As the calendar turns from July to August, we prepare to settle in for the steamy closing act of summer. The next few weeks are about soaking up the last bits of relaxation before schools are back in session, the days grow shorter, and vacation memories already begin to fade. No need for sadness to set in: We recommend three tempting drinks as you kick back and watch the sun set on the remaining dog days of summer.

Chateau de Segries Tavel 2022
($25, Kysela Pere et Fils)

The Rhône Valley is home to many of France’s vinous treasures—but one that is often overlooked is Tavel. This hamlet forgoes the production of red wine in favor of concentrating on rosé. The combination of grapes will be familiar to fans of red Rhône wine—Grenache and Syrah—but the outcome is unique. It’s a medium-bodied wine bursting with fresh strawberry, raspberry, and melon tones with a juicy finish. It’s astonishingly good. Pair it with anything you like to eat alfresco, or enjoy one of the best glasses of rosé you’re likely to taste all season.

Lagunitas Daytime IPA
($13 six 12-ounce cans, Legends)

Having a few icy cold brews is a dandy way to close out the season. Cookouts are still in full swing, replete with barbeque sauce, steamed crabs, and even a shrimp boil. But it sure is hard to stay in the game when your preferred IPA is clocking in with weighty alcohol levels. That’s why we recommend this svelte IPA from Lagunitas. You’ll enjoy the hop-forward character of a classic IPA here. It never gets out of balance, thanks to judicious use of lighter toned varieties like Citra and Centennial. And a trim 4-percent ABV makes for a crushable brew that plays nice with food, friends, and winding down without falling over.

Singani 63
($35 750 milliliters, Winebow)

Singani is an eau-de-vie distilled from the Muscat of Alexandria grape and produced in the mountains of Bolivia. Here, grapes that were originally planted by Spanish monastic orders are distilled into a subtly floral spirit that is technically a white brandy, since it’s made from grapes. It’s delicious neat or over ice, which is how most Bolivians consume it, but cocktail scenesters have found it’s great for riffing in mules, sours, and cocktails that normally call for white rum. So grab some mint from the backyard and give your house mojito a twist.

Is your kid’s idea of fun brushing a baby goat? Or do they really dig dinosaurs? Perhaps they prefer practicing kickflips or traversing hiking trails. Whether your child is into Picasso or planets, skipping rocks or riding roller coasters, there is something for every interest, every age, and every family in the Baltimore area.

For Rachel Zillig, a mom of two in Baltimore County, the pandemic had a huge impact on her family’s activities. With libraries, museums, and just about every other kid-friendly place shut down, “We had to seek out other stuff or we’d have gone insane just sitting in the house,” says Zillig, whose Instagram account, @BaltimoreFamilyFun, details their adventures in the area. Now that most places have opened back up, she’s looking forward to visiting old favorites like Port Discovery and the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, but she’s not giving up the local parks and outdoor activities they enjoyed during COVID-19. “Just walking around the Inner Harbor during the day is a fun activity for my kids. They love looking at the boats.”

If your family has a particular place you love to visit again and again, consider purchasing a membership. The pandemic had a devastating impact on the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector, with nearly 60 percent of museums forced to cut back on education, programming, and other public services, according to Artnet News.

But things are looking up, with plenty of Baltimore regional destinations open and ready to safely do business. Check out our guide to find out what’s happening at new and old family favorites throughout the region this summer.

PORT DISCOVERY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
35 Market Pl., Baltimore, MD 21202.
Three floors of interactive exhibits and settings for imaginative play will keep toddlers and preschoolers entertained for hours. Kids ages 5-12 can build confidence and motor skills as they scale the multi-story SkyClimber. This always-changing museum is “huge but never seems crowded,” says Zillig, whose family’s favorites include the replica Royal Farms, a delightfully realistic pretend diner, and a water playroom. (Pro tip: bring a change of clothes!)

THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM
501 E Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202.
No matter how many times you visit the Aquarium, there’s always something new to see. You could spend an entire day searching for the sloths in the tropical rainforest or being mesmerized by all the different kinds of jellyfish. With more than 20,000 aquatic creatures, an enormous shark tank, and hands-on exhibits, kids will be educated and entertained every time. Note: strollers are not permitted.

MARYLAND SCIENCE CENTER
601 Light St., Baltimore, MD 21230.
Come for the dinosaurs, stay for the interactive science exhibits. Kids can create their own inventions, lie on a bed of nails, learn about the human body, and experience the electromagnetic spectrum through light and prisms. Don’t miss the planetarium, rooftop observatory, and IMAX theater, too.

THE MARYLAND ZOO
1 Safari Pl., Baltimore, MD 21217.
From the perky prairie dogs to the gentle giraffes to the cheeky chimpanzees, this world-class zoo is home to more than 1,500 amazing animals—including the largest African penguin breeding colony in North America. Your wild things can run amok along the shady paved paths and ride the new zero emissions electric shuttles back to the free parking lot when they’re tired.

BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF ART
10 Art Museum Dr., Baltimore, MD 21218.
There’s more to the BMA than the Cone Collection’s Matisses and Monets. Kids who like dollhouses will adore the Cheney Miniatures Gallery, and the museum’s African art collection features 2,500
masks, textiles, and other works from more than 200 cultures. Indoor voices are not required to explore the outdoor sculpture garden. Currently, reservations are required for free admission. Strollers and front baby carriers are permitted in the museum.

LAKE ROLAND PARK & NATURE CENTER
1000 Lakeside Dr., Baltimore, MD, 21210.
The Lake Roland Dam is the focal point of this 500-acre sanctuary in the middle of Baltimore. Popular among pet owners for its fenced-in Paw Point dog park (membership required), Lake Roland features a unique playground, a new nature center, various hiking and biking trails, and a boardwalk from the Falls Road Light Rail station. Stop by Tropicool Italian Ice afterward for a sweet treat.

OREGON RIDGE PARK & NATURE CENTER
13555 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville, MD 21030.
This 1000-plus-acre park is a great place to burn off energy. It features several playgrounds, picnic areas, plenty of trails ranging from easy to challenging, and a quarry where you can skip rocks and watch the ducks. Several animal enclosures house bunnies, geese, chickens and more, and the nature center hosts educational events and storytimes.

LADEW TOPIARY GARDENS
3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD 21111.
Unicorn-shaped shrubs, windows carved into hedges, koi ponds, an enchanting teahouse, butterfly house, and gift shop are just some of the delights you’ll find here, along with 22 acres of space to run wild and enjoy nature. Admission required; children under two are free.

RASH FIELD PARK
300 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD 21230.
Baltimore’s newest park opened last November in the heart of the Inner Harbor. Kids can clamber up a pair of 35-foot wooden towers in the Adventure Park, slip down a giant slide, soar on the swings, dig in the sand pit, or bring their board and drop into the skate park.

THE GO-KART TRACK
10907 Pulaski Hwy., White Marsh, MD 21162.
Feel the need for speed? With three different go-kart tracks, a mini-golf course (half price on weekdays), and all the classic arcade games, there’s something for everyone here. Kids aged 3 and up can join a driver age 16+ on the Family Track, and speed demons at least 52” tall can drop the pedal to the medal on the Drift Track.

SKATEPARK OF BALTIMORE
1121 W 36th St., Baltimore, MD 21211.
Got a budding skateboarder or trick scooter rider? Strap on your pads and helmet and hit this Hampden hotspot. It’s free and open daily from dawn to dusk. If you need some new grip tape, Vu Skate Shop is just around the corner on Falls Road.

EASTERN WATERSPORTS
4001 Bay Dr., 7200 Graces Quarters Rd., and 7400 Graces Quarters Rd., Middle River, MD 21220.
You don’t have to drive to Annapolis or Ocean City to get a taste of salt life. With three locations, two within Gunpowder Falls State Park and two with legitimate sandy beaches, this seasonal shop rents kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes by the hour. Children under 10 can accompany a parent or guardian on a tandem kayak or paddleboard. Kids 10 and up can rent their own with a renting adult.

SPLASH PADS
Multiple locations.
Looking to cool down and get wet on a hot day, no pool membership required? Baltimore City is home to several splash pads, including at West Shore Park in the Inner Harbor, Mt. Vernon Children’s Park, and The Rotunda. Visit BaltimoreFamilies.org/pools for locations.

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY “STORYVILLE”
There’s more to the library than storytime. Storyville, located at Baltimore County Public Library’s Rosedale and Woodlawn branches, is a play-and-learn center designed to promote early literacy and school-readiness skills in children ages 0-5. This enchanting child-sized village features books, toys, and activities for tots and their parents or caregivers.

DUTCH WONDERLAND
2249 Lincoln Hwy. E, Lancaster, PA 17602.
This amusement park in Amish country is extremely popular with young families for a reason. The 48-acre layout is accessible, not overwhelming, and the rides are geared toward little kids. Duke’s Lagoon is a water park within the park that’s worth a visit all on its own.

HERSHEYPARK
100 Hersheypark Dr., Hershey, PA 17033.
Thrillseekers throng to this family theme park, created by the famous chocolatier Milton S. Hershey, which features tons of rides, including 15 roller coasters. There are plenty of attractions for the littler set, too. The one-price admission includes all the rides, the water park, and ZooAmerica.

SIX FLAGS AMERICA
13710 Central Ave., Bowie, MD 20721.
Six Flags is home to some of the fastest, tallest, wildest rides in the country, including Firebird, billed as “America’s only floorless roller coaster.” Younger kids can enjoy at least a dozen rides all by themselves. Admission includes access to the Hurricane Harbor waterpark, featuring an 800,000-gallon wave pool and 25 water slides.

