Latest news with #PamelaWright
Boston Globe
30-05-2025
- Boston Globe
We avoided Atlantis for years. But with so many fans, what were we missing?
We know lots of friends, family, and acquaintances who have vacationed at the resort, returning with glowing reviews. So much to do! The kids are already asking to go back. Don't know why we didn't go sooner. Bucket list! Expensive, but worth it . Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The Mayan Temple has five slides, including the five-story corkscrew Serpent Slide, the Jungle Slide, through jungles and caves, and The Leap of Faith, with an almost 60-foot vertical drop into a clear tunnel submerged in a shark-filled lagoon. Pamela Wright Advertisement So, huh. Perhaps, it was time to lose our attitudes and check it out. We knew what we were getting into; this legendary resort is massive, spanning 151 acres with five separate lodging options, 20 swimming areas and 14 pools, more than 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges, a 141-acre waterpark, an 18-hole golf course, 5 miles of beaches, a world-class marina, full-service spa, and the world's largest open-air marine habitat. We were exhausted (and, OK, excited) just thinking about it. Caveat: We went in the fall, off-season, and the resort was blissfully uncrowded, but we've heard that it can get packed in high season, and lines and wait times can be long. Advertisement The seashell roof gazebo at Atlantis, Paradise Island Resort, keeps up with the resort's nautical, ocean theme. Pamela Wright Let me live that fantasy Your first decision is where to stay. Rooms and suites at The Royal Towers are most popular and have recently undergone major renovation (starting from $290). They're spacious, light and airy, with crisp nautical blue and white hues, and large modern bathrooms. It's the closest accommodation to the waterpark and home to the resort's casino, the Mandara Spa, seven restaurants, and several bars. Prefer a little less action? The Cove is arguably the most elegant place to stay, with 600 upscale suites, a quiet adults-only pool, 20 private cabanas, and a poolside lounge (starting from $430). It also had our favorite bar: The Sea Glass, with ocean views, an outdoor patio, and bartenders who know how to concoct and give hefty pours, albeit for a hefty price. (Our two martinis cost $45, including an automatically added 15 percent tip and 10 percent VAT.) Remember, another 25 percent is added to food and drinks! Harborside Resort, with one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas, located across from the marina, is a bit more secluded (starting from $270). It's a good choice if you don't plan on spending much time at the water park, or don't mind walking to the main attractions. (There's also an easy-to-use free shuttle bus that runs throughout the resort.) The Coral is popular with families and the resort's most economical place to stay, with a pool, lagoon with marine exhibits, theater, and casual restaurants (starting from $250). Here's where you can also snag one of the resort's recently opened Barbie rooms, decked out in hot pinks and themed décor. As a side note, Atlantis has gone all out with Barbie offerings, including special Barbie-themed dining events, Barbie pool cabanas, a Barbie-themed ice cream parlor, and the Barbie Boardwalk Adventure, a walk-through experience with a tattoo parlor, ball pit, bubble maze, and more. Advertisement We stayed at The Reef, a high-rise with studios and suites, with small kitchenettes or full kitchens (starting from $390). It's located next to the Cove and within easy walking distance of other attractions. We appreciated the facilities to prepare simple breakfasts, snacks, and beverages, which proved to be both convenient and money-saving. Pro tip: Make a quick shopping trip into Nassau for snacks and beverages, and you'll save a heap of money. Sea Glass Bar is a popular hangout for adults. Pamela Wright Living high on the hog There's no question about it, food and beverages are expensive, and one of the biggest complaints about the resort. But there are choices — 21 exactly — so if your food budget is a top concern, consider casual walk-up vendors, like Cascades (burger $12, pulled pork sandwich $16), Pita (falafel $12, chicken shawarma $19), Shark Bites (conch salad, crab cakes and chowder $18 