Exploring Cape Ann
Our trip to the Briar Barn Inn (see the Nov. 30th post) has sparked a bit of a New Year’s resolution, which is to take these mini vacations, usually only one night, and generally not all that far from home. I will admit that I feel a bit guilty about these indulgences. I feel I shouldn’t need these little getaways. Surely life isn’t that stressful. The thing is, I think my system has reached maximum capacity of stress after many years of worry, both from my general constitution and the pandemic, and deep diving into what needs to be healed in my life. So these little one night get aways are what my system needs to reset into a calmer state. Something I’m learning to accept through my study at IIN is that everyone is different, we are all Bio-Individual. The way I deal with stress is to remove myself, true to my Cancerian nature I suppose. I need to go into my safe little shell. I recognize that I am lucky enough to have a husband who understands this and who gives me the space I need. He also has an exploring nature which has helped me embrace my deep desire to wander and see new things.
Our first outing of the year was to the Beauport Hotel in Gloucester, MA. This pristine 94 room hotel sits directly on the Atlantic coast. When I posted a picture out the window of our room someone asked if I was on a boat it’s that close to the water. Even in the winter the view is stunning. My entire system calms at the sight of the water. The room was exceptionally clean and well decorated with bright pops of red peppering the soothing blue tones. We ate dinner at the hotel’s 1606 Restaurant. A wise choice given the whipping winter wind and light snow. The restaurant sits at the back of the hotel looking out over the water. A trip back in warmer months is on the agenda already. I got adventurous and tried the Orecchiette with duck confit. I’m not really a duck person generally so I’m not sure why I went this route. I enjoyed the warmth and comfort of the dish, great for a chilly winter night, but I left with confirmation that I am still not a duck person. They also have a Sunday brunch which we’ll have to try another time.
We also spent some time wandering Gloucester’s downtown and very much enjoyed the chocolates at Turtle Alley. If you’ve read all my posts up to now I think you’re aware that I have a pretty strong sweet tooth. I cannot pass up chocolate or good pastry. The turtles were sweet and salty and I tried the hot chile caramel which had just right right amount of heat. We then headed up to Main Street and wandered the shelves at Dogtown Books and then found the most amazing gongs, singing bowls, and drums at Floating Lotus. We bought a wave drum with sounds of waves crashing that went straight to our nervous systems, resetting us with calm.
Our next outing was to Rockport, MA where we stayed at the Addison Choate Hotel. This boutique hotel has seven rooms, a lovely sitting area with tables and 2 phone booth style nooks, and a living room area complete with fireplace and record player. A continental breakfast is included. Our personal faves were the scones, buttery and flaky, almost more like a biscuit. The personality of the hotel is a little bit quirky and fun with references to The Big Lebowski and the Breakfast Club on their door tags . The bed was one of the most comfortable we’ve ever slept on. Soft but not squishy where you roll together in the middle. And I adored the Zents bath products they had in the shower. I find most hotel bath products rather lacking but these smelled great and left my fine, finicky hair feeling light and clean. For dinner we took the short walk to Feather & Wedge where our quiet winter walk was contrasted by busy bustle. The cheery hostess wove us through the lively crowd to our table near the window and I felt like I’d returned to a place from some long distant past where we had all gathered in this cozy seaside town to share good food and laughter. Of course fish and seafood featured heavily on the menu and I chose the sole which was served with green beans and mashed potatoes. The sole was flaky and buttery and I just can’t resist mashed potatoes. They are to me, the ultimate comfort food. My husband chose the fish stew and ate every last mussel. So full from dinner, we skipped dessert - a shock to both of us.
Before we left town the next day we walked through the green paths onto the rocks at Halibut Point Reservation. Climbing over rocks is fun in any season. It was a bit warm for winter on this trip so we took our time and rested a bit, letting the small ripple of waves move through us, just like the with the drum we found in Gloucester. And of course we found some sugar. First chocolate at Tuck’s Candy Factory then donuts and coffee at Brother’s Brew.
Something I’m learning to do is lean into the adventure of life, from the small things that suddenly stick out on a trail I’ve been on a million times, to taking little trips to the next town over, to big crazy far away voyages. Eating the food, standing on the coast listening to and feeling the waves. I’m so used to being in my head, which I know amps up the anxiety, so the goal is to do whatever I can to get more into my body. For me it helps to take myself out of the usual routine and let myself wander a bit and by sharing my experiences I hope you are inspired to do whatever it is that brings peace to your body and your life.