t just want a bunch of rich kids,” Patrick says. “There’s this idea that New England preppy style equals wealth, but it’s more about quality and originality for us.”

In addition to the residency, KJP is continuing its summer internship program, nicknamed Camp Foxhawk, and is expecting a record number of applicants this year.

Besides his social media secret sauce, Patrick has found collaboration, rather than competition, to be the cornerstone of his success. He advises businesses to “let the walls down; work together instead of against each other.” One of his biggest would-be competitors, Brooks Brothers, now sells the KJP line in all of its stores and is one of their most successful collaborations.

Expansion is certainly on the agenda this year as KJP ramps up for summer and growing both its team and product offerings. Travel bags, more shoes, sweaters, socks and dresses are all on the docket for the future, as are finishing the remodel of their headquarters and partnering with more local businesses. “We want to expand but keep it local, and always made in the USA,” says Patrick.

For more information, visit kjp.com.

New arrivals at KJP include a pearl bracelet with monogrammable charm (top) and the Oyster Pond Dock bracelet in light blue (above).

SUMMER LOVIN’

Tips on landing the perfect vacation rental.

BY LOU SULLIVAN PHOTOS COURTESY OLDCAPE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

Summer vacations provide lifelong memories. Lazy days spent lounging on a white sand beach. Backyard barbecues with family and friends. Playing evening board games and then listening to the soothing sound of crashing waves at night.

But finding that ultimate vacation getaway requires advance planning and diligent research. Unless you know the property or someone who has previously rented there, it is prudent to work with a Realtor. The last thing anyone wants when arriving at their summer rental is unpleasant surprises.

“A Realtor will save lots of time because we know our inventory and we can also tap into other resources such as our sales team,” says Carla Hemmings, head of the rental department at oldCape Sotheby’s International Realty in Brewster, Massachusetts. “We will tailor and personalize the guest experience. We will walk through the property with renters as they look at it online and provide a wealth of information about the area. We take plenty of pictures and, if anything changes, we take new ones.”

The sooner you start your search, the better. The summer booking season begins the previous fall. You’ll also have a better chance of securing the rental of your dreams if you’re flexible. “Try not to limit yourself with certain desires,” says Desa Buffum of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty in Charlestown, Rhode Island. “Look for what’s available in the time frame when you want to vacation and then see what is offered.”

What are people looking for in a luxury rental these days?

Gourmet kitchens, backyard entertainment spaces and open floor plans are currently trendy. “People want a bright, airy space,” Hemmings says. “They love granite and stainless steel appliances. They also want a gas grill; charcoal is out. Air conditioning was once a luxury but is now more of a necessity. And Internet access is an absolute must because many people are still working.”

It’s important to understand rental lingo before laying down a deposit. Beachfront means you can walk directly from the property onto the beach, oceanfront means direct access to the coast but not necessarily onto a beach and ocean view indicates that water is visible from most rooms.

Realtors advise that consumers ask plenty of questions and be specific about their needs when searching out a property. What are the local attractions? If the property has beach access, are parking passes required? What happens if there is a maintenance issue? Is there a barbecue grill and will it be properly cleaned and filled with propane? Is the pool heated? Is there adequate outdoor seating?

Make sure to inquire about any unexpected fees. An add-on cleaning fee can cost $500 or more depending on the size of the property. There could also be additional fees for air conditioning and the use of Wi-Fi. In Rhode Island, there is an eight percent tax on rentals lasting less than one month. oldCape Sotheby’s offers travel insurance that can cover a trip delay and even hospitalization.

Opposite and Above: This four-bedroom home in East Orleans features direct access to Pleasant Bay and is available for rent by the week from oldCape Sotheby’s International Realty.

Outdoor amenities such as decks, patios, pools, grills and even fire pits are important considerations when searching for the perfect summer rental.

A Realtor familiar with many different properties can assess your needs and then tap into his or her inventory to locate the ideal property. “You can spend hours looking online,” Buffum says. “A Realtor has worked with many different owners and can pick up the phone and see what they’re offering.”

Hot spots for upscale rentals in Rhode Island are Weekapaug, Watch Hill and the Misquamicut region of Westerly, according to Buffum.

“Different regions have different vibes,” she says. “In Weekapaug you can join a tennis or yacht club while Watch Hill is a little more commercial. The rentals in the Misquamicut area tend to be shorter but there are a lot of state beaches there, which means more traffic. A Realtor can help you learn the community and what’s available to you.”

