The Black Dog - Martha's Vineyard, MA

Our last stop on Martha's Vineyard before heading back to Boston was lunch at The Black Dog Tavern.  This wasn't a normal tavern, there were multiple buildings, a bakery, a retail shop - quite the well rounded business.  It all started with the tavern though, and after tasting the food I completely understood why it has become so popular.

This was the retail house - they had really cute stuff.  I bought Mia a toy (which has proved to be very durable) and a cook book.  Obviously!

My Mom started with the clam chowder.  I snuck a bite and it was delicious.  Creamy and packed with potatoes and seafood, as a good chowder should be!

I opted for the lobster roll with fries.  The plate was HUGE and could have easily been shared.  I didn't even eat half, but had to get my lobster fix while I could.  I think this is the one dish they're very known for, so if you're a lobster roll fan - dive in.

My Mom chose the summer salad which came with walnuts, chicken, strawberries and balsamic dressing.  It looked so fresh and tasty!

I could have walked around the Black Dog property for a couple hours, they have a lot of different things going on and a lot to browse through.  Plus, I had seen the black dog t-shirts all around the east coast, and now I finally know what it means and where they got it :)

Brant Point Grill, White Elephant - Nantucket, MA

Welcome back from the holiday weekend.  Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving, Black Friday and long weekend with your family.  Onto the food!  Part of the bike ride package is breakfast every morning at whatever hotel we were staying at.  Brant Point Grill is connected to the White Elephant Hotel and serves a pretty amazing breakfast. Starting with coffee, OJ and water.

And a beautiful view! 

The first morning I went really low key and opted for the oatmeal, but had waves of jealousy after watching what everyone else ordered and enjoyed!  Go big or go home.  The second morning I ordered the Left Coast omelet, and was so happy I did!  Eggs, chorizo, avocado, scallions all mixed together with salsa verde and queso on top.  Yum!

Served with amazing potatoes and fresh toast.  Now that is a breakfast of champions!  Anyone else hungry?

Nantucket Part I

After the weekend in Cape Cod, my Mom and I boarded a ferry and headed to Nantucket.  We would be biking around the island for two days with our Backroads Biking Tour then heading to Martha's Vineyard.  It was my Mom and my first time to both of these islands so we were really excited to explore, especially by bike!  It was cloudy with some drizzle for the first day, but in hindsight it was the only rainy day we had and we were only biking for half the day, so it couldn't have worked out better.  The ferry ride from Hyannis to Nantucket is very pretty, especially as you come up to the port.  I love all the boats! 

Little preview to what all of the buildings and houses will look like.  Apparently there's a joke on how to give directions on the island "turn left at the grey house," because EVERY house is grey!

We stayed at the White Elephant Hotel and I absolutely loved our room.  They had put in so much detail, and had elephants on everything possible.  It was so cute I had to share!

My mode of transportation for the next week!

The first day of riding we went out to Cisco Beach which is on the south western side of the island.  Despite being overcast, it was a beautiful spot.

It's known for great surfing, and the waves proved right! 

Had to get my feet wet on the first day :)

On our ride back into town we stopped at Cisco Brewers to try a few beers and listen to some live music.  This area was really cool, they have a few different buildings offering wine, beer and liquor tasting.  As well as live music, nice outdoor seating and little snacks.  Did I mention the awesome dog that rolled over to get his belly rubbed anytime someone walked by?!  So cute. 

Also stopped by the Oldest House aka Jethro Coffin house, on the island.  It was built in 1686 for Jethro Coffin and his new bride and was the typical saltbox style house that was built in those days.  The history on the island was really interesting!

On our way to dinner we saw a beautiful sunset to end our first day on the island.  I knew after the first day it was going to be a great time and couldn't wait to discover more.  More pictures and stories to come :)