The Firestone Sisters’ Travel Notebook

By Beth Whiffen
November 7, 2011

Mary and Lucy Firestone Fall is in full swing, and for most, summer vacation is merely a wistful memory that pops up between work and everything you didn't take care of while it was still beautiful out. But the onset of autumn doesn’t mean your inner wanderlust has to hibernate until spring.

“A fall getaway is a great way to recuperate, recharge and reinvigorate after crazy summer holidays, says Mary Firestone, who, with her sister Lucy, blogs about travel at Firestone Sisters. “And, if you live in a warm climate like we do in Los Angeles, it’s the perfect time to escape to cooler destinations and really experience the change of the seasons,” adds Lucy.

Mary (l) and Lucy Firestone of the Firestone Sisters blog

The pair, who started their site three years ago at the behest of friends and family who were constantly plying them for travel tips, may have some favorite far-flung destinations (for Mary it’s Panarea, Italy, a tiny island reachable by boat from Naples) but they are also well-versed in keeping it closer to home, having sussed out both popular destinations and hidden gems across the US. We sat down with the Firestone sisters to get the scoop on three of their favorite spots for fall weekend getaways.

Mary and Lucy Firestone’s Fall Weekend Getaway Travel Notebook

Santa Ynez Valley, CA

We love everything about wine country—the scenery, the wine tasting, the laid back and relaxed spirit of the Valley and the delicious food that goes with great, local wines. While Napa and Sonoma have fully been discovered, the Santa Ynez Valley feels more authentic and less overrun with tourists. Our Uncle Brooks was a pioneer in the Santa Ynez Valley, planting the first grapevines back in the 1970s. Our family continues to produce delightful Rhone varietals (Viogniers, Syrahs, etc.) at Curtis Winery. We definitely have the local inside scoop thanks to our family and our countless weekend trips!

Santa Ynez Valley

Santa Ynez Valley

Where to stay: Fess Parker Wine Country Inn and Spa is right in the heart of the “town” of Los Olivos, where a handful of tasting rooms line the two main streets. We love being able to walk home after dinner, and the included breakfast is essential before a day of wine tasting! And if all that wine tasting has totally stressed you out, head to the on-site spa to unwind.

Pre or post-dinner cocktail spot: After dinner, check out a quintessential Western saloon—the Maverick. The Maverick literally looks like a stage set for a Western film and has been slinging drinks since 1963. They often have live music or line dancing—wear your cowboy boots!

Where to eat: For dinner, Brothers Restaurant is a must. Housed in an old stagecoach stop built in 1886, Brothers (also referred to as Mattei’s Tavern) oozes charm. Request to sit on the side porch (don’t worry, it’s enclosed so you won’t get chilly). Order the tuna tartare to start and the steak with mashed potatoes and garlic butter for dinner—heaven! Pair dinner with your favorite local wine from your wine tasting adventure; they’ve got loads of the local wineries on the wine list.

Matties Tavern

Mattei's Tavern

Don’t miss: Aside from our family winery, Curtis, which has a bright and cheerful tasting room, be sure to visit Rideau Winery. We worship all of their wines and the festive vibe of the winery, which can be attributed to the owner’s New Orleans heritage! Pick up a picnic at Panino in Los Olivos to have between tastings—both Curtis and Rideau have picturesque picnic areas.

Insider tip: Most wineries and tasting rooms close at 4pm, so plan accordingly.

Watch Hill, RI

We’ve spent a part of every summer on the Long Island Sound, and it is one of the most beautiful, charming and relaxing places in the world for us. We love Watch Hill when all the summer crowds have gone and you can have the cobblestone streets of neighboring Stonington, CT, and the beaches to yourself.

Watch Hill Rhode Island

Watch Hill, Rhode Island

Where to stay: Ocean House is one of the grandest hotels anywhere. Although their rates are frankly prohibitive in the summer season, they become much friendlier come fall.

Ocean House Watch Hill

Ocean House Hotel, Watch Hill

Pre or post-dinner cocktail spot: Stonington, CT is only a short jaunt from Watch Hill, and you can’t miss sunset cocktails at Skipper’s Dock. Skipper’s is right on the water and is famous for its “Grog,” their (strong!) version of a rum punch. After dinner, head to The Dog Watch for a drink in front of one of their two fire pits or on the dock.

Where to eat and what to order: The Water Street Café, is fittingly located on Stonington’s picturesque main cobblestone street that shares its name. There is nothing flashy about this quaint restaurant, except the food. The interior feels like a boat and is appropriately decorated with buoys and other nautical flare. The restaurant takes full advantage of the area’s fresh seafood and has a raw bar that serves the best selection of local oysters and clams. The mussels and tuna with wasabi dipping sauce are two other favorites, but everything is good here.

Don’t miss: Lobster rolls and Fishers Island oysters at Abbott’s in Noank, CT.

Abbott's

Lobster Rolls at Abbotts

Insider tip: Water Street Café doesn’t take reservations, so put your name in and go across the street to enjoy a margarita at Milagro.

Whidbey Island, WA

Whidbey Island, WA, reachable by ferry from the coastline of Washington State is about as charming and scenic as it gets. Abounding with stunning hiking trails, waterways for kayaking, and intellect (there is a bookstore on just about every corner of this tiny town) Whidbey is a dream weekend getaway. We loved it so much, we were fantasizing about one day being able to have our very own weekend house here on the water.

Whidbley Island

Whidbley Island

Where to stay: The Inn at Langley has sleek yet cozy rooms, all with jacuzzis, decks, fireplaces and stunning water views.

Inn at Langley

Inn at Langley

Pre or post-dinner cocktail spot: Pick up a bottle of local wine (there are several wineries in the area) to enjoy on your private deck… or in the jacuzzi!

Where to eat and what to order: The Chef’s Tasting Menu paired with wines at the Inn at Langley is certainly on of our top five favorite and dining experiences. Chef Matt Costello prepares dinner in an open air kitchen and explains each dish as you go, all of them made from fresh and local ingredients.

Don’t miss: Hiking at Deception Pass along the Puget Sound followed by lunch in the quaint town of Coupeville at Knead & Feed.

Knead and Feed Coupeville WA

Knead and Feed in Coupeville, WA

Insider tip: Be sure to request a table for two (if you are a party of two!) for dinner at the Inn at Langley. We would have been bummed to be at the big communal table for such a special dining experience.

The Firestone sisters share the travel accesories they require for a weekend away.

Missoni for Target Sweater Cape

(starting bid, $69.99)

"We were ready for the Missoni for Target launch, but apparently, everyone else was too, which is why everything sold out within 15 minutes! Thank goodness for eBay! This sweater cape is perfect for chilly airplanes and will look great with a myriad of outfits throughout the weekend."
Stephanie Johnson Toiletry Bags

"This toiletry bag is so cute, and made so that leaky shampoo will not wind up all over the rest of your products… or your clothes."
Jo Malone Travel Candle

(buy it now price, $24.99)

"Travel candles are essential for ambiance and for making a hotel room smell delightful."
The Row for Toms Cashmere Shoes

"Toms are comfortable and stylish—a hard-to-find combo that’s imperative while traveling! We love the Olsen twins' elegant collaboration with the brand."
Patagonia Freewheeler Duffel

(starting bid, $299)

"These bags are so durable and the wheels make them easy to get around. Plus, you won’t confuse your bag for all the other black ones on the luggage belt."