Maine

Five Affordable Destination Weddings Not on the Beach

by Carolina on August 29, 2012

When planning a destination wedding, the first locations that come to mind are likely postcard-perfect beaches in the Caribbean or some other exotic sandy setting. However, if you’re not quite ready to spend a fortune — or you don’t want to put that burden on your guests — there are tons of gorgeous, inexpensive (or shall we say, less expensive) destinations in the U.S. that make for memorable weddings. And it’s always nice a change of scenery! Just because you’re not Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner doesn’t mean you can’t have your own beautiful destination wedding, so we’ve put together a list of our favorite spots for a more affordable event to help you decide.

Destination #1: Vermont

Vermont, with its quaint villages and scenic landscapes, is probably your best bet for a back-to-nature inspired wedding. If you can totally see yourself posing for the pre- or post-wedding photos along tumbling streams, thick woodlands and gorgeous views, search no more. Its small, cozy inns and B&B’s are perfect for intimate weddings and small receptions, and the green meadows and steep mountains make for great backgrounds when saying your “I Do’s.” You will probably need a car or a shuttle to move your guests around, as Burlington’s is the only major airport serving the entire state, but the scenery and the vibe will prove to be well worth it.

Oyster’s Fave Value Wedding Spot: Swift House Inn

The Swift Room at the Swift House Inn; Mid Vermont, VT

Vermont's kitschy B&Bs are perfect venues for intimate weddings and family affairs.

The historic Swift House Inn is located within walking distance of downtown Middlebury, a picturesque New England town, with traffic-free streets lined by locally owned shops, art galleries, and restaurants. The hotel’s 20 rooms are spread throughout the Main House (formerly a Governor’s Mansion), the Carriage House, and the Gate House. Room decor varies, allowing guests to choose a room depending on personal style. Some rooms offer a classic New England B&B vibe with floral wallpaper, fireplaces, and four-poster beds, while others are more understated, with soft-toned walls and tasteful furniture. One of the inn’s highlights is its delicious and free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant, Jessica’s, is a popular destination for both guests and locals.

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Tagged as: Boutique Hotels, Lake Tahoe, Maine, Romantic Hotels, Savannah, Sedona, Value Hotels, Vermont

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Dig into August Food Fests: Where to Sip, Snack, and Sleep

by Kristina on July 18, 2012

It’s time to take a bite out of summer. After all, August heralds the start of some of the best food festivals across the globe, giving you the perfect excuse to escape your hometown and chow down on some first-class cuisine. We here at Oyster have the scoop on August’s yummiest of the yum – and the best hotels at which to continue your foodie love affair, of course. So loosen that belt buckle, its chow time.

Foodie Fest #1: S.F. Chefs

The Chew: San Francisco’s culinary “who’s who” strut their stuff at this annual festival, which takes place July 30th through August 5th. Throughout the event, four grand tastings will allow you to experience all that the Bay Area’s iconic restaurants and hidden neighborhood gems have to offer, including handcrafted cocktails, wine and beer from local vintners and breweries, and scrumptious dishes from a wide array of cuisines. Later in August, La Cocina presents the San Francisco Street Food Festival, a celebration of San Fran’s best street food (and music). Epicures can expect global fare from 80+ vendors at this event – you definitely won’t go hungry!

Big 4 Restaurant at The Huntington Hotel

Big 4 Restaurant at The Huntington Hotel

The Bed: Old-world grandeur is alive and well at the Huntington Hotel, one of San Francisco’s best boutiques, where rooms are cozy and the staff is attentive. Plus, the hotel’s Big 4 Restaurant provides a swanky continuation of the foodie fun you’ll experience during your trip. While traditional offerings such as crab cakes are available, chef Gloria Ciccarone-Nehls is best known for her use of exotic wild game, including wild paella of crispy frog legs and rabbit-rattlesnake sausage.

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Tagged as: Berlin, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Maine, Miami, New Orleans, San Francisco

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5 Hotels Begging for a One Night Stand

by Devon on July 14, 2012

We all like to get loose on vacation, and sometimes that means bringing strangers back to our rooms for afterhours fun (no judgments here, folks). Though many of our steamy hotels make for great couples retreats, a few of our favorites stand out for their one-night-only perks. All of these sexy spots offer up comfy beds and free breakfast, just in case your date — what was their name again? — happens to stick around for bacon and eggs. So whether you’re in the mood for some hot and heavy tub action or a fireplace to cozy up next to — plus the grub to soak up last night’s hangover — each of these hotels offer a little something extra for your perfect one-night stand.

WANTED: A Sure Thing

Bathroom in The Two Bedroom Suite at the Tortuga Bay

  • Ideal Hunting Grounds: Tortuga Bay — Dominican Republic
  • At Tortuga Bay, it’s hard not to get laid. All suites and villas at Tortuga Bay have in-room Jacuzzis, which are converted into private love tubs each night at turndown, complete with scented rose petals and lit candles. The resort also hosts its share of weddings, where bridesmaids and drunk singles are practically begging to go home with whom — or what — ever. And if for some reason, the Jacuzzi and wedding party fall through, prostitution is in fact legal in the Dominican Republic.

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Tagged as: Boutique Hotels, Dominican Republic, Jackson Hole, Luxury Hotels, Maine, Miami, Romantic Hotels, Sydney

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The Best Roadtrips From: Boston, MA

by Jane on June 28, 2012

The Best Road Trips is a weekly summer series highlighting our favorite getaways from major cities all over the United States.

