Month: March 2012

Ox & Rabbit Soda and Sundries

Meredith

I visited Ox & Rabbit a few years ago with my family one afternoon while we were browsing the shops on Ninth Street. We stopped in for some milkshakes, and ever since then, I’d been wanting to return! The milkshakes are an obvious draw for someone like me who lives for ice cream and desserts, but the shop is full of some of the most delightful gifts, home decor, and lifestyle accessories. In just one loop through the store, I picked out least five things that would have been perfect in our house, but I simply didn’t have any room … Continue reading Ox & Rabbit Soda and Sundries

The Nasher Museum of Art

Meredith

After I booked my tickets to North Carolina for this weekend trip, I decided to check the schedule at the Nasher – the art museum located right on Duke’s campus. I took a few art history classes at Carolina, and I vaguely remember being ‘strongly encouraged’ by one of my professors to hop on the bus that connected the two schools to visit an exhibit at the Nasher that would have more than likely perfectly supplemented what we’d been going over in lecture. While I thoroughly enjoyed all three of my art history classes at school, going to Duke for … Continue reading The Nasher Museum of Art

Parker and Otis

Meredith

My sister lived around the corner from Parker and Otis in a beautiful loft-style apartment in West Village for a year or two before she & Philip were married in 2010. She mentioned her trips to Parker and Otis practically weekly, and having visited it for myself, I can now understand why she was so taken with it. Not only is it a scrumptious cafe, but the building is home to all kinds of artisanal & speciality foods, cookbooks, home goods, cookware, and gifts. I literally could have spent hours pouring over the books and the paper goods alone! It … Continue reading Parker and Otis

Montpelier Plantation

Michael

Let’s get down to the bread and butter of why, even with significant trips south and to France slated for the first half of this year, Meredith and I spent quite a few hours in front of the computer this January, trying desperately to figure out the logistics of squeezing in a trip back to Nevis in between other trips (sadly we ultimately decided that we couldn’t this year, but it’s a must for next year).  Montpelier Plantation, in my book, has to be one of the purest examples of a relaxation getaway that could possibly exist.  I’ll start with … Continue reading Montpelier Plantation

Hiking Saddle Hill

Meredith

On one of our mornings at Montpelier Plantation, Michael & I decided to set out on a hike up the nearby Saddle Hill. Armed with sunscreen and lots of water, we made the walk to the base of the trail, and even encountered several goats along the way. The hike up Saddle Hill was lovely, and when we reached the top we enjoyed beautiful views of Nevis Peak, and neighboring Caribbean islands. The hike was invigorating, and allowed us to enjoy an afternoon by the pool, sipping rum punches sans guilt! Who knows, maybe someday we’ll be inspired to take … Continue reading Hiking Saddle Hill

Dining at Montpelier Plantation (The Mill & 750)

Michael

The first night at Montpelier Plantation, during the cocktail hour, I found it a little funny that random visitors from the Four Seasons on the other side of the island were showing up for dinner, but after tasting the splendid meal that evening, I realized that the food and dining experience at Montpelier was an attraction in itself. These weren’t hastily-prepared meals from a limited and long-set menu – each day, careful consideration was given toward the freshest of ingredients from the island, and the way in which they would be prepared.  You would receive a menu at the social … Continue reading Dining at Montpelier Plantation (The Mill & 750)

Botanical Gardens of Nevis

Meredith

As with the trailhead for the hike up Saddle Hill, the Botanical Gardens of Nevis were just a short walk away from the Montpelier Plantation property. I’m so happy I brought my camera along with us, as I simply could not stop taking photographs while we were there! Home to a wide variety of plant species, the gardens offer one of the most peaceful and contemplative ways to experience an island like Nevis abundance of rich, natural beauty.  The tropical variety of plants and flowers seemed endless, and left us gawking for hours after. Michael & I would highly recommend … Continue reading Botanical Gardens of Nevis