MAGAZINE 2016/2017

INSIDE LARK DESIGN

EAST COAST ADVENTURES • FOODIE FINDS • Q&A • INSIDER TIPS2016/2017 1 on a lark ISSUE ONE • 2016/2017 from the nest FEATURES Publisher DAWN HAGIN 2016/2017 Editor-in-Chief AMANDA FLANAGAN WALLACE 10 East Coast Adventures From dogsledding to welcome! Features Editor EMILY GOLIN surfing, we’ve got the Art Director ADAM POLICKY goods on some incredible Lead Designer SOFIJA RAZGAITIS outdoor experiences. Contributors KATE MCCARTY, 16 Foodie Finds DANNY ALLISON, Four chefs in Lark ELIZABETH DOUGHERTY, destinations on food MARISA SOLÍS, that moves them. AND BAILEY 20 Lake Street Dive A Q&A with the busy, jazzy rock band on how to keep it real on the road. 25 Inside Lark Design Lark Hotels partners: Rob Blood, Dawn Hagin, and Rachel Reider Chief Executive Officer ROB BLOOD A look at the design Chief Inspiration Officer DAWN HAGIN process behind Lark “Traveling—it leaves you speechless, then turns Director of Design RACHEL REIDER Hotels’ boutique-chic 25 16 you into a storyteller.” guest rooms. Director of Operations LEIGH BLOOD – Ibn Battuta, 14th-century adventure traveler Director of Digital ADAM POLICKY Marketing hile the idea of travel is always inspiring, life often gets Director of Human ELLEN BLOOD 20 Win the way. Our schedules become too busy to take a Resources trip or even explore our own backyards. Operations Coordinator MEGAN BUTCHER We founded Lark Hotels to help our guests change that and Regional Managers BRAD BUTCHER AND add more larks into their lives. When you book a stay with JED THOMAS us, our entire crew strives to make your getaway easy, fun, Revenue and ALANA BUIE and meaningful. Reservations Manager 33 This brand-new On a Lark magazine will also help you go Controller JEFFREY HOLIHAN beneath the surface of our destinations. Discover restaurants Assistant Controller NICOLE BENSON that are locally driven, beers that are locally brewed, and adventures that are unique to each area. In this issue, we en- Content Marketing EMILY GOLIN Manager deavor to not only highlight products, places, and ideas but 10 also to share the stories of people who inhabit and visit Lark Marketing Accounts AMANDA FLANAGAN WALLACE locales. Turn the page and find out why a certain jazzy rock Manager DEPARTMENTS band loves to play in Newport and how a Mendocino whale Graphic Design SOFIJA RAZGAITIS watching captain embraces a life at sea. Associate 03 Destination Spotlight Find These Lark Destinations in This Issue: We hope that you enjoy reading these stories and that they Public Relations ALL HEART PR 04 Ingredient Intrigue inspire you to plan another lark. CAMDEN, ME 4, 5, 9, 19, 30, 35, 47, 48 NASHVILLE, TN 4, 20–24, 30, 46 KENNEBUNKPORT, ME 5, 6, 8, 13–14, 30, 34, 47 NEWPORT, RI 5, 9, 20–24, 25–29, 31, 37, 47 05 #onalark Cheers to your next great story! Please direct any ad sales inquiries to: [email protected] MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MA 3, 5, 8, 19, 31, 40, 41, 47 PLUM ISLAND, MA 6, 8, 19, 46 06 Adventure MENDOCINO, CA 4, 5, 6–7, 8, 19, 24, 44, 47 PORTLAND, ME 5, 8, 16–18, 20–24, 30, 34, 47 larkhotels.com 47 NANTUCKET, MA 5, 6, 18–19, 30, 39, 47, 48 PORTSMOUTH, NH 5, 6–7, 8, 17–18, 30, 36, 47 08 Lark Roundup © Lark Hotels, 2016 NAPA, CA 5, 8, 18–19, 30, 45, 47, 48 SALEM, MA 4, 5, 9, 25–29, 30, 31, 43, 47 30 Local Libations 29 Main Street, NARRAGANSETT, RI 4, 5, 6, 9, 14–15, 19, 30, 38, STOWE, VT 5, 9, 12–13, 25–29, 31, 42, 47, 48 Amesbury, MA 01913 47, 4 8 33 Lark Hotel Guide Cover photo by Adam Policky: 47 Shopping Entry wallpaper at Gilded (see “Inside Lark Design.” p. 25) 48 Details 2 ON A LARK MAGAZINE 2016/2017 1 DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT Martha’s Vineyard NATIVE NAME: Noepe, meaning “land amid the streams” 7 Stroll the Gardens Catch the “On Time to Chappy” (trans- NICKNAMES: The Vineyard, The Rock lation: the ferry to Chappaquiddick) and saunter through the Mytoi Japanese SQUARE MILES: 96 Gardens (41 Dike Road, Edgartown). MILES OUT TO SEA: 7 Winding footpaths guide you through a birch walk, camellia dell, and stone YEAR-ROUND POPULATION: 16,535 garden, and along a serene pond full of 1 Ride the Carousel SUMMER POPULATION: 100,000 turtles, frogs, and koi. Be a kid again on the Flying Horses Carousel (15 Oak Bluffs Avenue, Oak Bluffs). Housed in SUMMERCAMP a dark red building near the Steamship Authority's Oak Bluffs terminal, and a short stroll from Summercamp, it’s the oldest oper- 1 ating platform carousel in the United States. Reach for the brass ring to win a free ride!

THE SYDNEY THE CHRISTOPHER 4 See a Well-Mannered House Emily Post, the famous etiquette advocate, summered in Edgartown from 1927 until her death in 1960. She wrote often of her 4 garden (34 Fuller Street, Edgartown), 5 especially her dahlias, which are still lovingly tended by the current owners. 7

What started 16 years ago as a line of olive oil soaps 2 3 6 scented with the purest essential oils, has turned into a celebrated 3 Tour the Cliffs Hop on the brightly painted Martha’s line of botanically-based skin and hair care products, a string of Vineyard Sightseeing Bus for a 2½-hour tour of the island with a ½-hour stop at the unique retail boutiques and exclusive partnerships with the Aquinnah Cliffs and Gay Head Lighthouse. The Cliffs are a protected National Historic world’s finest hotels and spas. Landmark, and the lighthouse was made from clay bricks culled from the site.

2 Sunset in Menemsha Picnic in the party scene and waning light of Menemsha Beach at dusk. Impromptu jam ses- 6 Feed Your Sweet Tooth sions, volleyball games, and squealing children Trek to the cottage that houses one of the Island’s add to the atmosphere. Ask our hotel staff to call sweetest secrets. Chilmark Chocolates (19 State ahead to Larsen’s Fish Market (56 Basin Road, Road, Chilmark) are highly addictive and available Chilmark) to arrange a take-out New England only at this tiny store and a few other island loca- Clambake of lobster, clams, corn on the cob, and tions. Queue up (there’s always a line) and shuffle all the fixin’s. through to make your selections and assuage your Pasadena, CA Atlanta, GA Honolulu, HI Scottsdale, AZ Fairfax, VA inner raging chocoholic.

5 Go Jaws Groupie LATHER® “You’re gonna need a bigger boat!” One of the most quotable—not to mention hair-raising—movies in Hollywood history was filmed on Martha’s Vineyard in ® DISCOVER more of Martha’s Vineyard: clean skin for a radiant life 1974. You’ll view Edgartown, which doubled as “Amity,” in a whole new light as larkhotels.com/city/marthas-vineyard you discover locations that haven’t changed a bit in 40 years. www.lather.com Edgartown Tour Company, edgartowntours.com

2 ON A LARK MAGAZINE OF THETRUSTEES.ORG POST COURTESY INSTITUTE; GARDENS: OF THE EMILY MYTOI COURTESY ADAM POST: POLICKY EMILY PHOTOGRAPHS: (CAROUSEL, CLIFFS); 2016/2017 3 INGREDIENT INTRIGUE #ONALARK Red. Hot. Chili. Peppers! Lark Hotels takes a look at what some great south-of-the-border (Canadian border, that is) chefs and companies are doing with this fiery but tasty gem. The results may surprise you!

MENDOCINO, CA NARRAGANSETT, RI Carol Hall’s Hot Pepper Jelly Chef Basil Yu has created a Company is a Mendocino staple. Rhode Island update on the Her first two products have ubiquitous Asian-style rooster grown into a line of over 40 sauce produced in California. #onalark items sold nationwide. We He adds honey, garlic, especially love her original red tomatoes, and fish sauce to and jalapeño pepper jellies. replicate the fermented flavors of the original and serves it with twitter facebookinstagram menu items like grilled oysters and @larkhotels hand-cut fries.

ALL INSTA-LOVE: We love this photo-friendly medium, and so do our properties. Here’s a quick snapshot of our hotels and local happenings LOCATIONS (clockwise from top left): Luxe lounge details @fieldguidestowe | Nantucket’s Great Point at first light @21broad | Well-dressed mantel CAMDEN, ME We often give @thehotelportsmouth | Beautiful blooming buds @whitehousenapa | Magical Mendocino cliffs @bluedoorgroup | Schooner sets sail near Pig + Poet’s Hot Poet Sauce is top guests a Lark Fine secret. So much so that all we @whitehallmaine | Friendship finds a home in the harbor nearby @themerchantsalem | Pattern play @thechristophermv | Morning glow after the snow Foods treat (we adore the company can tell you is that it includes @gildedhotel | Small-plates breakfast bounty @pomegranate_inn | Take a two-wheel tour @alehouseinn. For more sneak peeks, find all of our name, of course, but love the award- multiple types of hot peppers, properties’ handles starting on p. 34, and don’t forget to follow @larkhotels. winning Cookies for Grown-Ups™ tons of vinegar, and the just- even more). The Cha-Chas rank right amount of garlic. among our faves. Thanks to hot peppers in the mix, these spicy, rich chocolate cookies are really STAY IN TOUCH larkhotels.com/travel something special. For up-to-date information on where to sip, shop, sightsee, and so much more, visit our online travel blog, which we update regularly with the latest insider info to help you plan your next lark. NASHVILLE, TN “Hot chicken” is a regional obsession BEHIND THE FRONT DESK SUMMER SIPPERS “C” IS FOR COOKIE in Nashville, home to The Bridge Hotel. To sample a milder version, Ever wondered what goes on Cool off with some of our Bake up a batch of Captain stroll over to The Farm House (210 behind Field Guide’s front desk favorite craft cocktails. Check Fairfield Inn’s famous Almond Street). For iconic spicy hot DON’T FORGET ABOUT BLACK PEPPER of reclaimed wood? Our general out summer sipper recipes Sea Salt Chocolate Chip chicken (shown), follow the locals to In the 1800s, the widely popular Sumatran Pepperfire (1000 Gallatin Avenue), pepper trade helped transform Salem, MA, into managers share some insight into from Gilded, The Break, and Cookies at home—or come just a 10-minute drive away. a global powerhouse. Salt Traders what drew them to the hotel life. 76 Main (among others). enjoy some with us. (salttraders.com) in nearby Ipswich is now The larkhotels.com/travel/field-guide-managers larkhotels.com/travel/summer-cocktails larkhotels.com/travel/food-drink Merchant’s pepper connection, helping Lark provide tins of this black gold to all our guests. PHOTOGRAPHS: MENDOCINO, COURTESY OF CAROL HALL’S FACEBOOK; NARRAGANSETT, ADAM FACEBOOK; CAMDEN, OF CAROL POLICKY; COURTESY HALL’S OF LARK COOKIES, COURTESY MENDOCINO, SHUTTERSTOCK; CHICKEN; FOODS FINE HOT NASHVILLE,PHOTOGRAPHS: OF PEPPERFIRE COURTESY OF NINEBARK COURTESY PHOTO: COCKTAIL 4 ON A LARK MAGAZINE 2016/2017 5 ADVENTURE

