I know I’m not the only one who has been desperate for a change of scenery these days. The wintery weather and Facebook memories of tropical vacations only adds to the misery.

So I took matters into my own hands and started researching. I knew we couldn’t go far— an 8 month old, a dog, and a global pandemic certainly limited our options. We weren’t planning to go to restaurants or seek out much in terms of entertainment because we’ve been very cautious when it comes to COVID. Just a change of scenery—preferably a water view.

We looked as far as Connecticut and as close as Montauk, eventually stumbling upon the Soundview Hotel in Greenport. We were intrigued by their 2 bedroom, hot tub suite. We could put the baby to bed at 7 and still be able to relax & enjoy ourselves. We’d be comfortable there during the day and you can’t beat the water right out your door.

Upon calling to book, we learned that this operation is brand new and that the suite was also dog friendly. We were some of the first guests to be staying and enjoying this unique amenity. So we loaded up our Jeep to the brim and ferried our way to Greenport.

Joe and I both had our own moments of dread upon arrival. Joe’s came when he saw the roadwork going on as we arrived in the rain, making the exterior look a bit less than desirable. Mine happened when we walked into the surprisingly large, spacious & a little cavernous suite and panicked slightly that our baby wouldn’t sleep a wink in this strange place.

All our fears subsided when we fully unloaded the car and all our baby & dog belongings were sprawled out on the living room floor. We ordered room service and had a glass of champagne while we got settled.

The suite has a full kitchen which we put to good use almost immediately with baby bottles & charcuterie plates. We fed & put Aurora to bed (She slept better than she has at home by the way) and we got to exploring the hot tub.

We stayed for two nights. On our only full day, we had made reservations at Macari Vineyard. It was the only vineyard we could find that was

open on a Tuesday in February.
allowed both dogs & babies
we felt comfortable with their COVID precautions.

I wouldn’t necessarily recommending bringing a baby & a dog to a winery (especially if you don’t get out much with your whole crew). Thankfully the staff was very kind & accommodating and we tried to relax and not think about being “those people”.

I don’t think I fully understood what a wood burning hot tub entailed. They had an attendant who put logs in about every hour from 10am-8:30pm. It was about 40 degrees when we went outside around 7:45pm. Joe had to pull the wooden lids off and stir the water with an oar. The hot air rises, so as the steam releases into the air the bottom of the hot tub starts to cool.

It was thrilling to be on the edge of The Sound, sitting in 110 degree water—sipping rose and eating oysters. You could faintly see the water down along the beach, but relaxed with the sound of small waves.

It’s been a year since we’ve traveled at all and it felt surreal to sense that familiar thrill you get when you’re traveling somewhere entirely new and experiencing something for the first time. Even though we were a just hop & a skip away from home, it made us think about pools in Santorini, champagne gardens in Sorrento & spicy fries on Grand Cayman.

We got lucky with a beautiful day that was sunny & pushing 60 degrees (even though the forecast said freezing rain & snow). So we decided to let the baby nap in her stroller and we headed to the Greenport Harbor Brewing Company for lunch with hopes of sitting outside. We were happy to find they had ample outdoor seating and it seems they burn multiple fire pits on colder days.

After a quick stroll in town (almost everything was closed), we made it back to the Soundview just in time for sunset. We were so grateful to be able to enjoy the stunning views, breathe in the fresh air and just let our minds relax. In our pre-baby days, we probably would’ve been in the hot-tub at sunset, but we enjoyed it nonetheless. The colors were spectacular.

Overall, it was an amazing trip and a wonderful stay at the Soundview. There were small details that could have made the suite experience more enjoyable (robes/slippers for going outside in your bathing suit in freezing temperatures is one), but we would certainly book that suite again and probably will. We look forward to post-COVID when we can dine in their restaurant, enjoy the piano bar and talk to other guests.

Have you traveled at all this winter? Tell us where in the comments.