Ocean House

This past weekend, I took a spontaneous solo trip up to Rhode Island. My boyfriend was going to be out of town for a bachelor party, and our apartment had to be vacant on Saturday while an exterminator came. (That’s all I’ll say on that but 😷.) I didn’t want the dogs to be home and I was kind of itching for a little getaway anyway. I had put quite a bit of pressure on myself the week leading up and could feel a burnout creeping in. So, I took one weekday + the weekend off from blogging (a rarity for me!) and made a reservation at The Ocean House.

It was such a last minute trip– I booked on Thursday– and I was trying to find a spot that I could drive to so I didn’t have to worry about flights. I’m so glad I went with The Ocean House; it was such a relaxing 48 hours. I felt like I had been gone for a full week, at least.

I have been to Ocean House for events and meals, but this was actually my first time staying there. I kind of loved that it’s still considered “off-season” because it was so quiet and yet, it was still nice enough to be outside.

I have no qualms doing anything by myself. Going to the movies alone is one of my favorite things to do when I need a couple of hours to relax. I read books or people watch while enjoying a meal. I don’t think I’d be brave enough to travel to Europe or do a “big” trip by myself, but a quick weekend? Count me in. For this trip, I knew I had a lot of things that I wanted to think about, in addition to just giving me space to unwind.

I spent the three-hour drive thinking, talking to my mom on the phone, listening to a podcast (Casey Neistat’s new one!), and getting started with an audiobook. I even stopped for a Dunkin Donuts coffee… and got a doughnut. I’ve been so good about cutting unnecessary sweets from my life, but couldn’t resist a doughnut. Then it really felt like a vacation!

I spent the rest of the afternoon getting through my inbox. I knew I’d have a better chance at relaxing Saturday and Sunday if I could get through the last of my to-list. I closed my laptop, ordered a burger for room service, and watched Troop Beverly Hills before falling asleep. I’m pretty sure I was completely out before 9 pm. A true luxury right there.

With such an early bedtime, and because apparently I’m 28 and no longer capable of sleeping in, I was up in time to see the sunrise from my balcony. I had a leisurely morning in bed with breakfast and then went for an extra long walk along the beach. I listened to an audiobook for most of the walk. There is nothing better than being out by the ocean– even if it’s too cold to wade into. I dipped my toes in for a split second and felt numbness setting in, ha! I stuck with the dry sand for the rest of the walk.

I settled into one of those chairs with a new book (The Female Persuasion – really loving it!) and sat there for hours. I had jeans and a sweater on, but with the sun beating down, I was just warm enough to be comfortable. I felt like a turtle under a heat lamp!

It actually got so warm at one point, that I moved to this shaded porch and kept right on reading. As the minutes passed, I felt all the tension just melting away.

I don’t think you need a beautiful backdrop to relax for a weekend, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.

I had lunch overlooking the ocean*, took a tour of the hotel including a peek into the gorgeous penthouse, and then had an aromatherapy Swedish massage. Talk. About. Bliss.

* I’ve been trying so hard to cut straws out of my life, but, ugh, I keep forgetting to say something when I order a drink at a restaurant. 🤦🏻‍♀️

I had another low-key evening and then met up with Kiel and Sarah for breakfast the next day. I can’t believe it was my first time meeting Harry. He is even more adorable than I imagined. He really has such a sweet disposition.

As sad as I was to have to return “back to reality,” I left feeling totally recharged. I had mixed feelings when I booked the trip as it seemed a little extravegant for just a weekend by myself, but I am so glad I did it.