A Local’s Guide to Newport

With its Gilded Age mansions, centuries-old sailing culture, and historic charm, there are few better places to spend a summer weekend than Newport, Rhode Island. And with Tradewind Aviation now offering up to seven regularly scheduled shuttle flights between Westchester, New York and Newport State Airport per weekend, this famed coastal getaway feels closer than ever before.

Newport travel guides often focus on the destination’s best-known attractions—The Breakers, Cliff Walk, The White Horse Tavern, among others—but for those who have already seen the greatest hits and are looking for something more off-the-beaten-path, this local’s guide to Newport will help visitors avoid groups of tourists and immerse themselves in everything Newport has to offer.

Though summer can be crowded, the weather in Newport is reliably pleasant, and sticking to local hangouts versus tourist attractions will help you avoid the crowds. As for where to stay, Newport is home to many fine luxury hotels, but three stand above the rest: The Chanler at Cliff Walk offers just 20 guest rooms and a location that’s slightly removed from the bustle of downtown. Meanwhile, The Vanderbilt, part of Auberge Resorts Collection, is a former Vanderbilt mansion that’s been painstakingly transformed into downtown’s most polished hotel. For something newer—but no less charming—The Brenton Hotel debuted in summer 2020 as Newport’s newest luxury boutique hotel. Its modern coastal design and location on Long Wharf made it an instant classic.

Once you’ve settled in, here’s what to do during your Newport trip to feel like a true local.

Sip a drink at Empire Tea and Coffee

Beloved local hangout Empire Tea and Coffee has two convenient locations, and both are the ideal spot to start your day with a refreshing beverage. Its flagship location is on Bellevue Avenue near the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and it also has a second outpost in the historic district on Broadway. You’ll be sure to spot regulars who make a pit stop at the shop every morning.

Start your day with breakfast at Belle’s Cafe

This casual breakfast and lunch restaurant is tucked away from the crowds in Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard. It bills itself as one of Newport’s “best kept secrets,” and its menu of crowd-pleasing favorites such as the Texas-style French toast and Cubano panini keeps locals coming back.

Tour Rough Point Museum

The Preservation Society of Newport County operates tours of many of the town’s most famous mansions, including The Breakers, The Elms, and Rosecliff. All are worth seeing at some point, but for a more unique tour, opt to visit tobacco heiress Doris Duke’s Rough Point, which is operated by the Newport Restoration Foundation. Locals say it has a different vibe than any of the other mansions, and it’s the only one that still displays the art and decor the owner chose when they lived there.

Spend a day at Gooseberry Beach

Newport’s most famous beaches are simply known as First, Second, and Third Beach, but locals know Gooseberry Beach is a hidden gem that’s perfect for a day spent in the sun. Its sheltered location on a cove means the water is relatively calm, making it perfect for families with young children.

Cool off with Del’s Lemonade

One of Rhode Island’s most famous exports, the frozen lemonade served at Del’s is a classic for a reason. Del’s pushcarts and signature green umbrellas can be found all over town, and it’s the perfect treat for cooling off on a hot summer day.

Catch a match at the International Tennis Hall of Fame

The International Tennis Hall of Fame museum is a can’t-miss for tennis fans, and its pristine grass courts will impress players and spectators alike. Those who are visiting July 10-17 should make an effort to secure tickets to the Infosys Hall of Fame Open. The open offers an intimate venue to see some fan favorite tennis players compete under the summer sun.

Take in ocean views at Norman Bird Sanctuary

Cliff Walk offers visitors stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and waterfront mansions, but it quickly grows crowded during peak summer months. Instead, opt to drive outside of town to Norman Bird Sanctuary, which has more than 300 acres and seven miles of hiking trails. The serene environment offers some of the region’s finest ocean views, yet is still one of Newport’s best-kept secrets.

Walk to dinner on Broadway

Thames Street near the wharf is Newport’s classic bustling thoroughfare, and many of the town’s beloved seafood haunts are found in the same few-block radius. But locals typically opt for dinner on Broadway, where there are fewer crowds (and shorter waits for tables). The Fifth Element has an eclectic menu of American classics with a twist, and locals go to Caleb & Broad for the cocktails but stay for the ever-changing menu.

