The days of Summer being at an end are fast approaching and I sit and wonder where did it all go to?  It seems like just yesterday I was barefoot in the sand with the summer sun warming my skin.  It seems like late night barbecues and watching the fireflies dance in the night are ending all too quickly.

As we usher in a new season, make sure you enjoy one last celebration of the sunshine with this wonderful clam bake filled with fun, family and friends.

To me, there's something about an outdoors clam bake that brings a sense of relaxation and comfort and this is one that is sure to please all your guest. 

I love the pomander balls which celebrate the Labor Day holiday in colors of red and white; the candle lighting ~ especially the clam basket and the seashells which are complete with individually wrapped matchbox covers to match.  The table setting is so simple and yet so unique.  Each guest receives their own collander filled with their individual wine ~ complete with name tag for seating, and a lemon for cleaning up after the meal.  The caprese skewers would make a great appetizer along with individually filled mason jars on ice to relax while waiting for your boil.

What better way to finish the night than with a bonfire and a prepared smorgasbord filled with all the fixings for smores . . . and then some. 

How fun are these individual cheesecakes that could be topped with blueberries also in keeping with the theme of your celebration.

And, that all time question . . . what to wear?

Talk about going out in style! 
~ top by built by wendy
~ pants by Steven Alan
~ clutch by Calypso St. Barth 
~ shoes by Sigerson Morrison
~ watch by Timex
~ sunglasses by Mango
~ hat by Zara

So, now you have everything to send off Summer ~ Enjoy and create beautiful memories!

Going to the fair once meant an abundance of cotton candy, corn dogs, candy apples along with some fries, elephant ears, lemonade and root beer floats. Times have definitely changed because now when you visit the fair, your probably going to find your food on a stick, and deep fried if you want something exotic . . . and not so kind to your body. We are a long way from the deep fried Twinkies, Oreos and Spam. Have a look without drooling (or otherwise). Maybe you might want to carry some anti-acid along just in case.

As for myself, I think I’m going to have to (1) Skip the fair, (2) Eat before I go or find something a little more healthy there, or (3) Have one heck of a last meal. Here are some highlights:


Alabama (Birmingham): Krispy Kreme Hamburgers
The doughnut burger at the Alabama State Fair is a quarter-pound hamburger, bacon, cheese and two glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts in place of a single bun; containing nearly 1,100 calories and 67 grams of fat.  Photo © Bob B. Brown

California (Costa Mesa):  Deep-Fried White Castle Burgers
The Orange County Fair is so dedicated to frying that a vendor called Heart Attack Café chose Deep Fried Butter Stand as its new name after being pressured with legal action by Arizona's Heart Attack Grill. Even more stupendous: Chicken Charlie's fried White Castle cheeseburgers (bun and all).  Photo © JoAnn Maxwell Stougaard

Florida (Tampa):  Cheeseburger with Fried Ice Cream
One Florida State Fairgoer rationalized the appeal of a cheeseburger topped with deep-fried ice cream by describing the salty-sweet hybrid as a "milk-shake burger".  Photo © Dennis and Cheryl Reas

Indiana (Indianapolis):  Hot Beef Sundae
When state fairgoers tired of the iconic rib eye steak sandwich, Indiana's Beef Cattle Association invented the Hot Beef Sundae ~ layered with mashed potatoes, marinated beef, gravy, cheese, corn "sprinkles" and a cherry (tomato).  Photo © Tom Coates

Massachusetts (West Springfield):  Fried Jelly Beans
The Big E (a nickname for the Massachusetts State Fair) doesn't force a choice between candy and funnel cake. These jelly beans are dipped in batter before being deep-fried.  Photo © Melissa Rebelo

Montana (Great Falls):  Fried Butter Balls
While the Montana State Fair is famous for its Big Sky ProRodeo Roundup, fried-food enthusiasts head for the deep-fried butter balls. Photo © Heather Leah Kennedy

