My friend C and I have a penchant for summertime adventures, including but not limited to: spontaneous travels, colorful photography, bubbly aperitivi, and front seats to a beautiful view. It just seems to be our thing, and more than once, I exclaimed “you’re speaking my language!” when C outlined her vision for the weekend’s plan. At last, we finally were able to get together for a photographer’s weekend, simply to take photos and create memories and get a bit of relaxation in this last weekend of summer. It was truly an escape! The weather was crisp, the crowds lulled, and the rays of mid day sunshine ever so slightly softer as autumn approached slowly onward. Our tableau was none other than Cape May, C’s favorite beach and home away from home. I have been to Cape May with her a number of times, and to be able to experience it with her again brought back so many memories. It continues to ignite anticipation of more fun to be had, and excitement for adventures not yet started.

Immediately upon arrival, we dropped our bags and prepped our cameras. We both opted for our 50 mm lenses and bopped about the town, looking for picture-perfect alley ways, blooms, and sights of interest. Within minutes we were snapping away, practicing with aperture and shutter, light meters, and talking nerdy stuff like focal length and focus. It was amazing! We snapped some amazing photos, and then went on to enjoy some of Cape May’s staples and catch up on life.

We started with a luxuriant prosecco in the late morning sun overlooking the gardens of Congress Hall near the ocean. I may or may not have been inspired by my favorite fictional heroine, Auntie Poldi, and her daily morning proseccino - what a way to start the day! Rocking in the chairs on the historic porch of Congress Hall, feeling the sun on our faces, and tasting the bubbly drinks was indulgent. After a week of hectic schedules and high-pressure events, it was the most welcome respite. The weather was as close to perfect as I can imagine - the soft breeze of early autumn mixed with the smell of the sea.

C had more ideas in mind for a leisurely morning, and it was such a joy to let her show me around. She has the best hidden spots and favorite places, so I was thrilled to go about the day with her lineup of plans. Nothing felt scheduled or rushed, but we were able to see and do so much within our day and truly enjoy every minute slowly and purposefully! C even logged something like 13K steps which proves that we really did enjoy the ability to walk all around town and enjoy each other’s company and the beautiful weather.

Following our morning at Congress Hall, we stopped for a bite at Althea’s, eating fish tacos on the porch and people watching with orange crushed in hand!

It was so great to catch up over our long morning walk through the town, dotted with stops at C’s favorite vistas, restaurants and shops. It seems that every corner of Cape May holds a special memory for her, and it was so lovely to be a witness and spend some time drinking in the late summer sun.

Since we indulged a bit for breakfast, we grazed on a charcuterie board I made - consisting of fresh sliced figs, oversized blueberries, ribbons of prosciutto, olives, brie, pecorino romano, a mild gruyere, and a unique espresso-rubbed cheese. It was an eclectic collection of tastes, but it was the perfect light “lunch” before a relaxing afternoon spent on the front porch rocking chairs. C’s parents are delightful, and hearing their stories was a highlight of the afternoon. One of the neighbors was getting ready to host a tiny “covid wedding,” as we called it, and we tried to snoop and eavesdrop as much as we could to get glimpses of the bride and groom. Somehow the afternoon stood still, and time slowed so we could enjoy the day. Before long, the cheese was all gone - everyone’s favorite seemed to be the gruyere (which paired excellently with the fruit and fig spread, if I may say so). Underneath it all, the board itself was a final touch - a wedding gift from C back in 2017!

We ended our evening with a late European-style dinner at Andrea’s, a new trattoria that was open for its debut weekend. C and I couldn’t help but both order the delicious butternut squash soup, which was so fresh with ingredients you could actually taste the culmination of squash and spices. It was so savory, yet light. Our main courses — we both got pasta — included penne alla vodka for C and farfalle con salsiccia e broccoli for myself (one of my favorites!). The presentation was beautiful, of course, and I loved how I felt like a true local when the owner of the restaurant came up to give C a big hello and thank you. She knows everyone!

I am so thankful that we got to unwind together and enjoy so many laughs with my friend. The beauty of Cape May is beyond the historic Victorian homes, the dramatic sunsets on the beach, or the twinkly bistro lights that illuminate the al fresco dining. The beauty is in how relaxing and truly at ease this place makes me feel, especially with good company like C.

ciao, xo

Photographer's Retreat in Cape May

A. Taylor Studio