Check out a film set

Classic movies like the 1974 version of The Great Gatsby, Lolita, 27 Dresses, and Moonrise Kingdom all shot scenes in Newport, and the destination’s reputation as a filming location continues to this day—the popular HBO Max series The Gilded Age is filming in Newport this summer (and looking for extras!) and Hocus Pocus 2 was shot there last fall. It’s not unusual to see film crews while walking around town in Newport. Keep an eye on The Newport Daily News website and social media for updates on filming, and you just might spot one of your favorite actors dressed in a period costume.

Newport offers a quintessential seaside getaway for visitors from around the world, but with this list of suggestions, you’ll live like a true local.

To learn more about flying to Newport and booking your vacation, please visit our website. To receive a private charter quote, please submit an inquiry here or contact our specialists at charter@flytradewind.com or 1-800-376-7922.

3 Reasons to Choose the Goodspeed Charter Card Program

As business travel returns, football season reaches a fever pitch, and the holidays approach, you might be considering alternatives to crowded airports and congested roadways as you plan fall and winter travel. If that’s the case, there’s no better time to explore Tradewind Aviation’s Goodspeed Card charter program.

Designed to offer significant savings and a simple pricing structure, the Goodspeed Card provides clients with access to Tradewind’s fleet of Pilatus PC-12 aircraft in two regional hubs—the Northeast U.S. and Caribbean.

If you're in the market for a charter card program, read on for three reasons to choose Tradewind’s Goodspeed Card.

1. Simplicity

The key benefit of Tradewind’s Goodspeed Charter Card is its inherent simplicity. Say goodbye to initiation and annual membership fees, as well as costly repositioning fees. With Tradewind, you only pay for the time you use.

Regardless of where your flight originates and terminates, as long as it’s within 300 nautical miles of one of Tradewind’s hubs in Westchester, New York (HPN) or San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU), you’ll pay the same fixed rate depending on the number of hours you purchase. The hourly rates are $4,100 for the Goodspeed 10-hour card, $3,950 for the Goodspeed 25-hour card, and $3,800 for the Goodspeed 40-hour card. Flying for a business meeting or a quick overnight trip? Day trips are discounted by an additional 30%, and single-night trips are discounted by 20%.

Unlike other programs, the Goodspeed Card allows cancellations up to 24 hours before departure with no penalty. Each member is locked in for a one-year contract, but should the program not work for you, you’ll have 30 days to cancel for a full refund.

2. Consistency

The second major benefit of the Goodspeed Card is consistency. Each time you arrive at the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) for a flight, a comfortable and reliable Tradewind-operated Pilatus PC-12 will be waiting for you, ready to easily accommodate up to eight passengers. Each FBO will also offer plush surroundings for pre-flight relaxation and an efficient security experience.

Aircraft are available on a first come, first serve basis, but unlike users of comparable charter programs who often have to deal with the headache of blackout dates and peak day surcharges, Goodspeed Card members will rest assured that their hourly cost remains the same no matter the date—or holiday.

3. Access

Beyond its safety ratings, the Pilatus PC-12 is the ideal aircraft to access the Northeast and Caribbean’s most exclusive airstrips. Its short-field performance means it can easily access Montauk, Fishers Island, Provincetown, St. Barths, and many more destinations. In fact, the Pilatus serves 1,023 U.S. airports in the Northeast. Whereas the King Air 350 serves just 295 airports in that same region.

Of course, Tradewind understands its Goodspeed Card members will likely be interested in the occasional longer-range journey. In those cases, members will have access to exclusive charter discounts on the light jet Citation CJ3. With seating for six passengers, the Citation CJ3 has a range of 1,875 miles and 45,000 feet cruising altitude. Additionally, Goodspeed Card members receive exclusive discounts on Tradewind’s scheduled service routes in the Northeast and Caribbean.

With its simple-to-understand pricing structure and unparalleled consistency and access, Tradewind’s Goodspeed Card is the ideal charter program for discerning travelers. For more information, please contact Tradewind’s charter specialists at 800-376-7922 option 2 or charter@flytradewind.com.

