Harborside Sunny Days

After nearly a week of fog, clouds, and drizzle (during which time the Island is still magnificent in its own way), we have finally had a few breaks of sunshine! I am so happy. The very moment the sun came out, we hopped on our bicycles and headed south on Main Street to South Summer street and then straight to the beach! The dunes looked gorgeous, and everyone was out in full merriment after so many days keeping cozy inside. We topped off the day grilling at home (the best way to eat on the Vineyard is simply. While a few restaurants offer atmosphere and charm worth paying for, the best food happens right at home in the kitchen. Besides, I love nothing more than using our Mackenzie Childs dishes and sipping a glass of wine on the porch while the grill heats up. We did however go out to a lovely dinner at the Harborside Hotel the night my dear friend Ashley flew in to visit. My godmother calls the Harborside her "living room on the water," and that's exactly what it is. The setting is divine, with a wraparound porch overlooking the Edgartown lighthouse, and an interior that looks like the inside of a ship. I adore the heavy bright white paneling and dark wood floors, with touches of seagreen and aqua. It's the inspiration for my own bedroom redecorating right now.

Rainy Night Dinner at Home

(thank you Taylor for the crab headband!)

Sunny Day at the Harborside

My adventures on these rainy and sunny days have been all over the island, from South Beach to Chilmark to Aquinnah. We occupied rainy days with coffee from Espresso Love and then strolling down the streets in town. When we stopped into In the Pink - the Lilly Store in Edgartown - we met the most adorable salesgirl, and had a wonderful time browsing one of the greatest selections of current season Lilly I've ever seen! Other shopping highlights included J. McLaughlan, Claire Murray, Bramhall & Dunn (I bought a fabulous Dash & Albert rug), and of course a stop on Winter St. for Vineyard Vines. We visited the many lovely art galleries, my favorite of which is the Christina Gallery.

Gingerbread Architecture in Oak Bluffs

Lunch at Black Dog

West Tisbury Antique Fair

One of the most exciting moments was when I went to Vineyard Haven for the first time this trip and discovered that they are home to MV's very first cupcakerie! Yes, it's true!! A very smart gentleman and his wife moved to the island after working at Magnolia Bakery in NYC, and they started their own cupcake shop on Main St. called Sweet E's. It's an adorable shop, with sweet cupcake sayings above the door. E is simply the kindest and incredibly gifted cupcake artisan I've ever met. He was decorating sugar glazed pansies and violets when I last saw him. All you summerers who have yet to step onto the island this summer, I you must stop in E's to discover this best new addition to Vineyard Haven. Open 11-7 daily.

Sweet E's Cupcakes

Finally, some pictures of my godmother's house, my most favorite house

By the way, did anyone go to the Mackenzie Childs Barn Sale this past weekend?

I was SICK, absolutely sick to have to miss it. I'd love to hear anyone's experiences, purchases, etc....and if you are feeling buyer's remorse about anything please let me know :)