KINGS DOMINION
16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047.
Got tweens and teens? Take a three-hour drive to this amusement park near Richmond. Already home to 13 roller coasters, the park will introduce Tumbili, a brand-new, 4D spin coaster, as part of its new-in-2022 immersive Jungle X-pedition. For the little ones, there’s Planet Snoopy. Admission includes access to the Soak City waterpark.

GROWN UP DINING, KID APPROVED

Dining out with kids doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful if you choose one of these family-friendly eateries, offering everything from pizza to medieval feasts.

R. HOUSE
301 W. 29th St., Baltimore, MD 21211.
Food courts and food halls, like this one located in Remington, are great options for dining with kids for a few reasons. First, there’s something for even the pickiest eater. Choose from 10 stalls offering a variety of fare, from pizza and fried chicken sandwiches to poké bowls and Korean BBQ. Second, the kids can be as loud as they like, and there’s room to stretch your legs when sitting at a table gets tiresome.

BELVEDERE SQUARE MARKET
529 E Belvedere Ave., Baltimore, MD 21212.
More than a food market, this North Baltimore hotspot near The Senator Theatre is a great place to dine indoors or out at any time of day. Food vendors include Atwater’s, Ejji Ramen, Plantbar, and The Pizza Trust. The Square hosts a Friday night concert series during the summer months.

STONE MILL BAKERY & CAFE
10751 Falls Rd. Suite 123, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093.
If you’re shopping at Greenspring Station or have a kids’ sporting event across the street at Meadowood Regional Park, pop into this bustling cafe for refreshments. Choose from salads, soups, sandwiches, and unparalleled sugar cookies. If the weather’s nice, sit outside by a babbling brook and let the kids climb on the stone turtles.

JASON’S DELI
8874 McGaw Rd., Columbia, MD 21045.
With menus for kids, vegetarians, and gluten-sensitive diners, this reasonably priced chain has long been a favorite for families. (The free ice cream doesn’t hurt!) Sadly, the Timonium location closed during COVID, but the Columbia restaurant is open for business.

MEDIEVAL TIMES
7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD 21076.
If you dread family dinners or just want something different, there’s nothing like a meal and a show set in a medieval Spanish “castle.” Feast on turkey legs–or a surprisingly tasty vegetarian option–as you watch knights on horseback jousting for a fair maiden’s hand. Yes, it’s a bit sexist and over-the-top, but the spectacle is part of the fun. If you’re looking to get your kids off screens and into a real-life adventure, this is it.

Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio reign supreme as the most popular white-wine grapes. But for folks who think a lot about how wine and food go together, Riesling stands out as the best of the whites. Its combination of bright acidity, nuanced aromas, and complexity of flavor make it a willing dance partner for an astonishing range of foods, from creamy to spicy and everything in between.

Forge Cellars Dry Riesling Classique 2017
($21, Winebow)

Riesling made in a dry style is enjoying a renais- sance, as producers from Germany to the United States understand how grand a dry wine can be. Forge farms its vines organically and is intensely committed to the poten- tial of New York’s Finger Lakes District as a source for world-class Riesling. Apple, pear, yellow plum, and floral tones make for a delicious wine for cheeses, poultry, seafood, veal, pork, creamy pasta, Asian fare. . . well, okay, pretty much anything.

Inniskillin Icewine 2017
($90, Republic)

There are few dessert wines so decadent as Icewine, and this offering from Canada’s Inniskillin demonstrates why. Imagine an elixir of peach, mango, and apricot, bound together by honey and a squeeze of fresh lemon, and you’d be close to the experience of this wine. Tempting though it may be to serve with dessert, consider instead rich cheeses, blue-veined cheese, and other fatty foods.

Klemens Weber Sparkling Riesling 2014
($25, Potomac Selections)

Riesling’s bracing acidity makes it a natural candidate for sparkling wine production. Crisp pear and green apple notes abound in this classic German example. Perfect as an aperitif, its electric demeanor begs to be served well-chilled on
a muggy August evening.

ICE, ICE BABY: Icewine, also known as Eiswein, is a wine made from frozen grapes. The best ones are made from fruit that ripens past the harvest date, which allows for the perfect intersection of overripe but healthy fruit. Harvesters race into the vineyards as frost alarms sound in order to retrieve the frozen berries. The ice captures the grape’s water content so that the resultant juice is super concentrated.

White is the definition of relaxation. Laid-back and luxurious, a white-on-white outfit brings the effortless into the chic. Whether in seaside linen or city street denim, a summer wardrobe won’t be complete without those essential whites.

By projecting movies on buildings or piers, Baltimore has developed a summer tradition of hosting movies in the fresh air. While the city continues to add to the history of free summer movies, there is a new celebration going on this season.