The Best Places to Experience Fall Foliage in the Northeast in 2021

As thermostats dip to comfortable autumn temperatures and nostalgic scents of bonfires fill the air, there’s no better time than the turn of the season to embark on a colorful fall getaway. The Northeast, with its charming small towns and stunning autumn colors, boasts the best places for fall foliage.

Tradewind Aviation offers private charters to vacation spots across the region, bringing you directly to your destination and leaving you more time to relax and make memories with your loved ones. So, grab your coziest sweaters and scarves and get ready for a weekend of fall adventure at one of these three leaf peeping destinations for 2021.

Woodstock, Vermont

Photo courtesy Woodstock Inn & Resort.

Though not as famous as its New York counterpart, Woodstock, Vermont is a storybook small town and one of the best places for fall foliage. As the weather cools, the town comes alive with brilliant red, orange, and yellow hues.

Families should reserve a stay at Woodstock Inn & Resort, a historic property established as an inn by Laurance and Mary Rockefeller. This classic hideaway is the town’s crown jewel and an easy walk to downtown Woodstock’s shops and restaurants. Nearby, couples can reserve their stay at Twin Farms, the storied all-inclusive Relais & Châteaux resort known for its culinary program (it’s adults-only).

For meals, the can’t-miss Mangalitsa is an intimate dinner spot hyper-focused on foods produced locally, and Worthy Kitchen’s burgers and craft beer menu make this casual, locally beloved joint a perfect lunch stop. Guests visiting the Woodstock Inn in September should not miss the Red Barn Dinner Series, a dinner-party style farm-to-table experience held in the hotel’s culinary studio on Thursdays and Sundays throughout the month.

Activities abound in Woodstock during the fall months. Hikers will enjoy summiting Mount Peg, Mount Tom, and the Suicide Six Ski Area for expansive views of the area’s foliage. Or, take in the leaves from the area’s rivers and streams with a private fly-fishing excursion. Should your visit fall over the weekend of October 9-10, head to Billings Farm & Museum for its annual Harvest Celebration, which features 19th century autumn activities such as cider-pressing, bean-shelling, and barn-dancing.

Skip the traditional souvenirs and instead make a stop at Farmhouse Pottery on your way out of town to pick out some locally made ceramic homegoods to commemorate your trip.

Recommended airport: Lebanon, New Hampshire (LEB/KLEB)

Lexington, Massachusetts

The Culinary Garden at Inn at Hastings Park. Photo Courtesy Chip Riegel Photography.

 Where better to take in a beautiful Northeast fall than in the birthplace of the American Revolution? Just 15 miles outside Boston, historic and walkable Lexington, Massachusetts is an ideal spot for a weekend of leaf peeping and learning.

The luxurious and charming Inn at Hastings Park is just a five-minute walk from Lexington Common, the battle green where the first shot of the Revolutionary War was fired, and it should be your home base for a weekend of historic exploration. Owner Trisha Pérez Kennealy’s first foray into hospitality, the Inn comprises 22 rooms and suites across three historic buildings. Book a stay in one of the Barn Suites for patriotic yet tasteful red, white, and blue decor. A Relais & Châteaux property, the Inn’s culinary offerings are not to be missed. Town Meeting Bistro offers lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, and if you happen to be traveling to the Inn when one of its popular Farm + Vine dinners is happening, be sure to reserve a seat.

Lexington’s walkable town center is awash with color during the fall, but to truly take in the foliage, plan to spend an afternoon driving from Lexington to Concord, Massachusetts. Along the way, stop at historic sites such as the spot where Paul Revere was captured by British forces after his famous midnight ride. Closer to Concord, bibliophiles will enjoy a visit to Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, where she wrote and set Little Women. Break for lunch at Main Streets Market & Cafe in historic downtown Concord (try the clam chowder or house ale mac and cheese).

Post-lunch, continue the literary tour with a stop at Walden Pond, the famed stomping grounds of Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Though the pond and surrounding forests are beautiful year-round, they’re particularly breathtaking when fall foliage is out in full force.