each), and Shake Shack (cheeseburger $9.85). There are also several award-winning, fine dining establishments. And, what the heck? You're on vacation! There's internationally known Nobu by celebrated chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Silan by chef Alan Shaya, and Fieldtrip by chef JJ Johnson. We dined at Fish by Jose Andres, enjoying complimentary cheddar biscuits, an inventive shrimp mojo negro ($27), scorched conch with ghost peppers ($17), and striped bass ($59) and Caribbean grouper ($54) entrees. Another evening, we ate at chef Michael White's Italian restaurant, Paranza, dining on grilled octopus ($36), lamb ragu ($40), and a memorable seafood risotto ($46). If you're traveling with kids, we'd suggest the more casual, less expensive options. Maybe take the shuttle to Marina Pizza, where you can get takeout, sit at picnic tables, and ogle the mega-size luxury yachts docked at the marina. Advertisement There are artworks throughout Atlantis. Pamela Wright Water, water everywhere You could spend your days relaxing on the soft white sand beaches, lounging under the Bahamian sun, and swimming in the deep turquoise waters. But we didn't, and you probably won't either. Not when there's so much else to do. Top of the list is a visit to Aquaventure, the 141-acre, 20-million-gallon waterpark, with pools, rivers, and slides. Highlights include the 120-foot Power Tower with four slides; the Abyss, with a 50-foot plunge and a 200-foot-long body slide; the Surge with a drop through a cavern, and the infamous Mayan Temple, with five slides, including the five-story corkscrew Serpent Slide, the Jungle Slide, through jungles and caves, and the Leap of Faith, with an almost 60-foot vertical drop into a clear tunnel submerged in a shark-filled lagoon. Yes, you read that right. The Leap of Faith has an almost 60-foot vertical drop into a clear tunnel submerged in a shark-filled lagoon. GRAHAM DICKIE/NYT We opted for the Rapids River, a mile-long inner tube ride through waves and rapids and down drops, which was thrilling enough for us. Families with smaller kids congregate at Poseidon's Playzone, with slides, water cannons, fountains, buckets, bubbling jets, and a fort. There's water everywhere: pools, streams, waterfalls, lagoons, aquariums, and underwater tunnels filled with marine life. We appreciated the educational signage throughout the resort; just walking around was a feast for the eyes and mind. The dolphins at Dolphin Cay love to interact with trainers and guests. Pamela Wright Doing good Our favorite activity was a visit to Dolphin Cay, a 6-million-gallon open-air marine habitat, with pools, reefs, mangrove nurseries, lagoons, and sandy beaches. It opened in 2007, providing a safe and permanent home for dolphins and sea lions left stranded by Hurricane Katrina, and more than 30 other native species, including reef fish, sea stars, lobster, and conch. Dolphin Cay also serves as a marine rescue and rehabilitation center and has reintroduced more than 160 animals back to their natural habitats. Advertisement The dolphins looked exceptionally happy and healthy to us, and the trainers were passionate and caring. 'They're social animals, and we engage with them through play and positive interactions,' our trainer said during our Playtime with Dolphins experience. 'They don't do anything they don't want to.' You can sign up for a variety of Dolphin Cay activities, like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding with dolphins, swimming with sea lions and stingrays, and learning to be a vet for a day. Is it worth it? A mom and her young daughter dressed in identical Barbie outfits sat next to us at dinner on our last night at Atlantis. They were celebrating her 8th birthday, staying in one of the Barbie-themed rooms. They'd spent an afternoon at the waterpark, had play time with the dolphins, and were looking forward to a Barbie baking class the next day. 'She'll remember this trip forever,' her mom said, as she pulled a credit card out of her tiny pink Barbie clutch. 'I'll be paying for it forever, too,' she joked, 'but it's worth it.' 888-877-7525, Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at
Boston Globe
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
‘Jaws' is turning 50. To celebrate, we followed the shark's second victim around Martha's Vineyard.
Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The "Jaws" movie poster. Advertisement ' ' Jaws' really put Martha's Vineyard on the map,' says Ashton. 'We wanted to do something really spectacular to honor it.' There will be special screenings, talks, and parties, during Jaws 50th Anniversary (June 20-22) and during the following Amity Week, June 22-29 (see sidebar for more information), but also a variety of summer and yearlong activities. The onetime Broadway play " Jaws," will run from July 5-20 at Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center. The new Advertisement Sheriff Brody's house has been renovated since the movie was filmed. It's where Brody's wife screams to their son, 'Did you hear your father? Get out of the water!' Pamela Wright We spent a few days on the island, visiting movie sites and exploring all things related to the movie. Even if you're not a 'Jaws' fan, it's a great way to see the island and its most picturesque and historic spots. DIY-ers can download the SetJetters' free film tourism app, for a list and map of " Jaws" scenes on the island, or hop on one of the specialty tours, like the Jeffrey Voorhees, the actor who played 12-year-old Alex Kintner, the second victim in the movie, leads "Jaws" tours of Martha's Vineyard for the HomeGrown tour company. He shares photos, movie insights, and stories with tour participants as they travel around the island, visiting movie sites. Pamela Wright We took the Steamship Authority ferry from Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven and checked into the family-owned and welcoming " Jaws" events and other activities on the island. Martha's Vineyard Museum is also a short stroll from the hotel. As advised, we didn't bring a car and found it easy and efficient to get around by bus. And all buses are free this year in honor of the " Jaws" anniversary. Advertisement Aquinnah Cliffs is a popular and ultra scenic destination on Martha's Vineyard. Nearby is where the Welcome to Amity sign appeared in the movie "Jaws." Pamela Wright 'Get out of the water!' 'I died when I was 12,' Jeffrey Voorhees said as he greeted us in the lobby of the Mansion House. Voorhees agreed to give us a " Jaws" tour of the island, and a behind-the-scenes look at the production. Many locals took part in the filming of "Jaws." Many were hired as extras earning $40 a day. 'Everyone we knew was in that movie,' Voorhees explained. 'Most were hired as extras earning $40 a day.' Voorhees got called back for a speaking part, making $140 a day, and because he signed a SAG agreement, he continues to earn royalties. He also has a website selling signed merchandise (how about a blood-splattered raft with a shark bite out of it?), does Cameo greetings, and travels to special events and festivals to do signings. He still receives postcards in the mail from fans: Thinking of you, dead another year! On Martha's Vineyard, he's a bit of a celebrity. 'Hey Vintner! Be dead already!' a man walking his dog shouted at us as we stood in front of the Telegraph Hill Lighthouse in East Chop, our first stop on our 'Jaws' tour. Around the corner was Sheriff Brody's house (much of it replaced). Voorhees explained that this is where Brody's wife infamously screams to their son, 'Did you hear your father? Get out of the water!' There were no sharks lurking, only pretty views of Vineyard Haven Harbor and Vineyard Sound. Advertisement Nothing much has changed in the tiny fishing village of Menemsha on Martha's Vineyard since scenes for "Jaws" were filmed there in 1974. Pamela Wright Amity Island welcomes you Our next stop was Aquinnah Cliffs, with an expansive green space, a lighthouse, and striking, lofty views of the Atlantic Ocean. 'This is where the 'Welcome to Amity' sign was,' said Voorhees. 'It had one scene in the movie, but everyone likes coming out here.' Why not? It's beautiful, and we stayed awhile to take in the views. Voorhees told more stories as we headed into the small fishing village of Menemsha. The mechanical shark, he told us, was designed for freshwater and kept breaking down. 'My friends and I knew where it was stored in the back of an old, beat-up warehouse,' he said. 'We used to climb all over that thing.' Not everyone on Martha's Vineyard appreciated the filming. It caused congestion and inconvenience, and it was smelly for days. Remember the tiger shark that was dissected? 'It was a real shark that they hung up by the docks in Edgartown,' Voorhees says. 