North Carolina (Raleigh):  Kool-Aid Pickles
Also known as Koolickles, pickles soaked in the sugary beverage are a Southern tradition and a sweet-and-sour snack at North Carolina's annual state fair.  Photo © deep fried kudzu

Ohio (Columbus):  Chocolate-Covered Bacon on a Stick
Known as "A Muddy Pig".  Chocolate-covered bacon on a stick isn't new to fairgrounds, but the Ohio State Fair gilds the salty-sweet construction with a candied cherry.  Photo © A. Bill Miller

South Carolina (Columbia):  Fried Pepsi
Pepsi was created in North Carolina, but it's hardly recognizable in South Carolina, where state fair vendors inject fried dough with Pepsi syrup and top the result with powdered sugar and more syrup.  Photo © Sean Mellody

Texas (Dallas):  Fried Beer
Even alcohol can be fried when it's pocketed in pretzel dough. The food innovation won the 2010 Big Tex Choice Awards at the Texas State Fair.  Photo © Amanda Gillispie

As the temperatures keep you sizzling, here is an array of books to continue the heat and take you far away with each turning page.  With so many options, your days could certainly be filled with romace, sci-fi, autobiographies, travel, cooking, and so much more.  Find your passion and drift away . . . at least for a few hours of wonder with these light reads.  Grab your towel, SPF, a refreshment, some appetizers and enjoy the days of summer.

Anybody Out There?  Courtesy of HarperCollins from Marian Keyes, in an ongoing series about the five Walsh sisters from Ireland. If you’re a fan of Keyes’ other light-hearted but well-written chick lit novels, including Sushi for Beginners and Last Chance Saloon, then Anybody Out There? will not disappoint. The story of Anna Walsh, a Manhattan cosmetics publicist recovering from a serious loss, is funny and swift-paced but also manages to be serious and moving.

Adrienne Dealey has spent the past six years working for hotels in exotic resort towns. This summer she has decided to make Nantucket home. Left flat broke by her ex-boyfriend, she is desperate to earn some fast money. When the desirable Thatcher Smith, owner of Nantucket's hottest restaurant, is the only one to offer her a job, she wonders if she can get by with no restaurant experience. Thatcher gives Adrienne a crash course in the business...and they share an instant attraction.  But there is a mystery about their situation: What is it about Fiona, the Blue Bistro's chef, who captures Thatcher's attention again and again? And why does such a successful restaurant seem to be in its final season before closing its doors for good? Despite her uncertainty, Adrienne must decide whether she'll move on, as she always does--or finally open her heart…

One Summer by David Baldacci, courtesy of Grand Central is a moving family drama about learning to love again after heartbreak and loss.

It's almost Christmas, but there is no joy in the house of terminally ill Jack and his family. With only a short time left to live, he spends his last days preparing to say goodbye to his devoted wife, Lizzie, and their three children. Then, unthinkably, tragedy strikes again: Lizzie is killed in a car accident. With no one able to care for them, the children are separated from each other and sent to live with family members around the country. Just when all seems lost, Jack begins to recover in a miraculous turn of events. He rises from what should have been his deathbed, determined to bring his fractured family back together. Struggling to rebuild their lives after Lizzie's death, he reunites everyone at Lizzie's childhood home on the oceanfront in South Carolina. And there, over one unforgettable summer, Jack will begin to learn to love again, and he and his children will learn how to become a family once more.

Colurtesy of Harper, The Single Girl's To-Do-List is a hilarious and romantic standalone novel from the bestselling author of the I Heart series Rachel Summers lives every area of her life according to a to-do list and so far, she is ticking most things off. She has a job she loves (make-up artist to the stars), the perfect boyfriend, a cosy London flat and a fantastic circle of friends. All that remains on her life to-do list is to get married, have a baby and live happily ever after. Simple. Well, not quite! Suddenly, Rachel's perfect boyfriend wants to take a break. She's convinced it's just cold feet but when the break turns into a split, her best friends Emelie and Matthew step in and come up with the ultimate heartbreak cure -- the single girl's to-do list, the top ten things Rachel must see and do to kick-start her fabulous, new single life. But nothing can prepare her for the adventures that unfold as the to-do list takes them all over town and even abroad, and proves to all three that love is out there if you're willing to take a chance!