Some associate Boston with crooked old cobblestone streets, the American Revolution, and clam chowder. (Yum.) And it’s got all that. But those who work and play there know that it’s also filled with sprawling convention centers, progressive universities, and biotech research facilities. A forward-looking town with an eye on the past, Boston combines the charm of a New England harbor town with the mindset of a bustling, modern metropolis. And sometimes, its non-stop vibe can seriously wear a resident out. So if you’re a Bostonian looking for a weekend escape, why not hop in the car and head to a not-too-far destination where you can find some R&R? Get your bags packed and set your GPS: We’ve got some miles to cover.

Road Trip #1: Boston to Kennebunkport, ME

  • Total Driving Time: 1 hour, 42 minutes
  • Distance Covered: 85.4 miles
  • Take This Trip If: You want to bask in the sun like a quality Kennedy or Bush family member would.
Life's a beach.

Life's a beach in luxe Kennebunkport.

A Jonathan Adler-designed guestroom at the Tides Beach Club? Sign us up.

A Jonathan Adler-designed guestroom at the Tides Beach Club? Sign us up.

Enjoy the view from Adirondack chairs at The Colony Hotel.

Enjoy the view from Adirondack chairs at The Colony Hotel.

Originally settled in 1610, Kennebunkport was a small fishing village that experienced an economic boom during the shipbuilding era. But it wasn’t until after the Civil War that Kennebunkport became what it is today: a summer retreat for wealthy families. In fact, former President George W. Bush’s great-grandfather’s compound, Walker’s Point, is located in Kennebunkport, and both he and his father (also former President Bush) have hosted foreign dignitaries at the summer home. What, you may ask, attracts the elite crowds to this Northeastern haven during the summer months? The private-feeling beaches are the area’s main draw and activities such as kayaking, whale-watching, golfing, and fishing are also popular pastimes. If you’re looking for a cozy hotel that’s also spot-on chic, The Tides Beach Club is the perfect choice. Fully renovated in 2011, the hotel’s vibe is South Beach-esque and trendy while maintaining a quaint New England feel. Two suites designed by Jonathan Adler, spectacular ocean views, and a contemporary restaurant with a sophisticated menu are just some of the upgrades that came with the renovation. For a more budget-conscious option, stay at The Colony Hotel. This historic hotel has a welcoming attitude to both kids and dogs, attracting families with its heated saltwater swimming pool and private sandy beach.

  • Top Driving Tip: Don’t forget about all the neighboring areas: Kennebunkport is a great launching point for visiting nearby towns like Ogunquit — known for its long sandy beaches and as being Maine’s biggest LGBT destination — or York, to see the famous Neddick Lighthouse.

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Tagged as: Boston, Eastern Vermont, Kennebunkport, Maine, Martha's Vineyard, Road Trips, Vermont

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NOW OPEN: Sizzling Spots on the East Coast

by Jane on May 25, 2012

We don’t know about you, but we here at Oyster are ready for summer. We’ve done all of the prepping — we went to the gym once (hey, its more than we did in the winter!), got a couple of spray tans, and most importantly, we found our stowed bikinis, flip-flops, and wide-brimmed hats. And we’re not the only ones who have come out of hibernation and are in back in business for a little fun in the sun: Some of our favorite U.S. hotels on the East Coast have re-opened their doors for the summer season. We’ve been longing for a stay at these quaint inns and hotels all winter long and now they’re ready to welcome us (and you) back.

The Hotel: The Beach Plum Inn & Restaurant — Martha’s Vineyard

Grounds at The Beach Plum Inn & Restaurant -- Martha's Vineyard

Grounds at The Beach Plum Inn & Restaurant -- Martha's Vineyard

The Beach Plum reopened for the season this week in order to accomodate the many vacationers heading to Martha’s Vineyard for Memorial Day weekend. The beautiful property — where alpacas and ponies roam –is an up-island spot overlooking Menemsha Harbor, the fishing village, and a lighthouse. And though its not as historic as the centuries-old town it overlooks, the inn dates back to the late 1800s when it was built from wood salvaged from shipwrecks. While there are few on-site activities, guests can go next door to the Menemsha Inn to play tennis or hit the gym. Don’t expect cell phone service here; part of the charm of sinking into a hammock on a private patio is not having any reception. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property for those who need to stay in touch, and the on-site restaurant that the inn is known for – while pricey — is excellent. See more photos and read our full review of The Beach Plum Inn »

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Tagged as: Boutique Hotels, Luxury Hotels, Maine, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Romantic Hotels, The Hamptons

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In the Spotlight: Hidden Pond — Kennebunkport, ME

by Jane on May 10, 2012

Patio at Andrea's Gate Cottage at Hidden Pond -- Kennebunkport, ME

Patio at Andrea's Gate Cottage at Hidden Pond -- Kennebunkport, ME

Reopening for the season today, the tranquil Hidden Pond resort — spread over a whopping 60 acres — features 36 suite-like bungalows and two-bedroom cottages. While each have their own personality, they are all bright, homey, and sophisticated, characterized by pops of color and lodge-like touches (think stone fireplaces adorned with antlers orlamps made from a tree branch). The spa is set up to resemble a tree house, and free yoga classes are held at the organic farm (where guests may also pick fresh flowers and veggies). Another outstanding feature is the outdoor bar and grill that sits on a “sand bar,” with chairs circled around fire pits. This boutique, luxury hotel attracts couples with its peaceful environment and top-notch restaurants, as well as families with its cottages that include full kitchens and washer/dryers. The hotel also provides a free shuttle to the beach, which is just a five-minute drive away. Check out more incredible photos after the jump or read our full review now»

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Tagged as: Boutique Hotels, In the Spotlight, Luxury Hotels, Maine

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