Weekend Travels

Weekend Travels - Mayflower Grace

This weekend took me to two favorite New England destinations. For those of you considering some shorter stints this summer, my weekend travels might just yield some inspiration.

Weekend Travels - the Mayflower GraceOn Saturday, I was honored to participate in the third annual Day of Design at the Mayflower Grace, above and below, in Washington, CT. Sponsored by John-Richard with media partner New England Home, the program included four informative and entertaining panels, a lovely terrace luncheon as well as day end drinks and book signing.

Weekend Travels - Mayflower GraceAn idyllic country retreat, the Mayflower Grace is a mere two hours from New York City. A member of the distinguished Relais & Chateaux group, the boutique inn, on 58 acres with beautiful grounds and gardens,

Mayflower Shakespeare Garden includes 30 luxurious rooms, delicious dining, pool, tennis and its renowned spa, below.

Weekend Travels - Mayflower Inn spa

New executive chef Isaac Olivo served up tantalizing treats

Mayflower Grace dining

and some recent sprucing up by designer Rod Pleasants has only added to the bucolic appeal. To learn more about the hotel, stop by my first visit to the Mayflower and the Spa.

Mayflower Grace porch

mayflower grace

After a quick regrouping at home, I headed on Sunday to an all time favorite annual destination. Migis Lodge is a resort that celebrates the beauty of its natural surroundings with timeless traditions and wholesome lifestyle. Whether it’s athletic activities or a quiet day reading by the lake that floats your boat, Migis accommodates all tastes with old fashioned hospitality and service. I have documented my yearly visits, but for those new readers interesting in learning more, the beginning (ie – my first Migis post) is probably the best place to start.

Weekend Travels - Migis Lodge

Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, Migis is where old school meets modern world, with only a slight, yet very comfortable, nod to the latter. Often frequented by multiple generations of families, who come year after year, Migis is a civilized and welcome respite from our busy technologically driven lives.

Migis LobbyWhile the timeless charm of Migis has seen quiet and modest changes over the years, 2016 marked a few more noticeable improvements. You can see how proud Heather, Scott and Sarah are about the new lobby. Including a small gift shop, it adjoins an expanded veranda where evening cocktails are served (as well as on the open terrace shown at top) facing west for sunset views of Lake Sebago.

Migis Lodge veranda

Migis’ centennial coincides with the 100th anniversary of  the postcard, so special versions have been designed for guests to share the Migis magic snail mail style.

Migis Lodge 100th anniversary postcardsAnd a centennial gift bag is offered upon check-in filled with down east goodies. I won’t ruin the surprise but suffice it to say that one of the comestible items didn’t last very long.

Migis Lodge goodie bag

Over the last 100 years, Migis has had a long and distinguished guest list. A peek at history is on display at check in, showing a page from the guest register from 1924, the year the resort officially became known as Migis.

Migis 1924 guest register

As legend has it, Migis was named by a young Indian who had been searching for a new home that embraced his love of beauty, peace and happiness. When he found the forest-filled grounds on the banks of the great lake, he gave it a name that meant “place to steal away to rest”. Not very much has changed at this very special spot.

Migis Lodge - Weekend Travelsall photos by Stacey Bewkes for Quintessence

4 thoughts on “Weekend Travels

  1. My bags are packed !! As always, I have enjoyed your pictures and lovely descriptions of your weekend getaways!! You do live a rather wonderful life! 🍃😀🍃

  2. That MAYFLOWER….wow! Cleverest idea opening up the back panel and turning into that buffet…LUV!! franki

  3. Yikes! Not sure I can get behind the new look at Migis, but will reserve judgement til I check in this August. One of the most special places on Earth.

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