Just like that, another summer is in the books.  Personally, I’m a Fall Freak if there ever was one. That being said, I really enjoyed the summer of 2018, even though the weather alternated between hot/humid/gross and freezing/stormy/gross, with a chance of “Oh look, is that a hurricane forming off the coast”?)

I love living near the ocean, but I don’t enjoy going to the beach or swimming in the ocean. It’s been years since I dipped a toe in the water.  Usually my main reason for going to beachside attractions is to eat fried food and ice cream. This year, however, I explored beaches and islands I’d never bothered to visit before—some of them right in my own town. I sat on the beach, with the help of a hat and sunblock, or course. I waded calf-deep into the ocean. It was amazing, though the strong undertow kept me from going any further.  I had beach food and ice cream and bought touristy chatchkes.  I felt like a kid again. I’m going to make beach and island time a regular summer habit from now on.

So as we kick summer to the curb, here’s a look at some of my favorite places and moments.