As we inch closer and closer to Christmas Eve/Day and the end of 2024, it can get harder and harder to find some time to simply rest and relax by oneself or in limited company (instead of groups of, say, twenty people.) There are parties to host and attend! Shopping to be done! Gifts to be wrapped/mailed! Cooking and traveling and so much in-between! And on top of that, many of us are still actively working our normal job schedules and taking care of the responsibilities that don’t simply vanish just because it’s the holiday season.
And with this coming weekend filled with long-time festive plans (which I’m very excited for and will be sharing photos from next week!) I was grateful when my friend/neighbor/photographer extraordinaire, Dan, offered to take me to a quiet dinner and an even more secretive and quiet spot to grab a nightcap earlier this week when I was starting to get a little overwhelmed with staying on top of the still very lengthy “To Do” list that needs to be completed within the next couple of weeks.
After a short drive to Amherst, Dan and I enjoyed dinner at Protocol. The food is incredible and it’s a beautiful, cozy space to host a party or event given how roomy it is on the inside. And despite that it was pretty packed with a lot of college-aged kids, it was surprisingly quiet. Dan and I didn’t have to shout over one another to have a conversation – which is always appreciated!
After eating, we made a short and brisk walk over to the general area where Amherst’s best kept speakeasy, Archives, is hidden away. I’d never been, so Dan stood back and watched as I attempted to – and eventually did! – locate it’s hidden entrance (which I won’t share here since finding it is part of the fun.)
We had seen a new Kiwi Lime Pie-flavored rum drink advertised on their Instagram page and of course, I had to try one. It was very strong (I could only handle the one!) very tasty, and oh-so-pretty to look at! The little toasted meringue at top was adorable.
Archives is another great spot for a quiet get-together or a party since they have large tables and beautifully decorated rooms spread throughout the bar. I’ve already told Troy I’m going to take him the next time he comes back home! It was so relaxing and just what I needed for a night off!
And now, with the weekend nearly here and plenty of packages on their way to my apartment to be wrapped and delivered – it’s back to the chaos of the Christmas season!
See you all next week!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 