What is a “Nor’Easter Island”…?
The Greater Boston Vintage Society presents the “Nor’Easter Island” weekend. Bringing tropical warmth to the New England winter, we are your host for a fun vintage and warm stay at the historic (and oh so kitschy) Sturbridge Host Hotel. Whether you are only into vintage clothing or a total Tiki aficionado, this weekend has something for all.
GBVS: A history of our vintage events (Click to expand)
For over 11 years, the Greater Boston Vintage Society has brought New England unique and creative events that allow guests to live in another age. You’ll find photos on our website (www.bostonvintage.org) from an assortment of eras spanning the Roaring 20’s to 1980’s. One of our favorite themes is the imaginative mid-century tributes to tropical adventure often seen in Tiki bars of past and present. The Nor’Easter Island is a way for guests to immerse themselves over an entire weekend while also learning about the real history of the period. Here are some examples of past GBVS tropical adventures to give you an idea of what you will experience.
A weekend to escape from time, climate, and your normal life…
Located just over an hour from Boston, the hotel is a perfect fit for this adventure. Your journey to Nor’Easter Island begins with an asortment of activities at the Friday night room parties. Then Saturday morning the “Vintage Oasis” market opens with a top-shelf selection of wares from all periods. Throughout the day are classes, photo ops, performances in the palm court and pool party. It all wraps up with the Grand Luau Dinner, nighttime dance concert, and after party! The past 2025 schedule is below, 2026 details to be added this fall!
Feb 14th, Friday Night Activities! (Click to read)
Friday Arrival: You will pull up to a very extensive hotel, park on the far left side and take that door. You can check in at 4pm. Pick up your key at the front desk and get settled. We will be making a reservation at a nearby restuarant for dinner at 5pm. If you are registered, keep an eye out for a sign up email as we get closer to the date. After dinner, starting at 7pm, you can come to the pool area to check in with event registration and enjoy the welcome Pool Party!
Pool Party: We are excited to see Matt Heaton and the Electric Heaters bring us some surf-side tunes by the pool! There are deck chairs, but feel free to bring your own vintage accessories, like towels, games, beach chairs, etc. There will be a selection of classic Tiki cocktails, beer, soda, etc available at affordable prices. Keep in mind though no outside food or drink is allowed in the pool area. We will dance, swim, and party the night away. We’ll wrap up the evening with a group photo and no doubt there will be plenty of bathing beauty/beau photo opportunities!
Room Crawl: After a short break, the night continues at 9:30pm with the Nor’Easter Island Room Crawl! Guests will be decorating their rooms and most likely offering some refreshments. Come take a tour and get to know each other. I will email everyone a schedule and where to start. The tour culminates at the Presidential Suite (Yes it’s really called that) for crafted cocktails by your hosts! Bring some cash for tip money. You can join our growing list of room hosts or ask questions at gbvintagesociety@gmail.com.
Feb 15th, Saturday Activities (Click to read)
Saturday morning: The Vintage Oasis market and Palm Courtyard opens. Beginning 11am we welcome (registered Full Weekend) Guests to bring any items they would like to sell or trade to the Tiki Mug and Treasure Swap in the courtyard. Also at 11am the hotel bar opens, featuring a selection of classic cocktails through 4pm.
Afternoon Activities: At noon, we’ll a break for lunch. There is an array of different restaurants in the area, feel free to bring something back to eat. At 1pm, The Hydronauts will play a few alternating sets of music between other afternoon activities. Then at 2pm, Boston dance instructors Brian and Kellian are here to provide a swing lesson for all (no partner needed). Swing dancing was popular way to enjoy the music from the 1930’s to well into the rock and roll age. Next, 3pm we’ll head outside for Tiki Snowmen! Weather permitting, we will hold a contest for the best Tiki you can make out of all that cold white “sand” — bring your mittens! We wrap up the afternoon at 4pm with an amazing talk by Greg Theberge called: “Tiki 101: Understanding the Roots of Polynesian Pop”. Greg is a master historian in the hobby and his incredible home bar was featured on an episode of the popular YouTube show, “Spike’s Breezeway”.
Grand Luau: As the sun sets, the excitement builds for the Vintage Oasis Grand Luau! Starting 6pm, get a drink from the bar and find a seat in Palm Courtyard. There will be an delicious Hawaiian style BBQ dinner buffet provided for guests who registered for this option. At 6:30pm, the Swingin’ Palms will take to the Courtyard stage and set the perfect mood for the evening. Dinner will conclude around 8:30pm. Then at 9pm, get ready for an opening set by the The Hydronauts in the restaurant night club. They’ll get us warmed up for “The Sound Minds Twist Party” at 10pm. Twist, swing, and dance the night away to an amazing set of vintage rock and pop hits!
After Party: And if that wasn’t already too much, at midnight we head to the Presidential Suite for an open-bar private party of crafted Tiki cocktails. We’ll be spinning vintage vinyl for dancing, and there’s hints that there may be more live music too! 🙂
