Everything You Need To Know About The Secret Garden Champagne Bar at the Ocean House
Happy Monday from Nantucket! These past 24 hours have been such a fun adventure! I’m here with my blogger friend, Faith, from @thebicoastalbrunette. On our way up to Nantucket we stayed over in Rhode Island and of course HAD to stop at the Ocean House to see what this whole Veuve Cliquot bar was all about. It was definitely worth the drive. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about The Secret Garden Champagne Bar at the Ocean House. If you find this blog post to be helpful, please share it with your friends!
I’ve organized this post answering questions in the order that you would most likely come upon them (from the moment you pull up to the Ocean House to the moment you walk out). Make sure you read through so you don’t miss any of my #insidertips
What should I wear to The Secret Garden?
As you can tell from the photos, Faith and I had a LOT of fun with this little outing and went very over the top with our outfits. People were dressed all different ways, it’s really whatever you’re most comfortable in! Everyone at The Secret Garden champagne bar looked put-together while we were there, but in their owns ways.
Guys were mainly wearing a short-sleeved polo shirt with khaki shorts, but some were a little more dressed up. Some men looked very LA with their bold prints/pattern shirts and skinny pants, while others looked quintessentially New England. Again, wear whatever you feel most comfortable in as long as you look presentable.
Ladies were in everything from Lilly Pulitzer skirts to preppy sun dresses to shorts with a nicer shirt. I think half the fun is dressing up for something like this, personally.
What do I do about Parking?
Your best bet is to park at the Ocean House. It’s valet parking and is shockingly affordable at only $3 for the first 3 hours. After 3 hours they’ll charge you $10 for every additional hour. If you wish to leave the Ocean House property and explore downtown or the beaches you won’t be able to leave your car parked there though. They’ll fine you for doing so. (Not speaking from experience! We did not try to leave the property. Ha! Faith and I had big tote bags with us so the valet guy was suspicious and he gave us the inside scoop).
And yes, you have to valet park your car at the Ocean House. You can’t park it yourself. Insider Tip: The Ocean House valet service does not accept tips, at least in my experience, and I tried really hard to convince someone to let me tip them.
I just drove a couple hours to get here, where’s the bathroom?
I’ve been to the Ocean House twice now and every employee I’ve interacted with has been very friendly and helpful. You can just ask when you walk in where the restroom is, but it’s pretty easy:
Walk straight through the lobby, and when you see the grand piano on your left, turn left there and walk down the hallway a little bit. You’ll see the bathrooms then on the left-hand side of the hallway. They’re kind of tucked away a little.
The bathrooms are gorgeous. I’d live in them if I could. I’m only half joking here… very clean and tidy, exactly what you’d expect from the Ocean House.
Insider tip for bloggers: I’d recommend doing an outfit change or two while you’re at the Ocean House. It’s just too pretty not to! People might look at you a little strange if you’re walking around with a huge tote bag, but you’re probably used to those kinds of looks at this point anyway. Make sure you walk down towards the beach (you’re not allowed on the beach though during the summer months unless you’re a guest at the hotel) to get some great shots with the hotel in the background.
Now that I’ve freshened up, how do I find The Secret Garden?
Just ask the hostess standing at the entrance to the restaurant. She’ll lead you back to The Secret Garden (which is definitely hidden). I wouldn’t have been able to find it myself.
Do I need a reservation?
Nope! Just walk on it. It’s first come first serve for the tables/couches. Insider Tip: Don’t try to rearrange the furniture without asking the staff first. One family tried to move a couple of chairs to sit together and the staff weren’t happy about that.
What should I order?
That’s hard to say! I ordered the Mojito Swimming Pool and it was pretty darn good. For $30 though it better have been! Oh yeah, be prepared for pricey drinks. It is the Veuve Cliquot champagne bar that we’re talking about here. The “Swimming Pool” drinks come in oversized, clear, plastic wine glasses, while ordering a bottle or a glass of champagne will land you an smaller, orange glass. Both glasses have the signature Veuve Cliquot logo on them (for those concerned about photo ops).
Any other questions? Feel free to send me a DM on Instagram, an email, or comment on this post here!
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