Eddie’s of Roland Park will show Wallace and Gromit and Jaws outside of its Charles Street and Roland Ave. locations to celebrate the store’s 75th anniversary. Founded in 1944 by the late Victor Cohen, the store has become beloved for its specialty food and locally inspired sandwiches. Still family owned, it is now led by second- and third-generation family members.

“Chances are, if you’re a fan of Eddie’s of Roland Park, you’re also a fan of food,” says marketing director Jared Earley. “So it’s not a far leap to assume we can all identify with the cheese-obsessed Wallace and Gromit, or the insatiable appetite of a monstrously ‘hangry’ fish.”

But that’s just one of many movie series gracing the walls and screens of Baltimore institutions this summer. Mark your calendar for these film fanatic events.

Eddie’s of Roland Park Celebrates 75 Years: Bring a chair or blanket and head to Eddie’s of Roland Park for a free neighborhood screening of films. At dusk, the independent grocer will encourage the community to join them in celebration of its 75th anniversary. Store hours will be extended and refreshments will be available for purchase inside. Free. July 17-18, July 24-25.

Mt. Vernon Movies: The picturesque Mount Vernon Place is the ideal backdrop to escape into cinema. First up is the wildly popular Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, followed next month by the Hitchcock classic Rear Window, and concluding with favorite fantasy film Labyrinth. As an added bonus, MVP will offer free popcorn. Free. June 27, July 26, August 22, 7:30-11 p.m.

Federal Hill Flicks: Visit The American Visionary Art Museum for Flicks from the Hill, which projects outdoor movies every Thursday night during July and August. The Hughes Family Outdoor Theater puts on a show with a 30-foot screen that you have to see from the massive hill to believe. Come early for free admission to the museum before the main feature at 9 p.m., which this year includes family favorites Coraline and Mrs. Doubtfire. Free. July-August, 9 p.m.

The Wine Bin Screenings: Wine Wednesdays have been moved to Saturdays. Join the Wine Bin for a sip and a flick June through September. Every Saturday, the outdoor movie series opens up parking 90 minutes before the show for drive-in style viewing. After that fills up, there is still plenty of room for to set up camping chairs and blankets. This summer is filled with a wide range of films including A Star Is Born and Beauty And The Beast. Free. June-September, 9 p.m.

Fells Point Films: Another year of films on the pier starts up on July 10 with a showing of a childhood classic—The Princess Bride. Bring your own chairs, wine, and food to turn this event into a romantic date or a night out with friends. Take part in this weekly, Wednesday event through August and enjoy other movies like Oceans 8 or Captain Marvel. Free. July 10-August 28, 8:30 p.m.

Lakefront Summer Shows: What better setting for an outdoor event than Columbia’s idyllic Lake Kittamaqundi. Check out a different movie every Monday and Friday this summer, including Disney’s Tangled and the Avengers blockbusters. Free. Through September 7, 8:30 p.m.

Bel Air Airings: Join The Bel Air Downtown Alliance for fun, film, and—now—food. For the first time, summer movie nights include Bel Air’s only food truck rally. Try some local fare from the trucks parked along Lee Street from 5-8 p.m. Six times a year, the community comes together to watch family-friendly movies like Incredibles 2 and Trolls under the stars. These movies are not only free, but also come with popcorn and face painting. Free. June-August, Sunset.

Moonlight Movie Series: Spend time with the whole family this summer in the parking lot of the Shops at Kenilworth. Every other Monday from June 24-August 19, enjoy a movie playing at sunset in the open air, including animated features like Minions, Zootopia, and Inside Out. Free. Sunset.

Merriweather Movie Nights: Normally, you would catch your favorite band at Merriweather Post Pavilion, but now you can enjoy the lawn throughout the summer with its movie nights in Columbia. After kicking off the series in May with a Sound of Music sing-a-long, the next showing is Smallfoot on July 7. The film will be screened on the lawn, so grab a blanket and friends to join the fun. In the event of rain, the movie will be screened inside the pavilion. $10. May 25, July 7, August 16, 5:30-8 p.m.

Pics in the Park: Join the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore for feature film night, on select Saturdays in June through August on the lawn in downtown’s Center Plaza. Movies begin at sunset, but exact start times will be posted on the event’s Facebook page on movie nights. The plaza is bike-, stroller-, and pet-friendly and movie-goers are encouraged to bring a picnic, lawn chairs, and blankets. Free. Times vary.

Summer is all about soaking up the sun, spending time with friends, and (hopefully) relaxing. According to Tiffany Houchins, an Acupuncturist at Woodberry Wellness, this season is known for joy, laughter, connection, and communication. With her expertise, we’ve pieced together a guide on how to instill these elements into our daily routines.

Joy & Laughter

“It’s the season of joy,” Houchins says, “and it’s associated with the heart, the small intestine, and our pericardium—all of those things really love joy.”