Recommended airport: Bedford, Massachusetts (BED/KBED)

Kennebunkport, Maine

The early fall foliage begins to peak through in Maine. Photo courtesy Cliff House Maine.

Maine’s seacoast has historically been most popular in the summer, but autumn is just as beautiful — and often less crowded, making it one of the best places for fall foliage. The turning of the colors typically peaks around mid-October, but the majority of the fall season brings fiery hues that contrast perfectly with the blue sky and ocean. Most businesses stay open through the end of October before taking a winter break.

The charming towns of Maine’s southern coast are all close enough to each other to explore in one long weekend. Cliff House Maine near artsy Ogunquit is perfect for families and group getaways. Set on 70 acres of coastline overlooking the Atlantic, the 226-room resort has plenty of walking trails and activities to keep little ones occupied. For couples, the secluded and romantic cottages at Hidden Pond are the perfect setting for a fall retreat. Even those not staying at the hotel will want to make a special trip to Earth at Hidden Pond, its “farm-to-fork” eatery, for coastal Maine seasonal specialties.

A colorful spread at Earth, a farm-to-fork eatery in Maine. Photo courtesy Hidden Pond.

In Ogunquit, strolling down Marginal Way is the perfect way to take in the foliage and water views. Enter the trail in town, then take it all the way down to Perkins Cove for lunch at Footbridge Lobster, which serves what’s arguably the best lobster roll in town. Nearby Barnacle Billy’s is the perfect happy hour spot (try the rum punch). For entertainment, don’t miss the world premiere of Mystic Pizza on stage at Ogunquit Playhouse in September or Young Frankenstein in October.

Be sure to leave time to explore the villages of Kennebunkport and Kennebunk: Popping into the shops in each town could easily occupy a few hours of your day. If the weather is nice enough to get on the water, consider renting a kayak or canoe or booking a sail on a schooner to explore the area by sea.

Finally, fall festivals are popular in the area: Make sure to stop by York Harvestfest on October 16th and OgunquitFest during October 22-24 for harvest- and fall-themed activities and vendors should your visit coincide with either event.

Recommended airport: Sanford, Maine (SFM) or Portland, Maine (PWM/KPWM)

To learn more about Tradewind’s private charter flights across the Northeast and booking your vacation, please visit our website. To receive a private charter quote, please complete our charter request form or contact our specialists at charter@flytradewind.com or 1-800-376-7922. To learn more about Tradewind’s comprehensive safety plan, please visit our COVID-19 Response page. For the latest travel updates, please visit our Travel Advisory page.

A Weekend of Wine Tasting in the Finger Lakes

Few places in the United States have the same kind of timeless charm as the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, because few areas have existed as long. A series of glacial lakes formed more than two million years ago, and today these 11 iconic bodies of water continue to beckon vacationers from around the country.

Although boating and water sports have always been popular in the summer, the Finger Lakes’ reputation as a wine-producing region now draws visitors into the fall. Many of the region’s 11,000 acres of vineyards are situated on hilltops overlooking the lakes, and the topography is comparable to Germany’s Rhine River valley — part of the reason Riesling is among the most popular varietals produced in the Finger Lakes.

Photo courtesy Heart and Hands Wine Company, located on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake.

Although it’s New York state’s largest wine-growing area, the Finger Lakes region is also home to a growing number of craft breweries and cideries. Produce stands and dairy farms abound, providing fruits, vegetables, and cheeses for the region’s fine farm-to-table restaurants as well.

A quick Tradewind Aviation charter flight from New York, Connecticut, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, and more cities will bring you to the heart of the Finger Lakes for a weekend of fall foliage, outdoor activities, fine dining and, of course, wine tasting.

Ensure that you have safe ground transportation on your wine tasting tour by hiring a driving service. The Finger Lakes area is rural, so ride sharing apps like Uber and Lyft aren’t reliable. This great transportation list highlights an array of options depending on your budget, whether you wish to ride in a limousine, coach, or car.  

FRIDAY

Photo courtesy Lake House Canandaigua. An exterior shot of their charming, historic property with 125 guest rooms and suites.