'It stunk up the whole town. The local fishermen dumped a pile of fish carcasses at Spielberg's rental house as a payback.' The movie put Martha's Vineyard on the map, and the island has been identified with it ever since. It is home to many shark references. Pamela Wright In Menemsha, we looked for cans of Crush It Like Quint Narragansett beer (reportedly the company is selling crushable cans in honor of the 50th anniversary), but settled for a You're Gonna' Need a Bigger Boat T-shirt and an Amity Island ball cap. We strolled the tiny, stuck-in-time village, and watched as fishing boats chugged in and out of the harbor. 'Nothing has changed since they filmed here,' Voorhees pointed out. 'It looks exactly the same.' Advertisement 'This is where I died' Many of the movie's filming sites were in Edgartown, an affluent, classic island village. We walked the village streets, lined with historic buildings, now housing shops and restaurants as Voorhees pointed out movie sites. The Edgartown Town Hall that served as Amity Town Hall in the movie looks the same inside and out. We went inside to see where Quint scratched his fingernails on the blackboard during the town meeting. We also stopped at the Rockland Trust Bank to see the Amity National Bank sign that was used in the movie. Voorhees pointed out the hardware store (now the Port Hunter restaurant), the Chappy ferry, the hoist where the tiger shark hung, and the Kelley House and Harbor View hotels, where many of the cast members stayed. The Amity National Bank sign that Universal used during the filming of "Jaws" is now hanging inside the Rockland Trust Bank in Edgartown. Pamela Wright Heading out of town, we drove past State Beach, and near where Chrissy and Pipit the dog met their demise. And finally, to the infamous Jaws Bridge (a.k.a. American Legion Memorial Bridge). 'This is where I died,' said Voorhees. 'Right there at the end of the jetty.' There's a No Jumping sign posted on the bridge, but we watched two young boys leap off it. 'Everyone does it,' Voorhees said. Unless there's a shark in the water, dun-dun, dun-dun… Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at
Boston Globe
09-05-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
This Vermont college town has grown-up taste
Cindi Kozak, owner of Frankie's, an award-winning restaurant in Burlington, agrees that Burlington's culinary offerings are diverse, plentiful, and top-notch. 'I think a lot of it has to do with the passion people bring and the access we have to such incredible products,' she says. 'Also being such a small state, we can establish strong connections with our farmers, brewers, distillers, cheesemakers, etc. There are a lot of world-class products being made right at our doorstep, and we get to choose the best of what's out there.' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Granted, you can find a good college town cheeseburger, but it's likely to be smothered in a local, award-winning cheddar, served with an exceptional artisan-crafted pint of beer. Advertisement 'The underlying theme of locally sourced ingredients is still alive and well, and the driving force behind a lot of menus around Burlington,' says Cara Tobin, chef/co-owner of Honey Road and The Grey Jay. Advertisement The Farmhouse Tap & Grill is a farm-to-table gastro pub and outdoor beer garden, serving fresh, tasty food, like this specialty burger and side salad. Pamela Wright That goes for Burlington's beer scene, too. According to the National Brewers Association, Vermont leads the country in the number of craft breweries per capita, and Greater Burlington has the highest concentration, with more than 25 breweries, microbreweries, and brewpubs. If you're a beer lover, you probably already know this and have visited some of Burlington's highly regarded breweries, serving some of the country's most sought-after beers. But we mentioned a few here, like the You could spend a lot of time checking out Burlington's breweries and pubs (the Advertisement Blind Tiger, a Lark Hotel property, is located just outside of Burlington's bustling downtown and a few blocks from the waterfront. Pamela Wright First, we checked into In the end, it's tough choosing the best restaurant hit list, but after much sleuthing and eating, here are some of our favorites in Burly. Dishes at Frankie's are well-crafted and creative, spotlighting fresh, in-season ingredients, like this Lebanese cucumber dish. Pamela Wright 