A Brief History of Nantucket Lightship Baskets

Craftsmanship

Beautifully, finely woven lightship baskets are unique to the island of Nantucket. Their design evolved slowly, beginning in the 19th century with the native indians, to the crewmen aboard their lightships stationed at South Shoals.

With many shipwrecks occurring at South Shoals, the Lightships functioned as lighthouses. It was here that ''basket making'' became a hobby for lightship crewmen, as well as a source of income. A cottage industry was born.

Basket weaving on these sea vessels ended soon after the turn of the 20th century. Today, there is no large scale commercial production, but dozens of hobbyists and part-time weavers continue the basket making tradition on Nantucket.

The Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum is preserving this rich history. For more information, visit http://www.nantucketlightshipbasketmuseum.org/

Photo Credits: 1. Michael Kane Lightship Baskets 2. Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum

This post originally appeared on our Travel Media publication.

Bettini Restaurant at Harbor View Hotel in Martha's Vineyard Launches Spectacular Wine Room

The Harbor View Hotel in Martha's Vineyard, has introduced the Wine Room at Bettini Restaurant. The recently constructed Wine Room is located in the main dining room of Bettini Restaurant. It has the capacity to store over 2,000 bottles of wine in a climate-controlled environment with separate zones for red and white. 

Owner Bernard Chiu’s goal is to make Bettini one of the best culinary destinations on Martha’s Vineyard, with delicious food and attentive service in a gorgeous setting, overlooking Edgartown Harbor. 

“With the dedication and hard work of our team at Bettini, my vision is taking shape,” said Chiu. Not only is Bettini a treasured amenity for guests of Harbor View Hotel, but it also has become a hot spot for local business people, homeowners, and couples who are looking for a fun night in an upscale casual environment. 

The wine selection at Bettini's Wine Room, features wines from various regions around the world, which can be seen from the brick and wood exterior, with its gorgeous framed windows. Inside, the ceiling is made of reclaimed barnwood, and the storage racks are made of hand-crafted mahogany.

The interior design has a Vineyard feel that complements the restaurant and pays homage to the historic Harbor View Hotel.

For more information on the Wine Room at Bettini or to make a reservation at Bettini Restaurant, visit harborviewhotel.com/dining/bettini-restaurant

Today's Travel Finds: Romance at Manor on Golden Pond, Christmas at Newport Mansions, Relax in the Berkshires, A Taste of Maine, Best Towns for Hiking in CT, The Winter Menu at The Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont

Looking for a romantic getaway? Experience the royal treatment, with the Romance-Honeymoon package, at Manor on Golden Pond, in New Hampshire. 

Enjoy a full country breakfast each morning, afternoon tea, Chef tasting 7-course menu, a spa package that includes a spa lunch with champagne and more. Visit website for details. 

Festive grandeur and Gilded-Age ambience—Christmas at The Newport Mansions will commence on November 23 and continue through January 1, 2020.  The celebrations include live holiday music, special holiday evenings, the holiday dinner dance (Sold Out), Newport Nutcracker performances. 

Christmas at the Newport Mansions begins on Saturday. From November 23rd - January 1st, three of the iconic mansions, The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House display thousands of poinsettias, fresh flowers, evergreens and wreaths to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. pic.twitter.com/p5CwZCiwZY

— TheChanler (@TheChanlerHotel) November 22, 2019

Escape to Blantyre in the beautiful Berkshires region of Massachusetts and recharge. Under new ownership, this award-winning, luxury Forbes Five-Star resort (a member of Relais & Châteaux) has undergone a major renovation, while maintaining its elegant charm. Blantyre offers casual and fine dining experiences, and is involved in the Farm to Table movement.

 

Inn by the Sea is offering a Taste of Maine Culinary Package. The 2 1/2 hour tour of the city of Portland, Maine, is available seven days a week, year-round, and includes two nights luxury accommodations (single bedroom), house-made whoopie pies upon arrival, a $100 voucher towards dining at Sea Glass, a bottle of Maine wine. 

Love the outdoors and hiking in particular? The Connecticut Office of Tourism has suggestions for best towns for hiking, including where to eat, stay and play.
 

On the winter menu at The Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont: Austrian Waldorf Salad, Butternut & Goat Cheese Ravioli, Trapp Farm Braised Pork Belly and Roasted Pork Loin. View the full menu.

[Read Previous Travel Finds]

 

 

Discover New England and Canada Cruises

Today's Travel Stories: Discover the Nantucket Historical Association, and the von Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont

Video courtesy of the Nantucket Historical Association
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Photo courtesy of Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont.

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Enjoy a Picnic in the Berkshires: Blantyre Resort at Your Service

The charming Blantyre Resort in Lenox, MA will prepare a special picnic basket or to-go disposable bag for your time out and about in the Berkshires or a picnic in their beautiful gardens. 24-hour notice is required.

Photo courtesy of Blantyre

For more information, visit http://blantyre.com/foodandwine/picnic

Out & About: Cocktails In Great Gardens of the Berkshires

Photo courtesy of Berkshire Botanical Garden

The Berkshire Botanical Garden, has again arranged for a series of Friday evening visits to spectacular private gardens. 

 

Enjoy this rare opportunity to roam these private spaces with the gardeners themselves, while enjoying wine and hors d'oeuvres in the beautiful waning light of the summer day. 

 

One date remains in the series, August 20, 2010.

For more information, visit Berkshire Botanical Garden