Renting on an island presents its own set of challenges and rewards, which is why the Martha’s Vineyard rental market is so unique. Some properties include ferry tickets and a car; others feature a private lagoon, media room with projection screen, clay tennis courts and saltwater swimming pools. Luxury properties rented in Edgartown and Oak Bluffs offer close proximity to downtown activities while those in Chilmark, West Tisbury and Aquinnah provide more serenity.

Proximity to the ferry terminals and local attractions should be considered when renting on the Vineyard. Edgartown rentals can be 10 to 25 minutes from the ferries, Aquinnah or Tisbury properties up to 45 minutes and those on Chappaquiddick, an island, require a very short crossing on yet another ferry.

Each region offers its own brand of elegance and luxury. But if you plan ahead, ask questions and book through a trusted source, you can rest assured that your only concern upon arrival will be who is in charge of mixing the drinks.

DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS ARE?

BY WEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS INC. AND MSSB

COURTESY OF THE BOARDWALK GROUP AT MORGAN STANLEY (45 NORTH ST., HYANNIS, MASS.) AND ERIC HOKANSON, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT - FINANCIAL ADVISOR (508-790-9621, ERIC.HOKANSON@MORGANSTANLEY.COM)

Maintaining multiple retirement accounts may incur avoidable fees and make it difficult to track performance.

Consolidating your accounts may be the answer.

By the time many of us reach our 40s and 50s, we’ve accumulated a slew of retirement accounts: a traditional IRA here, a rollover IRA there and two or three scattered 401(k) accounts left in the plans of former employers. As the accounts add up, it becomes extremely difficult to get a clear picture of your overall retirement preparedness.

If this sounds familiar, you may benefit from consolidating your retirement accounts into one central account. Consolidating accounts can help you make sure your savings are invested appropriately for your overall goals, track the performance of your holdings and, in some cases, discover more investment choices and incur lower fees.

STREAMLINING THE ACCOUNT STRUCTURE OF YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS HAS MANY POTENTIAL BENEFITS:

COMPREHENSIVE INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Over time, your investment objectives and risk tolerance may have changed. Thus, it can be difficult to maintain an effective retirement investment strategy—one that accurately reflects your current goals, timing and risk tolerance—when your savings are spread over multiple accounts. Once you begin the consolidation process, you can strategize potential investment options to match your current goals and objectives.

POTENTIALLY GREATER INVESTMENT FLEXIBILITY

Often, 401(k) plans, other employer-sponsored retirement programs and even some IRAs have limited investment menus. Some IRAs may offer greater control, more options or expanded diversification when compared to employer plans and other IRAs, but on the other hand they might not offer the same options. Whether a particular IRA’s options are attractive will depend, in part, on how satisfied you are with the options offered by your former or new employer’s plan.

SIMPLIFIED TRACKING

It is easier to monitor your progress and investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place. By consolidating your accounts, you will receive one statement instead of several—which will cut down on endless amounts of monthly statements from multiple plans.

MONITORING COSTS

Reducing the number of accounts may impact account fees and other investment charges. Generally speaking, both employer-sponsored qualified plans and IRAs have plan or account fees. Although fees associated with an IRA may be higher than those associated with an employer plan, consolidating multiple IRAs may reduce your overall expenses.

PENALTY TAX-FREE WITHDRAWALS

Generally, IRA owners can take distributions penalty tax-free once they attain age 59½. Qualified plan participants between the ages of 55 and 59½, once separated from service, may be able to take penalty tax-free withdrawals from the qualified plan.

CLEAR REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS (RMDs)

Once you reach age 70½, having fewer retirement accounts to manage can mean having fewer RMD requirements to follow.

COMPREHENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF YOUR ASSETS

If your employer-sponsored retirement plan is terminated or abandoned (an “orphan plan”) or is merged with or transferred to a retirement plan of another corporation after you leave, it may be difficult to locate the plan administrator to request a distribution of your benefits or to change investments. By contrast, assets in an IRA are always accessible if you want to change your investment strategy or need to take a distribution.

There are, of course, some situations where you may not want to consolidate. For example, while many qualified plans allow for loans, you cannot take a loan from an IRA. Assuming your qualified plan allows a loan once you’ve left the company (a very rare occurrence), it’s worth noting you will not be able to take out a loan once you roll over a qualified plan into an IRA.

CONSOLIDATION MEANS SIMPLIFYING.

