For some travelers, exploring exotic cuisine and unique restaurants isn’t simply part of traveling—it’s the whole reason for it. The gastronomic delights of the Northeast region are never more plentiful than in the summer months, when fresh produce and locally-caught seafood are all you need to create an unforgettable meal.
Whether you’re interested in attending a food-themed festival in one of your favorite vacation destinations, such as Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, or Newport, or planning a trip around a restaurant you simply must visit, Tradewind Aviation is the answer to the question of how to get there. With seasonal scheduled flights to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard all summer—and private charters available throughout the region year-round—Tradewind ensures that the only detail you need to focus on is making the reservation.
Read on to learn more about the gastronomic festivals and unique dining experiences that should be on your must-attend list for summer 2024.
Can’t-Miss Festivals
Nantucket Wine & Food
The Nantucket Wine & Food Festival, held annually each May, marks the unofficial start of the summer season and the best opportunity to sample the gastronomic delights of the island. Running this year from May 15-19, the festival draws wineries from around the world, which showcase their finest vintages for festival-goers. Those interested in tasting exotic cuisine alongside their wine will have no trouble finding a bevy of options—from a champagne and lobster luncheon featuring Veuve Clicquot to an Argentinian-style asado dinner party, to a pairing dinner prepared by Chef Jacopo Campobasso of three-star Michelin restaurant Piazza Duomo.
Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival
Don’t let the casual vibe of the Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival fool you—it’s a gastronomic experience even the most sophisticated foodies will enjoy. Held this year May 18-19, the festival takes place along Newport’s waterfront and features freshly shucked oysters, cuisine from local restaurants, refreshing cocktails, and live music. Learn more about farming oysters directly from the source, as oyster growers share their knowledge of this exotic cuisine.
Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival
After a four-year hiatus, Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival made its triumphant return last October, and it’ll be back earlier this year to kick off summer. Tradewind is proud to be the official airline partner of this year’s festival, occurring between June 6-9, 2024. The festival brings a spirit of togetherness to the island as patrons enjoy wine and other gastronomic delights. The festival emphasizes private dinners and walk-around tastings, which give guests the chance to enjoy food in an intimate setting—and meet as many fellow wine lovers and winemakers as they’d like. Highlights of the event include the Grand Tastings, which featured exotic cuisine from more than a dozen local eateries.
Can’t-Miss Restaurants
Ore Hill
This farm-to-table gem in Kent, Connecticut opened last year and quickly achieved local—and national—recognition, landing on the New York Times annual restaurants list that same year. Ore Hill is housed in a refurbished farmhouse in picturesque Litchfield County, conveniently accessible via a Tradewind private charter to Danbury. Though the restaurant’s menu changes seasonally, its current tasting menu features gastronomic cuisine such as a New York state cheddar cheese beignet with osetra caviar, Rock Cobble beef tartare “pizza” with horseradish cheese curds, and pickled sunchoke, and Smoked Rabbit Tamale with avocado, crema, and salsa roja.
The Lost Kitchen
The lore of The Lost Kitchen continues to grow each year, making it one of the most unique dining experiences—and hardest to get reservations—in the entire country. Erin French runs the gastronomic destination in a converted mill in tiny Freedom, Maine (fly direct to Augusta via Tradewind). Its reservation system is charmingly archaic. Guests who’d like to dine there send the restaurant a postcard, and in April of each year, it draws names until it fills its books for the summer season. Those whose postcards are selected work in tandem with the restaurant to find a date and time that they can visit, then they’re treated to a five-hour-long multi-course seasonal tasting dinner hosted by French. The Lost Kitchen has since expanded from offering just dinner to a seasonal farmers’ market, shop, and even cabins where guests can stay the night (available to book starting May 1).
Whether you’re drawn to the allure of food-themed festivals, or you seek out exceptional dining experiences at renowned restaurants, the summer of 2024 promises unforgettable culinary adventures. Tradewind Aviation stands ready to whisk you away to these culinary hotspots, ensuring that your focus remains solely on indulging in the delectable flavors and experiences awaiting you.
To learn more about Tradewind flights to Nantucket, Newport, Martha’s Vineyard, and more, please visit our website. To receive a private charter quote, submit an inquiry here or contact our specialists at sales@flytradewind.com or 1-203-267-3305 option 2.