Vintage and antique boats filled the Hawthorne Cove Marina in Salem last weekend, August 24-25 for the 37th Annual Antique & Classic Boat Festival. This popular North Shore boat show gives visitors the rare opportunity to view and tour a unique collection of privately owned vintage boats. Dating from the early 19th to the mid-20th century, many of these classic vessels are built from wood. It’s one of our favorite August things to do!

Schooner, Malabar II

 

Museum-quality motor yachts, mahogany speedboats, sloops, yawls, and schooners arrived in shipshape condition for the weekend.

 

Photo by Antique & Classic Boat Festival

 

Most boats are in the water, and are still in use today, after being lovingly restored.

 

1939 Greavette Streamliner

 

Swampscott Dory, detail

 

A Swampscott Dory

 

Like any gathering of sailors, this show is an excuse to trade cruising tales and share a boat’s history and restoration story. Interiors are decked out with flowers and table settings. The captain and crew may even wear vintage attire to set the mood. A simple “permission to come aboard” will usually get you a tour of the cabin, and a history lesson.

Boat Show Award Winners

The boats were judged by the show visitors, with voting closing Saturday at 4 p.m. Awards were handed out in seven categories: Best Sailboat, Best Powerboat, Best Reproduction, Best Hand-Powered Boat, Finest Interior, Best Restoration By Owner, and Best In Original Condition.

Aimee Beth, Finest Interior 2019, photo by Antique & Classic Boat Festival

 

Malabar II, Best Sailboat of 2019, photo by Antique & Classic Boat Festival

 

The Malabar II is a beautiful 52-foot schooner built in 1922, designed by reknowned yacht designer John Alden.

Smaller boats were also on display, like a circa-1970 Swampscott dory built by Pert Lowell of Newbury, Massachusetts. Its current owner is 16-year-old Alex Giniatis of Hanover. Alex has sailed to the festival from Hingham, Massachusetts, aboard his grandfather’s 1946 catboat Tabby every year since he was just 4 years old. Tabby received an Honorable Mention this year, for Best Sailboat.

Winning the award for Best Reproduction was the Lewis H. Story, a recreation of an early 18th century fishing sailboat known as a “Chewbacco” owned by the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum. It was commissioned in 1998 to serve as the museum’s flagship vessel. The Lewis H. Story measures 30 feet on deck and her hull, deck arrangement and rig are a fine example of the small, fast boats built locally after the Revolutionary War. The Lewis H. Story is named in honor of Essex shipwright and maritime historian, Lewis H. Story 1873-1948. 

The Lewis H. Story, Best Reproduction winner.

The Antique & Classic Boat Festival is always a fun opportunity for the kids to tour and learn about maritime history firsthand. The annual Blessing of the Fleet reminds us that these boats are still very much at sea. And there were plenty of other things to do – a crafts fair, artist booths, and sea-themed children’s activities. Free boat rides were provided by Mahi Mahi Cruises & Charters. Live music carried on the vintage theme with tunes by The New New Orleans Jazz Band, the Mood Elevators, and Toby Tobas on steel drums.

If you live in the North Shore area, or plan to visit Salem in August, the annual Antique & Classic Boat Show is a must-visit event. If you’re planning a move to the area, Sagan Harborside Realty is your lifestyle expert for Marblehead, Swampscott, or North Shore luxury homes. Just give us a call at 781-593-6111.

A beautifully appointed guest suite is a gift to your guests they'll appreciate and remember. Creating the perfect guest room means adding thoughtful touches that make your guests feel pampered and completely at home. We've gathered our favorite guest room tips and ideas, so you can be guest-ready when the holidays come around.

Spending the night in your guest room is a great way to decide what improvements you'd like to make. Is the mattress comfortable?  A memory foam topper adds instant luxury. Did the sun wake you up too early? You'll want room-darkening draperies or shades. Is the closet too full? Be sure to clear out at least half the closet for hanging space, and provide empty hangers. 