• Before getting out of bed, try a laughing meditation to set yourself in a good mood: Think of memories and things that bring you joy and laughter.
• Get ready for the morning singing and dancing to your favorite songs.
• Give yourself extra time to be a little spontaneous with your routine.

Food & Drink

• Drinking hot tea in the warm weather actually cools you down. An excellent herbal tea for heart health and mood-boosting benefits is Hawthorne.
• Bitter foods invigorate the body—chicory root, dandelion, and mustard greens are fresh and satisfying summer foods.

Connection & Communication

“Because summer is associated with the heart, it’s also about connection: connection with our authentic self and connection with other people,” she says.

• Counter morning stress by practicing fire breathing. Clear out the tension by breathing in deeply and exhaling loudly through your mouth.
• Try dry brushing your arms with a loofa to stimulate the meridians in your arms that are associated with the heart.
• Rose quartz is known as the crystal for the heart. Wearing it on your wrist or around your neck can stimulate peaceful and loving energy right into the heart channels.

Self-Love & Affirmation

• Bring a little intimacy into your day by practicing self-love affirmations in the mirror or sending a love note to someone you care about.
• Take a walk outside to breathe in the fresh air and take some “me time.”

In the midst of summer’s swelter, is there any greater reward than kicking back with a frosty beverage? We’ve gone in search of cool libations to cut the humidity, attack the heat index, and bring cold comfort to your otherwise sticky evening on the patio.

Robert Weil Riesling “Trocken” 2016 ($22, The Country Vintner)
There is no shortage of wine enthusiasts who consider Riesling to be the greatest white grape for its complexity and versatility. If you think Riesling is just sticky sweet stuff, grab a bottle of this example from Weingut-Robert-Weil. Juicy stone fruit tones, minerals, saline, and an almost electric dry finish. Cheese, fish, fowl, it doesn’t matter—Riesling’s goes with almost everything.

The Brewer’s Art
Penguin Pils
($14, 16 oz six-pack, Bond Distributing)
Pils is a dry, crisp style of beer originating in the Czech Republic. Our hometown heroes at The Brewer’s Art have crafted a fine example, with medium body and a cool, snappy, hop-accented finish. Even better, a portion of the proceeds is donated to penguin research through The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. This is what we call drinking responsibly.

La Quintinye Vermouth Royal Blanc
($25, Prestige-Ledroit Distributing Company)
Hailing from France and relying on a delicious blend of fermented grape brandy as its base, this peachy, floral, lightly sweet, softly bitter aperitif needs no fancy cocktail recipe to shine. It’s a winner on the rocks with a twist of citrus, ideal for fighting back against excessive heat warnings.

If you’ve started to notice hints of yellow lining the walls and shelves of your favorite stores, you’re not crazy, it’s full-on happening.

This bright and cheery color, which fashion blog Man Repeller dubbed “Gen-Z Yellow” is the new hue filling the closets of the young, hip, and fashion forward—dethroning the once-popular “Millennial Pink” that we have seen everywhere over the past year.

While this sunny shade can be intimidating to most, the trend extends itself to different shades of yellow, such as canary, gold, and mustard, allowing people of all complexions to embrace it.

While tiny frames seem to be having a moment, they are not for everyone. Stay on-trend this summer with a fun pair of colored lenses or translucent frames. Offered in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, you are sure to find the perfect pair to complement your wardrobe.

Black sunglasses ($18) at Poppy and Stella. Green sunglasses ($15) at Doubledutch Boutique. Light pink transparent sunglasses ($16) at Bottle of Bread. Retro blue sunglasses ($16) at Bottle of Bread. Quay Australia Harper gold cat eye sunglasses ($29) at South Moon Under. Navy sunglasses ($18) at Poppy and Stella. CRAP The T.V. Eye sunglasses ($60) at Brightside Boutique. Black and red sunglasses ($15) at Doubledutch Boutique.

Somewhere in our collective subconscious, there’s a memory of a perfect summer beach day. A day with Jams shorts and jelly shoes; the prickle of sunburn under a slather of aloe; salty, windswept hair; a belly full of French fries—innocent pleasures somewhere on a Mid-Atlantic beach, where moms read paperbacks under umbrellas and the start of the school year seems a million miles away.

Luckily for us, there’s a place where that day lives on forever. It’s not Ocean City, smothered with swarms of families, or the Outer Banks, with its rows of over-muscled real estate. Just a few hours drive and a ferry ride across Delaware Bay away, Cape May, New Jersey, still feels delightfully unspoiled. Somehow both deeply 1880s and 1980s, it’s a simple slice of sandy nostalgia, filled with faded Victorian painted ladies, lovely wide beaches, and a refreshing unselfconsciousness. A long weekend is the perfect amount of time to explore its porch-lined streets and then head back home—a more freckled, carefree version of yourself.

