Here’s where our editors are vacationing this season.
Savannah, GA
Every year I head to Savannah for a few weeks with my twin boys to visit family. We spend most of our time at the pool and beach, but also take in a few cultural days in the historic district. Forsyth Park is Savannah’s version of Central Park (occupying 30 acres in the heart of downtown) and is full of beautiful oak trees with Spanish moss. It’s fun to grab a cocktail at Mansion on Forsyth Park, one of the city’s most iconic hotels. I also always visit my favorite restaurant, Elizabeth on 37th, stop by the Telfair museums and check out Alex Raskin for antiques. —Stephanie Horton, Home Editor
Saratoga Springs, NY
Every summer I go to Saratoga Springs, NY, for a long weekend. I highly recommend staying at the Grand Pavilion hotel located just off Broadway, which is walking distance from shopping name brand stores or unique boutiques as well as popular restaurant and bars. Hattie’s is well-known for its fried chicken. Another restaurant that I love is Prime at Saratoga National for a perfectly-cooked steak. It’s located at the renowned Saratoga National Golf Club. And of course, let’s not forget my absolute favorite part of Saratoga…the Saratoga Race Course! Whether you are watching the races in the picnic table area or from the grandstand, every view is outstanding. If you don’t bring a large-brimmed hat or fascinator, don’t worry—there are plenty of on-site shops where you can purchase your very own. —Sherri Carpentieri, Associate Art Director
Chicago, IL
I travel back to Chicago each summer with my kids to visit my extended family. There’s nothing better than hitting the beach on Lake Michigan, going to the world-famous “bean” in Millennium Park and taking the kids to a Cubs game. The city is world-renowned for its architecture, so taking an architectural boat tour is a surefire way to keep the kids entertained while still learning something new. We take full advantage of the city every time we go, by taking in the marine life at the Shedd Aquarium, eating lunch and enjoying the water views at Navy Pier, and checking out the animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo. We stay at the Palmer House Hilton, located in the heart of Downtown Chicago. This historic property, which dates back to 1871, the nation’s longest continually operating hotel. Insider tip: Start your day with breakfast in the farm-to-table Lockwood Restaurant located on the property. –Judy Koutsky, Deputy Editor
Water Mill, NY
For the last 15 years my family has headed to Water Mill, NY—in the Hamptons—for the summer. We spend our time at the beach, biking to farm stands, having beach bonfires with friends and enjoying long, lazy days by the pool. Besides the miles of gorgeous beach, we take visitors for scenic hikes at the Walking Dunes in Amagansett and the Montauk Cliffs. The White Fences Inn is a brand-new luxurious bed and breakfast in Water Mill. For a full-scale resort try Baron’s Cove in Sag Harbor. Sushi Zuki in Water Mill has
the best sushi in the Hamptons. We also love Tutto Il Giorno in Southampton for its chic ambiance and amazing Italian food. The best organic produce can be found at Green Thumb Organic farmers market, farmed by the same family since the mid-1600s. We leave with our baskets filled with tomatoes, corn and homemade pies. —Holly Parmelee, Features Editor
Courmayeur, Italy
The best place to visit in the summer in my opinion is Courmayeur, an Alpine resort town in northwest Italy, at the foot of Mont Blanc. We have been going as a family since before I was born. Courmayeur is a popular winter destination where people head to downhill, cross country ski and ice climb. However, in the summer there are plenty of trails for light trekking to serious mountain hiking and everything in between, and you can ride Skyway Monte Bianco cable car, which offers stunning views of peaks like the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa. The heart of the village is the pedestrian-only Via Roma, lined with fashion boutiques, enticing bars and restaurants, as well as delicatessens, and antique and housewares shops. Steep and narrow cobbled alleyways lead off on either side. The best new five-star hotel in town is the Grand Hotel Courmayeur. For superb outdooring dining with local specialties, head to Ristorante Mont Frety. —Francesca Pacchini, Deputy Art Director
Cold Springs, MN
Every summer we head to central Minnesota to visit my in-laws, and for East Coasters looking for an authentic Midwest summer lake experience, I don’t think it can get much more beautiful or welcoming. We spend the majority of our time relaxing on Schneider Lake in Cold Spring (population: just over 4,000), the small town where my husband grew up. Our favorite breakfast items are my mother-in-law’s homemade caramel rolls, but the version from Cold Spring Bakery (founded in 1946) comes in a close second. After spending time fishing and boating, we might head to the Cold Spring Brewery for an al fresco tasting flight of locally brewed beers. If we’re staying more than a few days, we usually head to Ottertail Lake a few hours north and rent a cabin (find yours on vrbo.com), which is popular with tourists throughout Minnesota and beyond, for the top-notch Walleye fishing and quaint atmosphere. If you make it there, stop at Zorbaz on the Lake, a popular pizza joint that you can pull your boat right up to. Regulars order the Mexican Pizza, a hearty Italian/South of the Border hybrid that pairs well with their generously poured margarita. —Amy Levin-Epstein Weber, Executive Editor
Stonington, CT
The town of Stonington, CT, has long been a special place for my family. Five generations have called it home, or their home away from home when the summer months in the city were too hot to bear. No summer visit is complete without a sunset drink on the docks at the Dog Watch Cafe. Though the borough of Stonington is quite small, its proximity to Mystic, CT, Watch Hill, RI, and Fisher’s Island, NY, make it feel even bigger with something to do for everyone. If you aren’t going to spend the day on the water or beach, you can go back in time at the Mystic Seaport and see what life was like when this whaling town was first being built. Explore life in the ocean at the Mystic Aquarium (my favorite has always been the sea lions!) A visit to Mystic is not complete without a stop at the award-winning Oyster Club for the latest creations by Executive Chef James Wayman. Head east for more fun in Watch Hill. Stay at the Watch Hill Inn—request the new Lilly Pulitzer Room for a special treat. As a guest, you’ll get access to the private hotel beaches at their partner hotels as well: The Weekapaug Inn and Ocean House. While you’re there you cannot miss a stop to St. Clair Annex for the delicious home-made ice cream (my favorite is the peppermint stick). —Lisa Meipala Kennedy, Editorial Director
