Newport, Rhode Island Off-Season

Castle Hill Inn

The difference between a location on- or off-season reminds me of Robert Louis Stevenson's Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.  While the same core structures exist, the experience is so different as to be unrecognizable.  And for many tourist hotbeds, the only time I visit them is when they are at their population ebb.  This came to mind yesterday. (See also Newport by Harbor.)

We headed down with friends to lend a hand in retrieving some items from the boat.

As is inflation to an economy, barnacles are one ugly epiphenomenon of a great season. 

Appreciating a Seriously Fast Boat.

A Nice Christmas Solution

Newport, in the background, beckoned.

We had some errands to do and some time to do them, so we headed over the bridge to Newport. First stop was Newport Shipyard.

Morris Yachts of Bass Harbor, Maine is one of my favorite boat builders.  Oyster is also interesting.

Some Vessels Served Here

I wore the L.L. Bean (Women's) Norwegian sweater I bought in Freeport in 1980, still in excellent condition.

Nantucket Lightship (A Decommissioned Lightship)

Arabella, A Three Masted Schooner Charter Boat

We had to swing by one of the touristy alcoves.

I used my Leather Man/Eliza B. (medium) Brit Bag.  With the throngs absent, it was possible to appreciate the cobblestones, brought over as ballast on early ships, and other nice details. (And not to leave anyone out, my 10th G Grandfather laid out the roads here in 1640.)

Neutron Newport  

With that done, we continued to our last errand.

New York Yacht Club's Harbour Court

Then we stopped for lunch, not at the more obvious Scales & Shells or Red Parrot, but at the slightly more obscure The Chanler.

The Chanler has been well honored since it re-opened in 2001.  Even during the full season, the experience is personal, more akin to a bed and breakfast than a sprawling hotel such as Ocean House.  Lunch, in contrast to a full stay, is relatively reasonable, still intimate, yet feels grand and the quality of food is very high.

A Much Appreciated Fire

While my tastes run simpler, sampling this environment was a satisfying finale to the holiday season.

The Main Kitchen and Dining Area.

A Great View of the Ocean from Our Table

It is also the only hotel on the famous Cliff Walk, which provides a great walk after lunch.

We were assured that no stick figures were actually harmed in the creation of this sign.

Heading back to finish up, the premise that many tourist locations are best off-season had only been strengthened.

It was a very cold day with a biting wind which made the long ride home actually sound appealing.

But we did pause to appreciate the eerie yet soothing sounds of the wind in the rigging.

Happy New Year from The Daily Prep!

Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire.

New England provides such marvelous contrasts in topographies.

My mother-in-law decorates their road with swags she makes.

This is in slight contrast to New York (we took these pictures yesterday!).

Happy Holidays

My husband's college roommate (and a regular on this blog) throws an annual Christmas party at his New York apartment.  He knows and loves show tunes, and grew up in a highly skilled theater family surrounded by world class talent.  This Christmas party has become, simultaneously, both a gift from him to his friends and also increasingly a casual gathering place for some of the most accomplished in the industry.

The guest list remains highly eclectic, very comfortable and fiercely talented.  (And yes, quite a few guests also make regular appearances on this blog as well).  Who is playing or singing what next is utterly unpredictable, but the intimacy to such performances is really marvelous.

One of the Pair of Nose-to-Nose Pianos (in one room)

Catching up with Old Friends

I had a marvelous time talking to Swedish Men's Clothing Blog  (and one of my favorite blogs)  Manligheter's Per Nilsson 

This year, the solo piano was paired with a bass (in another room).

I am so grateful to our host.

Organic Farmers' Kelly and her...

...husband were there. 

Cabaret singer and jazz pianist Billy Stritch mesmerized the room when he so generously performed a song for us.

Lee Roy Reams' festive pants had inspired some flourishes in my own wardrobe for years.  So this year, while I was disqualified as I opted for a festive vest instead...

...Bob, Lee Roy, and Per graciously posed together.

May your holidays be as festive as these pants!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from The Daily Prep