As I sit and write this, I’m back in London reflecting on an amazing whirlwind of a week home for Christmas. From quick stops in Boston, to savoring Connecticut’s many charms and lots and lots of time spent with family, it was an incredible visit.
A crowded Terminal 3 at London’s Heathrow Airport
The Arrival
I flew on Virgin Atlantic from London’s Heathrow Airport to Boston. Fun fact: I had booked my flight back in May using my Virgin Atlantic points. For about 20,000 points and $230 for economy round-trip, it was a pretty good deal. I also scored a new Virgin Atlantic plane with in-flight wi-fi, although it really didn’t work that well. For £14.99 which will give you up to 150MB of data, which even with simply web browsing and email, was eaten up incredibly fast. I ended up purchasing another pass, but for over £30 it just felt like price gouging – especially because the speed was so slow and barely lasted for half of my flight.
To be honest, I’m not sure I would purchase it again. Virgin Atlantic should take a page from Gogo’s in-flight wi-fi playbook and give passengers unlimited web surfing / emails for all or part of the flight with different packages – e.g. so if you know you want one hour, 4 hours of the flight, or the entirety of the flight, you pay for it and don’t have to deal with an arbitrary 150MB limit with no counter to see how you’re tracking against it.
The nice view from my Hilton Back Bay room overlooking part of the Back Bay, Fenway and the iconic Citgo sign.
Welcome to Boston!
Once in Boston, I settled into the Hilton Back Bay, which I booked via Hotels.com. I just love the Hotels.com rewards program, which gives you a free night for ten stays, the value of which is the average of your ten stays.
Yours truly working out at the Hilton Back Bay gym
My stay at the Hilton Back Bay was great – free wi-fi, a large, comfortable bed and a great gym to start the mornings off with. The hotel is also adjacent to the Prudential Center mall (with a brand new Dunkin’!) and a few blocks from Newbury Street for last-minute shopping. I was also very pleased to learn that a Flour Bakery + Cafe is opening up next door!
Dunkin’ Donuts for life :). In case you’re wondering, I’m wearing OPI’s Glitzerland nail polish. Festive and goes with everything!!
My time in Boston was short, yet productive! From last-minute Christmas shopping, to a much-needed hair appointment with Elle at Cynthia K Salon and dinner/drinks with friends at Met Back Bay on Newbury Street, it was a great 24 hours in my former hometown.
With my amazing friend Biana of BlovedBoston (check out her blog, it it awesome!!!) at Met Back Bay. P.S. How great does my hair color & cut look?
Connecticut for Christmas
After a fabulous 24 hours in Boston, it was off to Connecticut to spend the Christmas holidays with my family.
Before the Christmas holidays, we took a daytrip to Chamard Vineyards in Clinton, Connecticut. The vineyard grounds and food are just lovely – even in the winter! We tucked into a delightful lunch and then strolled the grounds for a few photos after. A very nice way to spend the day!
Chamard Vineyards
Chamard Vineyards
Gruyere & gouda grilled cheese sandwich
Incredible rosemary french fries with a spicy aioli
Steamed mussels in a curry broth
A butternut squash, mustard greens and feta salad
Family Time
In addition to fun excursions, there was plenty of family time over the Christmas holiday. From delicious meals, to playtime with my adorable nephew, it was a wonderful few days.
Cooking for the grandparents! I cannot handle the cuteness!
Lots of delicious family meals. Far too much cheese (although I loved every bite).
Mixology adventures with Dad!
Movie time!
Pre-Flight Antics In Boston
My whirlwind of a week ended with one more afternoon in Boston where I shopped and savored the day away with friends. Despite the crazy deals, I struck out on the shopping front, but I did manage to hit my 10,000 daily step goal walking all around the Back Bay, with stops at Cafeteria on Newbury Street for lunch and the Bristol Lounge in The Four Seasons Hotel for pre-flight drinks.
Boston’s Copley Square
Lunching at Cafeteria on Newbury Street. If only I took a photo of my gorgeous chopped apple salad with shrimp!
Pre-flight cocktails at The Bristol Lounge in The Four Seasons. As you do!
Bye bye Boston…next stop London!
All in all it was an incredible time home for Christmas. It always feels too short! Hoping you all had a lovely holidays!! xoxo