Here Today, Gone To Maui by Carol Snow, courtesy of Berkley Trade, is a page turner when Jane Shea's boyfriend, Jimmy, invites her to spend a week at a swanky resort in Maui, she's thrilled-of course-but nervous, too. She worries about missing their flight. She worries about losing her luggage. It never even occurs to her that she might misplace Jimmy.

But paradise has a way of attracting trouble, and Jane hasn't even managed to learn the hula or paddle under a waterfall before Jimmy disappears. When the police suggest that Jimmy has drowned, Jane thinks things can't get any worse-but her troubles have just begun. This is one vacation the guidebooks never prepared her for.

Courtesy of Forge Books, a remarkable story of one endearing dog's search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, A Dog's Purpose touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here? Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden-haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey's search for his new life's meaning leads him into the loving arms of 8-year-old Ethan. During their countless adventures Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog.

But this life as a beloved family pet is not the end of Bailey's journey. Reborn as a puppy yet again, Bailey wonders--will he ever find his purpose?

Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog's Purpose is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but also a dog's-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man's best friend. This moving and beautifully crafted story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose.   

In a fit of questionable judgment, consummate indoorsman John Sellers tags along on a journey to search for snakes with his eccentric, aging father—an obsessive fan of Bob Dylan, a giver of terrible gifts, a drinker of boxed wine, a minister- turned-heretic, and, most importantly, the self-designated guardian of the threatened copperbelly water snake.The quest is their fumbling attempt to reconnect. Decades of bitterness, substance abuse, acrimonious divorce, and divergent opinions about personal hygiene have conspired to make the two estranged. Sellers has just begun to develop a new appreciation for the American wilderness, and all the slithering creatures that populate it, when his father’s deteriorating health thwarts their mission and disturbs their tentative peace. Determined to finish what they started, he ventures back into the swamp— alone, but more connected to his dad than ever. With big-hearted humor and irreverence, The Old Man and the Swamp tells the story of a father who always lived on his own terms and the son who struggled to make sense of it all.

Artwork courtesy of Curly Girl Design

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

With the temperatures soaring this weekend, be sure to keep yourself cool with a little water therapy.           

Follow some important steps to make your day relaxing, restful and safe for another day of Summer fun in some sweltering heat.

Remember your sunscreen.  Even if you don't have full sun, there are plenty of harmful rays affecting you.

Protect your eyes with protective sunglasses or better yet, wear a hat that also covers your face.

Keep hydrated ~ and that means plenty of water to go along with those poolside cocktails.

Take a few breaks in the shade and enjoy some appetizers or a refreshing lunch of salad and fruit.

Don't forget your animals.  Make sure they have plenty of water and a cool place to relax.  Please remember that the temperature in a vehicle rises far faster and hotter than outside.  Don't leave your animals in your vehicle ~ or your children.  Not only can it be extremely hot, but too often it is dangerous and deadly.

Sometimes there really is a thing as "too much sun".  Come inside and relax in hopefully some air-conditioned area.  Rehydrate and relax.

I myself am a sun lover, but on days when the temperature and humidity soar, an old movie on the tv with some central air is just what this girl needs.

Be safe and enjoy you Sunday dive!

Photograpy from Inslee at http://inslee.net/

Proud to be an American or what does freedom mean to you? Independence Day not only reminds us how lucky we are to live in America, but also is associated with many traditions. Independence Day brings out our patriotic presence that is seen and felt everywhere you go. Traditionally, many people decorate their homes with flags, buntings and streamers in red, white and blue, which symbolize the colors of the flag.

