Bundled Up at the Ocean House
📍 Watch Hill, Rhode Island

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Prepare for a visual feast from our wintery day trip to the stunning Ocean House. Watch Hill, Rhode Island, is just a 90-minute drive from our corner of Coastal Connecticut. So, it was only a matter of time before I would answer the siren call to this historic resort. What can I say about the Ocean House that hasn’t already been said? I have long drooled over images of the signature yellow hotel with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. It truly is a Coastal Grandmother’s paradise. Now that we live so close, I can’t wait for a return trip to summer with a Baby Girl Kennedy in tow. Until then, here’s more about our bundled-up trip to the Ocean House

History and Location

Located high on a bluff of Watch Hill, Rhode Island, the Ocean House Inn has been an institution since it opened its doors in 1868. From the very first day, it redefined luxury travel in New England and marketed to the most distinguished of guests. Over 150 years later, generations of families have been flocking to the Atlantic shores to unwind and relax on the coast. The hotel sits on 13 acres of perfectly manicured grounds overlooking 650 feet of private beach. On a clear day, you can quickly see Montauk and Block Island in the distance. The village of Watch Hill is just a quick stroll away. It is filled with adorable boutiques and perfectly complements your Ocean House visit. Remember that most of these shops are seasonal and will likely be closed during winter.

Brunch at the Bistro

After pulling up to the joyfully yellow exterior of the Ocean House, we made our way to one of their many on-site restaurants, The Bistro. The decor was the classic coastal Americana you would expect to find in a New England landmark. We were led into their sunroom and seated at a window-side table for two. Even though the temperatures were in the teens, it was a cloudless day as the sunshine poured onto us. Breakfast was delicious. As a Relais & Châteux property, you are guaranteed to have an incredible dining experience. It’s what sets this group of hotels apart and is why I always seek them out whenever I travel. After breakfast, we quickly toured the hotel and found the Bemelmans Gallery. It is the largest permanent, private collection of Ludwig Bemelman art on display in North America. If you know about my deep love for Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel, you can imagine what a treat this was for me.

Winter Walk on the Beach

Before we continued our day, we decided to brave the tipping winds and icy temperatures for a quick walk on the beach. Even with my LL Bean parka and several layers, I knew I wouldn’t last long, but it was such a beautiful day. We collected seashells, and David helped me get my bearings and pointed out the natural landmarks. Down the beach from the Ocean House, you get a full view of Taylor Swift’s vacation home, High Watch. Although all was quiet on this winter day, I can imagine the crowds it draws in the summertime, with fans hoping to glimpse their favorite singer.

One of the main draws that brought us to Coastal Connecticut was our ability to explore New England. In about 90 minutes, we were transported to a beautiful paradise where service and aesthetics are paramount. It’s easy to see why the Ocean House has won over hearts for generations. I can’t wait to return with our newest addition this summer to let her experience all that our home has to offer.

Love from Rhode Island,
Katie

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Exploring New Haven, Connecticut
📍 New Haven, CT

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Just a quick drive away from our Coastal Connecticut, the city of New Haven has so much to offer. We all probably instantly think of Yale University, a part of the Ivy League Holy Trinity according to Blair Waldorf. While we let ourselves explore the historic campus, there’s such so much to experience. From cultural institutions to culinary delights, here’s how we made the most of our day trip to New Haven, the Elm City.

Wake-Up at the Omni New Haven

The night before our New Haven adventure, we were hosted by the fabulous Omni hotel. Situated right next to Yale’s campus and on the New Haven Green, consider this the perfect place to stay in New Haven. Apart from the service being impeccable, we were able to start our day with a great night sleep. After a hearty breakfast at their on-site restaurant, John Davenports, we were off and ready to start our day.

Grab a Latte at Poindexter Coffee

I always love visiting the local coffee shops in shops in every town or city I explore. While there’s a few to choose from in New Haven, David and I stumbled upon Poindexter Coffee, just up the road from the Omni. Apart from my delicious snickerdoodle latte, I was really struck by the impeccable interior decor. It was sprinkled with antiques, curated pieces, and lots of Yale history. The inviting and cozy atmosphere makes it no wonder that it’s a popular hangout to study after class.

Get Lost at the Yale Art Museum

Following the pulse of New Haven led us to the Yale Art Gallery. Wandering through its diverse collections, we journeyed from ancient civilizations to modern masterpieces. Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, oh my! The museum’s architecture itself is an artful blend of the historic and contemporary, offering a visual feast at every turn. The Yale Art Gallery is a sanctuary for art enthusiasts. I particularly loved the Revolutionary Gallery, featuring art from Connecticut native, John Trumbull.

