Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/555971
photography courtesy of castle hill inn (castle hill); by george KasotaKis (atlantic) DG: There are a few different ways to do Nantucket— hyperwealthy, trustafarian, healthy-happy, drunken sailor, and so on. When you pull all those characters into a small island and the goal is fun, it's entertaining. Very entertaining. TB: For what to wear, pull out the clothes that you bought last year on the island. That's the only place you will ever be able to wear them! DG: Great places to stay are the White Elephant if you like to be in town, The Wauwinet (120 Wauwinet Road, 508-228-0145; wauwinet.com) if you only like to stay on the beach. TB: I like the White A view of the cove from the Castle Hill Inn in Newport. right: Atlantic Fish & ChopHouse on Martha's Vineyard has waterside seating and a wide selection of beer. Elephant Village Residences & Inn (19 N. Water St., 508-228-1500; whiteelephantvillage.com). The pool is fantastic and only offered to guests at the Village. The BoaThouse, MarTha's Vineyard 16 Field Club Lane, 508-627- 3535; boathousemv.com DG: The Vineyard is big, with lots of personality and options. "Island eclectic" is the vibe. It's a bit more gritty than the Cape and Nantucket. Farmers, hippies, and beach bums seem to hold sway on the style. TB: People are here to disappear and relax, not see and be seen. DG: I like to eat in Menemsha, and not because I've watched Jaws over 230,000 times. I just like to eat fish right next to the boats that pulled them in. And the wind and salt air coming off of Buzzards Bay are really great. TB: I love the Atlantic Fish & ChopHouse (2 Main St., 508-627-7001; atlantic mv.com); the beer selection is top-notch. There is a great Mexican restaurant in Oak Bluffs, Sharky's Cantina (31 Circuit Ave., 508-693- 7501; sharkyscantina.com). DG: I usually stay at the Winnetu Oceaside Resort (31 Dunes Road, 508-310- 1733; winnetu.com) when the family wants a real getaway. TB: For me, it's the Harbor View Hotel (131 N. Water St., 508-627-7000; harbor- view.com), right in Edgartown. CasTle hill inn, newporT 590 Ocean Dr., 888-466- 1355; castlehillinn.com DG: They have put some- thing in the water in Newport that makes people lose their mind a little. Everything gets tuned up a notch in Newport. I might start wearing a helmet and pads when I go there. TB: Newport is a huge party town—get ready. Boating gives you even more options to bar hop, cocktail cruise, and bar hop again. The nice thing about Rhode Island is that if you get tired of the party scene in Newport, it's a quick hop over to Jamestown for a more relaxed beachy vibe. DG: Castle Hill, Castle Hill, and Castle Hill are my favorite three restaurants. Tea in the tea room, dinner in the dining room (off- season—go in the winter, it's cool), and a three-hour lunch on the terrace is just long enough. It's a great place to stay, too. TB: Agreed. I also really love the Clarke Cooke House (26 Bannister's Wharf, 401-849-2900; bannisters newport.com). It's a bit of a tourist destination at times, but with a great location at the center of Newport. The seafood is a can't-miss. DG: Newport has the whole nautical-sporty-chic style nailed. Yes, waterproof vests under a sport coat are perfectly acceptable at a dinner party. Visors and sundresses—check, all good. TB: Dress in offshore-sailing gear or walk around half-naked. There is really not a whole lot in between. DG: Snorkeling at Mackerel Cove is a blast. Circle Aquidneck Island and have lunch halfway round at the Boat House (227 Schooner Dr., Tiverton, RI, 401-624- 6300; boathousetiverton.com) for great chowder and fish. TB: Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame (194 Bellevue Ave., Newport, RI, 401-849-3990; tennis fame.com). Or check out Jamestown for shopping and dining. Head up to Narragansett Bay for endless boating opportunities. BC bostoncommon-magazine.com 123