The 4th of July is perhaps the most American of all their holidays because it symbolizes the commencement of the nation. Independence Day has become an important occasion where Americans are able to truly express their freedom.

This day has forever been a favorite for traditions of fireworks, parades, barbecues, beer, picnics, baseball, outdoor parties, public and private events honoring the nation.

Since July of 1777, fireworks have been the most identifiable event for the Fourth of July.

Many people decorate their home with the American flag, which, there is even an United States Flag Code and Rules for displaying the flag outdoors. The United States Flag Code establishes advisory rules as follows:

1. The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing, unless it is the ensign responding to a salute from a ship of a foreign nation.

2. The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

3. The flag should not be used as "wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery",or for covering a speaker's desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general (exception for coffins). Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.

4. The flag should never be drawn back or bunched up in any way.

5. The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.

6. The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed, or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.

7. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

8. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

9. When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.

10. The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.

11. If the flag is being used at a public or private estate, it should not be hung (unless at half mast) during rain or violent weather.

12. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of the United States, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning. The American Legion and other organizations regularly conduct dignified flag-burning ceremonies, often on Flag Day, June 14.

13. The flag should never touch anything beneath it. Contrary to an urban legend, the flag code does not state that a flag that touches the ground should be burned. Instead, the flag should be moved so it is not touching the ground.

When display your flag outdoors, the rules state:

1. When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff. When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag, the flag of the United States must always be at the top except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea.

2. When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag's union should be farthest from the building.

3. When flown with flags of states, communities or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor—to its own right. The other flags may be the same size but none may be larger.

4. No other flag ever should be placed above it. The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered.

5. When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation.

6. The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously.

7. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset, although the Flag Code permits night time display "when a patriotic effect is desired." Similarly, the flag should be displayed only when the weather is fair, except when an all weather flag is displayed. (By Presidential proclamation and law, the flag is displayed continuously at certain honored locations like the United States Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington and Lexington Green.)

8. It should be illuminated if displayed at night.

9. The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.

And when displaying the flag indoors:

1. When on display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left.

2. The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display.

3. When one flag is used with the flag of the United States of America and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the United States is placed on its own right with its staff in front of the other flag.

4. When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag's union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag's own right, and to the observer's left

Now that we have all that straight, onto the barbecues, picnics, and other customs. Many families celebrate Independence Day by hosting or going to picnics or barbecues and take advantage of the holiday by using it as an opportunity to spend time with relatives and friends. Barbecues as well as picnics have become a 4th of July tradition for usually summer is the perfect time to spend outdoors and the long holiday weekend.

For some outdoor parties here are a few ideas for you:

Pool Party / Beach Party ~ Swimwear, beach towels, sunscreen, sunglasses and plenty of activities such as: an aquatic volleyball net and consider teams of boys versus girls. Have a swimming race, diving contests to collect coins tossed on the bottom of the pool, or if at the beach, maybe who makes the most patriotic sand sculpture.

The traditional grilling ensemble of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs are a must. Serve other barbecued favorites like chicken, steak and fish as another option and side dishes of potato and macaroni salad, potato chips and dip, fresh watermelon, ice cream and other hot weather favorites.

After everyone is done in the pool, have an area for socializing and a little relaxing.  Of course, a Fourth of July party wouldn't be complete without a few fireworks. If you don't want to put on an elaborate display, hand out sparklers for guests to light after dark.

A Fun Day at the Park ~ Pre-plan your picnic and grilling menu and have your bags packs with lots of fun activities to entertain all. Decorate with paper tablecloths, streamers, and balloons in the traditional red, white and blue color scheme. Plan a tug of war, three-legged and wheelbarrow races. Set up a badminton sets, a croquet set, flying disks, and other outdoor games. For younger children bring sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, and hula hoops. Have a watermelon seed-spitting contest or even a water balloon toss.

