I don't even know where to begin - so apologies if this is long-winded!
This past weekend Paul and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary a little early (real anniversary is May 26th or 29th if you go by our marriage license - we forgot to get it for the wedding!!) It was the perfect weekend to get away together - so quiet since most people stay local the weekend before memorial day festivities.
Personal thought:
I hear that the years you have to watch out for in a marriage (for being the toughest) are 1, 7 & 25. I'm feeling pretty blessed considering our first year was pretty much awesome...sure we had arguments but overall it was just FUN.
Crane Estate:
Back story on why we chose Crane Estate to celebrate: our wedding was at the Crane Cottage in Jekyll Island, GA - this was the Crane Family's winter home. The Crane Estate in Ipswich, MA was their summer home. Very thankful for the Crane family being loaded. And really help tie in the whole North/South theme I had for the wedding.
Northshore:
Paul is a planner. When we go on trips he researches the town extensively - and the surrounding towns as well (almost to the point of being annoyingah) . By the time we get to our destination he has multiple reservations all over town, options for daytime activities and knows the areas we want to spend our time in. It works out well since my style of traveling is basically showing up and spending half my time wandering around trying to figure out what to do. We spent a lot of time eating at great restaurants all along the Northshore. A few highlights below:
Salt (Ipswich, MA): The place to be on a Friday night in this little town with no traffic light. The atmosphere is cool but low key, with chalkboard menus and mason jar candles for lighting. Locals fill up the place and everyone is happy to be there. You must try the burger!! http://www.saltkitchenandrumbar.com/
Duckworth's (Gloucester, MA): It everyone's FAV restaurant up there....and it should be. Really hard to get a reservation (heard the lady booking one for July 26th while we were there) but we managed to get a spot up at the bar (which is honestly one of my fav places to sit - you get a great view of the restaurant and you are closer to each other than when you sit at a table). There are probably 10 tables total and 6 seats at the bar. The food is SUPER local. The bartender is friends with the lady that brings in the fresh greens from her backyard for the salads; and everyone knows and loves the guy that catches the lobster for the restaurant. The menus changes daily and the chef is also the owner (Ken Duckworth). If you are looking for amazing food in a small setting and personal attention from the staff - this is where you want to be! http://www.duckworthsbistrot.com/
Ceia (Newburyport, MA): Beautiful decorating and aesthetic feel. Great menus (both food and drinks). Great restaurant for brunch with girlfriends or dinner with parents/in-laws. Their choices from the wine glasses (so important) to the seating were wonderful. Newburyport is a great little town (reminded me of Salem without all the witchcraft) - head to Simply Sweet after for dessert! http://ceiakitchenbar.com/
Now some pics from the weekend:
The Inn at Castle Hill:
{we stayed in the Winthrop room of 10 rooms total)
{breakfast is served here every morning}
Castle Hill on the Crane Estate:
{the Grand Allee behind Paul}
The Crane Estate Grounds:
{my tour guide/travel agent}
{living in the city makes me appreciate trees so much more}
{remains of the rose garden}
The Crane Beach:
{it was much sunnier on Saturday - the day I didn't bring my camera}
Some Wildlife:
{turkeys everywhere}
Some Personal Pics:
{Paul loved this tree - anyone know what it is?}
ta-da! Now I need to go write my last few thank you notes - only 6 days left! #procrastinator