A few days ago, I returned from my annual July spent in my grandmother’s summer Rhode Island home, my favorite place on earth. Weeks spent in our tiny coastal town are the most precious to me; it’s my reset for the year, my time to be so present in each beautiful moment. Life there is simple – walking, admiring the lush hydrangeas and wildflowers that line houses and roads, going to the beach, swimming in the refreshing ocean, reading for hours, getting local produce from the farm, and just being. Every year, I soak it up completely and am always sad to leave. New England summers are just magical, with warm days, sparkling afternoons, and cool evenings, and sometimes I wish I could live in them forever. This year, I had my new camera, which is pocketable and wonderful for travels. Here are some of my favorite captures from this dreamy trip.
The hydrangeas were absolutely spectacular this year, as full and vibrant as I’ve ever seen them.
This seemed to be a trend across the whole town, and all of New England this summer.
Our first day on the beach was lovely, and the many beach days that followed.
We lounged on the deck in the late afternoons, and one evening, took a stroll down the dirt road to see the ocean at dusk.
On a cloudy day, we drove to a nearby town for lunch; I loved the restroom and these beautiful flowers.
I savor the days filled with sun and dry weather.
This day was special; after a stretch of big waves, the ocean was at last calm and clear, and my mom and I had a spectacular swim together; I even carried my camera into the water to capture the moment (you might be able to tell, two photos above). My mom declared it “the swim of the summer.”
We took a walk each morning, and I loved snapping photos of plants, fields, and blooms.
This day was stunning, from our beach to the glowing sunset.
On this gorgeous day, we took a longer morning walk, down the road as usual, then to the coastal view near the house.
With stretches of such pretty weather, the days start to run together in a dream-like haze.
On a cloudy Saturday morning, I finished my puzzle; each summer, I do a new one. My absolute favorite puzzles are the 1,000 piece ones by eeBoo because they are bright and happy with distinct colors and clear pieces, making them challenging enough but very doable and fun to complete.
This was a picturesque Sunday, a few days before my flight home; I tried to hold onto every moment.
My last day was cloudy and cooler, but I made the most of it with a 4-mile walk, enjoying the ocean views, wildflowers, and cedar shingle homes.
Leaving Rhode Island is the saddest part; it marks the nearing end of vacation and the long, carefree days of summer, and the return to school. Each year, during this in-between time, I find myself in the doldrums, reluctant for summer to end, wanting to cling to those New England days. I will continue to dream of them.
Blythe, these are stunning photos and remind me of precious times at the Cape and on Nantucket. So glad you enjoyed all that beauty and charm! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed these.