→ CRASH COURSE

Cape May is known for its historic inns and bed-and-breakfasts, with many of the town’s grandest houses transformed into comfortable weekend beach retreats. Lots of lodging options also throw in free beach cruisers, chairs, and passes, which is almost reason enough to visit.

For B&B bliss, West Cape May’s Albert Stevens Inn does both the bed and the breakfast perfectly. A lovingly restored former doctor’s office and residence, the rooms are comfortable and tasteful with adjoining baths and a few frills. The classic farmhouse breakfast comes with dessert (why is this not a thing everywhere?), and the gratis evening glass of wine for guests is best enjoyed on the deep front porch, where everybody gets their own rocking chair.

Feeling like a swanky seaside hotel is more your speed? Before Cape May was Cape May, there was the Congress Hall Hotel. Originally established in 1816, it was rebuilt in brick after the Great Fire of 1878. Known as the “Summer White House”—no, not that one—Presidents James Buchanan, Ulysses Grant, and Benjamin Harrison all relaxed on the breezy piazza—but today it’s mostly regular families and cozied-up couples enjoying the ocean views and well-appointed rooms. Wherever you’re sleeping, be sure to stop by the stylish Brown Room bar for a sundowner cocktail on the hotel’s lawn. For the price of a couple rounds, you’ll get the full Gatsby experience—straw boaters optional.

Airbnb and VRBO both have some good listings in Cape May as well, but if you do decide to go this short-term rental route, pay attention to the map and look for available options within Cape May proper for walking or biking to the beach. A big part of the charm comes from the slower, no-car pace.

→ PASTIME PLAY

Once you park the car and drop off your bags, it’s time to settle into a routine of simple, sedate pleasures—long days on Cape May’s well-tended beaches, pedaling around town on two wheels, and dominating the competition in Skee-Ball, putt-putt golf, and whack-a-mole. A relaxing afternoon spent exploring and shopping along the shady, candy-colored historic district with a drippy ice cream cone is as restorative to your soul as it is punishing to your credit card. But forget the guilt—this is beach-life balance at its best.

For starters, embrace your inner middle schooler and snag a bike. While most accommodations carry them, rentals are worth the splurge for those that don’t. This beach town is incredibly bike-friendly and racks are everywhere—and far more affordable than parking. Cape Island Bike Rentals on Sunset Boulevard will hook you up with a sweet ride for a reasonable price. Just be sure to pick a bike with a basket to carry your picnic and chilled bottle of wine.

From there, make your way to the beach. As one of the least crowded, most civilized shorelines on the entire Mid-Atlantic coast, the Cape May beaches are well patrolled by lifeguards and amply serviced with plenty of clean bathrooms, snack bars, and chair and umbrella rentals. The sand is smooth and manicured, and dolphins swim just offshore throughout the day. But here’s the skinny: it costs you money to get on the oceanfront (not a lot, and it goes towards the strand’s pristine maintenance). Be prepared to buy a beach tag if you want to get in some sun before 5 p.m. It’s $6 for a daily tag, $12 for a three-day tag, and $18 for a weekly tag. You can buy them at kiosks all along the boardwalk.

Speaking of boardwalks, unlike Ocean City, Maryland or Wildwood, New Jersey, Cape May doesn’t actually have one; it has a promenade—aka a paved, two-mile stretch that runs parallel to the beach and has plenty of shops, restaurants, arcades, and sweetly corny putt-putt places for all your old favorites. What Cape May’s promenade lacks—Ferris wheel, roller coaster, splash parks—it gains in charm, views, and tranquility. Don’t miss the Cape May Arcade on Beach Avenue, where a couple of quarters let you chomp the Pac-Man ghosts to your heart’s content. A few blocks down is the charmingly creepy Ocean Putt Golf, where excessively smiley vintage character cutouts watch you deliver your golf ball.

Seriously seeking souvenirs? There’s plenty to lure you away from boardwalk and beach, with a quick ramble into town providing plenty of opportunities to ogle the historic district’s ornate Victorian houses and offbeat shops. The industrial-chic West End Garage on Perry Street hosts scores of different vendors, selling everything from vintage postcards and pennants to snuggly socks from the local alpaca farm. Just across the street is the wonderful Flying Fish Studio on Park Boulevard, where owner and designer Sue Lotozo makes T-shirts her canvas. From Jersey tomatoes to horseshoe crabs, consider this Cape May clothing line a must-have memento.

→ BEACH-BOD BITES

While plenty of Cape May eateries still have a bit of an ’80s “fine-dining” vibe (think sun-dried tomatoes, Wagyu beef, creamy pastas), there are some stellar standout spots that will slake your thirst and fill your belly. One of Cape May’s greatest features is that its restaurant scene is largely BYOB. This means you can cycle over to your favorite packaged goods store—we’re looking at you, Sunset Liquors on Sunset Boulevard—select a six-pack of your favorite craft beer or a preferred fine bottle of wine, and tote them to dinner. There’s usually no corkage fee, which allows you to save on tipples and satisfy your craving for that banana split sundae with extra fudge.