Spyhopping explained and other whale watching insights

aptain Pete Reynolds says staring straight into the eye of a great levia- than never gets old. A slap of a powerful fluke or a perfect arcing breach may thrill the crowds, but for a whale watch boat captain—it’s all about spyhopping.

As owner and head captain of Granite State Whale Watch near Ports- mouth, NH, Reynolds ranks an afternoon with two spyhopping humpbacks as his best experience on the water, bar none. “It was beyond thrilling. It captain of his family’s two whale watch and fishing boats:Ambush and Trek WHERE TO FIND MOBY was truly moving,” he says. A female humpback named Owl kept diving II. Both say they can’t imagine doing anything else, and speaking to them underneath the boat and spyhopping up on the other side. “Another female KENNEBUNKPORT, ME NARRAGANSETT, RI about their profession is like talking to two giddy little boys. humpback joined her, and they swam back and forth for over an hour.” First Chance Whale Watch Frances Fleet change a thing about her and is dreading the day he no longer spots her francesfleet.com “I could tell you whale stories all day,” laughs Thornton as he launches into firstchancewhalewatch.com A spyhopping whale holds itself vertically out of the water using its pectoral in the sea. “She’s like Old Faithful. I’ve seen her every year for more than 207-967-5507 401-783-4988 his all-time favorite anecdote. “When I was 12, I was out on the boat with flippers to keep afloat, similar to a person treading water with her arms. A my dad when a gray whale joined us and began rubbing up on the boat, 15 years.” behavior biologically tied to searching for food, it’s evolved into something MENDOCINO, CA NEWBURYPORT, MA diving back and forth, and spyhopping. At one point, my dad reached Communing with whales is a transformative experience that Reynolds Newburyport Whale Watch else entirely in the modern age of whale watching. “They’re simply checking Anchor Charter Boats down and scratched the whale with a scrub brush. She seemed to love it. urges everyone to try at least once. And the only way to get truly up close anchorcharterboats.com newburyportwhalewatch.com us out,” says Richard Thornton, owner and head captain of Anchor Charter I decided to get a closer look, so I leaned over the side and at that exact and personal is from a whale watch boat. “Folks in Northern California get 707-964-4550 978-499-0832 Boats near Mendocino, CA, “and what could be better than a 50-foot moment she exhaled. I was doused in the face from the force of her blow- creature looking at you in amazement while you’re doing the exact same jaded because whales migrate so close to the shore that you can easily spot hole so hard that my hair flew up.” them from land,” he says. NANTUCKET, MA PORTSMOUTH, NH thing?” Shearwater Excursions Granite State Whale Watch Reynolds likes to talk about Owl—so named for the spots on her fluke that But it is simply not the same, Reynolds insists. “You can’t pick out every shearwaterexcursions.com granitestatewhalewatch.com Thornton and Reynolds grew up on the water. Reynolds worked in the look like owl eyes. He deems her “very friendly but a terrible mother. She barnacle on a snout from the land, and you can’t get wet from a spout.” 508-228-7037 800-964-5545 snack bar of a whale watch boat at 14, earned his captain’s license at 19, lets her babies get very close to our boat, which is great for us, but not and bought out his boss 12 years ago. At 29, Thornton is a third-generation really a smart thing for a whale to do.” Nevertheless, Reynolds wouldn’t And you certainly can’t look a whale directly in the eye. 6ILLUSTRATION ON ABY LARK DANNY MAGAZINE ALLISON 2016/2017 7 LARK ROUNDUP Darling Door Numbers One of the best design details of any Lark hotel. Here’s a peek at some of our room designators. Lark Roundup Favorite foods, events, and more!

OWNER SPOTLIGHT

Blue—Inn on the Beach FIELD GUIDE GILDED WHITEHALL THE MERCHANT Like the song goes, just one look—that’s all it took. That’s how the Guthrie family, owners of the revitalized Blue—Inn on the Beach in Newbury, MA, on Plum Island, describe the moment they decided to get into the LARK RECIPE hotel business. They’d been involved in the building of hotels, homes, and clubs for years, but the purchase of Blue represented a new and exciting Creamy Quahog Chowder direction for this family-owned construction business run by three brothers Learn to make one of our favorite dishes from Chair 5, our Narragansett, RI, restaurant located and their father. No strangers to postcard-perfect views thanks to projects inside The Break, courtesy of Chef Basil Yu. on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, eldest son, Brendon Guthrie, knew from the moment he stepped outside into one of Blue’s private beachfront INGREDIENTS lounges that this was a place too spectacular not to share. 1 LB. Whelks steam until they open. Remove quahogs, reserving cooking liquid. As they contemplated the project ahead of them, the Guthrie family 3 LBS. Quahogs 2. Pick meat out of quahog shells, chop, sought to find a management team that would respect the hotel’s unique 2" Kombu and set aside. Strain liquid through a fine identity while creating a cohesive brand and marketing strategy. And 1 CUP Bonito flakes cheesecloth. Add extra water to liquid to that’s where Lark came in. An introduction was made by the Hajjar make 1 quart (if necessary). family, owners of two Lark hotels in Edgartown, MA—The Sydney and 1 TBSP. Butter 3. Heat kombu in the liquid. Remove kombu The Christopher—and the chemistry between people and place was 1 CUP Onions, medium dice once liquid comes to a boil. immediate. 1 TSP. Garlic, minced 4. Add bonito and simmer for several minutes. Strain liquid and set aside. “Blue is a property that can speak for itself and wasn’t meant to fit into Savory ¾ CUP Potatoes, medium dice someone else’s mold,” says Brendon. “We needed someone to nurture 5. Sweat onions and garlic in butter in a 1 CUP Heavy cream that voice, while also navigating hotel operations. After meeting with Lark & Sweet deep-sided pan. Add in liquid and bring Hotels CEO Rob Blood, it was clear that Lark was the right partner for us.” 2 TBSP. Cornstarch to a simmer. When we discovered Lark 6. Add potatoes and cook until tender. 5 SPRIGS Dill, finely chopped With deep ties to the Merrimack Valley, Blue merges the Guthrie family’s Fine Foods cookies, we 7. Add cream and bring back to a simmer. past with their business’ future. They’re thrilled to reintroduce this special knew we’d found a snack 2 PIECES Chives, finely chopped Mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp. water and add hotel and area to their guests. soulmate. The company’s to pot. Cook until thickened. METHOD Cookies for Grown-Ups™ 8. Remove from heat and add in chopped 1. In a large pot, bring two inches of are just as savory as they water to a boil. Add whelks, cook for 4 quahogs, whelks, dill, and chives. are sweet, and full of distinct minutes. Remove from pot, chop meat, 9. Serve warm, with oyster crackers (if flavors. The (ahem) spec- and set aside. desired). tacular company name was 2. Add quahogs to boiling water and just an added plus. Based in PORTLAND, ME MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MA KENNEBUNKPORT, ME Festival Frenzy Old Port Festival Food & Wine Festival Christmas Prelude Essex, MA, Lark Fine Foods is There are many reasons to visit Kick off summer in Maine at this Celebrate the Vineyard’s culinary Attend the ultimate seaside holiday a 40-minute drive from The the cities where our hotels are family-friendly festival full of art, talent, vintners, farmers, and fishermen. festival, with parades, tree lightings, Nest (our HQ) in Amesbury, located, including the wide array food, and music. June 12, 2016; October 13–16, 2016; and more. December 1–11, 2016; MA. While we use the portlandmaine.com/old-port-festival mvfoodandwine.com christmasprelude.com of festivals happening year-round. Salted Rosemary Shortbread Enjoy food, music, wine, and more at some of our favorites. NAPA, CA PORTSMOUTH, NH MENDOCINO, CA as a classic guest welcome Napa Truffle Festival Fire & Ice Festival Whale Festivals treat for On a Lark Club For a complete list of events: Honor and savor everything truffle Warm up to all things winter with Pick from events throughout the members, we also develop larkhotels.com/events month highlighting these magnificent in the heart of Napa Valley. January street fairs, music, and more. February packages and specials creatures. Weekends in March 2017; 13–16, 2017; napatrufflefestival.com 2017 (dates TBD); goportsmouthnh. featuring some of the com mendowhale.com company’s other fine cookies.

larkfinefoods.com

8 ON A LARK MAGAZINE 2016/2017 9 let’s go©a dven

tureAdventure is everywhere. For some it’s flying through the snow behind eight joyous pups. For others it’s braving the breaking swells of a roiling sea. For still others it’s discovering the confidence buried deep inside one’s self—only to be revealed while becoming one with a 1,000-pound beast. By Dawn Hagin