To end you day have sparklers for everyone, a bonfire with s’mores or even hobo pies. Make sure you bring your first-aid kit, bug spray, blankets, and even swim suits for river or lake events (a change of dry clothes is always appreciated).

An Old-Fashioned Fourth of July ~ Have a simple potluck with some old fashioned fun such as apple bobbling, games of checker and making homemade ice-cream. Just being together with family and friends sometimes provides the best memories.

There are truly so many reasons to enjoy this holiday. Not only do we commend the men and women who have fought and continue to fight for our freedom, but we are able to show our appreciation in so many ways. Visit a Veterans hospital, a nursing home, think of those who may not have the luxuries that you have. Look around you and ask yourself, what does “freedom” mean to you? Begin a scrapbook with your children and see how their answers change each year. I love the idea from Rachael Rays August 2011 magazine to make a keepsake scrapbook out of a key ring. Paper punch a hole in your mementoes and thread them onto the key ring. A souvenir to cherish for years to come.

What says more than finishing the 4th of July day with some great old fashioned all American Apple Pie ~ and maybe a little extra helping of ice cream?

Ingredients

1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie

1/2 cup unsalted butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

8 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour to form a paste. Add water, white sugar and brown sugar, and bring to a boil. Reduce temperature and let simmer.

Place the bottom crust in your pan. Fill with apples, mounded slightly. Cover with a lattice work crust. Gently pour the sugar and butter liquid over the crust. Pour slowly so that it does not run off.

Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, until apples are soft.

Yields 1-9” pie; Serves 8

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 512, Total Fat: 26.7 g, Cholesterol: 31 mg, Sodium 241 mg, Total Carbs: 67.8g, Dietary Fiber: 5 g, Protein: 3.6g

Recipe courtesy of http://allrecipes.com/recipe/apple-pie-by-grandma-ople/detail.aspx

Happy 4th of July!!!

Providing a nostalgic feel of Nantucket, I fell in love with The Cottages and Lofts at Boat Basin http://thecottagesnantucket.com/ (866-838-9253 or 508-325-1499) and with the 4th Of July, my first thought returned to these 24 cottages and their 5 new lofts that consist of one, two, and three bedrooms with some that are even pet friendly.

The pet friendly cottages require a non-refundable pet fee of $60 (1-3 nights); $75 (4+ nights) per stay and 10% of the pet fee is donated to the Nantucket MSPCA Adoption Center on Nantucket. Your pet will feel like it’s on a luxury vacation too with the special amenities of a welcome basket of pet treats and toys, a blissful bed (Draper Canine Therapy Dog Bed by http://drapercaninetherapy.com), food and water bowls, litter box, personalized pet tags, dog walking services and a directory of veterinary clinics and pet supply stores.

The cottages are located from the heart of Nantucket ranging from waterfront views and waterfront locations. The cottages at the Boat Basin are located directly on the docks at Swain Warf and Old South Warf (The Lofts are on Straight Warf). To get a better idea of the layout, see the map at http://thecottagesnantucket.com/reservations/map.html and click on the cottage or loft for additional information.

The cottages have a nautical ambiance with polished pine floors and stylishly casual furnishings with colors of marine blue, white and the classic Nantucket red. Many of the accommodations have private balconies or terraces and during your visit you are provided with complimentary use of bicycles (first come, first served), daily housekeeping, modern kitchens, fine bed linens, complimentary wireless internet access, flat-screen TV’s with cable television, DVD, Business Center, hair dryer, in-room safes, beach chairs and towels to name a few of your awaiting luxuries.

As an added bonus is the front desk will even do your grocery shopping prior to your arrival an have your kitchen pre-stocked. If you fly into Nantucket airport, you can be greeted by the “Beach Bus” with previous arrangements to take you to The Cottages. For additional travel accommodations to reach the island, visit http://www.islandofnantucket.info/howtogetthere.html for further options. Prior to your arrival, The Cottages Nantucket Vacation Planner will contact you to make arrangements for transportation, dining, island excursions, picnics, car and bicycle rentals. To contact the Nantucket Vacation Planner, please email nvp@niresorts.com or call 866.838.9252.  The “Beach Bus” also will shuttle you to and from your favorite Nantucket beaches.

