The Countdown Begins - It's Time For Toes In The Sand!

Walking In Erika Barry's shoes.

Summer for Tess and I is wrapped up in the Somethings Gotta Give soundtrack, and all the moments that brings an Erica Barry shore-centric experience our way. Our very first stay on Kiawah Island found us in a little cottage with slipcovered furniture in soft blues, shiplap walls and a cozy porch. The aesthetic was a beautiful blend of relaxed coastal charm and refined elegance. The Something’s Gotta Give album looped on repeat, as I made simple summer recipes - while our sun-weary children played Minecraft on the porch. It’s a memory that I cherish because that’s where our summer solstice on Kiawah Island began.

When we step away each May from our usual day-to-day, there’s no looking back. We’ve been making this sojourn for so many years that the exercise is a part of our family DNA. Everyone has their jobs to get us on our way, and the same once we arrive. We settle into a familiar space…our things go in their usual places. And, like clockwork our routine slows. Our days find us walking in Erica Barry’s shoes. We wake to the sunrise - because if we’re fortunate, we’ll witness a mama sea turtle during her decent from the beach she was born on, back to the surf. Worst case, we sip a creamy coffee and enjoy the splendor of the sun welcoming a new day in our most special place.

There’s an ease to each day that we all crave after the long midwest winter. Our clothing is effortless - there’s less of everything. Often we simply go from bathing suits to pj’s. And, after a beach day, a dip in the pool and restorative shower…there’s nothing better! Then there’s the glorious early availability of seasonal produce. This is why we love the South! Peaches, tomatoes, sweet corn, butter beans, etc. - already! At the end of the day, find us contentedly making a simple meal while fresh-faced and sun-kissed. Cue the local seafood and produce - and we’re in our version of heaven!

At the coast our activities are that of the locals. Uninterested in sightseeing or shopping; we’re reading novels in beach chairs (after a visit to the local bookstore!), playing Scrabble poolside, making daily visits to our favorite farmers market, walking the beach for a sunset happy hour of crisp champagne and briny oysters, or sitting on our favorite dock with poles in the water. We’re cooking, we’re smiling, and we’re absolutely breathing deeply.

We’re pretty confident this is what Erica Barry’s doing at the beach. And if she isn’t - she should!