10 ON A LARK MAGAZINE 2016/2017 11 admonitions to keep her focused. Luckily, Buck, the other lead, is a seasoned veteran who sets the pace and ensures course correction as a good lead dog should. Prescott, a skinny, all-white pup in the middle, DOGSLEDDING IN VERMONT puts on a peculiar show every time the sled comes to a stop. Hopping a few feet in the air and yipping loudly, he urges the team to continue— never ceasing until the sled is again under way. “All sled dogs are born to run, but Prescott is pulling their tug lines just insane about it,” Haggett says. “He’s a thrill seeker on four paws.” For human thrill seekers looking to dial the experience up to 11, Haggett offers a more- taut, they yap and whine, intensive “Mushing 101” training run that must be booked well in advance. Double the sled time (and almost double the price), these lessons cover everything prospective mushers need to know to start driving dogs on their own—from anxious to hit the trail. harnessing to sled setup to actually driving the team along the trail. When the driver finally hitches the sled to the in the right rear, or “wheel,” position. Wheel dogs harness, a full eight-dog chorus breaks out, play the crucial role of pulling and steering Whether you choose to snuggle up in the sled’s an in-unison howl of pleasure and excitement. the sled, so despite his naughtiness, Pax is a canvas cocoon and simply enjoy the ride, or These pups want nothing more than to run. powerhouse. take the plunge with a mushing lesson, Haggett and his furry crew offer an afternoon of snowy, And so they do. In season, Haggett and his band of 28 canine adventurous fun. athletes take turns making three runs a day with Peace Pups Dogsledding As they head for the hills they gradually quiet, go: two sleds carrying two guest riders each. Often Stowe, VT shifting into work mode and perfecting their a ninth dog shares the burden on the final run peacepupsdogsledding.com pace and rhythm. The air smells raw. Pine of the day. Served Inukshuk, a professional dog Tandem or toboggan sled for branches hang heavy with ice. Blue and red sled two: $275 ropes pop bold against the snow and leafless food high in protein and fat, the pups have plenty Mushing 101 for one: $500 beige bark of the Vermont winter landscape. of fuel to handle this schedule four days a week. The only sound now is the pad, pad, shush of the As the team slows again to tackle another Field Guide stay: dogs’ loping gaits. incline, the quirks and personalities begin to 433 Mountain Road shine through. Orion, the husky on the left wheel HORSE REINING IN MAINE Stowe, VT The team crests the hill, and the pace picks up. position, has a bow-legged stride, his paws fieldguidestowe.com Chunks of icy snow fly back—whipped like spit balls from churning feet. Exhilaration hits as half flipping inward in a cute wobble. Figgy, a young reed thin a ton of dog, human, and sled speed down a hill, dog learning lead position, is easily distracted around a curve, and over a (squirrel!) and needs Haggett’s commands and ADAM POLICKY BY PHOTOGRAPHS and petite, bridge. It’s impossible not to feel the joy and energy. Cynthia Hodak may not seem the obvious choice to teach a novice how to (as her website “They truly live to run,” claims) “ride like a cowboy.” Then again, the aim shouts sled driver Ken of these lessons—leadership—isn’t exactly the Haggett, owner of Peace 10-gallon-hat-and-lasso adventure the lesson Pups Dogsledding, “which title evokes. is why Siberian huskies are perfect sled dogs. If they Horse reining—the technical term for this style don’t run they expend their of riding and handling—is, at its core, all about taking control. Or as Hodak puts it, “We teach COUNTERCLOCKWISE energy in less-productive you to ground-tie your horse, go get a cup of FROM RIGHT: DOGS ways, like chewing on seat HOWLING AS THEY WAIT; belts,” he says, pointing to coffee, and have him waiting for you when you A SMILING FROOME; return. Reining is how 100 pounds can control MID–SLEIGH RIDE BREAK; Pax. This seven-year-old 1,000,” she says, “and that’s what cowboys do.” MERCKX RESTING UP troublemaker is running

12 ON A LARK MAGAZINE 2016/2017 13 Located in Biddeford, ME, just a short drive Surfboards. Seagulls ride the crisp air in the gray And, for his money, there’s no better place LEARN ABOUT these from Kennebunkport, Al Dube Quarter Horses sky overhead as another to teach or surf than his adventures and more: is a 14-acre farm featuring stable space for 30 lone surfer enters the water beloved Narragansett. “It’s larkhotels.com/adventure the number one horses and both indoor and outdoor riding rings. just a few feet away. indicator of whether harder to learn on big waves Hodak and her daughter, Nicole Banks, have Pan describes the man’s you’ll catch on and what we have here are been running the show at the farm since Dube, technique to illustrate how small, consistent waves,” he Hodak’s longtime partner, died unexpectedly in he teaches people to surf. quickly is: can you says, stressing that some of 2011. “Paddle as fast as the board handle push-ups? the best are straight out in A hodge-podge of photos, competition awards, is moving. Approach the the rugged waters across and plaques crowd the wall of the stable’s tiny wave at a 90-degree angle. Shift your weight from The Break hotel. office space. Sparsely furnished and harshly lit back as you near the wave. Get up in one fluid “If you’re ready to try something new or improve by fluorescents, it smells of cigarettes, saddles, motion using the strength of your arms and abs. your skills, come take a lesson with me,” he urges. and a dash of wet dog—a scent finally explained Never look down. Concentrate.” It might just turn into a life-long adventure. when a blue heeler pads in and lies down near Pan says it’s a common misconception that Hodak’s feet. Pointing to a photo of Banks on surfing is all about leg strength and balance. a caramel-colored mare, Hodak smiles with While both are important, the number one indi- pride. Over the years, she and her daughter have go: Peter Pan Surfing & SUP cator of whether you’ll catch on quickly is: Can Academy placed in the top five in both National Reining you handle push-ups? Narragansett, RI Horse Association and National Quarter Horse peterpansurfingacademy. Association competitions. Watching Hodak give a horse “something to the best reason to get up every day,” he says, “You flat-out have to be in shape,” he insists, and do” is pure poetry in motion. With back straight, describing in detail the killer waves he caught pulls no punches when asked if he’s a tough vpweb.com When competing, a horse reiner can lead a she appears one with the animal beneath her just that chilly December morning. teacher. “If people want a serious lesson, I Private one-hour lesson: $75 horse to gallop full out, screech to a sliding stop, as they spin in a tight circle, stop on a dime, nitpick and bully them,” he says. “A lot of instruc- Group lesson (for up to 6): and whirl in a high-speed pirouette—maneuvers It’s a rush he enjoys helping others discover $60/person pause, then charge to the corner of the ring through his Narragansett-based surf school. tors coddle. I don’t. But I also make it fun.” essential to herding cattle, and pause again. Slowly Born Peter Panagiotis, but known by his short- stay: The Break Hodak says. they begin trotting, then Standing in a full winter wetsuit on Narragansett “You never muscle a ened name by absolutely everyone, Pan has 1208 Ocean Road “But the average Jane or galloping, then running Town Beach, Pan clutches a Peter Pan Slug, horse around or been known to turn students into acolytes, then Narragansett, RI Joe, even folks who’ve full out before coming to a a best-selling board he designed with Hobie go: Al Dube Quarter Horses into committed surfers. thebreakhotel.com Biddeford, ME never been on a horse, can suppress him. You give final dead stop. It’s a vision adqhs.com learn a lot in a few classes, him something to do.” of equine mastery. Private one-hour lesson: $50 or even just one,” she says. Hodak stresses that Private cow-work lesson: $75 Hodak will teach these novices how to mount a learning to lead a horse keeps you in the horse, move a horse (hint: by leaning in, never present, lifts your self esteem, and enables you Captain Fairfield Inn stay: pulling), and get a horse to respond to requests to let go of your troubles. 8 Pleasant Street at the touch of rein or leg. “You never muscle Kennebunkport, ME a horse around or suppress him. You give him “What greater adventure is there than that?” captainfairfield.com something to do,” Hodak says. SURFING PHOTO COURTESY PETER PAN; PHOTO OF CYNTHIA HODAK BY DAWN HAGIN DAWN BY OF CYNTHIA HODAK PHOTO PETER PAN; COURTESY PHOTO SURFING

SURFING IN RHODE ISLAND just chatting with peter pan Our small batch cookies are is an adventure. The legendary Rhode Island highly flavorful, not overly sweet, surfer who shares a name with the fictitious lost all natural treats. boy is still—at age 64—a bit of a boy himself. Calling surfing a “disease” and a “religion,” he Sophisticated combinations of laughs often as he chatters away about the sport flavors designed to be appreciated he loves. “The rush I get while on my board is by a more refined palate. Available at specialty food stores or LARKFINEFOODS.COM LEFT: PAN IN HIS ELEMENT; ABOVE: HODAK AMONG HER HANDMADE IN ESSEX, MASSACHUSETTS ©2016 LARK FOODS, LLC. SADDLES AND TACK 14 ON A LARK MAGAZINE 2016/2017 15 < THE SEASONAL, EVER-CHANGING PICKLE PLATE AT NINEBARK > FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: ROASTED VEGETABLE TART AT MOXY; DUNE’S GRILLED ATLANTIC SWORDFISH; PAN-FRIED SPICY KUNG PAO CHICKEN DUMPLINGS AT BAOBAO

CHEFS IN LARK DESTINATIONS ON WHY THEY LOVE THEIR CITIES by

Restaurants serving local food is de rigueur kinds of dumplings plus a few salads and larger her favorite local food of the moment, Stadler these days. Discerning diners look for the list entrées. rattles off many: fiddleheads, ramps, foraged of nearby farms at the bottom of every menu As food arrives, the restaurant’s black table- mushrooms. But ultimately, she says, “It’s kind and expect each dish to be carefully crafted to tops quickly fill with small plates and dishes: of endless. There’s a bounty of beautiful food in capture the rhythm of the seasons. Lark Hotels a heaping bowl of peanuts softened in black this state.” destinations in particular are known for vibrant vinegar (Beijing Black Vinegar Peanuts); BaoBao Dumpling House, 133 Spring Street, Portland, ME; baobaodumplinghouse.com restaurant scenes where award-winning chefs shredded red cabbage, pea pods, and carrots use local ingredients to express the personality tossed with a tangy dressing and topped with > PORTSMOUTH, NH of their region. We wanted to know which local crispy fried shallots and chopped peanuts (Asian Farther down the coast in New Hampshire, foods inspire these chefs, so we trekked to four Slaw). The dumplings come six to a plate—filled Lark Hotels cities to find out. another chef uses the local bounty to create a with delightfully simple pork and cabbage, spicy menu of crowd-pleasing small plates. Co-owner Kung Pao chicken, shrimp and bacon, or tender DUMPLING HOUSE > PORTLAND, ME of Moxy and a native of New Hampshire, Chef hake and burdock root. Servers shuttle blue and white dishes piled Matt Louis embraces the ingredients of the area with steaming “wrapped treasures” under the Stadler landed in Maine after traveling the where he returned after several years’ working watchful eye of a large copper dragon mounted world working in high-end restaurants in Paris, with top chefs in California and New York. Louis high on the wall above. BaoBao Dumpling House, Beijing, and Philadelphia. She grew up spending strives to craft his American tapas menu using a 36-seat restaurant, is run by Cara Stadler, her summers on the Maine coast and wanted locally grown and raised produce and meats, a young chef who quickly garnered national to settle down close to her family. Like many contracting with 20 to 30 different small farmers attention when she opened her first restaurant, Portland chef imports, Stadler was attracted to to source his ingredients. Louis says his mantra Tao Yuan in Brunswick, ME, in 2012. In 2014, the fresh produce and seafood available there in the kitchen is, “If it isn’t naturally indigenous to Stadler was crowned Food & Wine magazine’s due to its proximity to the ocean and prime here, we don’t use it.” Best New Chef in New England and nominated farmland. Between her two restaurants, Stadler Louis even considers the history and culture for a James Beard Rising Chef Award. That takes advantage of seasonal and local produce, of the state when crafting new menu items. As same year, Stadler opened BaoBao, where she working with farmers who grow Asian vegetable a nod to the early English inhabitants of New serves a small menu of Chinese comfort food: 10 varieties especially for her. When asked to name Hampshire Seacoast, Louis uses boiled apple LEFT: COURTESY OF NINEBARK; RIGHT (FROM TOP TO BOTTOM): COURESY OF MOXY; COURTESY OF DUNE; PHOTO BY ADAM POLICKY BY OF DUNE; PHOTO COURTESY OF MOXY; COURESY BOTTOM): TO TOP OF NINEBARK; COURTESY RIGHT (FROM LEFT:

16 ON A LARK MAGAZINE 2016/2017 17 Second only to a divine place to lay your head, a great destination location is marked by the quality and variety of its dining and imbibing choices. Here are some top picks to get the most of the local flavor in a handful of our locations:

CAMDEN, ME Check out the Buttermilk Fried Chicken at Pig + Poet inside Whitehall. The updated classic is not to be missed.

NARRAGANSETT, RI Chair 5’s Creamy Quahog Clam Chowder cider, reduced to a taffy-like consistency, to add chef embraces his region’s cuisine with equal highlight Getter’s love of Nantucket’s farms and > NAPA, CA FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: JOHNNY CAKE (find a recipe for it on p. 9) is the perfect sweetness to dishes and cocktails. He smears fervor, placing fresh seafood at the forefront of surrounding waters. The chef says the beet salad COMMUNITY AT MOXY; A TABLE FULL OF foodie version of this New England classic. On the West Coast, the chef at Ninebark in SHAREABLE DELIGHTS AT BAOBAO; PANACHE it on a plate and tops it with crisp anadama his restaurant’s ever-changing menu. At Dune, is a customer favorite that’s been on the menu Napa finds an endless amount of produce at INDOCHINE FROM NINEBARK; THE WHIMSICAL MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MA croutons, sticks of thinly sliced Bosc pear, Chef/Owner Michael Getter says he changes for years. The dish’s description alone­—roasted his disposal for his restaurant’s creative cuisine. BEET SALAD AT DUNE Island mainstay The Newes features some and chunks of Camembert cheese to create a the menu with the seasons, as diners naturally beets with whipped goat cheese, pistachios, Northern California’s mild climate allows for serious local flavor in all varieties. We well-balanced vignette of flavors. gravitate toward grilled items, salads, and vinai- herb oil, beet vinaigrette, and aged balsamic— year-round availability of fresh, local produce, particularly love the Fish & Chips. This fresh, When an entrée dubbed “Johnny Cake Commu- grettes in the spring and so Chef Matthew Lightner focuses his energy delicious dish could feed an army. nity” arrives at the table, diners are directed to summer, then onto richer THE GREEN PISTACHIO AND HERB on less-common methods of preparation, like braised and slow-cooked served with complementary sides. The foie is PLUM ISLAND/NEWBURY, MA place a thin cornmeal pancake (the johnnycake, smoking, grilling, and marinating, to show off The Poynt is Newburyport’s newest gem. dishes in the cooler OIL SWIRL LIKE SOMETHING FROM smoked and paired with seasonal shelling beans a regional speciality) atop a Bibb lettuce leaf; the flavors of his adopted state’s cuisine. While its small plates, sushi, and entrées months. and fermented truffle—an updated take on pork fill it with sweet, shredded pork; and finish it ALICE IN WONDERLAND. Ninebark opened in October 2015 to great and beans, which, Lightner says, invokes diners’ are fantastic, a visit wouldn’t be complete with the accompanying accoutrements (crispy Getter opened Dune in acclaim. Fans of Lightner followed his move sense of nostalgia. without imbibing The Steve McQueen cocktail, particularly if you’re a bourbon fried onion strands, sweet pickles, and a spicy the heart of the Nantucket village in 2009. The belies the whimsical plating: rounds of colorful across the country from New York’s Atera, Before Ninebark’s opening, its most anticipated lover like we are. barbecue sauce). The result is delicious, but as Culinary Institute of America graduate and New Chioggia beets pop against a backdrop of white where he was awarded two Michelin stars a shared experience, it also reveals why Chef Jersey native fell in love with the island after cheese, and the green pistachio and herb oil feature was the rooftop deck, designed by New during his tenure. A Missouri native, Lightner MENDOCINO, CA Louis considers this Moxy’s signature dish: it’s graduation, spending his summers cooking and swirl like something from Alice in Wonderland. York firm AvroKO. Visitors and locals alike now began his culinary career on the West Coast and bask in the expansive views of the Napa Valley You can feel good about getting your made with local ingredients, steeped in history, surfing, then heading to Steamboat Springs, CO, fill of grease at Mendo Burgers—true to Getter uses locally grown and native produce, after time spent abroad and in New York moved from this third-floor terrace. Naturally, the view and meant to be shared over a cozy table. Louis for a season of skiing. He became the executive Mendocino’s style it uses only organic like cranberries and foraged mushrooms, to back to California primarily for the produce. “I is best enjoyed with a cocktail in hand, such as has created a space that celebrates the culinary chef at the seasonal (now shuttered) 21 Federal highlight and complement carefully cooked am completely inspired by this region and the grass-fed beef and fresh local ingredients. roots of his home state, playfully elevating tried- when he was just 24, which allowed him to do a Panache Indochine, made with lemons from meats and seafoods. Locally harvested seafood wealth of ingredients available year-round, and Ninebark’s own garden, gin, ginger, kaffir lime, and-true New England cuisine to please today’s the “seasonal shuffle” for a while longer. The specialties, like Grey Lady oysters and Nantucket my menu reflects this,” he says. savvy foodie. opportunity to become chef/owner of American and topped with a splash of a California IPA. Bay scallops make the chef’s job easy when it Ninebark’s menu is characterized by an ever- Moxy, 106 Penhallow Street, Portsmouth, NH; Seasons eventually anchored him to the island Like so many other chefs in Lark Hotels comes to showing off the island’s bounty. FOR MORE DINING TIPS in moxyrestaurant.com full-time. changing selection of carefully constructed destinations, Lightner creates a love letter to Dune, 20 Broad Street, Nantucket, MA; dishes, frequently garnished with edible flowers Lark locations: dunerestaurant.com his city with every plate he sends out from the > NANTUCKET, MA The menu at Dune, located across the street larkhotels.com/dining and flourishes of fresh herbs. The highlight is the kitchen. On the island of Nantucket, a well-known local from Lark hotel 21 Broad, continues to selection of skewers—a rotating assortment of Ninebark, 813 Main Street, Napa, CA; ninebark-restaurant.com

TOP (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): COURTESY OF MOXY; PHOTO BY ADAM POLICKY; COUTRESY OF NINEBARK; COURTESY OF DUNE; BOTTOM: COURTESY OF CARA STADLER; COURTESY OF MATT OF GETTER; OF MICHAEL OF CARA COURTESY COURTESY COURTESY OF NINEBARK; ADAM COUTRESY OF DUNE; BOTTOM: POLICKY; COURTESY BY OF NINEBARK STADLER; LOUIS; COURTESY PHOTO RIGHT): LEFT OF MOXY; COURTESY (FROM TO TOP proteins like local trout, mussels, and foie gras

CARA STADLER > This young chef regularly MATT LOUIS > This New Hampshire native MICHAEL GETTER > The owner of Dune first MICHAEL LIGHTNER > Lightner has worked receives national attention for her unique and local returned after years of cooking in California and New fell in love with the island of Nantucket while spending in some of the world’s best kitchens, but it’s the West twists on Chinese cooking. Find her frying dumplings York to open Moxy, his American tapas restaurant. his summers surfing and cooking at the now-closed Coast’s produce that captures his heart. After working at BaoBao Dumpling House in Portland or serving Franklin Oyster House, where Louis continues to 21 Federal. In 2009, Getter opened Dune, where he at the helm of high-end Atera in New York, Lightner communal Sunday suppers at Tao Yuan in Brunswick. showcase his love of native Seacoast products, followed prepares the island’s freshest seafood year-round. returned to California, where he attended culinary a few years later. school and opened Ninebark in Napa.

18 ON A LARK MAGAZINE 2016/2017 19 I’M k THE BAND by Amanda Flanagan Wallace

Lake Street Dive defies definition. While their music occasionally gets lumped into the ubiq- uitous “indie pop” category, that label does no justice to the band’s pop-y blend of Motown, jazz, swing, and soul. LSD’s frontwoman, award-winning jazz vocalist , has a powerful set of pipes to match her charismatic stage presence and vintage vixen look. Her partnership with three classically trained college mates seals the deal: These guys LAKE STREET DIVE have serious chops. Trained primarily in jazz instrumenta- tion, they’re now charming diverse audiences around the FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: MIKE (McDUCK) OLSON, RACHAEL PRICE, globe (and all over the internet) with their palpable chem- , AND MIKE CALABRESE

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF NONESUCH RECORDS AND BIG HASSLE MEDIA RECORDS NONESUCH OF COURTESY PHOTOGRAPH istry and fun, infectious, four-part vocal harmonies.

