What I Love About Local Summer

We've all been through a long, hot, sweaty summer season.  And we've loved every moment of it.  Everyone has loved it.  The beautiful beach sunrises, the backyard pool parties, the fire flies lighting up the evening... there's so much goodness that makes the summer season so awesome.

Most people in the state see Labor Day as the end of the summer season.  For many people, Labor Day is the time to pack away the swimsuits, to put away the beach chairs, to pack away the beach towels and sunscreen for next year.  It's Labor Day:  fun in the sun is over.

But we're not most people.  We live at the Jersey Shore.  For us, Labor Day doesn't really mark the end of anything... it marks the beginning of something we call "Local Summer".  Usually there's a few weeks of beach time left in us after Labor Day and we're stoked about that, as we should be. 

However, occasionally there's an October day gives us the reasons to turn the calendar back to August... and, my friend, that's what we have today. Sunny skies, light breezes and mid-70's turn October into August and I'm loving it!

So I put together this cool list of things that I, personally, love about Local Summer as today is August 68th.

A trip to the beach in October... And I mean a full trip to the beach.  What's a "full trip to the beach" mean?  It means bathing suits, sunscreen, swimming in the ocean, friends, volleyball and lots of laughs.

The thing about a day at the beach in October is that there's an overriding feeling that you're "getting away with something" or even better:  the universe really appreciates you and has gifted you with a blessing.  So while the rest of the state is mowing their lawn... my toes are in the sand...

Well, let's be a little honest here:  Any outdoor bar is awesome during local summer.  But I totally dig the Martell's Tiki Bar during local summer because the crowds have thinned out a bit, the vibe is totally chill and the late afternoon moon rise (seen here from just the other day) is totally beautiful.  Shout out to the sunset view at Marina Grill in Belmar for their sunset view too!

The great unsung hero of The Jersey Shore are our country roads.  Just head west and get off a main double-yellow road and you'll find yourself on some of the most peaceful country roads.  Being an avid cyclist, I love these roads for road rides but they're awesome for just jumping in the car and getting lost.  Farm stands, ice cream shops, roadside bars... it makes for a great Local Summer day!

Now, now... I know what you're saying.  "But, Carl, Backyard bonfires are a fall thing, not a Local Summer thing!"  Well, I disagree.  They're a fall thing when you've spent the day doing fall stuff like:  raking leaves, or apple picking, or going over your flannel shirt collection.  Bonfires are totally a Local Summer thing when you've been at the beach all day and now are enjoying a beverage on a cool evening!  LOL!

Hot damn, I went down to the Belmar Beach yesterday to meet some friends for some games of volleyball and I actually got a parking spot ON Ocean Avenue!  And, get this:  I didn't have to pay for the right to park so close to the beach!  It was awesome!