'We're hoping to do something a little different but still honor our desire to focus on what Vermont and New England food means to us,' says Kozak. This stylish restaurant, one of only 14 restaurants in the country named to Eater's 2024 Best New Restaurants list, is helmed by Kozak and Chef Jordan Ware. It's an unpretentious space, with low ceilings, whitewashed walls, and simple, light wood tables, flourished with a large marble bar with dramatic black, white, and gray swirls. The genuinely warm and friendly staff keeps it homey. Advertisement The dishes are well-crafted and creative, spotlighting fresh, in-season ingredients and showcasing Kozak and Ware's love of all things New England. We tried the fluffy, almost creamy fried oysters with pickled celery root and capers, and the grilled turnips with blue crab and crème fraiche, followed by a tasty pork schnitzel with lemon vinaigrette, and an herb fazzoletti with zucchini and red Russian kale. We couldn't resist a side of their sourdough bread with Vermont honey and sea salt. A favorite among locals and visitors alike since it opened in 2013, it's the sister to its original restaurant in Waterbury, Vt. The bustling outpost has a dark, rich sports club feel, with beams and wooden ceiling trusses, stacks of firewood, burning fireplaces, leather chairs, and a cozy bar. There's also a chef's counter with front row views into the kitchen. The food is well-sourced and well-crafted, consistently good. The menu changes frequently with the seasons and available products, including small plates like scallop crudo with green garlic and pickled turnips, braised rabbit tart, and beef tongue with shitake mushrooms, and large plates like black cod with hen of the woods mushrooms and tagliatelle with grilled zucchini and crispy garlic. You can also count on an extensive cheese menu (you're in Vermont!) and their famed Parker House rolls (yes, you should order them with local honey). Try the ever-changing flatbread choice at May Day; this one features whipped ricotta and an abundance of spring veggies. Pamela Wright This friendly neighborhood bistro tucked in Burlington's Old North End is not-so-slowly being discovered, thanks to rapid word-of-mouth. And it's helmed by Chef Avery Buck, who's been named a James Beard 2025 finalist for Best Chef: Northeast. The space is small, with about 20 tables or so, a bar counter, and an open kitchen. The menu is selective and focused on local in-season preparations. This is the place to go with a handful of friends to sample several plates. On our recent visit, we shared beer-battered skate cheeks with hot pepper mayo (thumbs up), duck liver parfait (so-so), and chunks of crunchy Lebanese cucumbers in a pool of tangy ramp yogurt (delightful!). But the standouts were the baby bok choy grilled to a nice char, doused with a sweet miso vinaigrette and topped with crispy sunchokes, and the house flatbread, with a layer of creamy whipped ricotta, spring vegetables, and hot honey. There are larger plates, also, like chicken schnitzel with a homemade green goddess dressing, steelhead trout with spring alliums and sorrel, and a ricotta gnocchi with baby spinach, pea shoot pesto, and oyster mushrooms. We'll be back to check out the next in-season menu. (P.S. They have a nice wine and cocktail list, too.) Advertisement The Grey Jay features Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, like this nicely seasoned shawarma wrap. Pamela Wright & Both manager/co-owner Allison Gibson and chef/co-owner Cara Tobin of Honey Road and The Grey Jay are finalists for the James Beard 2025 Outstanding Restaurateur, a national honor. That's quite a recognition, and their talents show at these Mediterranean-style restaurants in downtown Burlington. They opened Honey Road in 2017, serving Eastern Mediterranean small plates. Consider their 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. HoneyTime small plates: tahini hummus, baba ganoush, house-made pita, spiced fried chickpeas, braised lamb, kale salad, and more. Or go later for dinner; you'll find some of these same items on the menu, along with other mezze-style dishes. Advertisement Head to The Grey Jay for breakfast or lunch. This small, first-come, first-served eatery has great pastries and breakfast items, including a nicely flavored shakshuka topped with creamy feta cheese. Come lunch, go for the kale salad, one of their most popular signature dishes, served in a large bowl with crispy quinoa