Need some last-minute vacation ideas to beat the heat? We asked Draper James gals from across the country where they love to go for a quick summer getaway. They each brought a little slice of the South with them by toting their favorite Draper James bags. Scroll below to find where to go, what to do, and what to pack. Then make sure to follow them on Instagram for more lifestyle, travel, and style inspo!
Carla McDonald toting her “Hello, Sugar” tote at the Nantucket Marina heading out for a sunset sail aboard a friend’s Hinckley sailboat.
Who to follow: Carla McDonald, Founder of The Salonniere (@thesalonniere)
Where to go: Nantucket, MA
What to pack: The Hello, Sugar Tote. “I adore this tote!” says Carla, “Not only is the ‘Hello, Sugar’ greeting perfectly in sync with the whimsical tone of my site The Salonniere, but it’s large enough to carry everything I need for a day on Nantucket and structured enough to look chic and tailored. And, of course, the navy canvas, white text, and gold accents make it the perfect nautically-inspired accessory for an island vacation”
Carla’s Nantucket Recommendations:
- Host a sunset clambake on Madaket Beach, the most beautiful place on the island from which to watch the Nantucket sun slip behind the horizon. Susan Warner at the Nantucket Clambake Company caters the most fabulous traditional clambakes and thinks of every detail, so you can kick back and enjoy your own party.
- Meet friends at Cru for fresh oysters and Crucumbers, a scrumptious cocktail made from vodka, cucumbers, and lemon balm.
- Go to the beach, of course! “Nantucket has so many beautiful and pristine beaches, so you can always find one that fits your mood,” says Carla. “When I feel like being pampered, I head to the Cliffside Beach Club where the beach boys set up lounge chairs under colorful umbrellas and serve you lobster salad. If I feel like having a more active day on the beach, I’ll head to Cisco for the waves. For a quiet and tranquil day on the sand, I like Ladies Beach, which is off the beaten path.”
Lauren carries the Eva crossbody through Central Park, en route to The Boathouse for brunch with friends.
Who to follow: Lauren Nelson, Lifestyle Blogger (@_laurennelson_)
Where to go: New York City. “Whenever I’m in the city on the weekends during summer, I love staycationing in Central Park. It’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of New York,” says Lauren. “I highly recommend entering at 72nd and 5th Ave. If you make a right on the first path at this entrance, head down the stairs, there will be a pond full of mini sail boats. It’s so cute, quiet and scenic! It’s the perfect location to lay on a blanket and drink rosé with friends.”
What to pack: The Straw Lemon Eva bag. “I think this bag is adorable and I love that it’s cross-body,” says Lauren. “What really drew me to the bag were the cute lemons, gold chain and the fact that it’s big enough to carry all of my necessities. It’s the perfect bag for when you have to be out and about all day.”
Lauren’s NYC Recommendations:
- Grab a cocktail and lobster roll at Grand Banks. Lauren recommends the “Skipper Key” cocktail.
- See a comedy show at the Village Underground. They accept walk-ins, but Lauren highly recommends making a reservation beforehand. Grab dinner right around the corner at Rosemary’s afterwards!
- Brunch in the West Village. “I could go on and on,” says Lauren, “but Jeffrey’s Grocery, Buvette, Bluestone Lane Cafe and Sant Ambroeus are a few delicious spots that you can’t miss!”
Amanda carrying the Peabody Perforated Tote outside the Boon Hotel in Guerneville, CA. “I spent the day by the pool, then took my bag with me out to dinner to Boon Eat + Drink!”
Who to follow: Amanda Holstein, Founder of Advice from a 20 Something (@amanda_holstein)
Where to go: Guerneville, Sonoma County
What to pack: The Peabody Perforated Tote. “I love a good tote bag because they are so versatile and they hold everything!” says Amanda. “This white cutout tote really caught my eye because I could take it to the pool with me during the day and easily transition it to my nighttime activities.”
Amanda’s Gurneville Recommendations:
- Lay by the pool at Boon Hotel
- Shop at Commerce Fine Goods. “I recently got a pair of sunglasses from Commerce Fine Goods on my trip to Guerneville and I’m in love!” says Amanda.
- Grab cocktails at El Barrio (Pro Tip: Always bring sweater because you never know when you’ll need one in Northern California, especially when the sun goes down!)