If you are a guest at The Cottages & Lofts you have access to the White Elephant Spa, the brand new spa located at their sister property and just a short walk away.

You'll find an extensive selection of treatments and massages to make your stay even more relaxing. Visit http://www.whiteelephanthotel.com/spa/ to learn more or call 508.228.2500 to make a reservation and mention that you are a guest at The Cottages.

Grab your bag from http://www.jessicacushman.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=JKC&Product_Code=ROP-LOB-NAT&Category_Code=ROPTOTE that screams Nantucket, step back in time and wander over 800 historic buildings while walking along the cobblestone streets ~ a perfect way to relax while visiting an array of upscale boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, pubs and fine restaurants.

Make sure you visit the Whaling Museum http://www.nha.org/sites/index.html open daily 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. where you will find the history of Nantucket’s whaling industry and see artifacts that are exhibited at the museum.

For those of those that want to explore further, venture into the vineyards and brewery’s of: Nantucket Vineyard, Cisco Brewery, and Triple Distillery at http://sites.google.com/site/ciscobeers/ for a day of fun and relaxation.

Arrange for a private sail aboard the Endeavor http://endeavorsailing.com/ located at the Straight Wharf dock outside the cottages. Enjoy a sunset cruise for two or a pirate-themed adventure with the kids. Aboard the Nantucket Harbor Cruise at Straight Wharf (502-228-1444), pull lobster traps, enjoy an afternoon Ice Cream Cruise, or end your evening with their sunset cruise. For those that want to own their own yacht for a day or half the day excursions, visit Hinckley Cruise Your boat will be stocked with all the provisions you needs to make your day on the water memorable. Contact your accommodation concierge for more information and booking.

In July and August, go on the whale-watch vessel Yankee Springs for the day (& hours) and visit the whale feeding grounds at the Great South Channel. It departs from Straight Wharf. http://nantucketwhalewatch.net/ 800-322-0013 or outside of MA call 800-942-5464

For the land lovers there are many inland tours to choose from be sure to check with your local accommodation concierge for more information. You may enjoy visiting Brat Point Lighthouse, the second oldest lighthouse in America, established in 1746. http://lighthouse.cc/brant/ or just take a leisurely bike ride or stroll on the many paths. Make sure you grab some ice-cream on your way!

Don’t be surprised to hear live piano music and sing-along while strolling through downtown. The Club Car is an iconic seafood and steak restaurant in an old train car.

Make sure you make reservations at 508-228-1101. One restaurant among many lining the streets of Nantucket for your enjoyment. http://www.nantucket.net/maps/diningmap.php

For the 4th of July, Jetties Beach (on Nantucket) http://www.nantucket.net/beaches/jetties.php at 9:00 p.m. is the perfect place to view the spectacular fireworks and in August Jetties Beach host a Sandcastle and Sculpture Day along with the Boston Pops http://www.bso.org/bso/mods/perf_detail.jsp?pid=prod4040071 on August 13, 2011 to benefit the Nantucket Cottage Hospital http://www.nantuckethospital.org/Events/Pops.html with special guest, Carly Simon. Make sure you visit the Raw Bar at The Jetties http://thejetties.com/ for a complete Nantucket Beach experience.

For more 4th of July fun, there are activities on Main Street starting at 10:00 a.m. which include the dunk tank, the watermelon eating contest, face painting, the pie eating contest, and the famous "water fight" between the town fire fighters and Flint Ranney's volunteers. For more information visit http://www.nantucket-ma.gov/Pages/NantucketMA_Visitor/46814_Nantucket_WEB_6.pdf

A relaxing and memorable trip to the east coast to enjoy the dog-days of Summer. What a wonderful way to celebrate Independence Day with having your vacation perfect in every way!

Photographs courtesy of The Cottages and Jessica Cushman

It’s that time of year when the Summer season has arrived. Be at a hotel, a vacation rental, an all-inclusive, a cruise, foreign country traveling, camping or even a weekend getaway to the neighboring town; these are the times that we create memories; where we are rejuvenated, awakened, and smile in the sunshine simply because life is good.

As we all know, I am through-and-through a toes in the sand kind of girl. I love to listen to the ocean waves, hear the gulls, the laughter around me, some great music and to feel the warmth of the summer sun on my skin.

Where to go? Where to go? With so many options, I decided why not go where summertime is reminiscent of a carefree childhood vacation complete with the aroma of funnel cakes and the feel of the salty air while walking along the boardwalk. Where else but Wildwood Crest, New Jersey.

Port Royal Hotel at http://portroyalhotel.com/ is exactly the place to go for me. Located one mile south of the boardwalk with luxuriously appointed accommodations which feature many amenities from central air conditioning, heating to color cable TV with VCR. Whether you chose a deluxe guest room, a one-room efficiency, or an ocean suite you will find attractive decor, comfortable furnishings and private balconies with scenic views.

The Port Royal is located on the wide, clean, safe and free beach in Wildwood Crest, New Jersey. If you choose to go poolside, grab a chaise and relax on the oceanfront sun deck that surrounds the heated hourglass-shaped pool. There is also a heated kiddie pool, snacks are available on the canopy-covered poolside patio so you can grab a bite without losing sight of the ocean or you can eat at the 50‘s Doo-Wop themed Royal Grille restaurant! Additional conveniences include coin-operated laundry facilities on every floor, self-service elevators, full-service gift shop, and free off-street preferred parking (one car per unit).

Located at approximately a 50 minute drive from Atlantic City, a 10 minute drive to Historic Cape May and within walking distance on the 38-block (2.5 mile wooden walkway) Wildwood boardwalk is lined with amusement piers, water parks, specialty shops, theaters, eateries and restaurants. You can ride a bike along the promenade from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., or ride the tram cars while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Atlantic. This is the place to start some Summer!

Should I get bored, I can always fall back to one of my favorites … shopping. Shopping is abundant in the Wildwoods from the Holly Beach Mall to the New Jersey Avenue merchants... the choices are endless. The summer air is filled with oldies music at the dockside, rock and roll at the clubs and ethnic sing-a-longs all over town. During the summer season, an estimated 2 million visitors come to the Wildwoods. Of course, the kids go crazy for the non-stop action on Morey's Piers – three incredible piers offering seven world-class roller coasters, two huge beachfront waterparks and family rides galore.

Am I in bliss? Most definitely. I came with an appetite for a mixture of childhood carnival food, cuisine, and of course, ice-cream before dinner. Summertime doesn’t get much better than this and the memories are priceless!

Catching up with the sun on Summer Solstice for a bit of sun worshipping at the Summer Solstice Festival and Parade at Santa Barbara, CA, the “American Riviera”, with colorful floats, dances and a drum circle you can participate in. Friday 4-9 p.m., Saturday noon-8 p.m., Sunday noon-6 p.m. (805) 965-3396, www.solsticeparade.com.

In Arizona, visit Kitts Peak National Observatory Visitor Center and Museum (90 minute drive from Tucson) where the largest solar telescope is located. Take their guided tour daily at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m.. (520) 318-8726, www.noao.edu/outreach/kpvc.


Of course, why not visit the sunniest place in the United States ~ Yuma, AZ, where it's sunny and clear 90 percent of total daylight hours. Yuma is located along the banks of the Colorado River on the border of Mexico and California. Visit the sand dunes in the surrounding area which for off-road drivers and sand vehicles. (800) 293-0071, see all the things there are to do at www.visityuma.com.

Find your place in the sun, make sure you stay hydrated, use plenty of sunscreen, and enjoy your day. Happy Summer Solstice everyone!