So I took a day trip to the Cape with some friends last weekend. I was especially looking forward to this, since I’m obsessed with all things preppy and inconveniently live on the West Coast (I still love you, Los Angeles). I had been there four years ago, but I don’t think I fully appreciated it at the time, having developed a love of monograms and Lilly Pulitzer in my more recent sorority days. This time, I had the time of my life—thanks to the wonderful people who brought me there, and thanks to all the things that Cape Cod, Massachusetts, just does so much better than any other place.

1. The houses.

Whether they are lived in during the year or just for the summer, these homes are a dream, and everything you’d expect them to be. They are made of wood and painted soft colors, and even gave their name to a whole style of architecture. Yep, I’ll be getting one of these when I grow up and I’m rich and famous (obvi).

2. The beaches.

You often have to pay to access these beaches, but that's only because the locals work hard to preserve them. And that makes for them some darn beautiful, wild Atlantic beaches. They are so incredible that we saw a couple get married barefoot in the sand while we were sunbathing. Aaand more life goals.

3. The sun.

Granted, it rains a lot up there. And it gets seriously cold. But when the sun comes out, it complements the wind and makes for the best weather you could possibly imagine. You can tan during the day, watch the sun set over the ocean and go to sleep with a happy heart.

4. Lobster rolls and clam chowder.

The best of two of the best food groups lives in Cape Cod food shacks. Enough said.

5. The prep.

If you love everything preppy, your Chubbies and your monograms, your Lilly and your Sperrys, the Cape is the place to be. It's the land of the seersucker, where the Kennedys used to vacation and where the rich New Englanders still do. It's a beautiful, beautiful place that will make you feel like American royalty.

It's simple—one day on the Cape will have fueled my dreams for the year to come. So what are you waiting for? Plan that next vacation already!