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 12 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 preliminary 2026 schedule is below, more details to be added this fall!
Feb 5th, Thursday Activities! (Click to read)
Thursday Arrival: From Route 20, you will see the Sturbridge Host sign and take a right down a long driveway. When you see the hotel, park on the far left side and take that door. You can check in to your room 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.
Pool Check-In: After dinner, starting at 7pm you can come to the pool area to check in with event registration and enjoy the welcome Pool Party! We’ll wait for everyone to get out of work and make the long drive, while we sit by the pool and enjoy a vintage movie on the big screen.
Pearl Diver Plunge: At 9pm, our Kick Off Party starts off at the Presidential Suite (Yes it’s really called that!). We’ll have crafted cocktails, the Hydronauts Band, and a fully immersive undersea adventure for you to explore! Feel free to come in your best diving or aquatic creature outfit and as with all the weekend room parties, bring some cash for tip money.
Feb 6th, Friday Activities! (Click to read)
Friday morning: The hotel does not serve breakfast, but you can find a number of nice local breakfast spots within a couple minites drive. At 10am feel free to join us for an impromptu field trip to the well-stocked Sturbridge Antique Mall, just down the road. There’s also a large shopping plaza right next door, for anything you may have forgotten. See the schedule page for the address.
Friday Lunch and Bowling: At noon, you’re welcome to join us for lunch at the historic Publick House Tap Room restaurant. Then, what vintage adventure would this be without some bowling?! Come try for your best score at Bogey Lanes of North Brookfield. Our theme may be 1940’s, but feel free to bring any period bowling apparel or accessories! Then, those arriving on Friday can check into their hotel room starting at 4pm.
Friday Dinner: We will be making a reservation at a nearby restuarant for dinner at 5pm. Look for a future email for sign-up info. At 7pm guests arriving Friday can check in with GBVS at the hotel pool area to get your wristband.
Room Crawl: At 8pm, the night continues with the Nor’Easter Island Room Crawl! Guests will be decorating their rooms and offering some refreshments. Come take a tour and get to know each other. I will email everyone a schedule and where to start. Bring some cash for tip money. You can join our growing list of room crawl hosts or ask questions at gbvintagesociety@gmail.com.
Feb 7th, Saturday Activities (Click to read)
Saturday morning: The Vintage Oasis market opens at 10am. Come shop the multitude of wares offered by vendors from all over the east coast!. As part of the market, you can also enjoy the sounds of the Vintage Oasis Music Lounge with an assortment of Surf and Rockabilly bands featured throughout the day! Also at 11am the hotel bar opens, featuring a selection of classic Tiki cocktails, beer, soda, etc at affordable prices.
Afternoon Activities: This year The hotel will be providing lunch options and beverages in the Ballroom concession area. No need to venture out for food in the cold! Music will finish up around 1pm in the vendor hall and then we’ll have an hour set with Amy Kucharik on ukulele in the Palm Courtyard. Check out her set and the afternoon is also a great time to get your photos in the Pearl Harbor encampment area. We will have photographers throughout the day and possibly an opportunity to take photos with the WWII Jeep! Most importantly, get set for our Pool Party with Cylde Bisbee and the Wheelhouse Revelers at 2pm! We look forward to hearing this great band and seeing your 1940’s swimwear! 🙂 More items will be added to the afternoon schedule in the coming months.
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. Amy Kucharik and the Cephalopops will take to the Courtyard stage and set the perfect mood for the evening. Dinner will conclude at 8pm and guests can head over to the Ballroom to get their seat for the Victory Dance! We also encourage those brave enough to take advantage of the free swing dance lesson. The Compaq Big Band goes on stage at 9pm and you truly will feel that you are listening to the music of the era!
After Party: Once you’ve dance the night away, come at 11pm to the GBVS Presidential Suite where we’ll celebrate the Greatest Generation with the birth of the Greatest Tiki cocktail, the Mai Tai! We’ll have an open-bar selection of other fine cocktails and more activities (TBA) so we can enjoy the evening as long as possible!
