It's wedding season. Although even the heat radiating off asphalt in a parking lot in Phoenix right now can't melt our cold, cold hearts, some people still feel an affinity for the institution of marriage. We feel obliged to humor them. If we're dragged to witness these nuptials, we just hope it gives us a chance to check out a cool new place. Here are a few of the settings where we'd like to see our friends give up their independence.
Nantucket
For one, Nantucket is less likely to be as ungodly hot as, say, a Caribbean wedding in July. Sure, this destination might apply to a niche group -- the madras pants wearing, tennis playing, New England set -- but it's a beautiful island with plenty of web sites and companies targeting the enfianced.
Napa Valley
Everyone knows California is the best place, temperature-wise, to be in July. The inns and spas throughout Napa Valley that cater to wine travelers translate perfectly to wedding settings. Being the savvy businesspeople they are, inn owners have tapped into this market and now offer outdoor ceremony services and wedding-related amenities. Plus, guests can maximize their trip by stopping in for some tastings before and after the big event.
Hawaii
For the tried-and-true tropical destination wedding, Hawaii is best. Couples can choose between The Big Island, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Kona. Also, it's not just the boring old girl/boy pairs heading to the far state, because Hawaii is one of the gay friendliest states, socially and legally. Plus, it's kind of unique that wedding photographers in Hawaii double as peeping toms (see above). The whole voyeur thing is really hip right now on HBO.
There are plenty of spots to stay on Nantucket. Your choice, not unlike the choice facing Mark Philippoussis every Monday night, is whether to go cougar or kitten.
To help you along we have provided three Nantucket inns that we feel should make your final cut--two kittens and a cougar.
You aren't going to be finding a Starbucks on Nantucket, and if you ask for one, god help you, you might get pummeled on the spot.
Luckily there are plenty of good spots on the Island to grab a morning bagel or pastry and a tasty caffeinated beverage. Some of the spots feel glam, some feel local, sine are worth the extra walk, and some are not even worth mentioning.
Good news. You can get a good mean on Nantucket without having to spend a fortune. Better news. Nantucket restaurants often are the beginning and ending spots for many looking to enjoy nightlife on the Island.
Restaurant staffers off shift, locals, and tourists, everyone on Nantucket hits up the Island restaurants at one point or another.
Once on Nantucket you are going to want to find a nice spot to soak in the nightlife. Yes, it is a quiet island, but that doesn't mean there is nothing to do once the sun goes down. With the uber-rich summer crowd co-mingling nightly with the twenty somethings looking to make a boatload of cash in local restaurants, bars, and hotels, you are bound to find some party action, if you know where to look.
Whether you need a drink to recover from your hectic workweek, bask in the glow of your glorious summer island retreat, or put up with the onslaught of men in pink shirts and critter pants--point is most folks on Nantucket need a drink.
Unless you are taking JetBlue from JFK, or one of the small planes from Logan, you are more than likely boarding a ferry in Hyannis, Mass. to get yourself to Nantucket.
Last Friday we took the high speed Hy-Line, which transported us from Hyannis to Nantucket in one hour flat.
As for the Nantucket walk of shame, oh yeah, we did it.