Is your guest room attractive? If it's a collection of cast-offs from other rooms, freshen them up with paint or new upholstery. Add a plush upholstered headboard. Embrace a quirky mismatched look, and give your guests a charming spot to Instagram.

Guest Room Furniture

The ideal guest room has a plush, cozy mattress, enough storage and a spot to relax, read or work. A small desk can be used for a laptop, or as a makeup vanity (just add a mirror and good lighting). A seating area lets your guests relax in private. If your usual guests have babies, add a rocking chair. Short term guests don't unpack, so a luggage rack or a bench at the foot of the bed is handy for suitcases. Finally, cover those cold hard floors with a fluffy rug.

 Guest Room from our Swampscott Listing

Guest Room Amenities

Top quality bedding is a worthwhile investment. Not only will your guests love the silky-soft finish, high-end sheets will last for years. Include European square pillows for reading in bed. Give your guests a choice of sleeping pillows, both feather and non-allergenic. Layer a light blanket under a cozy duvet for year-round comfort. Bedside lamps should be at least 28" tall, and have 3-way bulbs for reading.

 Tenora Bedding Collection by Sferra

 

A plush throw is a luxurious touch - and your guests can use it for an afternoon nap without unmaking the bed.

Luxury Wool Throw at Gessato.com

 

Pamper your guests with hotel-style touches like plenty of white towels, mini toiletries, a blow dryer, and ironing board. A basket of things they may need, like razors, toothbrushes, and allergy or headache medicines are a thoughtful touch.

 

 
Hospitality Supplies by Beekman 1802

Encourage guests to explore on their own with books about the local area, brochures and coupons for nearby activities and a map of the town. Local post cards and stamps add old-fashioned fun to their stay.

Guest Room Snacks and Coffee

A basket of snacks like granola bars, pretzels, or fruit lets guests help themselves without having to ask. Add mineral water, baked goods, or even a bottle of wine as a welcome gift. If your guest suite has space, a coffee bar and a small refrigerator will make them even more self-sufficient. We love the idea of gathering everything onto a guest room cart; it looks stylish and makes re-stocking easy.

 

 Photo Courtesy of KellyNan.com

Essentials For A 5-Star Guest Suite

These luxury touches will make your guests feel extra-pampered and loved.

• Fresh flowers
  • For an instant welcome. Use a sturdy vase that won't tip easily, or a blooming plant in a pretty pot. 
• Air freshener
  • A spray freshener for the bath area and an oil diffuser for the bedroom.
• Bedside carafe of water
  • An old-fashioned touch that's much appreciated - they come in all styles, from modern to monogrammed.
• Covered waste can
  • A step-can is easy and sanitary, a nice touch when the trash isn't emptied daily.
• Extra toilet paper and plunger
  • Stash it in an easy-to-find spot, so no one has to ask.
• Framed wi-fi password
  • Print it out, frame it, and place it on the nightstand - we love this downloadable template.
• Reading material
  • A few current magazines or books; essays, short stories and light fiction are a nice touch.
• Slippers
  • Leave a pair or two of plush, unisex slippers beside the bed.
• Charging station
  • A USB outlet or power strip with USB ports is a simple solution.
• TV-remote instructions
  • Print out your channel guide, and a few pointers for your particular setup.
• Hamper
  • Keeping only the clean clothes in a suitcase helps travelers stay organized.
• Night lights
  • A bathroom nightlight and motion-sensor nightlights in hallways help guests navigate in the dark.
• Welcome treat
  • Chocolate on the pillow anyone? A sweet treat tells guests you're happy to host them!
• Spare keys
  • Guests love to come and go as they please. Give them printed instructions for the alarm, if you have one.

  

Image Courtesy of AlmostMakesPerfect.com

 

If you’d like to be settled in your dream home before the holidays, Sagan Harborside Realty is your best resource for Marblehead, Swampscott, or North Shore luxury homes. Just give us a call at 781-593-6111.