Harbor View Hotel's Recipe For R&R

THE HARBOR VIEW CREATES THE RECIPE FOR HOLIDAY R & R
The Coach House and Harbor View Hotel Offer Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Menus and Packages

With snow flurries spotted in areas of Greater Boston last week, there's no denying that winter is coming to New England. But with this come three holidays that warm the soul, unite friends and family, and satisfy the belly. The Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard is putting forth feasts fit for kings on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's, and offering discounted off-season room packages that aren't to be missed.

"We invite everyone-families, romantics, locals and visitors alike-to experience the magic of the season at our historic hotel," says General Manager Dick McAuliffe. The Harbor View is the Vineyard's only year-round, full service hotel and has long been called the "Grand Dame" of waterfront properties in New England.

On the afternoon of Thursday, November 24, the Harbor View's Thanksgiving Grand Buffet will sweep through the lobby's halls, offering over two dozen dishes like Island Oysters and Clams on the Half-shell, Local Farm Roasted Pumpkin Bisque, Duck Confit Salad with Wild Rice, Apricots and Almonds, and Slow Roasted Prime Rib of Beef with Horseradish Cream, in addition to the traditional turkey with all the trimmings. The buffet runs from 11:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and is $34 for adults and $17 for children. Reservations are recommended; call (508) 627-3761. A full menu follows this release.

The Harbor View Hotel will host its Christmas Grand Buffet on December 25, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. (adults $34, children $17) and will serve a special New Year's Eve multi-course prix fixe dinner menu at The Coach House. For less ambitious revelers, the hotel's Carlos Fuente Clubhouse will offer its casual fare on both evenings. Christmas and New Year's menus are forthcoming.

The Harbor View Hotel offers two getaway packages this holiday season, one for guests staying in the Main Inn, the other for those interested in the Governor Mayhew Building. The Main Inn is the Harbor View's original building, which was constructed in 1891. This beautiful Victorian-style inn ushers guests into a by-gone era, with winding hallways and spacious, yet cozy rooms. The three-story Governor Mayhew Building sits behind the inn and is more modern in design, with porches off all of the rooms offering views of quaint neighborhood streets.

The "December By-the-Sea" package is valid every weekend in December until Christmas. The Main Inn package includes overnight accommodations in a luxurious guestroom and brunch for two in The Coach House for a rate of $189. Additional nights are $129 plus tax. The Governor Mayhew package includes overnight accommodations in a charming guestroom and brunch for two in The Coach House for $159. Additional nights in this package are $99 plus tax.

"Christmas in Edgartown Weekend," December 9-11, brings excitement to a hopefully snow-dusted town: a concert at the Old Whaling Church, a parade, and a Christmas Ball held in the Harbor View Hotel ballroom on Saturday night. The Harbor View encourages visitors to experience its December By-the-Sea package this weekend and explore Edgartown's unique shops and boutiques that are perfect for finding that special gift.

A Harbor View tip: don't leave New Year's plans to the last minute this year; book early! The "Ring In 2006 In Style" package is available Friday, December 30, to Sunday, January 1. The Main Inn package includes overnight accommodations in a luxurious guestroom, a multi-course New Year's Eve dinner for two and brunch for two in The Coach House for $339. Additional nights are $129 plus tax. The Governor Mayhew package includes overnight accommodations in a charming guestroom, the special New Year's