20 ON A LARK MAGAZINE 2016/2017 21 ake Street Dive formed in 2004 there, you know that the people attending have very discerning like The 5 Spot. We saw Jackson Browne at Ascend Amphitheater when the four friends met as and opinionated musical tastes. If you can win these audiences last time we were there, and it was amazing! students at the New England over, it feels that much better, because you’ve pleased their MCDUCK: Living on a tour bus is like having seven roommates in Conservatory of Music in aesthetic sense as much as their sense of pure enjoyment. a studio apartment. With bunk beds. So you gotta make it your LBoston: Price, Bridget Kearney Any particularly memorable moments? space, one that you feel is at least remotely like home. I like to (upright bass), Mike “McDuck” hang pictures of my cat in my bunk. I enjoy buying books or Olson (trumpet, guitar), and Mike KEARNEY: The stages at the Newport Folk Festival at Fort Adams comic books in different cities, like Longfellow Books in Portland, Calabrese (drums). The band’s State Park are built into an old fort right on the waterfront. When and so I usually have a bunk full of pulps and paperbacks. I also name is a homage to Lake Street in we played the festival for the first time in 2014, we got to hang out love going to guitar shops around the country, like Fanny’s in Olson’s hometown of Minneapolis, at the fort after the festival closed down, and we climbed up on East Nashville. It’s tough not to come home with some awesome which is known for its plethora of dive bars. Propelled to near-household-name “There was a person making lobster rolls for us status by a homemade YouTube PERFORMING AT THE L.L.BEAN SUMMER IN THE PARK CONCERT SERIES, AUGUST 2015 video featuring a soulful rendition of The Jackson 5’s “I Want you backstage—we had never felt so successful.” Back” (heading toward 4 million views at press time), Lake Street Dive has since been named one many awesome festivals, but nothing is quite like Newport Folk, the roof with some other musicians and sang songs looking over vintage find after every tour. But above all else, the band and our of the 2014 best bands of the year by Rolling Stone and described which is probably the most wonderful, magical festival I’ve ever the harbor. Unforgettable. crew are all so friendly and know one another so well, it feels like as having “swinging, smoke-circling soul” by NPR Music. Their one big happy family. What better way to have the road not feel been to. Walking through the crowd, everyone is smiling and so PRICE: Our April 2014 show at the State Theatre in Portland was tireless dedication to touring has built them a huge following, as like work than to enjoy the people you tour with? happy to be there. Their attentiveness to the music is on another particularly special and will always stand out to us as a break- have their stints on Letterman, Colbert, Conan, and Ellen, not to level. I can’t wait for the chance to go back. through. We were so blown away that we’d sold it out in advance. What qualities do the best audiences possess? mention an exclusive New York City concert produced by T Bone We showed up at the venue that day and there was a person Burnett and featuring the music from the movie, What are some of your favorite venues in those towns? KEARNEY: The best audiences are the ones who will go on a journey making lobster rolls for us backstage—we had never felt so Inside Lewellyn Davis. with us—be singing, clapping, and dancing along with us to the KEARNEY: Portland has the State Theatre, which is a beautiful room successful. Then the show was just balls-to-the-wall crazy fun. party songs, and be quiet and contemplative during the more And, fortunately for us, some of LSD’s favorite venues happen to with a great staff who always treat us like kings and queens. The front was packed with screaming teenage girls. I think I saw intimate moments of the set. be located in Lark Hotels destinations. Maine loves Lake Street Obviously Nashville has a bunch of iconic venues, but nothing some of them actually cry at some point. It was bananas! Dive so much that they sell out every show far in advance and quite compares to the stunning atmosphere of the stages at CALABRESE: Yeah, focused extremes. The audiences who hoot and You’ve toured a lot over the past few years. How do you normalize have moved shows to increasingly bigger venues. The band the Newport Folk Festival, which are built into an old fort on the holler, but also get quiet enough to hear a pin drop, always at the life on the road? performed with Mavis Staples at the Newport Folk Festival in waterfront. It’s a pretty special show when people can arrive by appropriate times. Those extremes always evidence the types of 2014, and in Nashville ... well, what band doesn’t strive to wow boat or even watch the show from the water! KEARNEY: The road life can be hard if you let it get mechanical. people who are there with you, and for you, onstage. audiences in Music City? The best way to keep feeling vivacious is to make the most of Beyond the obvious appeal of hundreds or thousands of fans the cities you are in and try to maintain some sort of routine. As thrilled to see you perform, what’s at the heart of the best venues a band, we try to have rehearsals regularly on tour so that the or cities you play? “in their own way, each of those cities [Portland, music is constantly evolving and the show never starts to feel stagnant for us. We each have hobbies that we like to pursue on CALABRESE: Food. It’s the adult security blanket. A good meal Nashville, and Newport] transcends the average.” our downtime on the road. Rachael loves a city with a really great makes us a little bit happier while we’re away from home. The coffee shop, like Speckled Ax in Portland. I love a city that has a food scene in Portland is unbelievable. First time I’ve ever had We spoke with Lake Street Dive for some tips on keeping it real How do audiences differ in Portland, Newport, and Nashville? great running trail, like the Shelby Bottoms Greenway in Nash- a Fruity Pebbles Latte. As for venues: It’s the crew, hands down. on the road, and insights into their favorite things about a few of ville. We have a ton of musician friends in Nashville, so we usually What’s unfortunate is that usually if everything’s running incred- CALABRESE: In my opinion, those three cities are at the top of the end up going out to see local music when we’re there at places ibly smoothly you don’t even notice them. You’re so focused on our destination cities. list of places to perform. Portland has a healthy base of music Can you speak to the differences in playing in the three diverse lovers, period. Nashville and Newport audiences just carry a music destinations of Portland, ME; Nashville, TN; and Newport, certain prestige. In their own way, each of those cities transcend RI? the average. That said, lately we’re having great shows in places we never expected. There are hidden gems out there that are travel like Lake Street Dive LAKE STREET DIVE AT THE STATE THEATRE, PORTLAND, ME PRICE: Being from Nashville, I was very aware of the high standards rising to the top. the average concert-goer has for live music. In a lot of ways, I still feel like we’re trying to live up to the standard of talent there, but Our show in Portland at the State Theatre for the PORTLAND, ME: Speckled Ax (try the Fruity it also feels really good to get a positive response from audiences release tour was, up to that point, the biggest crowd we’d ever had Pebbles Latte!), 567 Congress Street; Long- in Nashville. Portland, on the other hand, is the town you play and for a headlining show. The audience was so receptive that it stood fellow Books, 1 Monument Way always say after, “Do I want to move here?” There’s something out as not only a benchmark gig but, for Portland as a whole, a NEWPORT, RI: Perro Salado, 19 Charles Street very warm and welcoming about it even in the dead of winter. great town to keep getting back to. Nashville and Newport are very different places, but they also contain audiences that not And Newport is just its very own experience. We’ve played so NASHVILLE, TN: Shelby Bottoms Greenway, only appreciate but really understand music. Going into a gig 1900 Davidson Sreet; Fanny’s House of Music, 1101 Holly Street L.L.BEAN PHOTOGRAPH: PHOTO COURTESY OF L.L.BEAN AND PHOTO CREDIT TO TIM GREENWAY; STATE THEATRE PHOTOGRAPH: JOSHUA FRANCIS, STATE THEATRE FRANCIS, JOSHUA STATE THEATRE PHOTOGRAPH: STATE TIM GREENWAY; OF L.L.BEAN COURTESY TO CREDIT L.L.BEAN PHOTO AND PHOTO PHOTOGRAPH:

22 On a Lark Magazine 2016/2017 On a Lark Magazine 2016/2017 23 your own work and what might go wrong that their hard work becomes transparent. If you don’t notice their work, they’re doing a great job, which is quite a paradox. It’s taken a while to realize and appreciate it, but it’s true. The crew can make or break the atmosphere of the show. music on a lark

MCDUCK: Yup, two things make a city stand out to us: the food Interested in hearing some music, even and the people. Rachael has a superpower that allows her to when Lake Street Dive might not be in remember almost every meal we’ve ever eaten on tour, but my town? Here is a mix of our and LSD’s favorite memory is a little less refined, so when I remember a restaurant, it spots to catch a show: really means something. Perro Salado, in Newport, is a standout for me. I’ll average more than one meal there per visit to Newport. NASHVILLE, TN: The 5 Spot (the5spot.club); The baser pleasures aside, we remember a city most fondly when Ascend Amphitheater (ascendamphitheater. com); Ryman Auditorium (ryman.com)

NEWPORT, RI: Newport Folk Festival (July 22–24, 2016; newportfolk.org); Newport Blues Cafe (newportblues.com)

PORTLAND, ME: Port City Music Hall (portcitymusichall.com); State Theatre nside (statetheatreportland.com); One Longfellow Square (onelongfellowsquare.com) I

LOOKING FOR ANOTHER SUMMER Lark

BELTING IT OUT AT NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL IN 2014 DESTINATION MUSIC FESTIVAL? Held during two weeks every July, the Mendocino Music Festival is called the “festival on the edge of the world”—and appropriately so, with its primary venue the people distinguish themselves as kind and accommodating. being a 16,000-square-foot tent overlooking Design Touring is tough, sometimes anonymous, work, which can make the Pacific Ocean at Mendocino Headlands Article by Emily Golin places run together. But when the venue staff, the audience, and State Park. Evenings under the tent the people in shops or restaurants welcome us, even without include orchestra concerts, chamber music knowing the first thing about us, those are the kinds of places ensembles, big band, dance, blues, jazz, we want to return to over and over again. Portland, ME, is at the world, folk, bluegrass, and contemporary top of that list, and Nashville and Newport aren’t too far behind. music. Smaller performances and lectures PRICE: A great venue is made up of a confluence of factors ... A are held throughout the day at intimate great crew is one of them. And being aware of the history of a venues throughout the historical towns of place changes how you feel when you walk onto the stage. You Mendocino and Fort Bragg. (July 9–23, realize that you’re just a small part of the tradition of the amazing 2016, July 8–22, 2017; mendocinomusic.org) feeling of seeing live music. And that feels really, really good.

