The Head of the Charles Regatta

This past gorgeous weekend, Cambridge, MA played host to one of New England's most beloved events: 

 The Head of the Charles Regatta

My friends and I spent our Sunday sipping coffee in Harvard Square, indulging in autumn's most adored comfort foods, admiring attendees' classic New England style, and, of course, watching the finalists compete for Regatta glory from right beside the Elliot Bridge. 

As this is by far one of my most favorite weekends in Boston, I have constructed an extraordinarily lengthy post on all things HOCR. 

The Head of the Charles Regatta is hosted along a significant portion of the Charles River, although viewers exist in the highest concentration between Harvard Square and just beyond the Elliot Bridge. That said, it only makes sense to start the day by exploring Harvard Square's charming shops and picking up a snack or two. Genevieve and Stephanie particularly enjoyed these subs from Al's, which is notorious for their massive sandwiches. 

If you're looking for something a little sweeter, Kristin would definitely recommend you stop by The Garage's Ben and Jerry's. After all, having grown up in Vermont and worked at the Ben & Jerry's factory herself, she's an expert when it comes to New England's favorite ice cream. 

Speaking of born-and-raised New Englanders, meet Brianna. A lover of monograms, Lilly Pulitzer, and all things pink, this Cape Cod native embraces the New England prep style with open, KJP-decorated arms. And rocks it. 

Another Massachusetts native, my Ann-Taylor-obsessed best friend and former roommate Genevieve has a sophisticated simplicity to her style that I envy. She has an undying ability to look classy while simultaneously looking like she is not trying very hard at all. She also has a talent for making extremely animated facial expressions. (see below)

Up next, of course, is our adopted New Englander: the bubbly, bold-spirited Californian that we half-forced into a pinstripe oxford and sweater pullover. Steph's modern edginess frequently scores her the label of "trendy," but I think it is her ability to assemble a diverse array of styles with a primarily neutral palette that makes her so deserving of the title. Don't let those bright bohemian hues up top fool you.

After some time in the square, we made our way to the riverside, which was lined with tents upon tents of HOCR merch and all of the comfort food your heart could ever desire. We're talking lobster rolls, apple cider donuts, and pumpkin coffee galore. Oh, and let's not forget the chowdah.

One of my personal favorite treats of the day was this apple-cinnamon-white-chocolate-chip muffin.

 I am determined to master the art of baking these little confections of perfection. I plan to start with this recipe that I found on The Little Red Tart. Pair one of these guys with a steaming mug of chai tea, and you have a breakfast that tastes like October. 

After we journeyed over the Elliot Bridge and made our way to the finish line, Brianna and I beelined it for the food tents for a much-needed meal. But, alas, the smell of hot apple crisp caught us off guard, and we instantaneously decided to eat dessert first. 

 We regret nothing.

After stuffing our faces of apple pie in front of dozens of wildly attractive rowers, we decided to bring our classy selves on over to the Brooks Brothers tent. Brooks Brothers, a leading sponsor of the HOCR, also hosted a miniature Kiel James Patrick factory, where some of the beautiful minds behind KJP were making and selling personalized bracelets. We even had the pleasure of meeting the lovely Sarah Vickers, KJP girlfriend, blogging idol and New England belle. She's essentially the Kate Middleton of the East Coast.

Sarah covers her and the rest of the KJP gang's experience at the HOCR on her blog, Classy Girls Wear Pearls. I encourage everyone to go fall in love with her classic style and read on about the Regatta over there. And while you're at it, go pick up a bracelet at Kiel James Patrick. Here are a few of my favorites:

Top: Bonaventure Hull bracelet, $58.
Middle: Royal's Golden Fleet wrap bracelet, $75.
Bottom: Dapper Huey bow bracelet, $40.  

KJP had an extremely successful weekend of sales at the Regatta, but unfortunately sold out of the bracelets I was looking for. Instead, I ended up buying a Brooks Brothers HOCR fleece at the tent, as I was fairly frigid by the end of the afternoon. We snapped a few final pictures by the finish line before I caved and bundled myself up and ran for warmth. 

Next year, I am making sure to clear my entire weekend for the festivities. One day simply isn't enough. 

I am not the only one who is sad the HOCR has come to a close, though. They already have a countdown until next year up on the official website!

See you next year, Elliot.