Leisure

Local Plunder

Five Ways to Extend Summer

Summer thinks it’s done with you for 2013. But summer has to realize something: it’s done when you say it’s done. And you haven’t said it’s done yet. So here, extend it with these local places and services.

FOR DROP-TOPPING

A Beautiful Porsche. From 1957.

What it is: A Massachusetts-based car-rental outfit armed with a black 1957 Porsche Speedster and a 1966 Ford Mustang. Both drop-tops.
Summer-extending move: Grab a date. Grab a convertible. Find a road with curves worthy of a car commercial. Feel the warm wind on your face. Repeat as necessary.

FOR NEWPORT-ING

Just a Floating Hotel. That’s All.

What it is: A B&B. That’s also a permanently docked, 80-foot yacht off Goose Island.
Summer-extending move: Get the king-size bed and private bathroom. Take the super-close water taxi to downtown Newport. Make a new friend. Say, “I have a yacht over there.” Just like midsummer.

FOR THE LOBSTER BAKE

Lobster. It’s What’s for Dinner. Still.

What it is: A lobster delivery service. From a guy from a Discovery Channel show about lobstermen. Who wants to send you fresh, live Maine lobsters. Whenever.
Summer-extending move: Cram as many friends as you can into an outdoor space for a September lobster bake. That’s right. September lobster bake.

FOR CLAMMING

A Beach, a Bucket and Clams. And You.

What it is: A strip of beach in Connecticut where you can dig for soft-shell clams, quahogs, mussels and oysters. Legally.
Summer-extending move: Grab buckets and rakes. Hop in a car for an afternoon of pants-rolled-up, sandy-fingers seafood digging. Pairs nicely with a date and a convertible. (See: first entry.)

FOR SOME ALONE TIME

An Island. Your Very Own Island.

What it is: A small island off Connecticut. With a charming cottage for 15 people. And boats. And hand-loomed rugs. And a 12-foot stone fireplace. The works.
Summer-extending move: Arrive with a group of pals (it’s sea-plane-friendly). Then do what you always do in such environments. Namely: [REDACTED].