The best things to see and do for an authentic East Coast Summer
There’s nothing quite like a summer on the East Coast.
After a seemingly endless winter and a blink-and-you-miss-it spring, we all try to squeeze as much as we possibly can out of summer while it’s here. Whether you’re dining al fresco on a cozy patio with your closest friends, taking a family retreat to a wooded oasis, or enjoying a weekend break to a bustling coastal town, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the warm air and cool breezes of an East Coast summer.
And while out-of-towners flock to these beautiful summer destinations each year, nobody knows the summer hotspots quite like a local. So, we’ve asked some of our crew for their recommendations on the best things to see and do while you’re in town...
GO KAYAKING DOWN THE MYSTIC RIVER, CONNECTICUT
For several years now, my husband and I along with several friends have kayaked down the Mystic River at night during the full moon in either July or August. We paddle down the river, under the historic drawbridge, past marinas with both big and small boats, with the destination being Ford’s Lobster Restaurant in Noank.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, Ford’s serves the best of all things seafood… chowder, lobster rolls, lobster in the rough, jumbo crab cake, lobster mac & cheese and much, much more. If you don’t have your own Kayak or think this distance is too far, consider renting from Mystic Adventures.
Recommended by Kathy Duggan, Mystic Connecticut
VIEW THE SUNSET AT NORTH SEA BEACH, SOUTHAMPTON
North Sea Beach is the best spot in town to get the local experience. It’s not over crowded, so you can enjoy the beautiful views in a quiet, serene setting. It’s the perfect place to catch the sunset. Take a slow stroll with your plus one or your dog and take it all in as the sun dips behind the water. And if you’re visiting by day, don’t forget to bring your beach essentials so you can take a dip in the water to cool off.
Recommended by Jessica Cavolina, Southampton NY
BE AWE-INSPIRED BY THE MAGNIFICENT MONOMY WILDLIFE REFUGE, CHATHAM
Since we were young, everyone in town has known about the Monomoy Wildlife Refuge, or as my friends and I call it, Morris Island. Whether it was our field trips there in elementary school or a quick trip there for a swim now as an adult, everyone in town has always held a special place in their heart for this little section of Chatham. It’s truly the best spot in town, all year round, and probably one of the best on the Cape. The majority of people that come to Chatham don't even know it exists.
If we were to pick the perfect time to visit, it would be a day where the high tide is between 10am and noon, as the sun glistens on the ocean like a jar of sparkles. If you want to go the extra mile, we recommend going to one of the local restaurants like Corner Store or Jomama’s and getting a burrito or a sandwich to bring with you so you can enjoy the beautiful views for the whole day.
Recommended by Addy Terriy-Welsh and Hannah Smith, Chatham
ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL CLIFF WALK TRAIL, NEWPORT
One of my favorite places to be in Newport during the Summer is the Cliff Walk. It is a beautiful trail along the shore that spans about 3.5 miles and has a way of putting you into this almost surreal state of being. It starts at Bailey’s beach and ends at Easton’s Beach, or First Beach as we locals call it! You don’t need to bring much – just some good footwear, maybe a bag with a towel, and a bottle of water.
My favorite thing to do is start the walk in the morning to enjoy the gentle wash of waves polishing the shoreline and then find the perfect spot on First Beach to spend the day. Morning melts into afternoon and then falls into evening, and by this time the only thing that can make the day better is drinks with a friend. My recommendation is to cap off the night with a drink at Scarpetta located in Gurney's resort. The drinks are pure perfection!
Recommended by Spenser Guay and Hannah Smith, Chatham