The case for consolidating your accounts only grows more compelling with time. By simplifying your retirement account structure, you can have a clearer picture of your financial plan and potentially expand your investment choices. Reach out to me with any questions and I can help.

as well as the contributions to it and the distributions from it, may vary based on your state of residence. You should consult with and rely on your own independent tax advisor with respect to such. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. The strategies and/or investments discussed in this material may not be suitable for all investors. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets. If you’d like to learn more, please contact Eric Hokanson. Article provided courtesy of a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor. The author(s) are not employees of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). The opinions expressed by the authors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley. The information and data in the article or publication have been obtained from sources outside of Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley makes no representations or guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of information or data from sources outside of Morgan Stanley. Neither the information provided nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation by Morgan Stanley with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, investment, strategy or product that may be mentioned. Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor(s) engaged Lighthouse Media Solutions to feature this article. Eric Hokanson may only transact business in states where he is registered or excluded or exempted from registration www.morganstanley.com/fa/theboardwalkgroup. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Eric Hokanson is not registered or excluded or exempt from registration. © 2016 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 1330438 [10/15]

By law, some IRAs may not be consolidated. Clients should consult their personal legal advisor. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice and are not “fiduciaries” (under the Internal Revenue Code or otherwise) with respect to the services or activities described herein except as otherwise provided in a written agreement with Morgan Stanley. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors regarding any potential tax and related consequences of any investments made under an IRA. This article does not address state and local income taxes. The state and local income tax treatment of your retirement account,

FULLY CHARGED

Is an electric car right for you?

BY ROB DUCA PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURERS

Afew years ago, you could count the number of electric car models on one hand. Today there are more than 20 offered by over a dozen brands, coming in a range of sizes, styles, price points and power trains to suit a wide range of drivers.

But for many consumers, electric cars remain something of a mystery. What is the difference between a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) and a zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV)? What are the driving ranges and charging times? How beneficial are the federal tax credits and state rebates?

2016 Tesla Model S

Understanding the differences requires research, but it’s not as complicated as one might think. Simply stated, a plug-in hybrid combines a high-capacity battery with a gasoline-powered engine, while a zero-emissions vehicle is propelled solely by one or more electric motors powered by rechargeable battery packs.

There are two types of basic plug-in hybrids. The first is a series plug-in, also called an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). The gasoline is used to generate electricity, and the electric motor turns the wheels. Series plug-ins can run solely on electricity until the battery needs recharging. The gasoline engine then generates electricity to power the electric motor. With parallel or blended plug-in hybrids, both the engine and electric motor are mechanically connected to the wheels, and electric-only operation takes place only at low speeds.

The typical electronic car has a driving range of less than 100 miles, which is enough to satisfy 90 percent or more of common daily trips. But planning is required for longer journeys. That’s because fully charging a battery pack can take from four to eight hours, although public quick chargers take your battery to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes. Still, it’s certainly not as quick as filling your gas tank.

Consumers can install a home EV charger for less than $1,000. An off-board (out of car) charger, known as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), supplies 240 volts of juice, significantly cutting down charging time at home.

Charging station fees vary from state to state, even from location to location. Some charge per kilowatt hour with no minimum energy or time requirements. Others rely on time-based charges. The three primary approaches are: pay-as-you-go, monthly subscriptions and free. Obviously, free is the optimum choice, and there are many free stations in New England. But you should join a number of networks just to be safe.

2016 Chevrolet Volt

ChargePoint is one of the largest networks in the country. There is no cost to sign up and many stations on the network are free. After submitting your credit card information, consumers are charged an initial deposit of $25, but only when you first visit a charging station requiring a fee. Account balances automatically replenish when the balance gets low. Property owners determine the charge station prices.

There are three basic kinds of incentives for purchasing a plug-in vehicle: tax credits, rebates and perks. Cars purchased from 2010 and on may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500, with the amount based on the capacity of the battery used to power the vehicle. The MOR-EV Program in Massachusetts provides a $2,500 rebate for the purchase or lease of new electric vehicles. Rhode Island offers incentives that include emissions test exemptions, state tax exemptions and auto insurance discounts. The range of other perks includes access for solo drivers in carpool lanes and preferred or free parking.

Among the most popular electric car models currently on the market are the Tesla and the Chevy Volt. One offers the ultimate in luxury; the other is a more economical option.

The Tesla Model S is an all-electric car with a driving range of 270 miles that can go from 0 to 60 in less than three seconds. It is both an ecofriendly luxury car and an absurdly fast sports sedan. It even comes with optional Autopilot that can do the driving for you in certain situations. But there is an associated sticker shock at more than $70,000.

