Martha & The Cape | Like sun on the water.

I am approaching travel season, ladies and gentlemen, and while I am awaiting departure, I must share about the lovely time I had in the Northeast this past August. The wind carried me to Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard, and I finally got to understand the hype of visiting both. I had seafood like none other, fresh coastal air, Black history and ambience, and the genuine joy of being in new cities and islands.   Did I also mention that I snuck a day trip to Boston with my grandmother?   Let’s get into it…   My mom, grandma, and I headed to the airport for a beautiful 3-hr flight to Providence. I noticed, just as we were waiting to take off, that my mom wrote down affirmations to the effect of, “Large sums of money come to me,” and I want you to do what you must with that information. The sky was absolutely beautiful as we landed, being met with still blues and forest greens. There’s quite no time like pondering outside of the window of a plane that makes you fall in love with life and your role in it.       We had about a two-hour Uber to our resort from Providence to get to Cape Cod, which was nice to ponder in thought and map out our itinerary for the weekend. We made it, finally, and got settled in, which was great, and had a spot to eat as we were famished. The night wasn’t quite over, as how could it be when you don’t finish it off with a sweet treat, which led us to this ice cream shop, Cape Cod Creamery. I ended up with cookies and cream, and I can taste it now…perfection. We went to a Trader Joe’s nearby just to window shop, and then it was back to the resort to get ready for Boston!   Day trip to Boston   Sidenote: This was a completely spontaneous trip that my grandma and I decided to make, and it was SO worth it. Boston has a very cool vibe, and I had a great time in the span of 12 hours. So, let this be your sign to take a vacation while you’re on vacation. Magic awaits you!       Shoutout to long-distance bus drivers—you all are amazing! My grandmother and I had about an hour and a half ride into Boston, and it was perfect. We arrived downtown and literally spent the entire day walking, taking photos, going into parks, and divulging in Levain Bakery cookies (SO GOOD). We had to make sure we tried a lobster roll, and for lunch we checked out this place called Boston & Maine Fish Company. It was super great, and they have killer clam chowder as well! The Boston Public Garden was a sight to see, and on a rainy day, no less. It truly felt so Boston. There was another moment I loved, which was taking a photo of this beautiful hand sculpture with my grandma. It reminded me that you’re always arriving towards love…you always are.       I finally got to try Blank Street Coffee and got a matcha in true Brielle fashion, and I thought it was pretty good. As we concluded our time in Boston, we HAD to visit the Boston Public Library, and it was an experience. I’ve not visited many domestic US libraries, but it was so pretty inside and vast. The courtyard was a stunning sight, and so were the stairs leading to the study hall. My heart is still there, lowkey. I got to visit a bookstore on Newbury Street, Trident Booksellers & Cafe, and it doubled as this cafe/diner, and maybe it’s time for bookstores to start adopting that.   Boston was absolutely beautiful, and I would go back in a heartbeat. Bonus points for it being a bit rainy and gray outside. I feel that it completely added to the ambience.   Cape Cod Day One   As I mentioned in my trip to St. Kitts, my mom and family friend, Rochinda Pickens, host these lovely annual trips to different places around the world called the Chosen Luxury Experience. This year, our time was spent in the Northeast, and we hosted about 25–30 women of different age groups and perspectives. It’s inviting getting to see women come together and just bask and let their hair down. It is so needed for the soul to rest and feel at peace.       Hyannis chartered our territory, as some of the ladies headed downtown to shop, eat, take photos, and explore. I quite enjoy small towns, as they’re always very home-y and down to Earth. It truly felt like this while you’re walking up and down the providence, with no care in the world. I stumbled into bookstores and hit my greatest thrift lick ever by purchasing these roasted chestnut brown loafers. I spotted them from a distance and was thinking, “I truly hope these fit,” inched a bit closer, stuck my foot in, and I was at the counter in a blink.       There came a moment when I went to sit in the park, and a lovely older gentleman came and sat next to me. We chatted for a little bit before he had to leave, and it was a conversation I believe was needed for both of our souls. I must also mention that I had some Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, which was delicious. Me and ice cream truly belong together. I spotted many pretty flowers on a day that was considerably cloudy, which made the heart all the more bright.   Cape Cod Day Two   This day started bright and early. I had breakfast and loaded into a shuttle with other women who were still reeling from being in the Cape and wanted to itch that scratch to shop. Does it ever really stop itching? Time was spent downtown, and a couple of ladies and myself got to see these beautiful boats docked along the shore. The water tickles your skin as you stand close to the edge.   