3 p.m. Fly directly into Canandaigua Airport to save yourself the hour-long drive from Rochester. Your home base for the first half of your trip, The Lake House Canandaigua, is just a 10-minute drive away. Members of the region’s prominent Sands family, founders of the Canandaigua Wine Company (now Constellation Brands), opened the hotel in August 2020 after an extensive renovation to an existing lakefront motor lodge. The majority of the hotel’s 124 rooms boast views of Canandaigua Lake, and the balconies and living areas in the main building’s lakeside suites provide extra room for admiring the vistas.

6 p.m. Settle into your room, then it’s out for a walk to explore the Lake House’s kitchen garden and outdoor sculpture collection. Head to the property’s iconic Sand Bar, which has been operating since 1994, for a pre-dinner drink. Watch sailors and boaters dock for the day as you sit under the shade of an umbrella and sip a fresh cocktail. Enjoy dinner on property at Rose Tavern, the Lake House’s rustic New American eatery. Menu highlights include local beef tartar, farmstead cheese and charcuterie board with local honey, and the Hudson Valley duck breast entrée. Though the wine list has options for lovers of French or Italian vintages, take advantage of the extensive selection of New York bottles to get a taste of what’s to come. Adventurous drinkers might enjoy Barry Family Cellars Leon Millot “Pet Gnat,” a dry Lambrusco.

SATURDAY

9 a.m. A full day of wine-tasting requires a hearty breakfast. Head to Main Street in Canandaigua’s historic district for crêpes, breakfast tacos, or biscuits with wild berry compote at Simply Crêpes. Explore the stretch of shops and restaurants before starting the day’s main activity: Beer and wine tasting.

12 p.m. Beer enthusiasts won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit acclaimed craft brewery Other Half’s outpost in Bloomfield, just a 10-minute drive from the Lake House. Wine-drinkers should start their loop of Canandaigua Lake with Heron Hill Winery (reservations required). Its tasting room is housed in a renovated 100-year-old barn that overlooks the vineyard’s rows of Riesling and Cabernet Franc. After a tasting, find a spot at a picnic table to relax before moving on to your next stop. Should hunger strike, Heron Hill serves wood-fired pizzas starting at 12 p.m. on Saturdays.

Flickr user: Valerie Knoblauch Canandaigua, New York, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2 p.m. A scenic drive to the southern end of Canandaigua Lake will bring you to the village of Naples, where Inspire Moore Winery has been operating since 2006 (reservations highly recommended). It’s been producing Riesling and Syrah since the start, but more recent additions to the winery’s collection include Pinot Noir and Blaufrankisch, the latter of which earned a “Best of New York State” designation.

4 p.m. End the day of tasting on a lighter note by continuing up the east side of Canandaigua Lake to Star Cider. The tasting room, which opened in 2019, has ample space to spread out both indoors and outdoors. Choose from its menu of signature ciders and seasonal specials, or sip on a cocktail such as the Seneca Orchard Mimosa.

Photo courtesy F.L.X. Table in Geneva, New York. A mouthwatering cheese and local produce plate brightens a log cutting board.

7 p.m. After a brief rest at the hotel, it’s time for dinner. Those who don’t mind a bit of a drive won’t want to miss F.L.X. Table, a tiny fine-dining restaurant in nearby Geneva. Reservations are hard to come by with just 12 seats total, but the prix fixe menu, which focuses on local ingredients wherever possible, has won national acclaim.

10 p.m. After a full day of activity, end the evening with fireside s’mores back at the Lake House.  

SUNDAY

9 a.m. Before heading to the next destination on your road trip, end your time at the Lake House with breakfast at Rose Tavern. Lobster eggs benedict, avocado toast, and warm oats with apples and maple sugar are Sunday brunch favorites.

10:30 a.m. The day’s meandering route will take you first to the town of Geneva, located on the north end of Seneca Lake. A stop at Billsboro Winery is a must: Its 19th-century restored barn tasting room sits on 28 acres overlooking the lake (reservations recommended). Opt for the wine and chocolate tasting, which pairs Billsboro’s Finger Lakes wines with bites from a local chocolatier.

