Head of the Charles Regatta 2024

Yesterday we spent the day in Boston watching rowers compete in the Head of the Charles Regatta. I rowed in college and raced at the HOCR in 2006. Our boat finished in the middle of the pack and I included a couple photos at the bottom of this post - I'm the curly haired one in the bow! I love returning to see others on the course and since college I've been back many times as a spectator but this was (surprisingly) the first time David has attended with me. It's such a great way to spend an autumn day in Boston. It was our little boy's first regatta too, though I suppose he did attend Henley with me last year while I was pregnant. I love rowing (such a great workout and a beautiful way to spend time outdoors!) and have thought it would be nice to get a scull and practice a bit back at home. Someday!

It was much warmer than expected but I was still comfortable in my coat and scarf (old but similar here). I've been on the hunt for a new red coat and love that there are so many pretty options this year! My Savoy Topcoat is the perfect warm-toned red and a great middle of the road silhouette that can work for casual outfits or over workwear or even a cocktail dress. I'm wearing my normal size, but if you want to wear it over a bulkier winter sweater you'll want to size up. Right now J.Crew is offering up to $150 off their outerwear, including my coat and I rounded up some of my other favorite coats from the sale below. (My cardigan is also on major sale.)

After a morning at the regatta, we went to Aquitaine for lunch. They have a casual, French Bistro style menu and chic decor and our little boy loved trying his first croissant! After lunch we stopped by my favorite antique stores in Beacon Hill (Fabled Antiques and Upstairs Downstairs) be sure to grab a coffee and treat at Tatte's Bakery across the street and pop into Beacon Hill Books for the perfect fall day in Boston!

Travel notes: If you're interested in attending the HOCR the course runs along the Charles River that divides Boston and Cambridge. While the course is three miles long, my favorite place to watch is around Anderson Memorial Bridge, which is right next to Harvard Yard and Harvard's Weld Boathouse. (Such a beautiful building!) I'd recommend parking at the Harvard Business School garage on the Boston side, and walking over the Western Avenue Bridge, along the northern bank of the Charles towards the Weld Boathouse, then over the Anderson Bridge and back along the southern bank to your car for a taste of the course, and lots of scenic views of the competition.

J.Crew's Outerware Sale:

His first time tasting a croissant. :)

I cant find my photos, but just bought these from the HOCR archives. The bottom one is my boat racing past the Anderson Bridge, which is in our family photos above. :) Despite my expression I swear it was such a great day. Ha! (I'm the curly haired one in the bow!)