If you’re looking for the ultimate in hybrid elegance, consider the BMW i8 plug-in, which combines a turbocharged three-cylinder gas engine with two electric motors. Top speed is 155 mph. The price: $141,000.

Back in the real world, the Chevy Volt is a plug-in hybrid with a gasoline power train. It features superb efficiency and outstanding acceleration. The all-electric range is only 53 miles, but after that the gas engine starts up to recharge the battery and will keep you going for up to 420 miles. Best of all, it sells for less than $34,000.

The Toyota Prius V, which sells for around $30,000, might be the ultimate hybrid utility vehicle. With its rear seats folded, it offers more cubic feet of space than some SUVs. But it lacks power, requiring more than 10 seconds to go from 0 to 60.

There is an electric car to fit just about any budget. And even though gas prices have dipped to their lowest levels in years, plugging in could be the wave of the future.

2016 Toyota Prius

ChargePoint charging station

Five fun activities for water lovers.

BY SARAH SHEMKUS

New England’s southern half boasts hundreds of miles of coastline, from wild marshes to rocky points to expansive white-sand-meets-blue-ocean stretches. For those who gravitate towards spending time on—or just near—the water, there is perhaps no better place than southern New England for whiling away the warm summer months.

But we’re not just talking sunbathing and swimming here. Switch up your summertime routine with the following aquatically oriented adventures. They might take a little more planning than your average beach day but promise a variety of photo op-worthy and horizon-expanding rewards. We’ve rounded up five of our favorite water-related day trips to get you started.

CAPE COD CANAL CRUISE

For most Cape visitors, the canal is simply the dividing line between the real world and the vacation ahead. Hy-Line Cruises, however, brings this iconic and manmade stretch of water to life with a range of sightseeing tours.

For starters, try one of the traditional three-hour (travels all the way through the canal and back) or two-hour (covers two-thirds of the distance) sightseeing cruises, with live commentary about history and points of interest. Spend some quality time with your little ones on Hy-Line’s twohour family cruises, available Monday through Saturday at 4 p.m. (bonus, kids cruise for free on these!). Or carve out a little adult time on a sunset cocktail cruise, held Tuesday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Among the most popular options are the live music cruises that run through the canal over the weekends, says Hy-Line Marketing Manager Betsy Rich. On Fridays and Saturdays from 8 to 10:30 p.m., adults 21 and older can enjoy live performances by a variety of bands (see full schedule online). New this year is the Friends & Family Music Cruise on Sunday afternoons from 1:30 to 4 p.m. With musical styles like Dixieland jazz, traditional Irish songs and classic rock, the tunes are chosen to please all ages.

“This is something that parents and kids can both enjoy,” says Rich. “The adults can relax, the kids can all hang out and everyone can just have that Cape Cod on-the-water experience.”

If a musical voyage doesn’t hit the right note, Hy-Line has plenty of additional options. Head out into open waters for a deep-sea fishing expedition or circle Hyannis Harbor while enjoying a make-your-own Ben & Jerry’s sundae. hylinecruises.com

Hit the water on the schooner Aurora, based in Newport Harbor.

PHOTO: COURTESY NEWPORT EXPERIENCE

Hy-Line’s canal cruise

MYSTIC SEAPORT

This maritime museum in southeastern Connecticut is a New England cultural legend, and for good reason. It boasts a rich collection of artifacts, a recreated 1800s village and historic whaling ships. Enduring favorites to observe include craftsmen using traditional techniques to restore historic ships in the preservation shipyard, and the intricately carved figureheads that once adorned the majestic vessels of days gone by.

There is, however, more to this classic destination than you might remember. Throughout the summer, a robust calendar of events means the seaport always has something new to offer: ferry trips to Block Island, a marathon 24-hour reading of Moby Dick, a model yacht regatta and more. In September, the Thompson Exhibition Building, complete with flexible new gallery space and striking views of the Mystic River, is slated to open. Designed to bring a modern touch to the museum’s traditional New England architecture, this new building features a contemporary design with a sweeping, curvaceous roof inspired by nautilus shells and swelling waves. mysticseaport.org

Mystic Seaport

New England Aquarium

Whale watching

Schooner Aurora

WHALE WATCHING

NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM SCHOONER AURORA SAIL

Perhaps the most awe-inspiring experience possible along the New England coastline is the sight of a powerful whale leaping from the waves just a few yards away from where you’re standing. This is precisely what a Provincetown Dolphin Fleet whale watch delivers.