12 p.m. The route to Cayuga Lake, the next stop on your trip, takes you through Seneca Falls, the birthplace of women’s rights in the U.S. and home of the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention. Break up the day with a visit to the National Women’s Hall of Fame and lunch in the historic hamlet.

2 p.m. Round the north end of Cayuga Lake and head south towards Aurora, your home for the night. But first: Heart and Hands Wine Company, one of the region’s best known and finest wine producers (reservations highly recommended). It makes just 2,000 cases of wine a year from its own Estate Vineyard and other vineyards around the region. Select a flight of Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay to enjoy in its hilltop tasting room.

The newly opened Spa at the Inns of Aurora features a beautiful, farm-inspired building and stunning views of Cayuga Lake.

3 p.m. After your tasting, drive just 10 minutes south to check into one of five historic properties that comprise the Inns of Aurora. Pleasant Rowland, alumna of Aurora’s Wells College, founder of American Girl, and owner of Aurora home brand Mackenzie-Childs, has been painstakingly restoring historic properties in the town since she purchased the circa-1833 Aurora Inn in partnership with Wells College in 2001. The afternoon would not be complete without a visit to the newly opened farm-inspired Spa at the Inns of Aurora, which sits on a hilltop above town and offers sweeping views of Cayuga Lake. Designed by Hart Howerton and opened in June, the spa offers body and skincare treatments, massage therapy, and energy work in partnership with local company Rasa Spa.

7 p.m. After a day of travel, enjoy dinner at 1833 Kitchen & Bar at the Aurora Inn, either in the cozily furnished dining room or on the patio overlooking the expansive lawn and Cayuga Lake. The Bibb lettuce salad, Faroe Island salmon, and spaghetti Bolognese are not to be missed, and the seasonal crisp is a perfect sweet finish to the meal.

MONDAY

The Taughannock Falls 215-foot waterfall in Ulysses, NY. Photo courtesy Tyler Finck.

10 a.m. After an indulgent weekend, grab a light breakfast from The Village Market before you check out of the hotel, then finish your road trip and weekend with some outdoor activity. With its 215-foot waterfall, Taughannock Falls State Park on the other side of the lake is a stunning example of the region’s famed gorges. The trail to the falls is just 1.5 miles round trip, so it’s suitable for all levels of hikers.

Finish the weekend by grabbing a quick lunch in Ithaca’s charming downtown before heading home. Options abound, but acclaimed vegetarian eatery Moosewood is a classic choice.

At the nearby Ithaca Airport, your private Tradewind Pilatus PC-12 awaits to transport you back home.

To learn more about booking your Finger Lakes vacation, please visit our website or contact our specialists at charter@flytradewind.com or at 1-800-376-7922. To receive a private charter quote, please complete our charter request form. To learn more about Tradewind’s comprehensive safety plan, please visit our COVID-19 Response page. For the latest travel updates, please visit our Travel Advisory page.

A Weekend in Martha’s Vineyard

Located just south of Cape Cod, the triangular-shaped island of Martha’s Vineyard is undeniably one of the most exclusive summer hideaways in the U.S. For such a jet-set destination, however, it also maintains a reputation for friendliness. (Case in point: Strangers tend to wave at each other on the expansive beaches, something not often seen in such upscale enclaves.) 

These unique elements make the Vineyard an especially perfect destination for a summer such as this one. Good vibes and spacious outdoor landscapes abound, and the island boasts a soothing charm that feels a world away from the crowded bustle of the Northeast’s metropolitan cities.

Sunrise over Martha’s Vineyard. Photo courtesy Harbor View Hotel.

Just short of 100 square miles and encompassing a handful of welcoming towns, the Vineyard offers a variety of vastly different “scenes.” There’s the peerless allure of Edgartown, the quietude of the interior farmland, the gingerbread cottages of Oak Bluffs, and the remote, otherworldly coastal beauty of its western villages (chief among them is Aquinnah, aka Gay Head). Adding to its idyllic ambiance, iconic New England lighthouses dot many a spit of sand.

