Wishing all you all a very Merry Christmas

and Happy New Year filled with Travel.

Photo taken at a book signing of Caribbean Hideaways at Mitchell’s Book Corner on Nantucket Island over Stroll Weekend, December 8-10, 2013

Below are a few snapshots from our recent trip up to Nantucket for the island’s annual Nantucket Stroll – a cheerful festive tradition that makes crowded Christmas shopping that much more bearable.  From period-clad carolers to Santa arriving by boat and parading up Tramadol Hcl the cobblestoned Main Street, complimentary wine and snacks at various shops and my favorite bit – individually decorated trees scattered around Nantucket town that are then voted on for best design, the weekend is a veritable holiday wonderland.

I hope to make it an annual trip as it is truly a wonderful and memorable weekend.

If you’re interested in attending Stroll next year, please don’t hesitate to contact me for tips, advice and where to stay at Friend of a Friend Consulting.

This past weekend I was in Newport, Rhode Island for a book signing of my second book; Caribbean Hideaways hosted by the lovely folks at Forty 1 North. The assembled group and I enjoyed delicious Caribbean-influenced cocktails made with 10-cane Rum and passed nibbles of jerk chicken and shrimp while I spoke about my signature hideaways hunting methods to a delightful group of Forty 1 North card members. As always, it’s a treat to speak about my passion and share my books with others, not to mention, be a guest speaker at Forty 1 North.

Forty 1 North’s chess kit and dockside Grill Restaurant

The deck at Forty 1 North is easily one of the best spots in Newport, particularly if you’re a yacht enthusiast. With direct views of nautical traffic in the harbor, plus a row of dock slips that often cater to some of the world’s most elegant boats: Hinckleys, Rivas, or in the case of this past weekend, the 147-foot megayacht, the good spot to people-watch too. With a lively crowd that begins at 5pm and goes until 1am – thanks to a DJ spinning from 10pm, the Grill area is one of Newport’s hottest evening venues.

On the deck before the book signing at Forty 1 North

My Instagram photo of the view from our room – note the tall ship cruising by

The rooms at Forty 1 North, particularly the one I stayed in (Room #1) are incredibly comfortable – the beds especially. With deep soaking tubs (of which my 2-year old son was a particular fan), multi-head, walk-in showers, flat-screen TVs and in-room IPads, all the necessary luxuries are available. But for me, the real luxury comes from the intimate views. The creature comforts are, of course, much appreciated, but its walking out onto the terrace and taking in the splendor of Newport’s Harbor that elicits the sigh of content.

ROLLIN’ WITH NOLAN TIP: If it’s access to Yachts, or those who own them, that drives your visit to Newport, then there is no better place than Forty One North.