Lake Street Dive’s new —their debut on None- such Records—came out February 2016, and the band is touring FOR MORE events and music in extensively in 2016 in support of its release. Make sure to check Lark locales: larkhotels.com/events it out, and (if you’re lucky), you might even catch the band live somewhere along your travels. Review the tour schedule at lakestreetdive.com. PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JASON SPEAKMAN JASON OF COURTESY PHOTOGRAPH

24 ON A LARK MAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPHS BY RARE BRICK; STYLING BY RACHEL REIDER 2016/2017 25 The well-traveled sectional in the Merchant in historic seaside Salem, MA, it was lounge at Field Guide the interior and exterior of the building—which had been a private home, a bookstore, and a tavern in its previous lives—that served as inspi- ration. From the very first moment, it was clear that the design would need to complement the finely detailed woodwork, floating staircase, and brick exterior rather than compete with it. The Hunt for the Perfect Palette

With inspiration in abundance, it’s all design hands and feet on board to nail down color schemes, furniture, textiles, and accessories—these are the building blocks for a design concept. The process of sourcing never stops for Reider and her team. Regard- less of the project load, there is the constant energy that comes from the excitement of discovering new products, ranging from edgy to fanciful. Reider and her team scour t was a classic game of “Where’s implored the vendor to think outside the box, Meeting of the Minds markets for fabulous finds, pull interesting Waldo?” Except in this case, Waldo was or in this case, outside the boat. Air freight, products from industry-only catalogs, have a six-foot ivory ultrasuede sectional. generally prohibitively expensive for something To create interiors that match the unique access to sneak peeks from trusted vendors, of this size, was quickly arranged for a sched- personality and branding of a Lark Hotel, a and visit trade shows across the country. iAfter weeks of searching, -based interior uled delivery four days prior to opening. But meeting of the Lark brain trust takes place at designer Rachel Reider finally homed in on a the design team’s collective sigh of relief was Reider’s studio in the hub of Boston’s design “One of the best things about my job is Dutch vendor that could provide the perfect premature. Tracking data showed that one piece community shortly after the ink has dried that I get to go out and explore the world anchor piece for the lounge at Field Guide, had gone to North Carolina, while its three on a new property’s papers. In a fluid and in the name of work!” comments Reider. Lark’s luxe lodge in Stowe, VT. Working with cousins had spent the night in Germany. After dynamic conversation, the group considers a “Inspiration can be found around every overseas partners can present unique chal- a slew of frantic transatlantic phone calls and multitude of factors that help drive the creative corner, and I love incorporating the hard- lenges, so before committing, Reider and her rapid-fire emails, it was determined that none process—what draws people to the location, to-find and unexpected into my interiors.” team sketched out the timing on the white of the four parts had ever left the Netherlands. existing hotels in the area, and what needs are board in their design studio. Postproduction, it currently not being met. When the mood is One of Reider’s trademark moves is to create far would take four to six weeks for the sectional Stopping just short of getting on a plane to right, there can be an “aha” moment around more design concepts than could possibly be to arrive in the United States by boat. Euro- personally accompany the sectional from the table; sometimes, the epiphany comes later. needed for each property, often covering the pean factories close for the month of August, one continent to the next, assurances were studio’s floors and tables with fabric swatches, so the order needed to leave Amsterdam made to Reider that it would make land in “The process of coming up with a concept for finishes, and photographs. Out of those piles, in July to arrive prior to the hotel’s October Boston the morning of the grand opening a new hotel is an organic one,” says Dawn a few options inevitably rise to the top. opening. With confirmation that the sectional and immediately be driven north. One hour Hagin, Lark’s chief inspiration officer. “Design has to instill the sense of place that’s inherent From there, the search progresses online, by would set sail on time, the deal was sealed. after the hotels’ doors opened, the lounge phone, and at Boston’s Design Center. The at Field Guide finally had its focal point. to the Lark brand, while also pushing the Thanks to regular calls between Boston and locale’s boundaries in a mischievous way.” team digs for details on products off the rack Amsterdam, things hummed along smoothly While the hotel design process doesn’t always or inquires about customization, something until the end of July. That’s when word arrived involve a crisis of transatlantic proportions, Regardless of when the magic happens, it’s that’s increasingly possible due to Reider’s that the furniture had missed the last boat it is complex. Done right, the guest will at this point that Reider turns to an interior longstanding relationships. Beyond the desire and would not make it on board another until never realize the extent of planning and designer’s best digital tool: Pinterest. In a flurry to create wow-worthy interiors, finances and September 1, arriving well after the hotel’s effort that go into the highly customized of virtual pinning, this secret board, shared only function need to be considered. A gorgeous grand opening. Reider sprang into action and and luxurious spaces that make Lark Hotels with Lark’s leadership squad, becomes a clear- but ultimately out-of-budget wallpaper made the opposite of a big-box hotel chain. inghouse for a wild array of colors, textures, and the short list for the lounge at The Merchant furniture pieces that embody the newly devel- oped concept, any one of which may become design has to instill a sense the focal point around which everything else is designed. For Gilded, a boutique Lark Hotel of place while also pushing in Newport, RI, the spark was a conversation couch—in a classic circular shape but covered Clockwise from left above: the outdoor lounge at in a vivid, modern fabric—and a luxurious Gilded; a queen deluxe room at The Merchant; boundaries in a mischievous way the custom skier wallpaper in the Lark Suite at Field metallic wallpaper aptly named Gilded. At The Guide; wallpaper—aptly named Gilded—in a guest room at Gilded; the lounge at The Merchant 26 ON A LARK MAGAZINE 2016/2017 27 The George Washington Suite at The Merchant, where the first president himself once slept

before determining that a talented local painter touch and feel of many of the fabrics and Above: This Field Guide queen suite reflects the could replicate the effect for a fraction of the finishes. The group operates like a well-oiled work started in the design studio, shown right. Want to go on a lark— cost. From an operational standpoint, the floor machine at this point, having been through plans, bathroom layouts, and ADA compliance this process together many times with an eye without leaving your house? require special attention in many of Lark’s toward constant improvement. The mutual trust Incorporate some of our guests’ favorite pieces into your own home. converted Victorian homes. The architectural and individual areas of expertise are evident details that bring a big dose of charm—from as the dialogue flows. Some finishes, like the synergy as they move forward to pricing the the oddly shaped windows at The Merchant to custom ski wallpaper for Field Guide created approved concepts, a nitty-gritty process that the slanted ceilings at Gilded—often require from a series of Gray Malin photographs are an usually takes about a month. Inevitably, many GILDED quick thinking and imaginative solutions. immediate hit; others require a bit more expla- adjustments are made at this stage of the Riviera armchair game—things may have been discontinued FIELD GUIDE nation and persuasion from the design squad. from Serena & Lily; in the interim, stock is too low, or the sticker Owl Sketch throw serenaandlily.com The Presentation As Lark founder and CEO Rob Blood notes, price is too high—or more often, the realities pillow from Society 6; society6.com With options narrowed down and design “If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this of construction require a shift in game plan. boards hot off the press, it’s time to take it to the process, it’s that the things I’m initially the most The need for updated electrical work at Gilded ”A Team,“ a larger group that includes Lark part- concerned about end up being the pieces changed the layout of several spaces, which ners, the full design team, the project manager, that inspire our guests the most.” One of the in turn altered the furniture plans. This period and the hotel owners. What started as two basic most glaring—or rather, fluttering—examples is marked by site visits, negotiations, nimble is the boldly flowered wallpaper accentuated fingers, and fast footwork, with a goal of doing FIELD GUIDE color schemes has since expanded to include THE MERCHANT with giant butterflies earmarked for the model room photo shoots two to three months Stump side table guest room furniture floor plans, color palettes, Gold Leaf Puzzle table reception area at Gilded. While Blood was after ordering. Model room shoots are a critical set by Regina Andrew; from CB2; cb2.com and fabrics; bathroom layouts, tile, finishes, tubs, initially resistant to all things floral, the walls part of the process for everyone: designers, shopcandelabra.com sinks, and vanities; and plans for the lounge. The excitement is palatable as people circle around quickly became a social media sensation. installers, photographers, and marketers. For the studio, getting to experience firsthand the Reider and her team channel that positive (continued on p. 31)

28 ON A LARK MAGAZINE 2016/2017 29 LOCAL LIBATIONS At Field Guide, a tub installation issue becomes a wine placement solution. FOR MORE TIPS FROM LARK INSIDERS and what including our favorite bars for wine and cocktails: larkhotels.com/libations

(continued from p. 29) Where to Drink the installers, the crew of heavy lifters who The Best Brews in or near Lark Locales will ultimately carry in and assemble the hotel room by room, this is an opportunity to strategize the order of operations (hint:

SALEM, MA the rug always goes first). For the marketing team, these stunning, full-color photos NARRAGANSETT (WESTERLY), RI Far from the Tree Cider will form the foundation for the website, Grey Sail Perfect for the skeptical beer drinker, this cidery’s grand opening campaigns, and online Grey Sail’s Captain’s Daughter, an Nova cider is made with local apples and three imperial IPA, debuted in late 2014 kinds of hops. The resulting cider is not too sweet, promotion. Without them, it would be to rave reviews. Find this fruity hop with pine and citrus notes from the hop varietals. mission impossible to entice people to stay bomb in cans or on tap at Mews at a property sight unseen. From a design Tavern in nearby Wakefield. perspective, this is the dress rehearsal. It was at this stage at Gilded when it was discovered that the slanted walls and ceil- ings meant that the headboards and wall KENNEBUNKPORT (BIDDEFORD), ME art would require additional customization. PORTLAND, ME Banded Horn Bissell Brothers This brewery likes to reinvent the classics like with The hoppy ales brewed by this pair of brothers have The Big Show the seasonal corn lager, dubbed Wicked Bueno— been in high demand since they began brewing in on schedule. At Field Guide, when 11 its take on Corona. Grab a Pepperell Pilsener, a With the model room dress rehearsal 2013. Find The Substance, a highly drinkable, hoppy bathtubs were installed backward leaving light beer that still has plenty of malt character. pale ale at the brewery’s tasting room or The Thirsty but a distant memory at this point, the unsightly plumbing exposed, live tree Pig, a craft beer bar in Portland’s Old Port. installation is a multiday marathon stumps—something in ample supply in where the challenges—and then the STOWE (GREENVILLE CENTER), VT Stowe—were quickly crafted and installed rewards—of lining up all the products, Hill Farmstead to mask the pipes for a beautiful and vendors, and services come to life. Staff useful (for holding a wine glass) solution. NANTUCKET, MA This microbrewery produces some of the most sought-after beers in the world, so and workers descend on the property, Cisco if you go to the farm, be prepared to resembling a beehive at the height of Once the last chair has been nestled into Get to the island’s only brewery (also wait in line. Head to Stowe’s craft beer honey season. In between directing traffic its corner and objet d’art has been placed a distillery and winery) for a laid-back bar Doc Ponds for Edward, the brewery’s and consulting diagrams, Reider and her on the wall, Reider and her team move afternoon of live music, bar games, and flagship pale ale. team inevitably uncover a few surprises, in for fine-tuning and a final photography craft beverages. Try the Sankaty Light NAPA, CA Lager, a refreshing beach sipper and Napa Smith both pleasant and otherwise. Broken chair session with the Lark marketing team. rare craft lager. Take a break from wine tours at legs and missing lampshades caused a Often only a few hours later, with nary this brewery’s taproom, where 12 temporary scare at Gilded, while the a clue of the orchestrated chaos that draft selections await sampling. birds fluttering along the walls in Field preceded their arrival, guests walk into Try the Crush, an amber lager MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MA Guide’s hallways—which were supposed a beautiful room and are welcomed to made in true Napa form with Bad Martha to be backordered—managed to land a stay that will both relax and inspire. Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Visit the brewery’s tasting room in CAMDEN (BELFAST), ME Edgartown for a relaxing afternoon or Marshall Wharf grab a six-pack of Martha's Vineyard Ale, Enjoy a pint and the view of Belfast Harbor from this a well-balanced ESB. You may catch a quirky waterfront brewery and bar. Try the Cant Dog, whiff of grape leaves as you sip, added Be Your Own Designer an Imperial IPA with a strong malt backbone and to every batch as a nod to the island’s plenty of hops, also available in cans. abundant namesake. Way back when before we had the internet, designers—both the professional and at-home variety—used to tear pages from magazines as inspiration and put them in a file or tack them to a board. Pinterest, with an endless array of sources and ideas, is PORTSMOUTH, NH today’s digital version of that cluttered bulletin board. Smuttynose NASHVILLE, TN Every Rachel Reider Interiors project begins by finding one piece—whether it be a sofa, The new location of this 20-year- a wallpaper, or a fabric—that really embodies the project and then building a board Jackalope old craft brewery—a historical farm around it. Try doing the same for your home, building a color scheme and furniture plan complete with a full restaurant—is worth Find Rompo Red Rye Ale in cans or on tap, and enjoy this that works for your life and look. Southern take on an Irish red ale. This brewery, founded by a visit. For a taste in town, head to The two women, uses Tennessee rye to add a spicy flair to this Portsmouth Brewery for Old Brown Dog, Follow interior designer Rachel Reider on Pinterest: @rrinteriors otherwise malty brew. a roasted, chocolatey brown ale.