We stopped at a place called Black Cat Harbor Shack, and this may have been some of the best food I’ve had, or at least the best seafood. The wonderful part about the coast is that the seafood is so fresh and pristine—it hits a mark. I ordered a crab cake sandwich with skinny fries and nibbled on some fresh fried clam strips—so good! I would have never thought to make a crab cake sandwich, and I don’t think I want to attempt it, knowing that the best lives in the Cape.       We had to walk off lunch and were met with pretty flowers, a mini shopping pavilion where vendors were selling art, jewelry, and many other eclectic things. There was also a station where you could write a note on shells, and I wrote on mine, “May all things for you find you.” If you’re ever worried that the good isn’t coming after you, be reminded today that it always is—even when you can’t see it.   Did I even go on a trip if I didn’t find my way into a coffee shop? I love my recently acquired loafers, but I’d be lying if I said they didn’t start wearing on my feet. Thankfully, Bread + Roses offered quite the solace and a matcha latte that didn’t make me think about it for long. What I loved about this cafe is that they had bookshelves along the left of the wall, and passersby and patrons can read them while they’re in the shop and return them when done. Again: coffee shops, please take notes!       That evening, the ladies were met with royalty as we had our Queens Dinner, which celebrates and invites ladies to be reminded of the space they take up while also acknowledging that there is strength in resting and taking care of yourself. Everyone looked so beautiful, and it was an amazing evening. We all got crowns we could wear and take home as a reminder that we are loved, seen, and chosen.   Martha’s Vineyard   This is the day, ladies! It’s time to go to Martha’s :)   We woke up bright and early, as you have to take a ferry to get over to the Vineyard. The boats were all aligned against the rising sun’s horizon, and I knew from there this would be a beautiful day. We all loaded in at 8:30 a.m. and arrived at 10:15 a.m. There truly is a magic to Martha’s which makes it so worth going, even if just once. It’s quite its own land and country, forged in the Northeast. The boats, the water, how the sun dances on everything…genuine beauty.       Getting off the ferry, the trip started with a lovely island tour of Martha’s, met with history, culture, and love. We got to visit a mini fisherman’s market and, my personal favorite, take photos and climb to see the Aquinnah Lighthouse. The view from above just doesn’t do it justice in words alone. Seeing the different colors of water touch the coast was unreal. The breeze, the camaraderie of others taking in the sight, and the air were immersive. Truly a sight you must see at least once in real life.       Next stop was Edgartown, which had its charm and more of a cosmopolitan flair, with bustling vacationers and city-folk. I tried a lobster roll from The Wharf Restaurant and Pub, which was delicious, checked out bookstores, coddled fresh flowers, and began making my way to Oak Bluffs! I got to try the infamous Back Door Donuts, but sadly they were out of apple fritters for the day.   I walked along the roads of Ocean Park, and fun fact, they had a firework show scheduled for that night, which was a fun little treat. I got to walk through the African American Heritage Trail, which was sobering. My mom and I also took a spin on the Flying Horses Carousel!       Martha’s is a trip I will truly never forget, and you won’t either when you book!   That evening, we had a private Jamaican dinner hosted by Eleven Circuit, which was fun. We got to feast on jerk chicken, fried plantains, and rice & peas. We also got to hear some of the ladies on the trip sing, share personal stories, and just be reminded that we’re not in this life alone. We have each other, and it was perfect.       That night, as we set sail to head back to the Cape, we got to watch the fireworks send us off. It truly was a day in Martha’s that has tattooed my soul, and I hope to be back soon.   Cape Cod Day Three – Finale   The last day was sweet and spent sending the ladies off and wishing them well. There’s a joy that comes with knowing you gave your soul exactly what it needed, and now you can go back into your life rested, full, and chosen.   Sidenote: That evening, some of the remaining ladies and I had a lovely moonlight dinner at The Black Cat Tavern, and when I tell you I’ve never dined on so much seafood goodness—I’m talking lobster ravioli, shrimp linguine, seafood chowder, fried clam strips (they’re seriously good), and fresh bread (with butter, lol).   I left the trip feeling so full in more ways than one. I had some ice cream to conclude my time, and next thing I knew, it was time to head home.       The end is always the beginning.   These experiences are always great ways to invite yourself back home—that when the ebbs of life start turning into a web, you can choose to cut away at them and start choosing your soul. It is the vehicle through which you graze through life, and it’s important to understand when it’s time to start choosing you, your health, and your rest.   This weekend was pivotal for me, as it reminded me that I am whole when I am rested. That I can take a pause, smell the sea breeze, and plant myself in an environment that has been waiting for me to surrender there. Please, take that trip, plan that escape, and claim the rest that is yours.   It matters for your future and your now.