S’mores and More

‘Karen and Jay share thoughts on how important it is to find time in the summer to relax and enjoy with family and friends.’

There’s something extra special about the summer. Getting a chance to get away. To the lake, the mountains, even the backyard. Spending time with family. Casual conversations, nothing too formal. Just relaxing and enjoying time with family and friends. We all get so busy during the year – it’s important to carve out some time during these wonderful summer months – whether a full week or a weekend – to completely unplug and enjoy the simple fun things – like campfires, s’mores, fishing, hiking, and spontaneous adventures – with no worry about what’s going on in the busy world around us.

I was especially reminded of this just a few weeks ago during the 4th of July. Having originally planned to have a relatively quiet holiday, Karen and I found ourselves putting together an impromptu barbecue with family in Portsmouth. Just a few days before the weekend arrived, we found out that our nieces and nephews, sons, and daughters, and one of Karen's brothers who we don't often get to see were coming to town last minute. In the moment, there was a sense of being overwhelmed and thinking ‘how in the world’ can we put this all together and make it work for everyone. Yet as the weekend evolved, we eased into a joyful relaxation and family fun – simply grateful to have everyone together and be far away from the urgencies of life. As the hot dogs and hamburgers were expertly made by Ian at his home, I looked around to see only smiles. Then of course, the s’mores. It was one of those rare moments where life seems to stand still, and when we get to sit down with those we love and simply enjoy being present.

It's so easy to get caught up in our day-to-day and perhaps take for granted the things we actually go to work for. A holiday event can turn into one of life’s important blessings. When we take a moment to appreciate what we have, to breathe, to take a look around, and maybe even embrace the spontaneous, you'll be surprised how far it will go.

So, if you haven’t taken a break yet this summer to enjoy some summertime fun – or perhaps even if you have – why not carve out some time later this month or during August to savor some special moments while there is still some time to enjoy in the summer of ’23?

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Positive Profile of the Week: The Fenton Family Puts the Fun in Lake Sunapee!

This week we are delighted to highlight a family – The Fenton’s – who are at the forefront of creating ‘fun’ at Lake Sunapee!

In fact, summering in Sullivan County is never complete without going to Lake Sunapee. There are many attractions around the lake, but whatever you do, you're most likely going to bump into the Fenton Family.

The connection with the lake and the family started in the 1960’s when John and Evelyn McGrath purchased the Sunapee Cruises. The business consisted of several dinner cruise ships that toured the shoreline of the lake. You could enjoy a narrated tour of the lake or for a large group, rent the ship for a private party.

Meanwhile, over in nearby Bradford, Big Pete and Mary Beth Fenton started the Appleseed Restaurant in 1977, bringing their sons, ‘RePete’ and Tim, up in the business. In 1999, the Appleseed was hired to prepare the food for the cruises before they finally decided to purchase the boats themselves. In 2003, they acquired the M.V. Kearsarge (a gas-powered replica of the original 1897 steamboat of the same name) and subsequently bought the M.V. MT. Sunapee II in 2005.

In 2016 they were offered a space in Sunapee Harbor and Fenton’s Landing was born. It’s an over-the-counter deli where they serve breakfast and lunch, and where you can purchase everyday sundries. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to meet some of the wonderful locals (like my brother, Sky) who often stops by as well.

Big Pete and Mary Beth are still involved in everyday operations, while you can find RePete as the General Manager at the Appleseed and Tim as the General Manager of Sunapee Cruises. Interesting story is that RePete met his wife Beth while working together at the Appleseed and Tim’s wife Lacey’s family (McGrath’s) originally started the boats. Tim and Lacey now have twin toddlers, Carter and Colton. The odds are you’ll most likely see them in the business soon enough!

A big thanks to the Fenton Family for all that they do to help make the Sunapee region more enjoyable and fun for everyone! Please visit https://sunapeecruises.com/ or https://appleseedrestaurant.com/.

Quote of the Week

"Summer means happy times and good sunshine. It means going to the beach…, having fun."

- Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys

Jay Lucas | www.JayLucas.us

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