Sag Harbor, located north of East Hampton, has long been one of Karen's two favorite south shore locations. Sag Harbor was a thriving village during the days of the Crown prior to 1776. Briefly a port of entry for the state of New York, the James Howell Inn stood at the site of today's American Hotel. Dating from 1846, it was a welcome reprieve during the whaling industry boom. Today there are 8 well appointed double rooms with Frette sheets and a delightful sitting and dining room where you can share one of its 17,000 bottles of wine. The outdoor porch is the perfect Main Steet view.
Sag Harbor is located north of East Hampton on Gardiners Bay, is a bit off the beaten path and long been a low key location. Historical buildings, superb hardware, home furnishing, mid century furniture, a five-and-dime store; this feels like a true village, albeit well curated.
Their is a public marina that abuts one of the town's two private marinas that are on both sides of the town's well known Long Whatf built in 1780.. A windmill is located at its base as well as a wonderful ice cream store. The small marina office belies its resident ships which covers the gamut from small 20 foot run-abouts to those sporting toys and alternate means of transport - note the Mini Cooper. There is a local laundromat, bagel store, IGA and organic grocery stores for provisioning. A number of excellent restaurants can be found within easy walking distance. Dopo, Lulu, Muse and Page are favorites. Bay Street Theatre, numerous music, film and an excellent book store all speak to the villages cuktural focus. Sag has been discovered so find your way here quickly!
Go just a few miles north through North Haven and the Shelter Island ferry will take you partly across Gardiner Bay, closer to Long Island's north fork. Locals have rejected suggestions for a causeway, preferring the ferry that can take as many as four cars, a few bicycles and a handful of walk ons. The cedar shingle homes are passed down from generation to generation. There are only a handful of Inns. Try coming out of season with a heavy sweater for a magical experience.
Less than 15 miles away from both Montauk Long Island and Rhode Island, is the ever charming Block Island, named after the Dutch explorer Adriaen Block. 40% of the island's 10-square miles is conservation land. A little over 1,000 people live on the remaining acerage. Take a one hour ferry from Montauk Long Island, New London CT or Newport RI. If you reserve a spot on Blue Chip, we will be grabbing a mooring or anchoring in its incredibly protected harbor. But captain Steve might tell you it's the delivery of fresh baked goods each morning that is the harbor' best attribute.
Block Island to Menemsha on Martha's Vineyard southwest coast is a mere 25 nautical miles. MV has several towns, each with their own distinct persona. Menemsha is a working harbor and perfect if you looking for a low key escape.
Blue Chip stands out at this modest marina. A long sandy beach is worth a stroll and the sunsets can be spectacular.
Wander the surrounding village for fresh seafood. A small ferry takes you across the harbor for secluded bike riding.
Artists from the early 1900's would find Menemsha not much changed.
Current artists continue to find inspiration here. So take the ferry from Woods Hole or New Bedford, MA. But when you arrive at Vineyard Haven make your way west and explore the farming and fishing on the island's west coast.
Onset is located at Buzzards Bay. This large protected harbor is located just to the west of the Cape Cod Canal. Guess this means it's time to head home, but look at that sunset! Maybe we should give Boston a second thought.
The 7 mile long Cape Cod Canal was completed in 1914 as part of the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway to cut through Cape Cod by joining Bourne, the location of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, with Scusset Massachusetts. Bourne and Sagamore bridges allow boat clearance of 135 feet. A parallel bike path provides wonderful views as boats make there way through cruising at a maximum of 10 mikes per hour.
Situate provides one last night of anchoring out - aka "swinging on the hook" - before facing life on land and a new school year. Besides beautiful light, a harbor launch runs until 11, if you care for a bite at the local yacht club. Hmmm, maybe we should consider just one more night!
Ah, but here we are, home at Boston's Constitution Marina. She is still as comfortable as when she arrived 14 years ago. It's been a good year of cruising. Please do let us know if you'd like to join us next year. You never know where you might end up.
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