| 7/7/2011

Yacht Escape

Andrew C. Hall and wife Gail yacht up to the Hamptons for the summer.

Andrew C. Hall, 66
Attorney, Hall Lamb and Hall law firm
Miami

Born on the floor of a Warsaw basement where his family was hiding during the Holocaust, Andy Hall — née Horowitz — and his family escaped to Krakow through a sewer system. Eventually, he was covertly shuffled to safety via Germany to America, where the family name was changed to Hall. Those life experiences in large part influenced Hall's choice to become a lawyer devoted to fighting oppression and to protecting those who don't have the means to protect themselves.

His destination: Every summer, Hall and his captain, Captain Tom, navigate Hall's 70-foot yacht, the Gila Rina, up the coast to the Hamptons, where the yacht stays from June to September. On Fridays, Hall flies from Miami to New York City and drives to the Hamptons, where he and his wife, Gail, dine aboard the yacht. Saturdays and Sundays are spent yachting with friends and clients. "It's the best waterfront location possible,"
Hall says. On Mondays, he flies back to Miami.

Yachting journey of choice: "Running up the Hudson River. It is one of the few places in this country that combines spectacular views with our rich American history."

On the itinerary: "Shipping the Gila Rina to Europe and boating along the coast of the South of France."

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Maine Getaway

Eddy Arriola, 38
Chairman, Apollo Bank
Miami

Boothbay Harbor is "a magical place," says Eddy Arriola, with daughter Grace.

When Miami native Eddy Arriola married Katie Lane, he not only took her for better or worse, he took on her annual summer vacation tradition. "My wife is from Boston and spent every summer of her life in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. We were married 15 years ago in Boothbay Harbor, and we promised to return every summer."

His destination: Boothbay Harbor is "a magical place — a picture-perfect New England harbor town, natural and relaxed and disconnected from the rest of the world."

Favorite activities: "There is the annual Fourth of July fireworks show over the harbor, band concert in front of the library every Thursday night in the summer, and the world rock skipping championship held in July right on the harbor. And, of course, seeing my wife's Boston family — she's number six of seven kids, so there are plenty of cousins, aunts and uncles."

Good company: "Chef Bobby Flay had a 'throwdown' in town one year, and Charles Kuralt listed it as one of his favorite places to visit in one of his books. Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue has a home there, but it's supposed to be a secret."

'Adult Camp'

Bernard Wolfson hikes the Berkshire woods in New England with granddaughter Abeni.

Bernard Wolfson, 74
President, Hospitality Operations/developer, Hampton Inn & Suites (downtown Miami)
Coconut Grove

Bernard Wolfson relocated to Miami Beach from upstate New York in 1943. The following year, he moved to Miami, where he has been ever since. "Over the years, I recognized a need for a midpriced hotel in the Coconut Grove area of Miami. About 20 years ago, I assembled a hotel site just off U.S. 1 in that area," he says. "That's where we built our first Hampton Inn hotel." From there he went on to build four more Hampton Inns in Miami-Dade and Broward counties; the sixth is under construction in the Brickell area of Miami.

His destination: Every summer, Wolfson and his wife, Jessie, head to New England. "The Berkshires was chosen because of its abundance of culture, as well as sporting activities in which we can participate. It's like an adult summer camp," says Wolfson.

The best part: "The comfortable, mild summers compared to what we have in Miami. Also, it is a great place to relax. Activities range from biking to hiking and tennis, plus there are activities to stimulate your mind and intellect, including museums, dance, music and theater."

Second-choice destination: "We love visiting northern California — I have family there."

Tags: Dining & Travel