Making the most out of Summer

It's August, which means the hazy, lazy days of summer will be fading soon. Before you know it, the kids will be back in school, leaves will be falling off the trees and if you live up north like we do, cool weather will be rolling in!

Take advantage of these last days of summer. Consider these ideas for making the most of the time we have left:

Attend a small town festival. Many localities have terrific arts, crafts, music and even food festivals. Here in RI, this weekend was the 22nd Annual Charlestown Chamber Annual Seafood Festival,A gastronomic extravaganza of Rhode Island's best seafood, lobster, steamers, chowder, fish and chips, clam cakes, corn on the cob and a raw bar. Arts and crafts, amusement rides and rock climbing wall in addition to children's shows and car show. Coming up next weekend is the 331st Annual Narragansett Indian Pow Wow, Native American dancing in full regalia, foods and crafts. We also have the Rythym and Roots Festival, The Washington County Fair, and the Summer's End Festival at Narragansett Town Beach! To check out all the RI festivals for 2006, click here!

Go to the beach! Build sand castles, dig a hole and splash around with your kids! You'll be longing for it come February!

Enjoy a picnic lunch at a local park. Add to the fun by bringing along a Frisbee, boccie ball set, or a good book!

Buy a day pass to the nearest water park!

Gather your family or neighborhood together for a game of softball.

Go camping- whether at a campground or in your own backyard.

Have lunch at an outdoor cafe.

Learn a new activity such as inline skating or golf!

Host a backyard barbecue- complete with lawn games such as badminton, croquet and horseshoes!

Grab a friend and go play checkers at the neighborhood park.

Find a local stable and try horseback riding!

Take in a baseball game, whether at a major league stadium or a little league field. Here's my personal favorite!

Organize a neighborhood block party!

Take an afternoon bike ride.

Go fly a kite!

Last but certainly not least, stop by Scarborough Seashells and purchase yourself or someone special something to remember all the good times you've shared this summer! We have beautiful display shells, shells for crafting memory boxes or displays and one of a kind handmade shell and sea glass jewelry!

A few photos of Scarborough State Beach taken this week: