There’s something special about New England summer vacations.
Growing up in another country, I watched countless movies and shows where affluent Americans showcased their quintessentially WASP-y style in Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. These places became synonymous with the American Dream in my mind. I aspired to look as effortlessly chic as the blonde women in Lilly Pulitzer dresses at garden parties and the petite brunettes in J.Crew striped sweaters and navy shorts on sailing boats with their preppy boyfriends.
Since I moved to New York 7 years ago, I have been fortunate enough to spend some summer weekends in the Hamptons, Kingston, and other beautiful parts of New York State. However, until this week, I had never been on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where I was determined to immerse myself in my "old money aesthetic" Pinterest board.
Invited to attend the opening of the newly renovated GREYFINCH INN in Chatham, I eagerly packed my best East Coast preppy casual outfits and took a short 38-minute flight from LGA to Hyannis airport, accompanied by my mom.
Upon landing, I was immediately struck by the lush greenery, fresh air, abundance of lakes and lighthouses, and the presence of generational wealth - a quiet luxury, as they call it these days.
It's no wonder that John Kennedy and Jackie loved to vacation on Cape Cod and maintained a gorgeous mansion here. Their love for this place has made it more popular since the '60s, and it remains one of the most expensive summer destinations in the US.
Fortunately, the GREYFINCH INN is relatively affordable for such a beautiful, luxurious property that has been completely renovated and offers all the comforts one could possibly need. It opened only at the end of June, but it's already in high demand by those who, like me, aren't fortunate enough to inherit a seaside home from their chic grandparents. You can check prices and book your stay HERE.
This is your chance to stay in a cozy, comfortable, and immaculately designed inn right on Main Street and explore the lovely nautical town of Chatham yourself!
The shops and restaurants are only a short walk or a 2-4 minute bike ride away, yet the inn itself is conveniently located in a quieter part of Main Street, providing everyone with a serene stay.
Our trip has been amazing, and I am delighted to share some tips on what to do and where to eat in town.
Where to eat?
Wild Goose Tavern is hands down the best restaurant in Chatham, and we dined there twice. Every single dish was exceptional, and the service was incredible. On Friday night, we also enjoyed some live music there, which made the experience even more enjoyable!
Fish market
If you love fresh seafood, Cape Cod is the place to be. It's famous for its lobsters, clam chowder, a variety of grilled fish, clams, mussels, oysters, and much more. Not only can you savor the freshest seafood here, but you can also watch fishermen sorting their catch and feeding some leftovers to cheerful (and perpetually hungry) seals, who look like sea puppies bobbing in and out of the water.
Chatham Square
A local favorite and the heart of Chatham's social scene, Chatham Square restaurant is a great place to grab a quick casual lunch on the Main Street. As the sun sets, Chatham Square restaurant transforms into a vibrant hotspot, attracting the young and lively crowd in town.
What to see?
Explore the quaint boutiques and art galleries lining Main Street. I never leave charming American vacation spots without a souvenir sweatshirt and some other little memento (an ornament or perhaps a book on the town’s history!)
My favorite store in Chatham is Yankee Ingenuity, which had one of the most unique and interesting gifts selection I have seen in a while! My mom and I left with a bag filled with jewelry and trinkets for our friends and ourselves.
No trip to Chatham is complete without a visit to the iconic Chatham Lighthouse Beach. Stroll along the sandy shores, feel the gentle sea breeze, and bask in the picturesque views of the lighthouse standing tall against the blue horizon. It's the perfect spot for a relaxing beach day or a memorable sunset picnic with your loved ones.
Check out my Instagram and immerse yourself in the picturesque moments of my Chatham escapade, on feed and in the "Cape Cod” Stories Highlight. Witness the enchanting opening of the Greyfinch Inn and experience the essence of New England's effortlessly chic style.
Get ready for some fabulous summer-to-early fall fashion inspiration soon, complete with links to recreate that charming, slightly waspy allure.
And that's not all! Stay tuned for more exciting adventures and insightful hotel reviews as I gear up for my upcoming trip to Rhode Island in August. The journey continues, and there's so much more to explore and share!
Love,
Ulia
P.S. You should stay at Greyfinch Inn on Cape Cod if you like:
New England style, JFK & Jackie, sailing, seafood, cozy little towns, Summer I turned Pretty, pretty seashells, Nicholas Sparks novels