This peaceful summer paradise is easily accessible by Tradewind Aviation’s regularly scheduled shuttle flights, private shuttles, and charter flights. For those looking for a much-needed escape, here’s how to spend a weekend in Martha’s Vineyard. Each of the establishments we’ve highlighted is ready to safely welcome guests, ensuring your getaway is relaxing and stress-free — as any Vineyard weekend should be. 

FRIDAY 

Photo courtesy Harbor View Hotel on Martha’s Vineyard.

4 p.m. Check into Harbor View Hotel, which celebrates its 130th anniversary this year and recently underwent a top-down renovation of its coastal-contemporary décor. Located less than half a mile from the center of Edgartown (a three-minute bike ride), Harbor View is the quintessential Vineyard abode. Amenities include an outdoor, heated seawater pool, as well as a new fitness center. At the hotel, the main inn is the center of the action, but families should take note of the specialty accommodations, including the one- to three-bedroom Captain’s Cottages and the 2,270-square-foot Presidential Skyhouse (boasting four beds, five baths, and spectacular views).

6:30 p.m. An Edgartown institution courtesy of Eli Levy and Jamie Zambrana, the Atlantic Fish & Chophouse is beloved for its USDA Prime steaks, whole branzino, and numerous lobster dishes, from the lobster arugula salad to the lobster ravioli with beurre blanc — and especially the crowd-pleasing black truffle lobster mac & cheese. Don’t leave without trying the decadent five-layer Valrhona chocolate cake or the French-style Nutella cheesecake. If you’re opting for take-out, enjoy it at nearby Lighthouse Beach at dusk.

SATURDAY

Edgartown Books on Martha’s Vineyard. Photo courtesy Quadri Okunga.

9 a.m. Massachusetts is blueberry country, so rise and shine and head down to Bettini, the Harbor View’s all-day restaurant, for blueberry buttermilk pancakes. After breakfast, stroll into town along North Water Street to admire the waterside homes festooned with globes of blue hydrangeas. It takes just 10 minutes to hit the town center, where you can browse contemporary art at Eisenhauer Gallery, casual wear at the iconic Black Dog, and women’s apparel and jewelry at Nell. Don’t miss the excellent indie bookstore, Edgartown Books, and be sure to grab some chocolate pecan fudge for later at Murdick’s, which has been using the same recipes since 1887.

Photo courtesy of The Black Dog in Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard.

12 p.m. Pick out a beach cruiser at Martha’s Vineyard Bike Rentals, then if you’re up for an easy, hour-long bike ride, hop on and pedal to South Beach. The Vineyard is known for its well-paved bike paths, and the ride is flat and rural. After seeing the narrow strands of sand around Edgartown, you’ll find South Beach to be a shock: Accessible over grassy dunes, the Hamptons-like beach is long and wide, with golden sands.

Grab a drink and cool off at the hotel pool at Harbor View Hotel.

5 p.m. Cool off with a refreshing dip at the hotel pool, and order up a cocktail from the Roxy pool bar. (We recommend the refreshing One in a Melon, made with vodka, watermelon, and basil.) For dinner, walk over to the casual Seafood Shanty: The local oysters from Katama Bay, the tuna roll, and the lobster quesadilla are standouts.

SUNDAY

The clay cliffs of Aquinnah on Martha’s Vineyard. Photo courtesy: Harbor View Hotel.

10 a.m. Explore more of the island by car (hint: you can borrow a Mercedes from the hotel, one of its many stylish amenities). One of the more unusual spots is the Oak Bluffs Campgrounds, where hundreds of Victorian-era cottages show off their candy colors. Then head out to far-flung parts west, to Chilmark and the clay cliffs of Aquinnah, and keep your eyes peeled for the Chilmark General Store, where you can load up on a picnic brunch of kale salads, baguette sandwiches, fresh-baked banana bread, and cinnamon rolls. 

Victorian-era cottages show off their candy colors in Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard. Photo: MVCC.

Finally, drive to Tisbury at the northern tip of the Vineyard to admire the West Chop Lighthouse, which dates from 1891 and stands 45 feet tall. It’s a wonderfully fitting way to cap off a visit to one of the Northeast’s most classic communities. 