For lunch and dinner, The Lobster House on Schellengers Landing Road is the real deal for waterfront eating—a venerable seafood joint rubbing cheek to jowl with the local fishing fleet. Skip the white tablecloths of the formal dining room and head around the back to the casual dockside raw bar. Here, you can demolish a couple dozen Cape May Salts on the half shell and wash it all down with a cold local IPA while seagulls pinwheel overhead.

The Red Store on Cape Ave is another gem. Local fare shines in this reimagined general store, where you can walk in for a coffee or gelato, or stay for a farm-fresh meal full of bright flavors and creative combinations. Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood, the green, leafy surrounds provide a restful setting while you fork your way through the spicy comfort of shrimp and grits or crab and corn pancakes topped with bacon and crème fraiche.

Of course there’s pizza, and then there’s pizza. At the family-owned Panico’s on Broadway, find the kind of pies that you just keep eating, even when you know that in 12 short hours you’ll be strapping yourself into a bathing suit again, love handles be damned. Perfectly crisp yet tender with a summer-tomato red sauce and mozzarella pooling on top, these brick-oven beauties are a moment of no regrets. Uncork your bike-brought rosé and treat yourself.

For day drinks or night caps, Cape May Brewing Company on Hornet Road gets bigger, better, and more experimental every year. Based out of the small local airport that’s only a 10-minute drive outside of town, this brewery’s tasting room experience combines boundary-pushing beer flights with a laid-back, sandy-footed ambiance. Catch a classic movie on their big-screen projector while discussing the merits of a Coastal Evacuation IPA versus a Devil’s Reach Belgian Strong Ale.

Although no food is served in the tasting room, Taco Shop Cape May is conveniently located right next door, so you can toddle over and get yourself a plate of al pastor before you heartily imbibe.

It’s time to hit the refresh button on your swimsuit collection, because we are living in an era of tons of swimwear options. From classic bikinis to updated one pieces to flattering high-waist styles, there are cute bathing suits for all body types at our fingertips. What are you waiting for?

Let’s be honest—shopping for shorts might be even harder than shopping for the perfect pair of jeans. With a wide array of styles, colors, and materials to choose from, finding the best pair for your body type can be exhausting. So we’ve gathered some of our favorites to make your life a little easier.

We’ve all experienced that moment of panic when we realize spring is here and we have done absolutely nothing to get our bodies ready. Whether blowing the dust off our cute sandals and realizing we need a pedicure or trying on that short dress and wishing we had gotten a spray tan, the time is now to take some action. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite salons, spas, and studios to take care of those warm weather needs.

About Faces Day Spa
We are all ready to shed the stress of the winter months and the anti-stress facial at About Faces is meant for just that. Intended to “restore the balance of mind and body,” this hour-long treatment also includes a massage of the back, face, and hands to aide in complete stress relief. Also debuting this spring is a new body contouring treatment that involves a waterless scrub and firming massage that leaves the skin toned and smooth. 1501 S. Clinton St. 410-675-0099

Elizabeth Jacob Spa & Salon
Treat yourself to a full day of Nirvana with a head-to-toe recharge for the summer. Enjoy an aromatherapy facial and massage along with a salt scrub, main/pedi, and shampoo and style. If that isn’t enough to get you feeling right, add on a wax service to complete a day of bliss. 18821 Frederick Rd., Parkton 410-357-0833

FX Studios
Men, we know you’ve been hitting the gym to get summer abs, but there’s more to getting beach ready than just ripped muscles. Relax in a private room watching ESPN while receiving a deluxe mani/pedi. Along with a basic shaping and cuticle cleansing, the service also includes an arm and hand massage, and exfoliation for added hydration. If nail care isn’t your thing, the spa is currently offering a “Spring Escape” package that includes a facial and massage. Multiple locations, including 11270 Pepper Rd., Hunt Valley. 410-771-1500

K.Co Design Salon & Day Spa
If spending hours baking on the beach or lying in a tanning bed isn’t your idea of getting that “fresh off the beach glow,” K.Co has a special for you. Receive $5 off a Norvell spray tan. This UV-free, vegan, paraben-free, and gluten-free tan allows you to have the perfect sun kissed glow without any damage to your skin. 6080 Falls Rd. 410-377-7727

Ojas Wellness Center
Sometimes we need a little more than a basic massage to recharge. At Ojas, all massages include aromatherapy, warm stones, and hot towels. If you want to step it up a notch, the spa offers a cupping massage designed to grab hold of your deepest muscles to release toxins and stimulate circulation. You may sport a few circular bruises afterwards like Michael Phelps, but it fades within a few days leaving you refreshed. Multiple locations, including 1501 Sulgrave Ave., Ste. 103. 410-664-6527