30 ON A LARK MAGAZINE KATIE KAIZER CISCO: FARMSTEAD: HILL OF HILL FARMSTEAD COURTESY BREWERY; PHOTOGRAPHY; BUTLER DAVID HORN BREWING; OF BANDED HORN: COURTESY BANDED BISSELL BROTHERS: PALATES; SOCIAL CIDER: THE TREE FROM FAR GREY SAIL: SHANE URIOT; BAD MARTHA: SMITH BREWERY; SMITH: OF NAPA BAD MARTHA OF COURTESY COURTESY MARSHALL NAPA FARMER’S BREWERY; WHARF: SETH SMUTTYNOSE: WHITED; PHOTOGRAPHY; OF SMUTTYNOSE COURTESY AARON BREWING; JACKALOPE: MATHESON 2016/2017 31 Lark Hotels embrace the locations they are in—but in playful, unexpected ways. Think “sense of place” with imagination and a touch of mischief. As our guest, you are invited to experience modern luxury in the heart of iconic destinations. To feel the pull of a nostalgic getaway while surrounded by today’s amenities. To find attentive service when you want it and privacy when you don’t.

Our Guest rooms have been furnished with premium Serta® Mattress Sets. Tonight we are sure you will experience a sleep that will leave you refreshed and energized in the morning. Paired with elegance and tranquility this mattress can comfort and soothe at the end of the day.

Now you can experience this restful retreat every night in the comfort of your own home. Our THIS COULD BE HOME program has been created so you can purchase this Serta Mattress Set for your bedroom. Call toll free 877.468.3540 or write to [email protected] to receive program details.

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32 ON A LARK MAGAZINE 2016/2017 33

12469_CON_GP_BookPageA_LARK.indd 1 11/19/15 5:13 PM CAPTAIN FAIRFIELD WHITEHALL 52 High Street, Camden, ME INN 207-236-3391 8 Pleasant Street, Kennebunkport, ME whitehallmaine.com 207-967-4454 The completely renovated and rejuvenated Whitehall is an ideal spring, summer, and early fall captainfairfield.com destination for those in search of an artisanal, authentic Maine experience. The property boasts Classic and modern in equal measure, this rambling front porches and a patio perfect for enjoying a glass of wine or fresh lemonade, a fire boutique inn is Kennebunkport chic at its finest. pit for late-night hangouts, and Pig + Poet, a restaurant and bar complete with a charcuterie station Overlooking the river green and just one block and raw bar. from the harbor, Captain Fairfield Inn offers ESTABLISHED: June 2015 unexpected pleasures, such as a wine tasting ROOMS: 36 room (with a carefully selected wine list) and an outdoor lounge with fire tables. Splurge-worthy FUN FACT: Many scenes from the 1957 movie Peyton Place were filmed at Whitehall. sea salt chocolate chip cookies and masterfully INSTAGRAM: @whitehallmaine prepared breakfasts satisfy even the pickiest chowhound.

ESTABLISHED: June 2004

ROOMS: 9

FUN FACT: Captain Fairfield Inn’s new whale tail sign was handmade by a boat-building student who was attending The Landing School in nearby Arundel, ME.

INSTAGRAM: @captainfairfieldinn

POMEGRANATE INN 49 Neal Street, Portland, ME 207-772-1006 ON-SITE DINING pomegranateinn.com This bold, bright pied-à-terre is a treat in PIG + POET the heart of Portland’s distinctive West End. pigandpoetmaine.com Hand-painted walls, sculptures, furniture, and Pig + Poet celebrates thoughtful fabrics combine in a brilliant play of color and American food in relaxed modern texture that startle and amuse, then encour- surroundings. Open seasonally. age guests to kick back and unwind. Gourmet breakfasts and a fireplace lounge make the INSTAGRAM: @pigandpoetmaine inn a perfect destination for a few days of art, dining, and shopping in New England’s most vibrant city.

ESTABLISHED: March 2013

ROOMS: 8

FUN FACT: Eric Hopkins—a native Maine painter whose work is featured at the hotel—studied glassblowing with Dale Chihuly.

INSTAGRAM: @pomegranate_inn

34 ON A LARK MAGAZINE 2016/2017 35 ALE HOUSE INN THE ATTWATER 121 Bow Street, Portsmouth, NH 22 Liberty Street, Newport, RI 603-431-7760 401-846-7444 alehouseinn.com theattwater.com A boutique urban inn with brick-walled spaces Steeped in the area’s nautical history—yet with and a contemporary, loft-like feel, Ale House a vibrant dash of the unexpected—this boldly Inn is centrally located in Portsmouth’s original Newport hotel offers coastal-chic Market Square district—the hub of all things rooms and super-spacious suites. The Urban hip. Occupying one floor of a former brewery Beach House (located next door to the main warehouse, guest rooms offer a blend of city hotel) brings the vibe of the beach to the heart chic and refined comfort. Welcome beers and of town. A design-driven guest lounge and a snacks included. curated small-plates breakfast round out this award-winning property. ESTABLISHED: November 2013 ESTABLISHED: June 2012 ROOMS: 10 ROOMS: 17 FUN FACT: Contrary to popular belief, this build- ing wasn’t itself a brewery but a warehouse for FUN FACT: There’s both an outdoor shower and Portsmouth Brewing Company where thou- outdoor herb garden. sands of kegs of beer were stored. INSTAGRAM: @theattwater INSTAGRAM: @alehouseinn

THE HOTEL GILDED 23 Brinley Street, Newport, RI PORTSMOUTH 401-619-7758 40 Court Street, Portsmouth, NH gildedhotel.com 603-433-1200 This Newport boutique hotel is a modern, thehotelportsmouth.com irreverent take on the decadent style of the Located just steps from bustling Market Square, Gilded Age. Guests can revel in this homage The Hotel Portsmouth is a short walk from all to Newport’s rich history while enjoying all the the shopping, restaurants, historical sites, and modern splendor Gilded and this iconic des- waterfront attractions that make Portsmouth tination have to offer. The property has rooms so special. Guests have access to personalized and suites perfect for soaking, sipping cham- service 24 hours a day, common-area rooms pagne, and sleeping like a Carnegie.

for relaxing or gathering, and meeting rooms to ESTABLISHED: May 2015 accommodate small functions and events. ROOMS: 17 ESTABLISHED: March 2013 FUN FACT: The pair of gold lions in front of ROOMS: 32 Gilded were relocated from Ye Olde England FUN FACT: Built in 1881, The Hotel Portsmouth Inne in Stowe, VT—which became Lark Hotels’ was the largest private home in the town at the Field Guide hotel.

time. INSTAGRAM: @gildedhotel INSTAGRAM: @thehotelportsmouth

36 ON A LARK MAGAZINE 2016/2017 37 THE BREAK 76 MAIN 1208 Ocean Road, Narragansett, RI 76 Main Street, Nantucket, MA 401-363-9800 508-228-2533 thebreakhotel.com 76main.com A brick-and-mortar nod to the beach community history and retro-chic surf vibe of Rhode Island’s This tony, design-driven boutique Nantucket most distinctive stretch of sand and sea, The Break is Narragansett’s first (and only) boutique hotel is located in the town’s premier landmark hotel. With stylish suites and rooms, heated pool and hot tub, and an ocean-view rooftop cocktail neighborhood. A desired address with modern, lounge, this one-of-a-kind place invites guests to kick back and find playfulness, connection, and a tailored rooms and a secluded and spacious true local experience. courtyard, 76 Main feels like the upscale home of a Nantucket BFF (only bigger and with loads ESTABLISHED: June 2015 of cool amenities). ROOMS: 16 ESTABLISHED: June 2013 FUN FACT: Lark Hotels’ first newly constructed property, The Break was built and is owned by long- time Narragansett residents Jim and Becky Durkin. ROOMS: 20 FUN FACT: The site of 76 Main was the original INSTAGRAM: @thebreakhotel location of a Quaker meetinghouse built in 1832. It was later dismantled and moved (twice), becoming a factory, a roller-skating rink, the Nantucket Hotel, and finally now, Nantucket’s Dreamland Theatre.

INSTAGRAM: @76main

21 BROAD 21 Broad Street, Nantucket, MA 508-228-4749 21broad.com

ON-SITE DINING Nantucket meets Manhattan at this stunning boutique hotel. With soothing white-on-white CHAIR 5 tones and bright pops of citrus color, urban dinechair5.com style embraces island sensibility—and invites guests to join in the hug. Spin tunes on the Chair 5 features handcrafted, locally turntable. Sip a cool beverage on the back deck sourced, and seasonally inspired around the fire pit. Unwind in the steam room. menus prepared with simplicity and 21 Broad spoils with luxuries that intrigue and style. Open year-round. indulge in equal measure. INSTAGRAM: @dinechair5 ESTABLISHED: July 2014

ROOMS: 27

FUN FACT: Formerly the Nesbitt Inn, 21 Broad is the longest-running guesthouse on Nantucket.

INSTAGRAM: @21broad

38 ON A LARK MAGAZINE 2016/2017 39 THE SYDNEY SUMMERCAMP 22 North Water Street, Edgartown, MA 70 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs, MA 508-939-9299 508-693-6611 thesydneyhotel.com summercamphotel.com Formerly a Victorian home built in 1892 by Be a kid again at this whimsically renovated hotel. Designed as a nod to Oak Bluffs’ history as a Captain Charles W. Fisher, this chic jewel is summer “camp” destination for the Methodist Church, Summercamp reflects the rustic, retro, and located in the heart of Edgartown, above the nostalgic touches that any former campgoer (or former child) can embrace. Guests can gaze at renowned L’Etoile restaurant, and features the harbor from their deck chairs, grab a snack from the Camp Canteen, or play table tennis in the stylish accommodations. The Sydney is the key rec hall. Located across from the Oak Bluffs harbor. to an exclusive and relaxing Martha’s Vineyard ESTABLISHED: May 2015 vacation in the heart of downtown Edgartown. Step outside the front door to Water Street, one ROOMS: 95 of the village’s most sought-after addresses. FUN FACT: The hotel was built by Mr. A.G. Wesley for the sum of $18,000 and has been in continu- Specialty shops, galleries, and gourmet restau- ous operation since 1879. rants line the street. The Edgartown Harbor is INSTAGRAM: @summercamphotel one block away.

ESTABLISHED: May 2015

ROOMS: 8

FUN FACT: The name ”Sydney” means ”wide island south of the water”—an appropriate description of Martha’s Vineyard.

INSTAGRAM: @thesydneyhotel

THE CHRISTOPHER 24 South Water Street, Edgartown, MA 508-627-4784 thechristophermv.com With breezy blues, purples, and pops of coral, the color scheme at The Christopher feels distinctly coastal. Bright and very “The Vineyard meets Saint Barths” in feel, guests can’t help but relax and shift into island time. A back court- yard features both sunny and shady spots to lounge and enjoy the BYOB mixer bar. Edgartown Harbor, the shops and galleries of Main and Water Streets, and world-class restaurants are just outside the front door.

ESTABLISHED: May 2015

ROOMS: 15

FUN FACT: A beautiful example of Victorian architecture from the late 19th century, every room here is unique—some even feature private balconies.

INSTAGRAM: @thechristophermv

40 ON A LARK MAGAZINE 2016/2017 41 FIELD GUIDE THE MERCHANT 433 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 48 Washington Street, Salem, MA 802-235-8088 978-745-8100 fieldguidestowe.com themerchantsalem.com With 30 ruggedly plush suites and rooms, heated pool, and on-site restaurant, Field Guide pro- Built by acclaimed 18th-century architect vides the perfect place to begin or end a Vermont journey. Kick back or interact in the expansive Samuel McIntire, this intimately sized Salem, guest lounge. Hit the slopes, leaf peep, practice mountaintop yoga, explore gorgeous hiking trails, MA, hotel brings a stylish side to this histor- or lounge by the pool. It’s all within easy reach. ic North Shore enclave. With past lives as a home, a tavern, an office building, and a ESTABLISHED: May 2015 rare-books shop, The Merchant has now been ROOMS: 30 restored as a luxurious boutique hotel with FUN FACT: For the Trail House rooms, Lark Hotels had a branding iron made to burn the room spacious rooms and high-end interior design. numbers into the wood beside the doors. Located in the heart of downtown, The Mer- chant offers large, luxurious guest rooms that INSTAGRAM: @fieldguidestowe retain much of their original woodwork and exquisite detail, yet offer the best of today’s amenities—including heated bathroom floors, gas fireplaces, plush linens, USB charging outlets, and LED Smart TVs with Apple TV.

ESTABLISHED: November 2015

ROOMS: 11

FUN FACT: The Salem Harbor used to come right up to the side of the building, which is how original owner, Joshua Ward, was able to literally “watch his ships come in” in the late 18th century.

INSTAGRAM: @themerchantsalem

THE HOTEL SALEM 203–209 Essex Street, Salem, MA 508-228-4749 thehotelsalem.com Exposed brick, loft-style rooms and suites, and an underground restaurant lend a funky vibe ON-SITE DINING to this hotel. Located just off Salem’s pedestrian mall, it’s in the thick of everything in “witch PICNIC SOCIAL city.” picnicsocialstowe.com ESTABLISHED: Summer 2017 Field Guide’s signature barcade ROOMS: 44 lounge and restaurant, Picnic Social is FUN FACT: The marble staircase in our entryway a tribute to all things local, fresh, and was original to the building when it was Vermont. Newmark’s—the flagship department store in INSTAGRAM: @picnicsocialstowe Salem in the early 1900s.

42 ON A LARK MAGAZINE 2016/2017 43 BLUE DOOR GROUP WHITE HOUSE 10481 Howard Street, Mendocino, CA 443 Brown Street, Napa, CA bluedoorgroup.com 707-254-9301 Blue Door Group—Inns of Mendocino is spread across three Victorian buildings in the heart of whitehouseinnnapa.com Mendocino village. Packard House, JD House, and Blue Door Inn are located within a few blocks Featuring newly renovated rooms and stylish decor, guests can have it all in downtown Napa. of each other and the town’s magnificent oceanside cliffs. Shopping, restaurants, spa services, and White House—A Napa Valley Inn offers everything needed for the ultimate vacation. Heated pool outdoor activities are all just outside our signature blue doors. Rooms at Blue Door Group are and outdoor lounge? Check. Spa? Check. Within walking distance of all the city’s tasting rooms, more than just a place to sleep, they are a place to dream. Some feature pampering baths; others shops, and restaurants? Check, check, and check. have stunning ocean views. ESTABLISHED: May 2015 ESTABLISHED: May 2015 ROOMS: 17 ROOMS: 19 FUN FACT: White House was originally the home of Emanuel Manasse, who invented world-famous FUN FACT: Packard House and JD House both have original 19th-century water towers. Napa leather in 1875 while working at the Sawyer Tanning Company.

INSTAGRAM: @bluedoorgroup INSTAGRAM: @whitehouseinnnapa

44 ON A LARK MAGAZINE 2016/2017 45 SHOPPING BLUE 20 Fordham Way, Plum Island, Newbury, MA 978-465-7171 blueinn.com Buy Local About as oceanfront as you can get, this Some of our favorite finds in our hotels’ homes. property is set right on the beach on the northeastern Massachusetts hideaway of Plum Island. A stone’s throw from the charming town of Newburyport, Blue­—Inn on the Beach offers a luxury cottage experience with modern amenities. Discover rooms, suites, and private cottages dressed in crisp summer whites with pops of our signature color. Breakfast baskets and beach loungers will leave you feeling anything but blue.

ESTABLISHED: June 2016

ROOMS: 13 STOWE, VT FUN FACT: The courtyard pebbles are made up Proof that a winter hat can be both MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MA entirely of blue sea glass. sporty and stylish. Alpine hat in If your home is your castle, this is the INSTAGRAM: @blueinnonthebeach Flower Power from Skida; $36 at AJ’s crown jewel. Hand-sculpted Mermaid Ski & Sports Stowe (350 Mountain weather vane; $8,500–$10,000 NANTUCKET, MA Road, Stowe) NEWPORT, RI at Tuck & Holand (275 State Road, Tried and true—and now skinny too. Scented and soothing. Nourishing Vineyard Haven) Women’s Skinny Nantucket Reds; Lavender Milk; $38 at Farmaesthetics $102 at Murray’s Toggery (62 Main (144 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) Street, Nantucket)

NARRAGANSETT, RI A nod to the nautical. Catesby Jones NAPA, CA bracelet, available in a variety of This cheese tray is a perfect pairing colors from Kiel James Patrick; $40 for your favorite vintage. Petit Barrel at Therapy at The Break (1208 Ocean Head Tray; $88 at Napa General Road, Narragansett) PORTLAND, ME CAMDEN, ME Store (540 Main Street #100, Napa) Giving retired sails a second wind. Surround yourself in Camden-style Medium Silver Metallic Anchor tote; cozy with organic wool hand-loomed $165 at Sea Bags (25 Custom House in Maine. Katahdin throw from Swans Wharf, Portland) Island; $525 at Swans Island Camden THE BRIDGE HOTEL (2 Bayview Street, Camden) This newly built, 40-room boutique hotel will be just steps away from Nashville’s honky-tonks, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and acclaimed dining and shopping.

OPENING: Fall 2017

ROOMS: 44

FUN FACT: The name celebrates the bridge of a song, the bridge on an instrument, and the hotel’s

stunning views of Music City’s famed pedestrian bridge located a block from our front door. SALEM, MA MENDOCINO, CA KENNEBUNKPORT, ME A hauntingly good fragrance. Vanilla PORTSMOUTH, NH Bringing the beauty of outside A uniquely Maine twist on a classic. Clove & Black Pepper candle from Customizable, coastal-made pillows. in. Bonsai table from Mendocino Wild Maine Blueberry hot sauce Witch City Wicks; $19 at Wicked Lobster pillow, available in a variety Redwood Burl; $200–$1,200 by size from Kennebunkport Sauce Co.; Good Books (215 Essex Street, Salem) of designs from Seagate Studios; from from Artist’s Collective (6031 CA-1, $6 at Flaming Gourmet (28 Dock $32 at GOODS (113 Market Street, Elk) Square, Kennebunkport) Portsmouth)

46 ON A LARK MAGAZINE 2016/2017 47 DETAILS

Lark Nooks + Lounges (Clockwise from top left) The pool at The Break is open year-round, so you can kick back on the sundeck in any season (Narragansett, RI) • Curl up in the light-filled lounge at Field Guide after a day on the ski slopes or walking trails (Stowe, VT) • With a hot tub, fire pit, and pool, you’ll find plenty of ways to relax at White House (Napa, CA) • The dazzling common areas at Whitehall are snug and stylish (Camden, ME) • The courtyard at 76 Main features a fire pit and mixer bar—perfect for an afternoon of living life well (Nantucket, MA)

48 ON A LARK MAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPHS BY ADAM POLICKY 2016/2017 3 DREAM

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