Travel

Newport, Rhode Island: Style

Newport, Rhode Island: There’s something hopelessly romantic about certain bygone eras.

F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of The Great Gatsby, chronicled The Gilded Age, an era that exemplified a design style that was, to say the least, opulent.  Newport, R.I. is one of those places where we get to see a glimpse of those bygone eras and the rarefied lives of those with names like Vanderbilt. Newport, R.I., was, after all, the place where John F. Kennedy wed Jacqueline Bouvier. Ah, Camelot.

Modern day Newport Style is a polished brand of casual chic. The colors of sea and sky, natural fibers and perfectly imperfect finishes all combine to create a look that is always right. On Madison has put together our Newport scrapbook that will have you packing your Top Siders. Find links to all the images on our Pinterest board, Madison Modern Blog.

Newport, Rhode Island

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Boston Style: Art, Design and Shopping

The art and shopping scene in Boston isn’t nearly on the scale of its east coast cousin New York, but you can still get your design and shopping fix. Boston is a walking city with neighborhoods that each have a distinctive flavor. So get on those walking shoes and you’re sure to discover something cool.

Boylston Street: This street meanders through some of the best and most high end shopping in Boston. But much to my delight it also hosts the Copley Square Farmer’s Market at the corner of Boylston and Dartmouth every Tuesday and Friday from 11 to 6. The vegetable displays are natural works of art.

Bountiful produce at the Copley Farmer’s Market.

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Boston Museum of Fine Arts: This is the 4th largest museum in the United States and well worth a visit. In addition to permanent American and European art exhibits, including a large selection of works by Monet, the current exhibit on Tech Style illustrates the synergy between technology and fashion and how people are interacting with fashion.

“Breathing Flower” by Choi Jeong Hwa.

Boston Museum of Fine Arts

Bicycle sculpture by Ai Wei Wei.

Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Ai Wei Wei

Wall sculpture in Red by Anish Kapoor.

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Dress by Issey Miyake.

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Dress by Alexander McQueen.

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Blown mirrored glass, mirrors, metal, wood and electric lighting by Josiah McElheny.

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Beacon Hill: Charm oozes out of every pore of this Boston neighborhood. Check out the antique stores and clothing shops and then stop for a bite at Tatte. I’m loving the antique hardware at Period Hardware.

Beautiful pastries on display at Tatte.

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Antique hardware found at Period Furniture Hardware Co.

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Beacon Hill streetscape.

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Boston Style

I confess to having never been to Boston before. I’m not sure what took me so long to visit, but I find myself here accompanying my rising high school senior son as he checks out Boston area colleges and universities. Much to my surprise, Boston manages to combine New England charm with downright sophistication. Of course high on my priority list are accommodations and eating, so here are some of my picks where you are sure to get a dose of Boston style.

The Eliot Hotel

The Eliot Hotel Boston

Built in 1925, this chic grand dame manages to fulfill my fantasy of what an old line Boston hotel should be. Gracious, elegant and proper Hotel Eliot is conveniently located near the Back Bay area and the tony restaurants and shops of Newbery Street. Did I mention it is next door to the Harvard Club? You can’t get more Boston than that. Photo via the Eliot Hotel website.

Uni

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Top Chef star Ken Oringer of Clio, Toro and a slew of other red-hot restaurants opened this gem on the first floor of the Hotel Eliot. A modern take on Asian cuisine, the menu is comprised of small plates and the freshest sushi and sashimi. Try the Berkshire pork belly steamed buns and Korean beef bulgolgi tostadas. They are so good they are addicting. I should know; I ate there two nights in a row. Photo via the Uni restaurant website.

Island Creek Oyster Bar

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I don’t think it’s possible to visit Boston without consuming seafood. Bostonians love their raw bars and Island Creek is serving up some of the freshest seafood around. Their selection of oysters is amazing and the lobster roll is to die for. Photo via http://www.wearedesignbureau.com.

The Capital Grille

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Who doesn’t love a martini and a perfectly cooked steak? Well, count me in. Capital Grille serves up a classic menu of seafood, steaks and sides all in a dark, clubby like atmosphere that just screams blue-blood! Try the crab cakes and the Kona coffee rubbed filet. Photo via Pinterest.

Mamma Maria’s

Mamma Maria's, Boston's Little Italy

Tucked away on a cobblestone side street in the North End, Mamma Maria’s serves Italian food not like your mama used to make, unless, of course, your mama made homemade pappardelle with braised rabbit, crispy pancetta and rosemary. Photo by On Madison.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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