and flavored with a tahini vinaigrette, or the nicely seasoned chicken shawarma wrap. The Tunisian deviled eggs with harissa and fried capers are a nice munch, too. The potato gruyere tart at Majestic is a sure winner. Pamela Wright One of Burlington's newest arrivals is this little gem in the South End. A couple of warnings first: They're not open on Saturday or Sunday, and they don't accept reservations. During prime dinner hours, you may have to wait (albeit with a drink in hand), but it's worth it. The open kitchen restaurant, with about 25 seats, has a fun, convivial vibe, with creative cocktails and a smart wine list. And the food, mostly small plates, is worth going back for again and again. In fact, we noticed that many diners were past guests, and the staff greeted them by name. The menu changes frequently, but you can expect a handful of cheese platters, in-season vegetable-centered plates, like a white bean salad with garlicky kale, sweet potato, and herb pesto, or roasted mushrooms and barley with pea shoots. We also enjoyed the signature meatballs, swimming in a bright tomato fennel sauce, and the layered potato gruyere tart. Special mentions Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at
Boston Globe
07-05-2025
- Boston Globe
Three New England destinations where moms can find adventure, relaxation, and a little luxury
You need a haircut! No worries, the folks at the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa will take care of it, as part of their working fiber farm. Pamela Wright Llama, llama loves your momma If your mom enjoys a round of golf, we bet she'd love this new adventure: the Llama Tee Time Trek at the Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The sprawling, historic resort is well known for its working fiber farm, with a herd of llamas, sheep, alpacas, rabbits, goats — and chickens and ducks, too. Even if mom isn't into golf, she can visit the farm (meet the farmer tours are offered daily from 9-9:30 a.m.) or take a llama or goat for a guided trail walk, ending with a picnic breakfast. Advertisement The Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa in Whitefield, N.H., has stunning White Mountain views. Pamela Wright Set on 1,700 acres, with stunning views of the White Mountains, the resort, dating back more than 150 years, has a storied past and a who's who guest book, including Theodore Roosevelt, Grover Cleveland, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Richard Nixon. Writers Robert Frost, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Stephen King have also visited. To learn more about the hotel's history, guests can take a guided historical tour of the resort. If your mom likes to stay busy, she'll be in nirvana here. There are indoor and outdoor pools, pickleball, tennis, mountain biking, hiking, ax throwing, disc golf, ATV tours, themed dinners, mixology and cooking classes using organic ingredients from the resort's gardens, art classes, and a variety of fitness and wellness classes, like yoga, aquatics, and meditation. Or she could simply relax, spending time at the Tower Spa, enjoying treatments with titles like Purifying Earth Wrap, Mountain Meadow Scrub, Collagen Boosting Facial, and CBD Serenity Massage. In the evening, head to the cozy 1865 Wine Cellar, with a The Farnsworth Museum of Art is known for its collection of Wyeth family works, including this work by Andrew Wyeth. Pamela Wright A day at the beach There's something therapeutic and calming about being near the ocean, the salty scent of the air, the sea breeze, and the rhythmic sound of the waves. It's a salve for everyday stress and an antidote for breaking out of the drab quotidian. Throw in cultural pursuits, good eats, spa treatments, and luxurious digs, and you'll quickly rise to the top of mom's favorite kid list. We're talking about sending mom to Rockland, a buzzy town hugging the shores of Penobscot Bay in midcoast Maine. Advertisement Start by booking a room at the Of course, mom will start with a visit to The Opal Spa at the Samoset, a cozy, relaxing oasis, offering a variety of top-notch treatments, including top-of-the-line facials, body treatments, and massages. Top choices include the mineral-rich body exfoliation, the detoxifying body wrap, the aromatherapy or CBD massage, and thesignature hydra-facial. All loosey-goosey, mom can head down to the Enoteca Wine Bar for a beverage and snack, perhaps the balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts or the Sicilian grilled octopus, followed by dinner at La Bella Vita, with crispy Sicilian brick oven pizzas, traditional Italian dishes, and house specialties like the Ocean Stew, packed with mussels, shrimp, clams, lobster, and octopus. Fling open the balcony doors and drift to sleep to the sound of the surf. The Farnsworth Museum of Art has a collection of some 15,000 works of American artists from the 18th century to present, and hosts a variety of exhibits. Pamela Wright Mom might be perfectly happy staying on the property, grabbing a seat on the lawn overlooking the ocean, swimming and lounging at the pool; there's also an 18-hole oceanside golf course. Or drive into Rockland to visit known for its collection of Wyeth family works. The museum, with a collection of some 15,000 works of American artists from the 18th century to present, also hosts a variety of special exhibits. Also in Rockland is the Advertisement For more scenic views, walk the Rockland Harbor Trail, a 5-mile walking path along the waterfront, or the oceanside trails at Beech Hill Preserve. Treat mom to breakfast at the Garrison Inn in Newburyport; it's included in the room rate. Garrison Inn Let's have a sleepover — in Newburyport This small city on the south bank of the Merrimack River on Massachusetts' North Shore is popular with day-trippers, who come to stroll its picturesque streets and explore the compact riverside downtown, with renovated 1800s brick buildings now housing restaurants and one-of-a-kind shops. But why rush home? Instead, book your mom a room at the four-story brick Advertisement The tea room at the Garrison Inn is all pretty in pink. Mom can enjoy an evening tea as part of her stay here. Garrison Inn Newburyport has a vibrant art scene. Check out the Newburyport Art Association. Also, pop into For some fresh air and great views, head to the on Plum Island, with a network of paths that wind through maritime forests and salt marshes, and Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at
Boston Globe
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Play pickleball, eat a torta, and sleep in a former saloon. Here's the latest from Newport.
Newport's new 24-room Island House Newport hotel opened March 13, 2025. Island House Newport Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up So long, Jimmy's. Here's the Island House Newport Anyone with fond memories of partying at the beloved, Cheers-ian Jimmy's Saloon, opened in 1976, felt a twinge of nostalgia when it closed in 2018. Now, that space is home to the 24-room Island House Newport. Designed primarily for families, wedding groups, larger parties, and those who want a homey vibe, the hotel offers large suites with customizable room configurations. Rooms can accommodate between two and 12 guests (in one of the two apartment-size penthouse suites). Half of the rooms have full kitchens (there's a Stop & Shop nearby), and all rooms have microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffee makers. The appliances are in shades of blue, keeping with the beach-glass-hued design aesthetic. The back porch holds Adirondack chairs and fire pits. Advertisement Operated by Main Street Hospitality (they also manage Newport's Hammetts Hotel), Island House Newport isn't on the water, but it is centrally located on Memorial Boulevard. Cliff Walk and First Beach are nearby, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame ( The former Jimmy's Saloon is now a homey boutique hotel. Guest rooms are decked out with cute blue gadgets — and there's no stale beer smell, yay. Diane Bair Calling all picklers A sprawling space in Middletown, right behind the Home Depot, was once a bowling alley, and then Island Cinemas. Now it's home to Newport Pickleball Club ( A hybrid of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, Advertisement Broadway is one of Newport's go-to zones for food and indie businesses; a newcomer, Monarca Mexican Cuisine, is gaining a following. Diane Bair Authentic Mexican cuisine on Broadway A couple of new eateries are opening (or have recently flung open their doors) in Newport lately. CHOMP Newport ( Newport's six-block Broadway District is lined with cool indie businesses, including Empire Tea & Coffee and Closet Revival, a vintage and consignment store bursting with fun finds for men and women. A newcomer to the 'hood is Monarca Mexican Cuisine ( Advertisement Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at