Fill Up on Pizza from the Holy Trinity

Embarking on a food odyssey through New Haven, we couldn’t resist immersing ourselves in the city’s pizza culture. Locally known as the “Holy Trinity of Pizza,” these legendary establishments—Frank Pepe’s, Sally’s Apizza, and Modern Apizza—each boast a storied history and a distinct mastery of the pizza craft. While our pilgrimage led us to the Modern Apizza, known for its delectable coal-fired creations, the tales of Frank Pepe’s and Sally’s lingered in the New Haven air. Together, they form the sacred trio that solidifies New Haven’s reputation as a haven for pizza. Each slice is a testament to the city’s rich culinary heritage.

Explore the Historic Yale Campus

Stepping onto the Yale campus was like entering a living museum of academia. The gothic spires and manicured lawns create a sense of timeless elegance. We strolled through courtyards on the way home from lunch, pausing at the Harkness Tower and Sterling Memorial Library. It reminded us that New Haven’s heartbeat, from the food to the culture, stemmed from the Ivy League school that called the town home since 1701.

Have Dinner at a New Haven Icon

It’s often recommenced to end a New Haven day with dinner Union League Cafe, an icon in New Haven’s culinary scene. Nestled in a historic building, the restaurant exudes French elegance. From escargot to coq au vin, every dish is a masterpiece. Consider it a transports you to the streets of Paris. As you savor each bite, it was a testament to the city’s ability to seamlessly blend history, art, and cuisine.

As the sun set on our day in New Haven, art, academia, and the aroma of pizza lingered in the air. From the halls of Yale to the cozy corners of Poindexter Coffee, and the savory Modern Apizza, our journey was a symphony of culture and flavor. New Haven, with its historic charm, proved to be a perfect New England escape. Until our next adventure, farewell, Elm City!

Love from New Haven,
Katie

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Date Night at the Omni New Haven
📍 New Haven, Connecticut

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One of the greatest joys since moving to Connecticut is the endless number of new cities to explore. Within a two-hour drive from our coastal home, we have the beaches, the mountains, and charming towns. It allows us to get out and explore all that New England offers. Over the weekend, David and I had the pleasure of popping into New Haven for a sweet little date night hosted by the Omni. It served as a wonderful little teaser for Valentine’s Day celebrations and gave us an adventure that even I could handle at 7 months pregnant.

Check-in at the Omni

For those who don’t know, New Haven is home to Yale University, one of the prestigious Ivy League schools. The Omni of New Haven sits right next to campus and across from New Haven Green. Founded in 1701, Yale is a deeply historic school, and you can quickly see how that inspired the Omni’s decor. The black and white photos alongside vintage football programs feel very New England. Upon check-in, we were greeted by the warm Omni staff and found a sweet little treat waiting for us in our suite. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, they are offering a thoughtful Romance Package to start your date night on the right note. The bottle of champagne (which has been saved for post-baby) and the sweet treats were deeply appreciated. 

Event with Casa Robles Wine

Before dinner, we were invited to a Valentine’s Day wine-tasting event featuring Casa Robles, held at their rooftop lounge, Bar 19. While I couldn’t partake fully, David loved their selection of cabernets. To let this pregnant girl feel included, the staff happily whipped up some delicious mocktails for me to sample. Plus, there were several little plates to pair with the wine. Each bite was more delicious than the last, but we had to pace ourselves for the 7:00 dinner reservations ahead of us.

Dinner at John Davenports

After one final mocktail and glass of wine, respectively, we headed over to the Omni’s rooftop restaurant. John Davenports is on the 19th floor and offers sweeping views of the New Haven Green and Yale campus. Off in the distance, you can see East Rock Park, which I’ve heard has some of the best hiking in the area. From appetizers to our entrees to dessert, it was tempting not to wipe our plates clean. So many dishes sounded incredible, giving us an excuse for a repeat reservation in the future. Feeling incredibly full, we returned to our room and relaxed in the cozy Omni robes before drifting off to sleep.

Breakfast at the Hotel

Is there anything better than a hotel breakfast? We decided to have a lazy morning in the hotel room, which started with a hot steam shower and Nest products, Sicilian Tangerine, to be precise! Soon enough, breakfast called our names, and we returned to John Davenports. Delicious! If you order their breakfast sandwich, I recommend getting a side of their pepper jam, which is made in-house. Also, I wanted to sing our server’s praises. Robin was a delight to talk with and has worked at the Omni New Haven for over 15 years. I think it’s a testament to the hotel and restaurant’s quality.

Thank you to everyone on the Omni team for making this such a special retreat! David and I can’t wait to return and experience even more of New Haven, the Elm City, in the future!

Love from New Haven,
Katie

Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about my travels and style, be sure to visit throughout the week! Be sure to check out my exclusive adventures in NYC and New England.