SECOND HONEYMOONING IN ST. THOMAS, USVI...

I spent last week on a constant high, legally of course. My husband and I renewed our vows for our 25th wedding anniversary in St. Thomas, USVI. We choose this locale because it is where we honeymooned back in 1988. When I put it in writing, it truly resonates that that was a long time ago as the picture below depicts.

Then and Now

Any who... We stayed at the "crown jewel" of St. Thomas, the Marriott Frenchmen's Reef and Morning Star Resort which recently completed a $48 million renovation. 

Aerial view of the Marriott's Frenchmen's Reef & Morning Star Resort in St. Thomas, USVI

I have been blessed to travel a bit but I guess because of the occasion and the desperate need for relaxation, all I can say is WOW! Great job, Mr. Marriott. The design is a surprising mix of Caribbean decor and rustic charm, and nicely executed I might add.

Chandelier in the Frenchman's Reef Lobby

Lobby Settee

Lobby of the Morning Star Resort

Receiving desks at the Morning Star Resort

Deck overlooking Charlotte Amalie Harbor at the Frenchman's Reef

Newly renovated infinity pool at Frenchman's Reef 

We totally reconnected with the beauty and tranquility of St. Thomas and this magnificent resort. My workaholic husband was tempted to extend our vacay for another day. Logistics notwithstanding, we would have. I do look forward to our return which will NOT take 25 years.

Happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TAMMY BOLDEN AND MARRIOTT.COM

MARTHA'S VINEYARD...

I just returned from my favorite place on earth, Martha's Vineyard. (Yes, on earth...)

A 45 minute ferry ride off the southeast coast of Massachusetts, this quaint 23-mile long island made up of 10 communities is a treasure trove of sun, sand and rich history. First settled in 1642, the typical year round population of about 15,000 swells to about 100,000 during the summer months.

Moshup Beach in Aquinnah

The Lighthouse and Cliffs at Aquinnah (formerly Gay Head)

My family typically rents a cottage in Oak Bluffs, the island's "epi-center" where the best entertainment, shopping, and dining can be found as well as beautiful beaches such as the Inkwell and State Beach.

The Inkwell in Oak Bluffs

Circuit Avenue Shopping District in Oak Bluffs

Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs

Oak Bluffs is a summer vacation destination for the African-American middle class. There is a rich history of lumaniaries - past and present - from the worlds of politics, education, entertainment and literature who have spent time there. Senator Edward Brooks, Henry Louis Gates, Spike Lee, and Dorothy West have all been residents of the community. The Kennedys, the Clintons and the Obamas have  vacationed in Chappaquaddick, Chilmark and Edgartown in Martha's Vineyard as well.

Bunch of Grapes Bookstore in Vineyard Haven

Painted Ladies of Oak Bluffs

Oak Bluffs Gazebo

The Black Dog Bakery

The thing I love most about the Vineyard (other than the beaches) is that passersby speak to one another. Its laid back energy is a welcomed respite from the NYC fast pace of life.  The year-round residents do things on "Vineyard time," so much so that Oak Bluffs made Frommer's List of '10 Towns That Do Things Their Own Way.'  It would be quite annoying if I weren't on vacation.

An interesting bit of trivia:  Contrary to popular believe (because of the name) there are no wineries on Martha's Vineyard.  The one and only winery closed in 2008. But there is plenty of seafood.

The Bite in Menemsha

Until next summer...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of ElleDecor.com and Frommers.com.

THE HAMPTONS...

I had the pleasure of going to the Hamptons for the first time this past weekend, well actually for the day, to do interior styling for a photo shoot. The location was in the toney East Hampton community of Wainscott, NY.  

Main Street, East Hampton

All the things you've probably heard about the Hamptons are true - pretentious, privileged and pristine. But that's what makes it special - the beautiful beaches, quaint (yet expensive) boutiques, multi-million dollar beach-front mansions and the celebrities (although not as celebrated by the lifelong regulars). You're likely to run into Russell, Martha, Sean, Alec or even Nick and Mariah while dining at Nick and Toni's. B. Smith is a fixture in Sag Harbor.

Wyborg Beach

Pantigo Mill, East Hampton

Its also the location for a wonderful showhouse sponsored annually by Traditional Home Magazine to benefit the Southhampton Hospital. (Blog post to follow soon, I hope.)

Location for the Hampton Showhouse 2012

We've gone to Martha's Vineyard for years but this may be a new spot for us since it only took 2 1/2 hours. Although, that doesn't include the 45 minutes to an hour traffic on Montauk Highway leading into town. But we'll have to be willing to drop a pretty penny - one night at the Enclave Inn in Wainscott during high season is $569!

I've often heard that there is a rich history for African-Americans in Sag Harbor.  That's probably where I'll go for my next visit...

Happy Hampton-ing...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of EastHamptonVillage.org, TraditionalHome.com, Google.com and yours truly.