Celebrating This Great Time of Year…

‘Karen and Jay share the true excitement of summer – family time, fun time and more.’

Back in grade school, I can remember the anticipation. Counting down the days until that glorious moment. The end of the school year! Really just so awesome to be looking forward to the summer season. When the pace slows down. There’s more time for family and friends – as well as just good old fun. Summer is finally here. Let’s celebrate.

For families, summer is a golden opportunity. School's out, schedules are looser, and suddenly there's more room to breathe and be together. Whether it's planning a week at the lake, heading to a baseball game, or just grilling in the backyard, these are the moments we remember. There's something about longer days and warmer nights that brings people closer. Some of my favorite memories are those simple evenings sitting outside with the kids, watching fireflies and eating ice cream cones that melt a little too quickly in the heat. Summer just seems to offer the kind of quality time that can be hard to come by the rest of the year.

Summer also gives us a chance to relax in a way that feels truly restorative. There’s less rush. Fewer emails. More flip flops. It’s the season where reading a book on the porch feels just as productive as anything else. I always find that the sunshine and slower pace help me reset. Whether it’s a quick nap in a hammock or just floating on a raft out in the middle of a quiet lake, summer reminds us that it’s okay – and even necessary – to take a break sometimes.

And for recharging, there’s truly nothing better. Summer lets us step away from the noise and stress and rediscover the simple joys – like a walk in the woods or a morning paddle before the world wakes up. Here in New Hampshire, we’re incredibly lucky to have so much natural beauty right in our backyard. The White Mountains offer epic hikes and views that never get old. The Lakes Region is perfect for swimming, boating, and making memories that stick with you long after the season’s gone. And the seacoast? Nothing beats a fresh lobster roll and some time by the ocean breeze.

All in all, summer really is something special. It’s a season full of excitement, yes – but also comfort. The joy of summer comes from its ability to be whatever we need it to be: thrilling, restful, connective, or calm. Every year, when it rolls around again, it feels like a gift. And for those of us lucky enough to spend it in a place like New Hampshire, it’s even better. So, here’s to summer – to laughter, sunshine, and making the most of every warm, wonderful day.

This week we are delighted to highlight a local entrepreneur who is really making a difference – and yes, even helps us enjoy the summer, Bob Lee!

When locals think about the joys of summer in New England, there's one name that brings instant smiles and cravings: The Beach Plum restaurants, owned by Bob Lee, a beloved New Hampshire staple synonymous with sunshine, sand, and scoops of homemade ice cream.

What started as a small, seasonal seafood shack has blossomed under Bob’s leadership into a quintessential summertime destination, with locations in Portsmouth, Epping, Salem, and the iconic North Hampton beachfront - the latter being a rite of passage for every coastal summer.

For decades, Bob has quietly built more than just a business - he’s nurtured a summer institution. Whether it’s their award-winning lobster roll (one of the biggest in the state), the fresh fried clams, or a towering cone of black raspberry ice cream enjoyed steps from the ocean, The Beach Plum offers the taste - and feeling - of summer, one order at a time.

But beyond the food, it’s Bob’s commitment to community that shines brightest. His restaurants employ dozens of local teens each summer - many for their first-ever job. He champions local sourcing, supports town events, and never forgets a regular’s name.

In an era of big chains and fast turnover, Bob Lee has done something rare: created places that feel timeless. That’s the magic of summer - and of people like Bob - reminding us that joy isn’t complicated. It’s a warm breeze, a full cone, and the comfort of knowing your favorite spot is still right there, waiting.

So, here’s to Bob Lee - and the delicious legacy he continues to scoop up, one happy customer at a time.

Quote of the Week

"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air."

– Ralph Waldo Emerson