To learn more about Tradewind’s scheduled shuttle flights, private shuttles, and private charter flights to Martha’s Vineyard and booking your vacation, please visit our website. To receive a private charter quote, please complete our charter request form or contact our specialists at charter@flytradewind.com or 1-800-376-7922. To learn more about Tradewind’s comprehensive safety plan, please visit our COVID-19 Response page. For the latest travel updates, please visit our Travel Advisory page.Edgartown Books

The Best Events This Summer in Newport

The opulence and historic charm of Newport, Rhode Island has drawn summer crowds from Boston, New York, and other East Coast cities for centuries thanks to its fresh seafood, winding cobblestone streets, and Gilded Age mansions (such as The Breakers). It’s an ideal warm-weather destination for girls’ weekends, couples’ getaways, and family trips — especially when planned around one of Newport’s many summer soirées and events.

The Breakers, one of Newport’s historic Gilded Age mansions, is open daily for tours / Photo courtesy Discover Newport

Whether you’re jetting in for a classic New England regatta or planning an indulgent getaway fit for a foodie, getting to Newport is a breeze with Tradewind Aviation’s regularly scheduled shuttle flights and private charters. Avoiding crowded airports and summer traffic means more time to take advantage of the plethora of happenings scheduled this summer and fall in Newport.

Find the perfect Newport, RI summer event to plan your trip around with this list of five can’t-miss happenings.

Newport Regatta

Newport’s rich sailing history will be on display July 10th and 11th at the annual Newport Regatta, an event that’s been held in the waters surrounding the Rhode Island coast for 37 years. The regatta was held over three weekends in 2020, but it’s back to normal this summer when Newport welcomes 11 classes of sailing yachts along with their captains and crews to town.

Newport Jazz Festival

Photo courtesy Discover Newport

Scheduled to be held July 30th through August 1st at Fort Adams State Park, the Newport Jazz Festival returns this year after a hiatus in 2020. The 2021 edition will be an intimate occasion to comply with state and local government restrictions. This year’s headliners include Wynton Marsalis, Andra Day, Robert Glasper, and many more artists, and the festival promises attendees many surprise collaborations.

Newport International Boat Show

Photo courtesy Discover Newport

One of New England’s finest and largest boat shows returns this year for its 50th edition — the Newport International Boat Show, which will be held September 16th through 19th at the Newport Yachting Center. The in-water show takes place over 14 acres of waterfront and draws hundreds of powerboats and sailboats ranging from 15 to 90 feet to Newport. Even attendees not interested in purchasing a boat will enjoy the programming and seminars designed to commemorate the Boat Show’s Golden Anniversary.

Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival

Photo courtesy Preservation Society of Newport County

With its engaging seminars, wine-pairing dinners, and focus on local and regional foods, the three-day Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival would be special even if it didn’t take place in a Gilded Age estate with breathtaking ocean views. But the fact that it’s held at Rosecliff, the mansion built by silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs at the turn of the 20th century, makes it even more spectacular. This year’s event will be held September 17th through 19th, and a full schedule of events will be released when tickets become available in early July.

Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week

Where better to discover the finest rare and vintage cars in the world than Newport, the home of motor racing in the U.S.? It was in Newport that Willie K. Vanderbilt and his friends made a sport of racing their new automobiles down Ocean Drive (much to the chagrin of their neighbors). They eventually moved their competitions to a horse racing track, where the first Vanderbilt Cup was held in 1900. This rich history will continue this fall when Newport hosts the Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week from September 30th through October 3rd. The week’s flagship event will be the Audrain Newport Concours d’Elegance, which will feature more than $1 billion worth of vintage automobiles and supercars.

To learn more about Tradewind’s scheduled shared charter flights to Newport, private charters to Newport, RI, and booking your Newport vacation, please visit our website or contact our specialists at charter@flytradewind.com or at 1-800-376-7922. To receive a private charter quote, please complete our charter request form. To learn more about Tradewind’s comprehensive safety plan, please visit our COVID-19 Response page. For the latest travel updates, please visit our Travel Advisory page.