East Coast Summer 2025

Courtney Petrin
7 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Our annual East coast 2025 summer trip did not disappoint this year.

We visited our usual favorites and some new places this year.

We are sharing all about our trip and the places and restaurants we love most.

Top of the list; Rhode Island

It’s is a beautiful state. While it’s small it’s mighty in scenery and east coast vibes.

This ocean state holds so many charming towns, villages, and cities. We have our favorites we’ve collected during years of growing up in New England. It’s nostalgic to visit all of them every summer. It’s extra special at this phase of life sharing it with Savannah.

Visit this Americana city, Bristol RI. This small town American City is so picturesque. It’s a coastal city full of charm right over the mount hope bridge.

The Main Street (Hope Street) is lined with red, white and blue traffic paint. American flags adorn and are mounted on every home. A massive flag hangs right in the center of town on Hope street. Kids and adults use traffic flags to cross the street. It’s a very patriotic city and it’s Main Street (Hope street) is lined with historic homes dates back to the 1800s, shared by small shops and restaurants.

Folklore Provisions is a a favorite. Savannah had the burger and fries, I enjoyed their strawberry salad and Carlin ate their Caçoila sandwich. (A prepared Portuguese style meat) The food is excellent!

They carry pastries, deserts and coffee. The head chef and co-owner actually won food networks best chef in chopped champion 2x.

Shop Antiques at

An adorable antique store, Epilogues with so many fun treasures. The nautical framed oil paintings and art are stunning.

Head to Colt State park for the afternoon to fly a kite on their western open lawn overlooking Narragansett bay. Del’s lemonade truck is often there for the best frozen lemonade ever! A New England staple!

What to wear to Bristol

A simple linen white dress and comfortable flat sandals

Shop The Dress

Step back in time in this city. Newport RI is literally a dream.

It might be my personal favorite city in Rhode Island. It’s a blend of bygone era elegance, coastal scenery and Ralph Lauren vibes.

If you visit this city a must is Castle Hill Inn. It’s the most beautiful hotel and inn. If you do not stay there, you can still enjoy its scenery. The lawn terrace hosts brunch and lunch right on their lawn. The view alone is worth a visit. It’s perched right on a cliff overlooking passing Sails boats and crashing waves.

I highly recommend reservations booked in advance. They book up fast. Be sure to request outdoor seating in your reservation.

Shop at Harper and Tucker for casual boho inspired women’s apparel.

Check out Cottage and Garden for antiques and beautiful pottery. The interiors are styled so beautifully.

Homeport is another favorite. They have beautiful linens, soaps, napkins and cards.

Check out the international Tennis Hall of Fame for a tour and have lunch at their restaurant, La Forge Newport right on site overlooking the iconic courts.

Get a pick me up at Nitrobar for an iced vanilla latte

What to wear to Newport

A color block tube dress

Rent This Look

The Drop Option

The iconic island Nantucket

No trip to the east coast would be complete for us without a trip to this dreamy island.

We take the high speed ferry from New Bedford pier. You can also get the ferry from Cape Cod.

Ferry Routes & Schedule

This year we ventured to Sconset on the island. You can get there by car or by taking their public transport (The Wave transit) bus right on the island. It brings island goers to several popular locations on the island.

Sconset is a slower and relaxed part of the island compared to bustling downtown. The bluff walk is dreamy. Shingled Cottages wrapped in pink flowers line paths. Some residents actually leave their doors and windows open and say hello to you. It’s a sweet experience. You can see the ocean from majority of the path which sets a picturesque backdrop. The sound of the ocean waves doesn’t hurt either…

Wave Transit Route

Bluff walk tips;

It’s a 1.5 mile loop. Here are some tips

To reach the Sconset Bluff Walk via the Nantucket Regional Transit Authority (NRTA) WAVE bus, you can take either of the two routes that service the area from downtown:

• Milestone Road Route: This route runs year-round and is a faster, more direct option, though less scenic than the Polpis route.

• Polpis Road Route: This route, often described as more scenic, runs seasonally.

Both routes depart from the Greenhound Building downtown, which is the central hub of the WAVE system located at 10 Washington Street. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes.

Once you arrive in Sconset:

• From the Sconset rotary, the Bluff Walk is easily accessible. It starts near the end of Front Street, with entrances near 21 Front Street.

• From the rotary, the Bluff Walk is a short walk away. The official walk starts just northeast of the Sconset Market, to the right of 21 Front Street. You will then turn left onto the trail.

• The Bluff Walk itself is about 1.5 miles long. Note that part of the Bluff Walk may have eroded, requiring you to continue along Baxter Road to reach the Sankaty Lighthouse.

We enjoyed lunch on Nantucket at beachside bistro at Summer House.

Carlin enjoyed the fish and chips. The hummus plate to start is exceptional.

Cool off with ice cream from Sconset Market nearby. The cutest market with all the beach and food essentials. They carry the most adorable Nantucket books for kids too. We buy one from our trip every year on the island.

Once you get back to downtown shop at Veronica Beard.