The widely acclaimed whale watching line prides itself on its educational, environmentally friendly philosophy: its goal is not merely to show off the region’s sea life but to help nurture connections between passengers and the natural world. Trained naturalists, who discuss whale biology and behavior, staff the three- to fourhour round-trip expeditions between Provincetown and the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Humpback whales are a common sight, and if you’re lucky there might even be some playful and curious newborn calves.

Trips run from April through October, with as many as 10 departures per day during the peak summer season. The fleet’s four ships are in constant communication, helping each other find the best whale sightings. whalewatch.com

Sightseeing sails and cruises might get you out on the water, but a visit to the New England Aquarium gets you deep down inside of it (figuratively speaking). In April, the aquarium launched Tentacles Take Hold, a program featuring two new giant Pacific octopi. “This octopus exhibit is really pretty spectacular,” says aquarium spokesman Tony LaCasse, who adds that their giant suckers and eerie gift for camouflage are not to be missed.

These intriguing eight-legged creatures are joined by colorful sea anemones, alien-looking cuttlefish and ethereal sea jellies (the proper name for what most of us call “jellyfish”). An interactive sea turtle rescue exhibit, opened last summer, lets visitors check out a replica sea turtle hospital and learn about diagnosing, treating and rehabilitating the endangered animals.

And, of course, the aquarium offers activity favorites that never stop delighting: watch dozens of penguins frolic, feed and swim; pet a shark in the touch tank; or peer deep into an underwater ecosystem as you circle the Giant Ocean Tank. “The aquarium is designed to give you the feeling that you’re entering an underwater world,” LaCasse says. “Appealing yet unfamiliar.” neaq.org

With towering red sails and a wooden hull stretching more than 100 feet, the schooner Aurora is an elegant and distinctive way to explore Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay beyond.

“It’s a really unique activity and a great way to get your out-of-town guests on the water,” describes spokeswoman Kristen West.

Modeled after the graceful ships of the 1700s, the Aurora was originally built in 1947 to transport herring before being remodeled into a 68-passenger excursion vessel. Today, it is owned and operated by Newport Experience, a hospitality company that manages several of Rhode Island’s top wedding and event venues. The ship is available for private parties and rehearsal dinners.

You don’t need a special event, however, to climb aboard the Aurora Every Wednesday evening, the company offers a dockside lobster boil followed by a 90-minute sunset cruise. newportexperience.com

THE WRITE STUFF

Good reads by local authors

HERE’S TO US

familiar with author Anita Diamant and her strong female characters in books like The Red Tent and Day After Night. She continues that tradition with her new fictional work, The Boston Girl, which focuses on a Jewish immigrant family in Boston during the early 20th century. The protagonist, Addie Baum, wrestles with the difficulty of staying loyal to her very traditional family while still making

It’s no secret that New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand loves Nantucket: it’s not only her home but also typically her favorite setting for her engrossing works. Hilderbrand’s 17th novel, Here’s to Us, begins with the shocking death of a celebrity chef in a ramshackle Nantucket summer cottage. The chef’s children and wives, past and present, are all affected and, for better or worse, are brought together in grief. It’s an emotional tale involving love, loss and the forming of improbable bonds, with the island of Nantucket, true to Hilderbrand’s style, doubling as a character in its own right.

WICKED PISSED

Longtime Chronicle reporter and author Ted Reinstein is a native New Englander who lives just west of Boston with his family. His new book, Wicked Pissed: New England’s Most Famous Feuds, is all about contention, whether it be over politics, food, finance or even geographic boundaries. Examples include the longrunning feud between Connecticut and North Carolina over who gets credit for the first flight (the Wright brothers or Bridgeport’s Gustave Whitehead) as well as the equally long-running family feud between Pepe’s Pizza and Sally’s Pizza in New Haven. Overall, Reinstein’s compiled gripes—some well known and others not so much—make for entertaining historical reading.

MEET ME IN MY CAPE COD KITCHEN

With her new cookbook, Meet Me in My Cape Cod Kitchen, chef, photographer and author Linda Maria Steele is inviting foodies to enjoy more than just a meal. Along with 60 recipes for appetizers, entrées, salads and summer drinks, she includes personal narratives as well as photographs of her favorite Cape Cod landscapes. Material from the book also reflects Steele’s former baking service, West Falmouth Baking Company, hence the plethora of recipes for cakes, cookies, quick breads and other delectables. This cookbook is all about the “simpler pleasures” of Cape Cod and prizes the use of seasonal and regional ingredients.

WHY GO ANYWHERE ELSE