Red Door Spa
Treat yourself to luxury pampering with big plush robes, fruit-infused water, and soothing ambiance. Red Door Spa offers a multitude of massage, body, and facial treatments to choose from. In case you are interested in ridding your body of unwanted hair, the spa also offers face and body waxing including: bikini, legs, arms, back, and chest. The Village of Cross Keys, 42 Village Sq. 410-323-3636

Salon by Debbie
Treat yourself to a mock trip to the tropics with the spa package of the same name at any of the three locations under Salon by Debbie. Experience raindrop therapy, a form of aromatherapy treatment that involves dropping essential oils along your spine—like raindrops—followed by a back massage and warm towels. You’ll conclude your simulated tropical vacation with a mango butter pedicure that leaves your feet feeling baby soft. Multiple locations, including Spa on the Avenue, 8165 Honeygo Blvd., White Marsh. 410-931-1130

Spa at Four Seasons Baltimore
Immerse yourself in total extravagance at this haven housed in the Four Seasons Baltimore hotel. The spa menu includes nine types of massages, body treatments, facials, waxing, and nail services. Complimentary perks with every spa treatment include access to relaxation rooms, steam room, sauna, and the illustrious infinity pool that overlooks the Inner Harbor.  200 International Dr. 410-576-5800

Studio 921
Freshen up your hair color with some new highlights or go for a bold new all over color to embrace the warmer weather. Deep conditioning treatments are also offered (and necessary) to liven up your dull hair. Once your hair is taken care of, indulge in a hydrating facial or 921 essential manicure to jump-start the summer season. 921 E. Fort Ave., Ste. 108. 410-783-7727

1. Puravida Drift clutch ($30) at Fells Point Surf Co. 2. Jane Austen Classic Novels ($18.95) at Anthropologie. 3. Dolce Vita Coral Stella sandals ($60) at Sassanova. 4. Spitfire Astro polarized sunglasses ($59) at Brightside Boutique. 5. S’well Birchwood water bottle ($35) at Trohv. 6. Olivine Love & Salt spray ($12) at South Moon Under. 7. Hudson Jeans Croxley denim shorts ($99) at South Moon Under. 8. Kate Spade Bolsa Chica polka dot bustier and hipster bikini ($159.50) at South Moon Under. 9. Sun Bum sunscreen lotion ($12) at Fells Point Surf Co.

Red Prairie Press Baltimore neighborhoods map tee ($32) at Doubledutch Boutique.

Maptote makeup tote ($29) at Katwalk Boutique.

Elan tie-dye maxi dress ($74) at Brightside Boutique.

Street Level canvas convertible tote ($50.95) at Doubledutch Boutique.

Splendid easy tank ($96) at Panache.

7 for All Mankind Illusion jean ($189) at Jean Pool.

Perfect for summer, this fun statement romper can be worn day-to-night, and doesn’t need much accessorizing. Don’t be fooled—although striped, the fuller cut is especially flattering for curvier figures. Annie Griffin Blakely romper ($286) at JG Sassy.

Dare to be bold in this eclectic summery print. The flowing, looser-fitting kimono cut provides a bit more coverage and gives off a boho vibe. And although it’s perfect for a beach vacation, we can’t imagine anywhere you wouldn’t want to wear this piece. Ella Moss Blossom jumpsuit ($248) at Babe. (a boutique).

This romper is on-trend with the popular chambray look, and makes the (sometimes daunting) denim-on-denim feel easy-to-achieve. The belted waist creates a more structured silhouette. This laid-back look is perfect for a casual summer day, so throw it on over a bathing suit and hit the beach! Free People chambray drapey shortall ($148) at Cloud 9 Clothing.

With an asymmetrical skirt in the front and shorts in the back, you’ll be stylish and comfortable in this form-fitting skort romper. Complete the look with a statement necklace and heels for a night out. RD Style fuchsia skort romper ($70) at Babe. (a boutique).

IT’S THE EARTH’S TILT and a location’s position relative to the equator that causes the varying lengths of days and the changing of seasons.

IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE, the summer solstice always occurs sometime between June 20 and 22.

> OTHER LOCATIONS ON THE 39th PARALLEL
include Ibiza, Spain; the Greek island of Lesbos; and Beijing, China.

> OTHER LOCATIONS AT -76 DEGREES west longitude include Kingston, Jamaica and Santiago de Cali, Colombia.

MARYLAND SCIENCE CENTER

Solstice Gala

Saturday, June 20

DRUID HILL PARK

Solstice Festival
Friday, June 19 (concert)
Sunday, June 21 (festival)

FELLS POINT

Weather permitting, Baltimore street astronomer
Herman Heyn will set up his telescope at the foot of the square in Fells Point on the night of June 21.
passersby will be able to look through it and view Saturn nestled in the constellation Scorpius, plus the red giant star Antares.

Visit the
Maryland Science Center and Friends of Druid Hill Park websites for more details.