Homey Hotel Hacks!
March 13th already? March marks the end of the official winter in New England, and as the tourists retreat and mud cakes our cars, we are reminded that it’s our turn for respite. This past weekend I was privileged enough to travel to Portland, Maine for their Restaurant Week, and while I love travelling more than anything (and feel very privileged to do so), I deeply desire the creature comforts of my home while I’m away. Hotel stays can feel stale and a bit bland, so I take it as my responsibility to make things cozy and warm! Cork Market has you covered.
What’s more 5-star than a welcome glass of champagne? NOTHING. That is why whether I’m staying at The Ritz, Motel 6, or your cool aunt’s Airbnb, I bring a bottle. Pre-chilled, ready to serve. In a small cooler I pack a bottle of bubbly that I chilled in my fridge overnight, nestled between some humble lunchbox ice packs. When we reach the destination I go right for the bar and ask for stemware which they almost always acquiesce to, however- I am not above drinking champagne out of a questionably clean hotel mug. As soon as I take a sip, vacation has begun. The stress and exhaustion from travel and the world I have left behind melt away, even if just for a weekend! This weekend I reached for a bottle of Gaston Chiquet traditional method premier cru champagne from the market. Composed of Meunier, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir grapes, this medium bodied bubbly boasts a clean straw yellow color, light pillowy mousse, and notes for fresh strawberry, mixed florals, citrus and stone fruit. It is very well balanced, versatile with food and reasonably priced, making it a great intro-to-champagne bottle and nice to travel with. We also have this label available in a split (½ bottle) if that better suits your needs! Looking for an upgrade? Grab the Bourgeois-Diaz Bd’3c (Trois Cepages Collection) Vintage Brut Nature. Also a blend of Pinot Munier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, this stunner is super delicate and youthful, but finishes with some deep complexity and order. Perfect for a birthday or anniversary getaway, or for an adventurous palate!
Besides bubbly, there are a couple of other necessities I grab at the market on my way out of (or maybe in your case, into) town. Hotel snack bars tend to boast the equivalent of airplane snacks. Instead I grab a couple bags of chips- Superbon, Salt & Cretian Herb are my fave, Cabrioni Nocciola flavored wafer cookies, and Mitica truffle Marcona almonds. All delish, all feel fancy and top-tier, all pair great with champagne, and all more satisfying than a bag of peanuts. Next, (and you didn’t hear this from me) I grab a small candle. I know this is controversial, but hear me out. Have you ever walked into a Marriott and thought “Wow, it is so cozy and smells so homey and nice in here”? No, you haven’t. A familiar scented candle or essential oil diffuser will change literally everything for you. Obviously be safe and limit use, but you will be shocked how much of a difference this makes. There is a lovely juicy watermelon candle at the shop right now that is perfect for a spring escape. And last but definitely not least- I am bringing flowers! Mooring Hill Farms drops a limited number of gorgeous colorful blooms at the Market on Thursdays- a coveted commodity! If you thought welcome champagne, bougie snacks and a candle were more than enough, why not go all in?? You can bring your own vessel or just use the hotel room water glasses as bud vases and scatter some blossoms around the room. You won’t regret it. Whether you are a visitor to Vermont this time of year, or are a Vermonter booking your great escape, try these touches during your next stay away.