It’s Summertime and the Living is Easy (So what’s there to do Locally ?)

Well we made it. After one of the longest and coldest winters on record, it's officially summertime. It's the summer solstice, the actual start of summer and it all begins this weekend. So what should we do now. Check out some of the places I like to hang.

Locally in Connecticut and New York State there are so many things to keep your busy all during the Summer of 2014. Any day is a good day to be out on Candlewood Lake especially when the weather is warm and the sky blue. Even if you don't have your own boat you can always bribe a friend for a ride. (A six pack works nice)

One of my wife's favorite spots is Lovers Leap in New Milford. It's beautiful there any time of year, but there's something about the view in summer that can't be matched.

Another great spot for nature and hiking is Kent Falls. There's nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day then taking off those shoes or sandals after hiking up the mountain and going barefoot in the stream. (Can you say ahhhh !!!!)

If your like me and your more into the ocean, how about packing up the family truckster and heading for the ocean beaches. I'm originally from Long Island and nothing says summer then a day at Jones Beach or Robert Moses. It's defiantly the sights, sounds and smells of summer. (complete with sand in the bathing suite)

Another great hiking spot is Bear Mountain State Park in Danbury. The trails are amazing and there's so much nature all around. Just make sure you wear comfortable shoes, there's a lot of ground to cover. And no even though it's called Bear Mountain, I've never seen a Bear yet. (But every time I hear a noise in the woods when hiking there I get pretty scared)

Summer is also a great time for live outdoor music. There are plenty of shows locally at places like the Ives Concert Park in Danbury, or Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls.  You could also get some lawn seats and catch one of the hottest country acts at the Xfinity Theater in Hartford.

Baseball is America's favorite summer past time, and there's nothing like heading to the ballpark. If the local teams (Yankees and Mets) are a little to expensive for you, do what we do. Plan to visit a MLB park on the way to or home from your family vacation. I've done this and have seen games in Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Cleveland. It's the same game but less then half the price. Yea I know your saying he's so cheap, but I just can't justify over $1000 for a family day at the ballpark. (Anybody got free Yankee or Met tickets ????)

So enjoy the Summer of 2014 and try and take in as much as you can. Hey it's all in our own backyard.