I’m from the other camp. I want to hold onto summer, savor fall and not rush (as much as I love the ski season!) winter along by starting the holidays too soon.

That said, when I want to get into the spirit of next season: I want it and I want it NOW!

Luckily, there’s a way to dive head first into the holidays even minutes after the last piece of turkey is carved.

A weekend trip to Mount Washington Valley (https://www.visitmwv.com) post Thanksgiving dinner (or pre) is an easy pass to all the holiday cheer you crave.

Scenery, décor, amazing shopping, special meals and yes, even some snow-covered peaks are all there for the taking.

Mount Washington Valley is an easy shot from Boston up 93 and the Spaulding Turnpike. You know you’ve arrived when the decorations begin: the sight of crossed skis with wreathes on telephone poles has long brought me my first twinge of holiday cheer. The lights are aglow and trees decorated by the time Thanksgiving rolls around. And even when the ski areas are yet to open (the first week of December is the hopeful date for most up there), stately Mount Washington and the rest of the Presidential Range usually have some snow to show by then.

There’s everything holiday to do while there.

Let’s talk shopping first. An outlet store hub, the Valley always has deals. From Black Friday on, they get even better. You can meander the many shops of Settler’s Green (https://www.settlersgreen.com) and the many other outlets along the main drag of North Conway. You can find unique treasures at classic spots like Zeb’s (https://www.zebs.com), which is worth the wait you may have outside, or Flossie’s General Store (https://flossiesgeneralstore.com) up in Jackson. There are art galleries, clothing shops and of course, snow sport shops. You could easily cross off everything on your list.

There’s food, too. Restaurants and hotels rev it up for the holiday season with special dishes and special events.

Consider the Christmas Farm Inn (https://christmasfarminn.com) in Jackson, where they take their name to heart. You can book a special family weekend with Mrs. Claus. The two night package includes dinner with Mrs. Claus and a reading and book signing with her, along with meals.

Grown ups who love the holidays can visit Dec. 10 when they host a wine dinner with Mrs. Claus herself.

You can get your tree fix too. And while they may not have as many decorated trees as my friend Dina, they have a massive and beautiful tree festival (http://www.nhfestivaloftrees.com) peppered with cocktail hours and live entertainment. It’s like a big, beautiful holiday party in a storybook setting.

To really win praise from the family, there’s a way to head out of Mount Washington Valley and directly to the North Pole. The Conway Scenic Railway hosts their annual Journey to the North Pole  (http://www.journeytothenorthpole.org). In just two hours, you are transported to the North Pole where you visit the workrooms, elves and Santa himself, and then brought back to the Valley.

Where to stay is never an issue in the Valley. There’s every type of lodging, from upscale swank to intown ease to cozy cottage types. For a classic New England feel (with incredible decorations) that’s tucked in the woods but just a quick jaunt to the center of North Conway, consider the White Mountain Hotel (https://www.whitemountainhotel.com).

For lovely rooms and breathtaking views of Mount Washington, consider the Glen House (https://theglenhouse.com) where you can enjoy firepit ‘smores and an indoor pool.

Most all, though, is the thing no other town can recreate: the setting. Tucked into the base of majestic Mount Washington and surrounded by the Presidentials, The Valley mixes modern and classic; fun and formal. It just feels like the holidays there.

To all those who want a holiday vibe ASAP,  Mount Washington Valley awaits.

I’m not on safari nor near a zoo. I’m at Pennsylvania’s Nemacolin, (nemacolin.com), the poshest resort you’ve probably never heard of.

But like that lion’s morning roar (a rescue by the resort’s owner), Nemacolin is making itself known.

Tucked into Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains – about a 90 minute drive from the Pittsburgh Airport – Nemacolin came about on something of a whim: Lumber magnate Joseph Hardy (84 Lumber Company), purchased a hunting lodge on the property for his daughter Maggie when she was 21, mostly because she loved the outdoors.

But Maggie Hardy, who still oversees the resort’s operation along with her son PJ Magerko Liquorice, found her calling on those grounds and built over the years an expansive, welcoming resort.

It’s moneyed roots are evident: statues rise out of water and peer down from rooftops, museums display historic planes and cars, among other treasures. Hallways and great rooms are lined with art – you glance up from your evening cocktail and see a Botero.

There’s camp too: Zoltar from the movie “Big” greets you in one hallway, and there are all kinds of other surprises as well.

There’s lots to do: Two Pete Dye championship golf courses, mini golf, pools and more pools, a golf academy, a sporting clay range, enormous spa, a fishing set up, off-road driving programs, restaurants and just about every type of lodging (from basic comfort condos all the way up to butler serviced Chateau rooms). You can get gourmet ice cream in a classic shop or spend some time reflecting at a piece of the Berlin Wall.  In other words, if you want it, they’ve probably got it.

Their tagline is “Real Life Magic,” and it shows. Nemacolin is eclectic, amped with elegance. And it holds 24 Forbes stars for its hotels, restaurants and spa.

Now, with a half a billion dollar upgrade in motion, it’s not going to be that top spot you’ve never heard of much longer.

While I was there mostly for the golf, I love a trip that weaves in several experiences.  I was wowed by the food, from the thick, perfect steaks at Rockwell’s Bistro to the amazing breakfast sandwich I grabbed at Patisserie, to the pasta I made with my own hands at an on-site cooking class.

The resort is sprawling: all that fun is laid out over 2,200 acres. But their shuttle service means you don’t need a car.  When, while on my way to the spa, I mentioned I’d yet to visit the on-site car museum, my driver said “I can drop you off any time and pick you up any time. If it’s not open, I’ll open it!” That’s service.

There are family pools and adult-only pools, and a huge one – open year round –where you can float and watch a movie, football game, the World Series or whatever big thing is going on at the time.

And while I was there in warm weather, there’s a small ski area poolside, a perfect spot to learn the sport or grab a few runs.

I found my favorite spots at Nemacolin. On the 16th tee, high above the course, stands the statue of Chief Nemacolin, namesake of the resort and friend to George Washington. Outside the grand entrance to the Chateau stands a bronze statue called “Awakening to Freedom.” It depicts a woman, arms wide open, ready to take all of it in – every notion, moment, taste and sight.

That’s a great thing about Nemacolin: There’s always more to savor.

There’s the downtown with its cobblestoned Church Street area dotted with cool shops, great eats and most days, free live entertainment.

There’s the college scene: UVM is perched above downtown, with lovely buildings, grounds and people that add to the cool vibe of the city.

There’s Lake Champlain in its glory, reflecting the sepia-toned mountains behind it.

And there are great, great places to stay right in that downtown area (Hotel Vermont is a personal favorite; the Hilton on the waterfront is a nice spot with a lovely view).

I visit whenever I can. But there’s one part of Burlington I’ve long been drawn to: Burlington Heights, as locals call it, a tree-lined neighborhood that sits way uphill looking down on the lakeside city.

Lined with breathtakingly beautiful Victorian homes (and right up against the edge of the UVM campus), I’ve long wished for a friend to invite me to pop in for a stay.

My wish was answered.

The “friend” who invited me was the newly opened Blind Tiger Burlington (https://www.larkhotels.com/hotels/blind-tiger-burlington), a 14-room stunner. A stay at the Blind Tiger might just be the perfect icing on a Burlington getaway cake.

The term “blind tiger” was prohibition-era slang for a speakeasy, prompted by the original Blind Tiger location in Portland, Maine, where a lower room was once used as such a speakeasy during that era.

Blind Tiger properties pay homage to their city’s cultural and culinary ties through the eyes of some of its more influential locals. Room designs are guided by local restaurateurs, artists and well-known residents.

The Blind Tiger brand, part of the Lark Hotels, just debuted in this spot that was most recently the Willard Street Inn but goes way back to 1881, when it was built as a family home for banker and politician Charles W. Woodhouse.

The rooms feature a blend of old and new; about 75% of the furnishings and art are antiques; the rest were chosen to reflect the cultural essence of the city.

The wood floors are original (a staff member told me they were – of course — hidden under carpet for years).  In the dining room, designers from the Massachusetts-based firm Elder & Ash stripped the wall down to its original plaster and let one lovely piece of local art do the talking. Its lovely, sublime and soothing.

My room was large and comfortable. The gas fireplace adds ambiance, and the art and fixtures each tell a story. On my bedside table was a book on the history of Burlington, perfect reading in this spot.

Downstairs, there’s a self-serve coffee bar where you’ll find freshly baked cookies each day and other snacks. There’s a cozy living room with a leather couch area, and a bright solarium with conversation areas for chatting and small tables for your own quiet or work time (I wasn’t the only one on a laptop in there).

Outside brings you the best “room” of all. Rich, blooming gardens are dotted with benches and comfortable seats; there are even small tables should you want to have a drink or breakfast out there.

The Blind Tiger does serve breakfast, and while it wasn’t full-on B&B breakfast, it was just right for me. Staff set it out on the dining room table for guests to help themselves to bagels, local breads, cheese, egg bites, fruit, a yogurt bar and other small bites.

Downtown proper is just a quick walk downhill (which means uphill on your way home; but it’s doable). Should you not love walking, parking downtown is a snap. But with free parking at the Inn, I chose to walk most times. Plus, it helped me justify my dual Ben & Jerrys and Lake Champlain Chocolates visit.

The staff is on site daily until 7 p.m.  and can guide you to great choices for while you’re out and about in the city. Once they leave, the front door opens with your key, making you feel all the more like you’re staying with a close friend who trusts you in their house.

Now we all have a friend whose door is open to us in one of the prettiest parts of Burlington.

I’ll be back. A city I love to visit is all the better with this newly reimagined spot.

Black Desert Resort (https://www.blackdesertresort.com/) rolled out the carts, enthusiastic crew and 18 holes of OMG this past May in a soft way; there’s no real clubhouse yet (a taco truck does the job for now), just a small, temporary pro shop and around you – everywhere it seems – is construction on what will be one of Utah – and the nation’s – largest, most diversified (16 restaurants, lodging choices for every kind of stay and more) luxury golf resorts.

While the resort’s to-do list is long, the course is ready, and already winning rave reviews. “One of the top three I’ve ever played,” one of my golf pals I played there with who’s visited more than a thousand courses world-wide told me.

The PGA gave Black Desert a massive stamp of approval: The new PGA Black Desert Championship will be added to the tour’s FedEx Cup in the Fall of 2024. That will follow with a LPGA event debuting in 2025.

That means when golf-lovers worldwide watch that event from their couch, Black Desert’s reservations lines will be lit. It’s impossible to see this unique and challenging Championship course and not, as Liz Lemon said, want to be there now.

My advice is listen to your inner Liz. Visit now and be among the first to score a round on what is sure to become a must-play club.

Black Desert is located just outside growing and vibrant St. George, tucked down in the corner of Utah near Arizona near both Zion National Park and Snow Canyon State Park.

And while golf isn’t new there – you’ll find a handful of satisfying and lovely courses around you – this unique setting tucked into dramatic black lava Basalt rock fields and looking out on breathtaking red and white sand canyons is a sensory trip.

The owners, who are quiet about how much they are investing, dropped sand down in the shape of the holes imagined by famed designer Tom Weiskopf and set it up to grow lush, green grass right up to the edge of those black lava rock fields and hills.

Weiskopf, who in a lovely touch narrates each hole via your ultra modern cart as you approach the tees, passed away shortly after designing the course. There’s something about hearing his vision, inspiration and how he suggests you play the hole in his voice. It’s like he’s speaking to you from heaven while you feel like that’s just where you are.

While that lent a touch of classic, my round started out with a big “We’re for everyone!” vibe as speakers blasted “Back in Black” across the driving range just above the first tee. Eager staffers handed us icy waters, cool towels and told us the beverage cart – which is currently on the house – would find us regularly.

Now, for the play. It’s hard, as in PGA Championship Course hard. First, there’s scant forgiveness if you hook or slice; should your ball soar into that lava, you’re asked not to try to climb up and get it, and I’m told the jagged stone chews the ball up anyway.

But it’s playable. With Weiskopf’s advice, my friends Olivia and Jason and I found some glory, a few extra challenges (even the par 3’s are no joke here; you work hard every hole) and a whole lot of fun.

One hole, as we approached the green, a desert turtle stood above the green, seemingly assessing our play. Those greens are large, undulating and take a whole lot of study to avoid extra strokes. We named him Speedy.

Between holes, the cart path winds and weaves right through the middle of all that nature. You climb up high and then soar downward, the Greater Zion Region spread out below you like some kind of masterpiece painting.

When we rolled into the 18th hole and a smiling staffer handed us fresh, cold towels, we were giddy and – while there was no beer because they’ve yet to secure their liquor license (it will come when restaurants begin to open – soon), we were drunk; drunk with the beauty, the fun and the understanding that some day, when the rest of the world discovers what we just did, we’ll be lucky enough to say we were among the first.

Don’t wait for that TV moment to inspire you – go now. You can connect to the St George airport or drive about 90 minutes from Vegas. And while lodging will open over the coming year, you can stay now at private homes for rent, at the very nearby Red Mountain Resort or in downtown St, George, just a few minutes away. Try the Advenire, a new Marriott Autograph collection property smack in the middle of town.

Many visitors, including myself, opt for the high-rise district. It’s fun there. The beaches are busy and bustling; the hotel names are familiar and trusted. The main beach in that area, Palm Beach, is sandy, wide and beautiful. But this time around I decided to go low.

Aruba is a relatively small island; you can e-bike pretty easily from end to end. And the low-rise district, as locals call it, hit the spot. It’s quieter; the lesser known Druif Beach is wide enough to give you room all day, not to mention that gorgeous ocean. The hotels there don’t rise higher than three floors and seem to almost blend in with the flora.

It’s pristine, peaceful but never boring. Low-rise was the way to go.

We arrived at the Divi & Tamarijn resort (https://www.diviandtamarijnaruba.com/) and checked into our spacious room on the Divi side, where we could meander a few easy steps onto the beach at any time. The Tamarijn side – a quick walk along a waterside boardwalk or shaded sidewalk, does have a sandy beach area, but rocks stop you from swimming there. A shuttle zips anyone who doesn’t want to walk back and forth.

We found bars galore, all with bartenders who liked to try to outshine one another. You never have to walk too far for a cocktail, but we found our favorites: the kicked back Sandpiper and the cool Bunker Bar,  built over a real WWII bunker. You can peer down into it via the glass floor or go down and walk through to learn the history. It’s at the very tip of the resort and tends to draw in fewer folks. Watching the sun set over the Caribbean there is a forever memory, and not just because the Mudslide was so good.

As for food, I’m one to be wary of all-inclusives when it comes to food. But the Divi has found a way to make elevate all-inclusive fare.

At breakfast, you can serve yourself from a buffet or – and this is the way to go – order eggs and other breakfast food made to order. The eggs Benny is sublime; the woman who cooked mine made sure it was perfect. No rubbery buffet eggs here; she poached them before my eyes.

Our favorite lunch, and it was a worthy contest, was found at the Sandpiper where a local woman makes the most amazing and surprising carbonara from her hut with a bar. Her burger, made with gouda and all kind of toppings, and incredible hot dog were worth a visit as well.

For dinner we dined around both resorts, choosing Italian one night and Asian another. It never tastes “all inclusive,” if you know what I mean.

While we spent most of our time – by choice– lounging on the beach or floating in the waves, there’s plenty to do. We played 18 holes at their golf course and one day, rode e-bikes with a guide past the high rises to a perfect snorkeling spot.

“You want fish or turtles today?” our guide Danny asked us. We chose turtles and he led us to just the right spot at the right time. We played, almost alone, with a bale of turtles. I floated with two swimming just below me, mimicking their graceful dives. Once satisfied, we headed back to our bikes. I noticed a charter boat pulling in with countless folks heading to see those turtles. Too crowded! I thought. “That’s why I got you here when I did,” Danny said.

At night there was entertainment; DJ’s, live music, even water ballet exhibitions. But the best show of all came each evening when the sun put on its own show, setting majestically into the sea. We sat waterside and toasted our luck.

Sometimes, going low is the best choice.

But there’s good news for those who love a classic holiday experience: Halloween Town is back.

On hiatus since the pandemic, Halloween Town (http://halloweentownnh.thelaurafoundation.org) in East Madison, New Hampshire, returns Oct. 21.

Twelve years ago, Stevo Harding, director of Camp Tohkomeupog was looking at the empty cabins post-season. He realized that with the combination of active alumni, the connection their neighbor and owners of Purity Spring Resort had to the Laura Foundation for Autism and Epilepsy (http://thelaurafoundation.org) and the general desire for classic events, they may be just the right spot for Halloween fun.

The first year they decorated a handful of cabins for trick or treating, brought in some food and added a few games and activities. About 300 folks attended. But word got out fast and just a few years later they were bringing in over 4,000 people, offering a full carnival-like vibe and raising as much as $50,000 each year for the foundation.

Now, he said, they are happy to be back at it.

The camp alumni along with the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce pitch in with the themes, decorating and treat giveaways. There’s no fee to attend.

Cabins and “haunted” experiences are set along the “Trick or Treat Trail.” Cabin themes are grouped by age (or fright endurance level), with the sweetest and calmest coming first and the fright vibe rising as you move along. The idea is that families can choose their comfort level and never stumble upon something that might scare a younger child. And since it’s set all in a circle, you’re never far from the center of things.

Cabin decorators come up with new themes each year, but there are some classics, like the Harry Potter cabin, Candy Land cabin and Vampire cabin. They all have front and back doors so you meander through and then head along the path to the next.

The path is dotted with kids of all ages in their Halloween costumes, wearing comfortable walking shoes (keep in mind, you are at a camp area at night; good walking shoes are just smart) and flashlights. Just as Harding imagined, it feels like your neighborhood did back in the day.

That’s all free, but there’s more, and each helps support the foundation. There’s a tent filled with classic carnival games as well as lots of food choices,.

This year, among other choices, you’ll find the Cheese Louise Food Truck (famed for over-the-top great grilled cheese), an apple crisp booth, hot dog station and more. You’ll also find classic carnival fare like burgers, fries, and pizza.

The event runs from 4 to 8 p.m. with an added 3-4 p.m. hour for the very young children. It happens rain or shine, because so does Halloween.

Parking gets busy but you’ll find it; the nearby King Pine Ski Resort has lots and is an easy walk.

And while you can attend and head home, making it a family getaway is easy. Purity Spring Resort (https://www.purityspring.com) has lodging and packages based around the event, and lots of other fun activities in a beautiful woodsy setting.

And bustling North Conway, where there’s every kind of lodging imaginable, is only about 15 miles away. That means you can tack on other fun too, like a scenic ride on the North Conway Railroad, shopping in the center of town or a nice autumn mountain hike.

While an evening at Halloween Town is totally free, Harding asks guests to remember that when they choose to add on the things that have a price, you’re helping a foundation that’s a big supporter of the Autism community.

“It’s a lot of fun and we want it to always been accessible to all,” he said. “But we also like that it makes a difference.”

It’s the scenery, challenge, people, fresh air, the uniqueness of a course and just plain being outdoors and soaking in the world while I work at hitting a little ball into a little hole.

If you’re like me and want your golf outing to be a tapestry of all that, welcome to the Nemacolin Resort (https://www.nemacolin.com) and its 36 holes of pure Pete Dye vision (and diabolical instinct, at times). The two resort courses, Mystic Rock and Shepherd’s Rock, are challenging and unique; breathtaking and just plain beautiful.

Both courses serve as a centerpiece to the sprawling Western Pennsylvania resort, where you’ll find a spa, pools, posh lodging, lots of food choices and more. But today we’ll talk about the golf.

Let’s start with Mystic Rock. I’d say it’s my favorite of the two since, while super challenging, it’s a bit more forgiving than Shepherd’s, but truth be told: Both courses come out high for different reasons.

Famed designer Dye stepped in to create the 18-hole beauty that takes you up, down, sometimes around, over water, past rock walls (formed from the rock blasted to make room for the course), up close with amazing artwork like the famed John Daly statue in front of the rock-formed waterfall on the fifth hole and the glorious statue of Chief Nemacolin himself (namesake of the resort and a friend of George Washington) on the 16th.

It’s a feast for the eyes so delicious you almost don’t mind the challenge you face playing here the first time.

That’s by design too. Dye was famed for tossing visual deception and angular challenges into his courses. I knew this and was ready for it.

I was thankful, from the start, to be attended by my outstanding caddy, Dallas. Good news here, regular-life golfers like me: A caddy for your round at either course is only a $40 charge (plus tip, of course). I’m not sure I could have scored as well as I did without Dallas up ahead, pointing in the direction the hole would take.

Like on the par 5 11th, a crazy kind of blind hole that takes you over a huge hill where (and you cannot see this yet) there are boulders and a lake to the right. Dallas stands atop a hill and motions me to hit toward him. “Trust me!” he shouts. I do and land safe. I’d never have know that – and other tips – without Dallas. Opt for the caddy, folks.

Even the par 3s, for the most part, present unique challenges. I found the red tees (no shame in that being my home for now) to be a bit more forgiving, but not in a way that stripped away the excitement of playing such a unique course.

I finished my round at Shepherds thrilled with having a personal best score but more so, filled with the joy of playing a round that truly has it all.

I’d been warned that Shepherd’s, opened in 2017, was more difficult. That said, I was relieved when my playing partners – all super experienced players whom I trust with feedback and opinions – lamented that – at least the first time you play it – it almost feels like Dye, who came back to design this course as his final course before passing on, was in a diabolical mood.

Some holes play like a Chutes and Ladders game with angles and hills that – it feels like no matter where you place the ball – send you down or over to a spot you’d not even considered.

Here, even more so than Mystic, the input of a caddy makes all the difference. It’s a bit frustrating, that course, and at times you think, “Really?” But it’s fun.

You forgive the challenge because It’s beyond beautiful.

It felt like every time we turned a corner, approached a tee box or headed down a hill I was pointing out at the Allegheny Mountains exclaiming “Just look at this beauty!” That kind of amazing setting helps smooth the edges of what may sometimes be frustrating play.

But here’s the thing: It’s frustrating in a way that makes you want more. The morning after our round there, with just a few hours before it was time to head to the airport, a group text came in.

“Anyone want to give at least nine holes of Shepherd’s another go?” It began. The yeses dinged one after another.

That’s the thing about golf. It can beat you up and twist your brain but, with interesting challenges and an epic setting, we’re always back for more. A golf escape to Nemacolin will help you experience just that.

It’s my favor time of year. The crisp air. The colors, ever changing and making even a quick jaunt up the expressway beautiful. And yes, the flavors. Maple, apple and more; there are countless ways to savor the flavor this fall – even if you don’t love PS. Try these experiences and flavors this season.

Family Fall Flavor Escape: The Mountainview Grand

Just northwest of Franconia in the heart of the White Mountains, The Mountainview Grand Resort & Spa in Whitefield, NH goes full on with fall flavor and fun.

Their setting is perfect for foliage season. Settle into a comfy  chair on their verandah and you’ll have – on a clear day—views of 57 surrounding peaks. With colors expected to peak around the first week of October there this year, that gives you lots of pre and post peak time as well to get up there and take it all in.

And there’s more than just great views. The Grand hosts hands-on cider pressings (and sipping) each Saturday and Sunday, along with hayrides for all ages on the weekends.

Spa lovers can get in on the flavors as well in the Tower Spa.  Once you indulge in a 50-minute massage, you’ll be treated to your choice of an autumn classic: either a candy or caramel apple, along with a bottle of Prosecco and apple cider to create your own seasonal and delicious cider mimosas.

Outdoorsy types can enjoy the fall via an amazing Breakfast Llama Hike. Offered every day except Mondays (even llamas need days off), this cool autumn event takes you hiking in the early morning light (when the sun filters through the colorful trees) with your own llama or alpaca from the on-site farm and a guide who will share history, geography and of course, lots of information about the foliage. You’ll also be served a camp-like autumn breakfast on the trail.

They have specials, like their Leaf Peeper Package. Upon arrival you’ll be treated to a picnic basket lunch for two with choices such as brie and prosciutto on a baguette, turkey, pear, apple and cheddar, and more options. You’ll also find two seasonal sides and desserts along with apple cider or maple soda. (https://www.mountainviewgrand.com)

European Blend: The Hermitage Inn

There’s a reason the Von Trapp family settled in Vermont: There’s a little bit of European flare in northern New England. The Hermitage Inn in West Dover, VT (https://www.thehermitageinnvermont.com) is always a great spot to take in the Autumn scenery.

Upon arrival you are presented with walking trail guides (and all the input you need to settle on the best hike for you). And each evening, they celebrate the season with complimentary cider by the firepit (locally made, of course).

This year, they take it up a level with a nod to European Autumns.

Beginning mid October, visitors and overnight guests can book one of two heated private gondolas for a curated Piedmontese-inspired dining experience created by Executive Chef MacGregor Mann and Executive Pastry Chef Maya Hayes.

Piedmontese beef is from cattle raised in Italy, and is known for it’s amazing flavor.

You’ll settle into your warm gondola below the fall-hued trees and choose from lunch, apres-activity or dinner.

There’s the alpine fonduta (fondue) with shaved truffles and a glass of Franciacorta sparkling wine before your meal.

New England Flavors

And then there are the simple ways to savor the flavors of Autumn in New England. In Vermont, hunt out a Maple Creemee, the delicious swirling tower of soft serve touched with maple flavor that you simply must try.

Across the region, cider doughnuts are hot, fresh and everywhere. You can even pop into the Boston Public Market and grab a fresh bag of cider doughnuts from Red Apple Farm.

And if you are, unlike me, a pumpkin spice lover, I understand. That, we all know, you can find anywhere.

Greater Boston and New England at large is at no shortage of Oktoberfest choices. From cityscape to mountainside to overlooking the sea, you can find the perfect Octoberfest for you.

While Oktoberfest is centered around great brews, it’s not just about the beer. Great Octoberfests marry brewing and brats, kegs and camaraderie. It’s a kind of festival atmosphere that yes, does celebrate beer, but works more as an Autumn outdoor party.

City setting: Boston is a beer bonanza, to be sure, and perhaps the king (unless you’re old enough to recall the days of Haffenreffer), is Sam Adams and the Boston Beer Company. While they celebrate everywhere with their annual Oktoberfest beer, you can mark the festivities with them at their annual Oktoberfest Sept. 22-24 at their Boston Taproom and their brewery in Jamaica Plain.

You’ll find live music (plenty of Oompah bands) and DJ’s, festival-inspired brews, stein holding contests with prizes, and lots of food (don’t miss the “Fest Plate” for a smorgasbord of your very own). You can grab tickets ahead of time (https://samadamsbostonbrewery.com) or try for the $10 walk up cover charge, but it fills up fast.

Across the river in Cambridge, close to 100,000 party lovers flock to the annual Harvard Square Oktoberfest (https://www.harvardsquare.com) taking place this year on Oct. 8. Now in its 44th year, it all coincides with the 18th annual HONK parade – a spectacle of incredible music, color and honking bands, and then wraps into a weekend of celebrating not just Bavarian culture, but many – as is on point for Cambridge itself.

Octoberfest runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The HONK! Parade leaves Davis Square at noon and arrives in Harvard Square at approximately 1 p.m.

You’ll find oompah music, Bavarian foods and more, craft booths, beer gardens, food vendors, the Rotary’s Chalk on the Walk event, and the return of the Filipino American Festival, including lots of crafts, cultural performances and Filipino food vendors.

Pro tip: take the train. You’ll never find parking and many streets are closed for the event.

There are more: Pick a brewery in the city you love: Harpoon, Night Shift, Democracy and more and you’ll find a celebration.

Country setting: Join Wachusett Mountain Resort in Princeton for their popular Oktoberfest the weekend of Sept. 30-Oct. 1 for a mountainside, foliage-flanked family friendly event.

You’ll find giant lawn games, craft and food booths, traditional events like keg toss and stein holding contests, bands, food trucks and yes, beer.

Their Polar Express Chairlift will be running throughout the event, giving you a breathtaking view of the foliage and region all the way to the mountaintop and back.

Tickets are on sale in advance at https://www.wachusett.com.

For a salty breeze, head to Chatham on Cape Cod on Oct. 21 for their day-long Octoberfest, held annually by the Chatham Merchants (https://chathammerchants.com).

From 10:30-4:30 at Kate Gould Park and Chatham Town Hall, this seaside Oktoberfest features a beer garden, live music, food trucks, kids’ games, face painting, lots of arts and crafts and even chances to visit with Hearts and Paws Rescue Dogs.

It’s all set in a classic Cape Cod town where you can stay on to shop, dine and walk the beach.

And then there’s the annual Douglas Octoberfest. Douglas, about 40 miles southwest of Boston near the Rhode Island border, embraces Octoberfest like almost no other.

Set for Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., this Octoberfest (https://www.douglasoktoberfest.com) is like an old-school New England town fair with a Bavarian twist. You’ll find shopping, crafts, lots of food, games, and tons of live entertainment .

This event, in a variety of iterations, has been going on since the late 1800’s. In other words, they’ve had plenty of practice.

But: Aruba? Aruba is all (albeit magnificent) beach, great dining and some casinos, right?

Try again. On a recent visit to Aruba, I was able to play a super fun, absolutely lovely 18 holes of golf at The Links at Divi Aruba (https://divilinks.com). And while it wasn’t perfectly manicured (Aruba weather has to make that a challenge), and the 18 came via doing the nine-hole set up twice, I found fun, beauty, challenge and yes, more than a few birdies.

OK, so they were actual birds and not low scores, but the time I spend on the course leads me to say this: Don’t miss a day of golf here when you’re next visiting Aruba.

We were able, as guests of the Divi and Tamarajin Aruba (https://www.diviandtamarijnaruba.com) to secure an 8 a.m. tee time, getting us ahead of the early September heat. The Links at Divi is open to the public, but does give preferred times to guests of their all-inclusive resort. That said, it was quiet out there our day, so I’m sure other than super-high season, it’s easy to get the time you want.

We’d brought our own clubs, mostly because while I still have a lot of room to carve off my handicap, I’ve ascended to persnickety when it comes to gear. I would have been fine with their rentals. For just $40 they set you up with high quality Titleist Clubs in pristine condition. They have golf shoes to rent as well.

Carts are mandatory but included in their decent pricing (nine for $81; 18 for $118 and a twilight all-you-can play for under $80 this time of year).

The links course reads straight and simple on the card, but in person it has tricks up its sleeve to keep you thinking. Narrow fairways, a decent amount of water and some fun set-ups meant I pulled every club I have out of my bag at some point.

The tough part? I thought it would be the famed Aruba winds that are steady and strong pretty much every day and night thanks to the unobstructed tradewinds blowing through. But the wind, oddly, wasn’t that much of an issue. Trees seemed to help us, and the course layout lent itself to making adjustments for it doable.

The biggest challenge for me? The rough. This Aruba rough is, well … rough. It’s thick and a bit unforgiving, and you really need to go at your shot to get out of there clean. By the second nine, we had a better feel for it and adapted, which is always fun in golf.

The course is relatively short, but plays longer than its stats. That comes thanks to holes that require lay-ups and others that require pure guts, like the Sawgrass 17th inspired ninth hole, with its island green that – just for fun – sits just below the clubhouse’s soaring windows. I swear, as I overhit the green that first time through, I looked in the eyes of diners up there. That’s OK: pressure is privilege, as Billy Jean said.

The best part of the course has to be the beauty. Here’s where the birdies come in. I’d heard from a fellow resort guest who’d gone on a bird watching excursion that the most – and best – birds were on this golf course, and she didn’t undersell.

We watched Heron stretch and fly. We were squawked at by Lapwings guarding their nest. We saw birds of prey swoop down looking for lunch. On the waterfall hole, they lined up like fans. I half expected one to squawk “It’s in the hole!” They made the round special.

There were plenty of iguanas too, a unique golf round siting.

We were glad we opted for 18. The second time through, we played better and savored the sites even more.

The Links At Divi also hosts weekly tourneys open to all, an affordable and fun way to play. Should you be there on a Wednesday or Friday, you can play an 18-hole best ball or scramble with prizes. You get the entry, your greens fees, club and shoe rentals, a sleeve of balls and two post-round drinks for just $85. The prizes are decent too.

There’s a driving range and putting green (and a bucket of balls is just $3), as well as a nice apres golf dining spot where you can take your turn judging those tricky hole nine shots. And should your travel partner not golf? They allow ride-alongs for just $16 more.

You might not go to Aruba just for golf here, but when you go to Aruba, you need to play a round here. The birdies await.

But in my years of zipping around both locally and globally, I’ve learned a few strategies to help make the travel itself a bit less stressful, a bit more seamless and more awesome than angsty.

Here are some basics that help me be able to focus on fun, discovery and relaxation rather than logistics. Most are basic, but for those who may be new to travel or haven’t zipped off too often, they’re good to adopt. And sometimes even us long- timers need refreshers. Try these to make your road or air trip even better.

All the apps: At home and on your own wi-fi, take time well before any trip to download all the apps that can make a trip better. I tell everyone: Download every major airline app now (even if you’ve not planned a trip as of yet) and join any loyalty programs they have.

The first reason is basic: The apps help make all of the minute details easier. Checking on flights, checking in for flights (or bus or train trips), and staying up to speed on any delays or changes all comes easy when you have the apps. Keep them all in one folder on your phone.

Another bonus to having them: It’s super easy to shop deals for trips by clicking from app to app and comparing.

Here’s a back-up tip: Should your app notify you that your flight is delayed by a few hours, head to the airport anyway. Often (and as happened to me just the other day), they delay a flight and then “poof” it’s suddenly back on schedule. You don’t want to sleep in and miss it; you’re better off reading a book at the airport or having a snack.

Be a pack master:  Packing well for a trip takes foresight, planning and lists, lists, lists. My goal is always twofold: I want to bring everything I could possibly need while also bringing a little as possible.

Here’s how I do it. I start with a trip itinerary, listing each day and evening and what activities are planned (or may happen). I sit down with that and write next to each itinerary item, what I need for that. (For instance: Snorkeling outing: bathing suit, cover up, sunscreen, water shoes, hat). Once I’ve done that, I look to see where and how I can double up on using/wearing things. Once I have that list complete, I know what I need and what I can double up on.

Next up is fitting it all in an easy-to-access and easy to repack (super important!) way. I’m a huge fan of packing cubes. When you see them you think: Well, how are they any different than inside a suitcase? But by rolling my clothes and placing them in themed packing cubes (nighttime and going out wear, sports and activity wear, personal items, etc), I not only have little organized cubes that move easily into hotel drawers or shelves, but it all somehow fits in there better. It’s more secure, takes less room and is easy to view when you’re looking for something. They’re affordable and available on line. Just do it.

My goal is as little luggage as possible. If I can make due with a roller that is carry-on size and a decent backpack, it’s great. A great luggage tip is gate checking. While you’ll have to roll your bag through security, once you are at the gate, ask the agent if they are accepting volunteers to check bags. They almost always are, and then you can forget about your bag until you land and get it at the carousel. Side note: If you are in a rush when you land, don’t do this. But when I’m on golf or ski trips when I’m already checking a big bag that I must wait for anyway, this is a great way to forget about the other bag – at no cost – until then.

Don’t rely solely on Yelp-like reviews: When I decide to travel to a particular place, I begin my research early. I like to find great spots for coffee, amazing things to visit, beaches that are special, places to dine and more. I lean toward reading published reviews by travel journalists, but I also lean on social media and friends in person. If I know you like what I like and you’ve been to the spot I’m heading, you’re my source for great tips.

Once I’m there I ask all the locals: Cab drivers, cashiers, someone who just happens to be standing near me, for insider info. Its amazing what you can discover by trusting the home town person.

Those are just a start. Planning things out and being at the ready is the best way, this long time traveler says, to really let loose on vacation. True escape may take a little prep work, but it sure is worth it.

Your playing partners can not only make or break a round, they can positively – or negatively – impact your entire view of the game. I’m realizing, as I play more places and with more folks, there are all kinds of players out there; most worth finding a way to play with no matter what, and a few here and there that you may *clears throat* be super busy any time they ask you to play.

Here’s my take, so far, on playing partners, their point of view and how they impact my play.

The Experienced Player S/O: One of the reasons I was happy to finally embrace golf in my life is that my husband of 40 years (my significant other) has long loved the sport. We play together often, and (thanks much to our experience as mixed doubles tennis partners) usually meld quite well out there.

But there are things spouses should, for the most part, avoid. First and most of all: Unsolicited tips and mini lessons. Unless your spouse asks you for these, avoid them – and don’t take offense. When my husband was learning to ski, I was a ski instructor. But after one morning out there trying to teach him, we opted to pay a stranger instead. This, for us, removes judgment and lightens the time we spend in the sports we love.

That said, it is nice to have a spouse who knows the sport and can help you follow the rules, find the tee boxes and of course, grab your iced tea from the beverage cart.

The group of passionate golfer friends: I really hit it lucky when I met my golf friends Larry, Carl, Kevin, Olivia, Dan and a few others. They are all seasoned, amazing and dedicated golfers. And when I play with them? It’s all about support.

They remind me to be happy and not rush (rushing is one of my biggest habits I need to break). They cheer when I have personal victories. On a round last winter, one of my super-talented golf friends started to give me tips on my grip. As I readied to tee off, I heard another one of them whisper, “Don’t do that to her out here. Let’s just support her and she can get those tips on the driving range.” That’s a good group to play with. Find those people and pay for their drinks so they always want you back.

The long-time player you trust: While I don’t usually seek tips while on course with friends, with my mother, it’s another story. She’s not only played most of her life (still hitting the ball at almost 90), but she knows me, my temperament and how I like to be helped (and when I don’t want to be helped). I’ve given her the green light to give me tips, and she does. I’ll do the same with my son-in-law, a scratch golfer and a high school teacher and coach. One way to know someone great would be the right person to allow to give you guidance? They’d never do it if you did not ask.

The PGA Player: OK, not everyone is lucky enough to land a spot in a PGA pro am, but if you can, do. My time at my first PGA event is what propelled me to commit to golf, and I’ll be at another this November. If that’s too hard for you to make happen, no worries: look for other events where you can hit with, play with or just get some facetime with area top players. Mass Golf (https://www.massgolf.org) holds special events for members (and if you golf in Massachusetts, you want to join) like their Ladies Intro to Golf Day each year where you get face-to-face help and even take some swings with some great pros. Check them out for ways to get great pro help and inspiration.

You can also book an on-course playing lesson with a local pro. Taking those lessons off the range and onto the course really levels you up.

The League Friends: This is my top goal for next season: Find a league with a spot for me and play regularly. I’m hoping to make friends, up my play level and maybe even win some little contests time to time. Golf is so popular now it can be hard to find a league taking someone new (if you are not a private club member). I see them out there, those ladies leagues. And I’m hoping to discover if it is as fun as it looks.

.Case in point: Hyannis.

Until now, I thought of it as a strip of stores, a gaggle of tourists and maybe, a spot to stop for ice cream on my way to or from somewhere.

I stand corrected. A recent day trip to this lovely town by the sea reminded me there’s a reason it’s world-recognized. From the arts and culture to the food and drink to history to the unique and seemingly endless shopping, Hyannis (https://www.hyannis.com)  makes for a fabulous day trip or more, and we should take advantage.

I headed to Hyannis early on a midweek day, cruised over the Sagamore Bridge and then zipped down to Main Street in Hyannis where I parked my car (for free!) and set out on a day-long adventure.

Early was a good move: While most of the shops on Main Street don’t open until 10 a.m., the quieter vibe gave me a chance to savor a great breakfast and then take a quiet walk to take it all in.

For a hearty breakfast, The Daily Paper on Main (https://dailypapercapecod.com) is a great choice. Locally-sourced dishes like eggs benny with lobster or healthy choices like egg white burrito star on the menu; daily specials will also wow you. You can sit inside or in their lovely outdoor space.

For a lighter bite, try Chez Antoine Café (https://www.orderchezantoinecafe.com) also on Main Street, where you’ll find over-the-top excellent coffee choices and pastries to savor there, and take home.

Once fed, I walked down toward the ferry docks to check out the cool, vibrant artist shanties that dot the waterfront.

Organized by Arts Barnstable, the 12 shanties are home to a revolving cast of local artists, each there daily to display their skills and projects. The shanties themselves are adorable, amid a lush and green setting right next to the harbor. Should you meander among them before their daily opening, each shanty has photos and plaques with different stories of the history of the region.

Next up was history, of which there’s plenty in Hyannis. Just the buildings alone and the harbor tell a tale. You can walk the Kennedy Legacy Trail (https://kennedylegacytrail.com) the self-guided tour I took that, over just 1.6 miles, taught and reminded me about so much of the Kennedy history.

The trail starts at the JFK Museum, a must visit should you do the trail or not, and then moves around town to spots dotted with QR-code scannable signs to tell the story. In summer months, there’s a free trolley to jump on should you tire out.

There’s the Air and Space Museum and the Cape Cod Maritime Museum that looks out over the harbor and sea.

That took me to lunch time, perfect since I wanted to spend a lot of the afternoon poking through the shops of Main Street.

Lunch choices are seemingly endless; last count more than 50 spots dotted the downtown area.

For an authentic seaside spot, you cannot go wrong with Spanky’s, right on the water next to the artist shanties. Scarf down a lobster roll and chowder while you watch the pleasure and business boats come and go.

For a grab and go, The Little Sandwich Shop on Main Street never disappoints. Try the BBC, Tap City Grille or the Naked Oyster. If you get lucky and can secure a spot, Baxter’s Boathouse is a quintessential experience. In other words: whatever food you crave, you’ll find a spot.

Main Street shopping is a blast. From tchotchkes to local arts and crafts to upscale clothing (Try Sea Breeze on Main Street for beautiful women’s wear and a super nice staff), to classic Cape Cod Prep attire at Puritan’s, you’ve got lots of options.

Ice cream shops are seemingly countless (imagine doing an ice cream crawl), and goodies are everywhere, like at Kandy Korner, where kids will demand a stop and the kid in you will load up on classic candy.

A stop at Little Miss Cupcape (https://www.littlemisscupcape.com) is a must. Not only do they make delightful creations, you lend a hand choosing your custom frosting and accoutrements. One for now, six for home is how it worked for me.

And that restaurant that almost won out for lunch? Join them for dinner to wrap up your day; be sure to try a Cape Cod brewed beer.

I drove home – back over that bridge with just a short delay – thinking of when and how I’d get back. A girl’s day seems on point; so does a full day with my grands there.

Hyannis: Forgive me for not seeing you as the beauty you are. You’ve won me over for good.

Mind you, I love a modern high-speed lift and an impeccably groomed modern mountain too; loving old and new are not mutually exclusive. But old school? It’s a cool, interesting and special way to experience a mountain.

Now I know: I feel that way about golf courses too. I discovered this when I played my very first round at historic, quirky-in-a-good way Marion Golf Club (https://www.mariongolfclub.com).

Known affectionately to locals as “Little Marion,” I was drawn to try a round there after I learned it was the very first course designed by George Thomas, who would go on to design top world destinations like The Los Angeles Country Club where the US Open of Golf was played this summer.

We arrived on a partly cloudy Wednesday midday, having secured a twosome online the day prior. We got there early and when we checked in (there’s a tiny, basic pro shop; I’m told some days there’s just an honor system box), we were told we could head out right after a twosome that was about to tee off.

I’d read that the course, designed by Thomas in 1904 when golf was a bit of a different sport (you teed off of sand mounds you’d create; hazards like stone walls and overgrown gullies were considered key) still had you play through, in and around most of those features. I was ready, knowing that on a few holes, original stone walls encircled the greens.

What I found was a unique, well-maintained, laid back and yet pristine spot where history meets excellent course maintenance, pretty views and where golfers proudly show their true love of the sport. In short: it’s a blast of a course that everyone should try at least once.

It helped a lot that the twosome in front of us were club members and knew the course down to the inch. When I mentioned we were first-timers and we’d follow them (I’d read that some of the pathways can be confusing and I’d read an excellent hole-by-hole description that told me, honestly, some holes can play as a bit of a surprise the first time), they upped the ante.

“Oh, just play with us!” Ron and Stevie said, nearly in harmony. Lucky us. They gave us a preview of each hole at the tee box (“I know you don’t see a flag, but there’s one right up there, just past the big stone wall you have to hit over!”) and their unabashed love for their little nine holes of history was infectious.

So here’s what it’s like: Thomas designed the course out of old farmland, where rocks had been dug up and used to make long stone walls that criss-crossed the fields. As was the custom then, he left the walls and designed the holes with them in mind. It’s not unusual to have to lay up more than once on a hole if you don’t hit far, since you’ll come across walls, gullies and more.

There are crazy doglegs (one is 90 degrees), creative green structure (one is like a bell; only a small area in the middle keeps you from rolling way down; another is a bowl; land your ball in regulation and you’d going to get some added help), and walls that look like deep rough because they’ve let grass grow up over them.

It’s not scary though; it’s fun. The nine-hole course (you can double through for 18; and it’s an easy walk) is relatively short at 2,700, but it plays big because of the obstacles, challenges and fun.

It gives you some gifts, too, like the pretty view straight out to Sippican Harbor and all its magnificent boats on the 6th.

And the course conditions? As modern as the set-up is historic. The tee boxes (no more piles of sand; phew!) are tip-top. The greens are lush and nearly perfect. The fairways are in great shape too, even after some pretty heavy recent rains.

There’s another nod to history here: Greens fees average around $21-$29 for nine holes depending on the time of day. 18 holes clocks in at just a few bucks more. That’s less than I’ve paid for a hot dog and beer on some courses.

I had some great victories out there, and I think the uniqueness of the course — and the company we kept on our round – helped that. I summoned my courage to go for a long shot over a big wall on one hole and succeeded. On another, having landed right up against one of those walls, I dug deep past my recent short game fear and had a perfect up-and-down over it and *plunk* right onto the green. And on the trick 9th (which appears to be an easy birdie on the card but tells a different story in real time), I landed my tee shot past the crazy wall that felt like a green fortress and right near the hole. Incredibly fun.

I thought Marion Golf Club would be good for one round and I wasn’t wrong. But I undersold it. A round at Lil’ Marion may just be the Lays Potato Chips of golf: No one can have just one.

You don’t have to be a pro to do well, but if you have the chops, you can find solid competition. And a newbie can play an easy match side-by-side with an expert.

It’s Disc Golf, the newest hot sport in town. And as the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) comes to New England’s own Smuggler’s Notch Resort (https://www.smuggs.com) Aug. 30- Sept. 3, this may just be the right time and place to try it out.

Smuggler’s Notch, in Jeffersonville, Vermont, has long been known as a hot spot for family fun in just about every season. But in recent years, they’ve quietly built two disc golf courses and programs around them.

Today, Smuggs is home to two of the top-rated disc golf courses in the world. Smugg’s Brewster Ridge is ranked number 4 in the world and Fox Run Meadows is number 7, based on player votes gathered by UDisc.

It’s where 300 of the best disc golfers in the world will be competing starting next week, an event open to the public, whether you’re staying at Smuggs or not. With five rounds of elite level competition, it will feature the best disc golfers in the world; a chance to see some great play and amazing trick shots. In other words: fan heaven.

But consider this: Smuggs also offers lessons, clinics and chances for you to get out and try your hand.

Disc golf is a doable sport for just about anyone, said Nick Hover, Smuggler’s Notch’s Disc Golf Guru (official title: Director Operations; Disc Golf and Outdoor Center).

“If you can throw a Frisbee®, you can play disc golf,” he said. “Most disc golf courses have multiple tee locations, just like traditional golf.  Depending on your ability and experience, you can choose the distance that best suits you.”

Smugg’s courses do add difficulty, he said, but the wide variety of tees (starting points) make it doable for all.

“Difficulty also varies from course to course; while courses at your local park or recreation center may be a bit less challenging, professional courses like Brewster Ridge and Fox Run Meadows here at Smuggs are specifically designed to test even the most seasoned disc golf players,” he said.

Smuggs offers both group and private disc golf lessons. You could learn with your family, a group of friends or on your own.

It’s easy to do with all levels, Hover said, because each hole offers tee boxes for beginners, intermediates, advanced and pros, meaning you can all play along and keep up, no matter your level.  A base lesson would give you a better understanding as you watch the championships.

Like Pickle Ball, Disc Golf is an easy-entry sport. Unlike golf or tennis, you can find enough groove to be a player quickly.

“Many people find throwing a disc or Frisbee® more intuitive for beginners and intermediates than hitting a golf ball with a club,” said Hover. “Novice and amateur players often view a round as a walk in the woods or local park while tossing around a disc.  Others who compete in tournaments or play on a regular basis can find it similarly frustrating to traditional golf, which often depends on how well their game is going.  In my opinion, disc golf is much more approachable for those looking for a new sport than traditional golf, and beginner players will have a more enjoyable experience on a disc golf course.”

That said, a visit just to take in the championships before you become a player yourself works well too, he said.

“There’s something about watching a disc in flight that is unique and awe inspiring,” he said. “The way that they seem to effortlessly fly through the air, defying gravity; the way you can get your disc to turn, and the ability to shape the flight path of your disc; the thrill of watching a perfectly thrown disc dance through the air on its way to the target.  It’s hard not to see a flying disc and smile. “

And then there’s the location. Smuggs has been a haven for family and mountain fun since 1976. Tucked into the base of three mountain peaks, it’s totally slopeside.

The town of Stowe is right down the road should you want to wander. You might even get a first peek of foliage, too. Spectator tickets can be purchased here: https://www.pdga.com/2023proworlds.

It might just be the perfect time to be the first in your circle to embrace the next big sport.

I have a new one: the spot I fell in love with golf. I remember it completely. I was on the green of a long par 4. Just beyond us, the Caribbean sea was sparkling. Above us, palm trees were waving in the perfect breeze. I’d just sunk a hero putt after a decent fairway performance and, as I heard that “plink!’ sound of my ball dropping into the hole, I thought: “I think I’m meant to be a golfer.”

Puerto Rico was the spot, and forever, it will be special to me in my golf life.

Be you a low handicapper, mid-level golfer or like me that day, a bit of a wanna-be, Puerto Rico (www.discoverpuertorico.com) and its golf scene is ripe for your own “aha moment,” and promises not just great days of golf and more, but rich memories like mine. Want to play your game and soak in dramatic beauty too? Choose a Puerto Rico golf trip.

Golf is newer to Puerto Rico than the rest of America (yes, it is an American territory; a nice bonus since the American dollar is its official currency, English is spoken by just about all and you don’t even need your passport).

Their first course debuted in 1930 and featured sand and coconut oil created “greens” and attracted a decent amount of players. In World War II many military folk who came through helped golf grow. Today, Puerto Rico is home to about 30 courses, hosts the PGA’s Puerto Rico Open each spring and is a top Caribbean destination for golf lovers.

I can see why. Gone are the sand greens (though wouldn’t it be fun to try one?) and in their place are impeccably manicured greens and fairways, world-class designed courses and most of all incredible views wherever you are.

Oh, and there’s the food and drink, a massive rainforest to explore, sea sports and tip-top lodging. It helps, too, that they have one of the most temperate and steady climates out there: year round average temperatures range from 75-85, and truly rainswept days are a rarity (August tends to be their wettest month).

I was nervous when I headed there to play golf. I’d warned a friend that I was a hack, but he told me not to worry; that it would all make sense when I got there.

He was right. While PR absolutely is home to some challenging and creative courses and holes, I found the remarkable shape of their courses, easier to maintain than other spots in the world thanks to that great weather, made it all more forgiving.

At the famed TPC Dorado Beach East Course (https://tpc.com/doradobeach/east-course), where long ago Laurence S. Rockefeller eyed the land and convinced the then owners, who were growing and exporting coconuts while maintaining the natural setting they loved, to let him build a course, I loved the high holes that looked out over the sea, the lower ones that hugged the sandy shore, and the Chamber of Commerce clouds that dotted the sky.

The course’s dedication to nature is remarkable, and the East Course redesign by Robert Trent Jones Jr. (his dad was the original designer) is sublime.

While staying at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, where I could walk a few steps and be beachside or a few more steps (or grab one of the ubiquitous golf cart shuttle rides) on the course, I grew my love/addiction a bit more playing the Grand Reserve (https://www.grandreservegolfclub.com), home to the PGA Puerto Rico Open.

With a backdrop of the El Yunque rainforest and a course that’s never more than a squint of your eye away from the sea, I found myself relaxing in the vibe, and yes: playing halfway decently.

Caddies and instructors are available at most courses, and I found them to be friendly and patient – but most of all helpful.

Apres golf meant some beach or pool time each day, great meals and evenings sipping cocktails, often made with local rhum. Divine.

As I sat on the balcony of my room late one night, tired from golf and buzzing with the beat of this newfound love, the sounds of that rainforest were like a symphony by nature. I breathed deep the night air and realized something about golf and me:

We will always have Puerto Rico.

Our harbor towns and cities love to celebrate their beauty with festivals that not only highlight their ports, but keep visitors entertained all day with fun, food and more.

Consider these in the coming weeks.

Gloucester Waterfront Festival: The Gloucester Waterfront Festival , set for Aug. 19-20 this year, has been celebrating their culture and location for 42 years.

This year, the show is back and bigger than than it was pre-pandemic.

The day starts out early for those who want to make it a full experience with the town’s delicious Rotary Club pancake breakfast, taking place from 7:30 – 11 a.m. at  Stage Fort Park, where the entire weekend of events are centered.

The breakfast, a fundraiser for the organization, is $9 for adults and $5 for children six and under. Tickets can be pre-purchased at www.gloucesterrotary.org, or purchased at the door. A bonus: free parking.

There will be more than 200 booths of juried artists coming from 16 states.  Many, including oil and acrylic painters, leather workers and jewelry designers, will demonstrate their craft live.

There’s live music all day, and this year a new addition of roaming performers. As you mingle, shop and nosh, you’ll come across Mary Poppins, Pirate Man Dan and if you get lucky, Elvis himself (or a close rendition).

Food is plentiful, with an amped up food court this year featuring international flavors like elote (Mexican street corn), Brazilian coxinha and empanadas.

The classics will still be on hand, like Gloucester’s fresh seafood, lobster and of course, chowder.

Parking is at a premium. If you don’t attend the breakfast, consider purchasing a spot ahead of time. You’ll find details and a link, as well as more event information here: https://castleberryfairs.com/41st-annual-gloucester-waterfront-arts-and-craft-festival/.

Plymouth Waterfront Festival: Plymouth’s waterfront always offers entertainment. From the Mayflower II to the great dining and shopping and the fun of boat watching, it’s definitely worth a visit.

On Aug. 26, it all goes up a notch for the 37th iteration of their Waterfront Festival (https://plymouthwaterfrontfestival.com).

With 200 exhibitors, you’ll find arts, crafts and fun purchases galore. There are two stages featuring live bands, a fun rubber duck race along the lovely Brewster Gardens, more food trucks than you could partake in, all in a beautiful setting.

There’s a Rebels & Rods Car show along the waterfront from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. where you can spot your dream car or harken to memories of that car you drove long ago.

You’ll find a map with parking options on their website, along with an exhibitor map so you can plot your purchases ahead of time. But no stress there; a big part of the fun is meandering along and discovering.

There’s plenty to keep you busy all day – as well as well fed – but if you want to stretch it out even more, plan a visit to the Plimoth Pawtuxet living museum, and stay for dinner after. Plymouth’s waterfront and downtown is bustling with food choices, including the new waterfront 71 Degree West Atlantic Steakhouse, where you can look down on the waterfront and across the harbor while dining on great steak and seafood.

Boston Public Market Pop Up: Who doesn’t love the Boston Public Market? Local sourced and created food and crafts under one roof is just perfect. What could make it better? How about a Pop Up Day on the Tall Ship Boston (https://www.tallshipboston.com)?

It’s all happening on Aug. 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Tall Ship, docked at Pier One in East Boston.

On this day, you can savor the setting while savoring local fare including George Howell Coffee, Laurel Greenfield Art, Beantown Pastrami Company, Red Apple Farms (it’s practically illegal to not eat a few on site and take even more home when visiting the BPM; same for this pop up) and more.

There’s no fee to attend, but they do ask that you make a reservation by visiting https://bostonpublicmarket.org and their events page.

Now that I take my game seriously, I no longer toss my clubs into the car and zip to the course last-minute, just in time to tee off. Rather, I plan ahead, think through my upcoming round and take steps to set myself up for my best chance at success.

It takes time, but I’m finding it’s worth it. Teaching pros agree, saying it’s not just about stretching out muscles and warming up your swing (which is important); it’s about easing into a positive, ready and confident mindset.

And we all know one thing is for sure: Golf is very much a game of the mind.

Here are some steps I take to be ready for a round.

The day(s) before: Once I’ve chosen a course and set a tee time, I do some research to get to know the course as best I can before I arrive.

I study the scorecard (most, if not all, are available online). How many super long holes will I face? Par 3s? And what kind of doglegs, hazards and other things might I see out there? Knowing ahead of time that on, say, hole 3 I’ll need to lay up is good information to know.

Some clubs have great hole-by-hole descriptions that I like to read through and screenshot onto my phone (in case signals are weak out on the course. I learned the hard way: Never count on being able to access the internet out there). A great example and a way I wish every club would set guests up is the course description details on the Ocean Edge golf (www.oceanedge.com) website.

You can also download the free Hole19 app (www.hole19golf.com) that shows you overviews and gives details of most golf courses.

I also read a few online reviews of the course to be ready. Recently I played a club that reviewers warned took a long time to play. By knowing, when it did, it didn’t distress me or even bother me. It helps to know what you’ll experience out there.

Another step I take the night before (or the day of if it’s not an early tee time) is to both clean my clubs (it really does make a difference), and go through my golf bag to not only make sure I have all the things I need, but that it’s organized enough that I can quickly access those things. Enough balls and tees, sunscreen and bug spray, fresh towels, a water bottle to fill, a few small snacks, a rain jacket and glove always need to be handy. I don’t know how my bag gets crazy messy, but organizing it makes for better play when the time comes. It’s the little things.

The day of: I’ve been obsessively checking the weather so I do that one last time to make sure I bring along any layers or weather protection I may need. There is no bad weather, only bad clothes. Well, there’s some bad weather but being prepared helps.

I always arrive at the golf course early; 45 minutes to an hour before my tee time. If that seems obsessive, for me, it’s not. I see so many folks rushing to the first tee, looking frazzled. For me – and for the human brain in general – easing into something that takes focus, skill and athleticism is the best bet.

I check in and get my bearings: Is there water on the course? Which holes (so I can be sure to be prepared if not). Is there a beverage cart that day? Where are the restrooms, pro shop etc?

Once I get a feel for the place, I warm up not just my swing, but my short game and putting. Most every course has a putting green, and taking some time there can set a good tone for your day.

If there’s a driving range, I try to hit a few balls with each club, starting with my seven iron, going up to driver and then back down to my wedges. If there is no driving range, I find an out of the way spot and simply swing. Even without the ball, muscle memory can kick in well with some practice swings.

Right before I tee off, I review the course information I’ve gleaned and saved.

Then, for 10 minutes, I just breathe deep and soak it all in. I’m not a deep-thinking “intention setter,” but I’m trying to become one. In this time, I think about my goals for the day and encourage myself to focus on those.

But most of all, I shift into fun mode. Golf is, in the end, supposed to be fun. So I look around at the scenery, breathe in the fresh air and remember how lucky I am to be out playing golf on this day.

Embracing that means I’ve already won.

With that in mind, I have two words to guide you to an amazing trip; two words that, when I heard them before experiencing them last winter, terrified me.

Desert golf.

Also known as target golf.

I’m talking about Scottsdale, a golf mecca where you can find enough courses to play to keep you coming back for a lifetime, and where, for the most part, you’ll be playing desert/target golf.

What is it, and why isn’t it as terrifying as it sounds? Desert golf means patches of lush green woven into the desert landscape. It means soaring rocks (often in the middle of a fairway), sandy gullies (often just past the tee box for you to drive over), and long holes that are dotted with green – the spots you aim at (and are your target).

Sounds nuts, right? This learning golfer is here to tell you it’s not only doable, I think it might just be good for my game. In essence: I loved it and you will, too.

First, there’s the beauty of it all. Golf, like skiing, is very much about getting out into nature; seeing the beauty of our many landscapes in a slower, up close kind of way. In Scottsdale, that meant soaring mountains around us, rich and uniquely colorful landscapes (I never knew rust could be such a beautiful match up to lush green).

At Papago (https://papagogolfclub.com), one of the nation’s most beloved public courses, I was surrounded by the Papago Buttes as we worked our way through the impeccably maintained municipal course. It’s just a few quick miles from the airport, which means it’s easy to dive into that nature and golf right when you land or – as I did – squeezed in the morning before your flight home.

It was the Monument Course at famed Troon North (https://www.troonnorthgolf.com) where I really connected with the target golf concept.

The course winds through the Sonoran Desert along the base of majestic Pinnacle Peak, and asks the golfer, many times, to focus on precision. It scared me a little and then I remembered: the worst thing that will happen is I’ll lose a ball and maybe a few strokes.

“Just focus on where you want to be, line yourself up and own it,” a golf friend told me as I stared out – a bit anxious – at a patch of green about 140 yards out that was optimal for a landing spot.

I took a breath and – poof! – made the spot. I found as the days of this golf went on, I became more and more adept and at least getting close to where I wanted to be – a huge victory for a learner.

Not every course is totally target; Scottsdale spots know how to let you open it up and just wail that driver, too. At the Phonecian Resort’s pristine golf course, you’ll find plenty of target but in a more classic setting: there’s a little more green to play with out there, but still enough target – and incredible views – to make it special.

Now, I find myself looking for those kind of experiences near my home base; chances to play courses that demand (well, at least ask politely) for a little extra precision.

Widow’s Walk in Scituate (https://widowswalkgolf.com) is one such place. While you won’t find the rust-sand patches of the desert, you will find lots of rough, narrow fairways and some pretty concise green placements.

Then there’s Souther’s Marsh in Plymouth (https://southersmarsh.com) where the 18 holes have you bobbing and weaving through actual cranberry bogs. It’s like a New England version of desert golf; precise, challenging and beautiful.

If you’re thinking desert golf might be too challenging for you, have no fear. Target golf was right on the mark for me. It will be for you as well.

That last one took some effort, starting in the 1970s.

“This was at a time when Provincetown’s leadership didn’t necessarily understand why it was important to promote the town as a destination for queer travelers, and there were many in town trying to downplay the town’s creative community in an effort to promote it as one of the more well-known ‘straight’ destinations on the Cape,” Provincetown Business Guild Executive Director Stephan Hengst said.

This was born Carnival Week, a way to show town leadership that diversity and inclusion are fun, vibrant and just plain good for business.

“Carnival was the result of the community showing its love and appreciation for the community that called the tip of Cape Cod home,” said Hengst.

This year Ptown is celebrating the 45th anniversary of Carnival Week, from Aug. 12-19. Today, Carnival Week is more of an affirmation than a request.  Sponsored  since it’s founding by the Provincetown Business Guild (PBG), it is one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the United States, and the largest event on Cape Cod.

Carnival is welcoming to all, and draws in more than 10,000 visitors of all types – singles, families, straight and LGBTQ+.

The theme this year is Land of Toys.

On Aug. 13 you can start the day in the 5k run/walk, “Feet Over Front Street,” which honors Commercial Street’s original name and winds through the scenic town. Later in the day you can hop aboard the Disco Duck Carnival Cruise, which takes you out on the waters off Ptown for a view of the coast that’s breathtaking.

There will be food, dance and celebrities, including DJ Andrew Haig and NYC nightlife golden-era icon and black trans advocate DJ Lina Bradford.

If you’ve got stamina, there’s a costume kick-off party beginning at 10 p.m. at the iconic Crown & Anchor.

All week long there are special events, celebrity appearances and more.

On Wednesday evening Aug. 16 at 8:30 p.m. fans of Ru Paul’s Drag Race will be thrilled: Show superstar Alyssa Edwards will appear live at Town Hall.

In 2012, Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson, known by the stage name Alyssa Edwards, competed on the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, where she immediately catapulted to fame for her candid testimonials, outrageous tongue-pops and quirky personality. In 2016, Johnson returned as one of 10 contestants in Season 2 of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars, where Alyssa Edwards stole the hearts of the audience, ultimately finishing as fourth runner-up.

Edwards will share stories, comedy and more.

The centerpiece of it all is the annual Carnival Parade, stepping off at 3 pm. on Aug. 17.

Winding its way down Commercial Street from the Harbor Hotel in the East End to the Coast Guard Station in the West End, the parade draws more than 150,000 guests.

Held that first year as a symbol of Provincetown’s inclusiveness, creativity and diversity, the parade has grown over those 45 years to one of the Cape’s biggest events.

It’s a great event for all, said Hengst, as is the entire week. Other events include yoga programs, dance parties, pool parties and more.

There’s also the backdrop: the tip of the Cape that’s beloved by the world. You’ll find plenty of shopping and dining, and endless water views.

If you’re looking for a quick bite to grab, insiders will point you to the hot dogs at FarLand Provisions on Bradford Street. They are massive; 100% beef, and served on a delicious brioche bun; two for less than $10.

And the Provincetown Portuguese Bakery is a must visit for a sweet or savory snack or, as is tradition for many, a breakfast roll that’s out of this world.

“Provincetown is rich in history and culture, and its heritage shines through every day in the lives of the people that call it home,” Hengst said. “When you’re here, you are surrounded by the arts, culture, and so much more, and because Provincetown has always been a melting pot of sorts, everyone is welcome here.”

The other day, as we clicked on tee times and pondered to play next, a memory popped into his head.

“Poquoy Brook Golf Club!” he said. “I used to love that place.”

We were able to score a mid-day tee time for the following day and headed out into the heart of Lakeville to a club I’d never heard of and wasn’t sure how to pronounce (It’s pehh-kwoy).

What did I find? A fabulous championship course with a bit of a punch, friendly staff who made us feel like we were visiting friends, and I don’t say this lightly: perhaps the best cheeseburger I’ve ever scarfed down in my life.

We arrived early for our round, a great idea at Poquoy because their driving range, short game practice area and putting green are simply spectacular. The driving range has 25 stations, a bucket purchase system that takes your card and does not require those silly coins (hurrah for the little things!) and easily readable yardage signage.

We warmed up there and then meandered over to the putting green for some practice. “Whoa,” my husband said, “if the course greens are even somewhat as well maintained as this, we’re in luck.”

We knew we were matched up with another couple because – and I love this – when we checked in the lovely woman at the pro shop not only told us that, she wrote down their names for us. What a nice touch.

Before talking about the course, a few disclaimers: If you’re looking for cape shingled, ivy vine covered classic golf club buildings, you’re not going to find them here. Poquoy’s building set-up (a restaurant, small pro shop, and a cart and maintenance building), are for the most part utilitarian.

That’s fine with me because, while I love a view of a pretty clubhouse, Poquoy focuses on what I love even more: incredibly well-maintained fairways and greens, lush and lovely landscaping and pin and tee selections that keep you thinking. In other words, it’s a golfer’s course.

Poquoy Brook plays best with some advanced study – it tosses you some pretty challenging doglegs (the 18th feels more like a boomerang that a dogleg), and even my always-wants-to-go-for-the-green spouse found himself laying up more than a few times.

We got a little gift though: Bob, the male member of our partner couple, works part-time at the club as a starter. He gave us tips, pointed out possible troubles to avoid and – while he was off the clock – helped us truly enjoy our round. Poquoy should send Bob out with every new visitor.

Poquoy is a parkland-style course and embraces all that makes parkland course play fun. There are plenty (believe me!) of water hazards, gullies and bluffs that force you to lay up with precision, tall, tall trees and plenty of challenge. Their greens demand thought too, but are so well maintained you won’t mind that at all.

Even their Par 3’s are demanding, coming in at over 200 yards for the whites and close to that for the golds. It’s a true win when you par them.

Bob had told us the last three holes would hold the most challenge, and he wasn’t wrong. The 18th, in particular, demanded courage, a few lay ups, power and then precision when you chip up to the final green – just below where the 19th-holers hang out to watch (and cheer and maybe, here and there, heckle [its all good]).

Our round took a long time – nearly five hours, but I was not surprised by that. Reviews had told me to be sure to know it takes time there (many complained it’s because of a lack of rangers). But I never really felt like I was waiting too long, and I didn’t mind having extra time to ponder this challenging course. Plus Bob and Paula were fun.

We decided, on their suggestion, to stay for dinner, which was a solid choice.

First, we sat outside watching folks wrap up their rounds on that challenging hole. The nice woman who’d checked us in was off the clock, sipping a post-work beer next to us, and piped in with color commentary as folks chipped up. “He’s a four handicap!” she told us of one player, and of another when we cheered “Oh, that’s going to go right to his head!” The setting was perfect.

And so was the food. As I said, I ate one of the best burgers I’ve ever had, after our truly delightful server told me it was just that. And their beer on tap list? Makes the grade and then some.

Poquoy Brook Golf Club (https://www.poquoybrook.com/en/)  is on our “to return to” list.

Boston is peppered with amazing spots to cool off and have yourself a water-themed summer day and/or night.

Whether you want to be active, master the lounge chair, embrace your inner kid or celebrate your grown up self, you’ve got options all over. Consider these smack-in-the-city choices.

Water-level fun: You’ve walked or driven along the Charles River and smiled at the rowers, stand up paddle boarders, sailors and others soaring along that calm waterway. Looks like fun?

The Kimpton Marlowe (https://www.hotelmarlowe.com) in Cambridge has just the amenity you need. Check in and you’ve got free access to stand up paddle boards and kayaks (singles and doubles are available) for you to pop into the Charles and take a scenic glide.

The L.L. Bean products are built for easy use and cut well though the river. You’ll glide along (getting a little work out; all the better for post-Charles cocktails and noshing back at the hotel) and take in views of the city you’ve most likely never had before.

Want to capture it for your Insta or just memory? They’ll also lend you a Go Pro and old school Polaroid camera. And should you crave more once you get back to the hotel? Head out again. There’s no limit on your water fun time.

The Kimpton Marlowe is easy to access too, at 25 Edwin H. Land Blvd., it’s just off the O’Brien Highway at the edge of Cambridge, which means you can drive in and park or MBTA it in for an easy escape.

Way up high: A soaring 12 stories up in the heart of Boston you’ll find the city’s only rooftop pool at the Colonnade Hotel (120 Huntington Ave.) (https://www.colonnadehotel.com).

Great news: While it’s open to hotel guests from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., it opens to the public Mondays through Thursdays and on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a $50 entry fee.

The Rooftop Pool has cabanas for rent, incredible food and beverage service, and a spot that lets everyone – families, singles, couples, groups – feel right at home.

As the city buzzes below, you’re up above it all, taking dips, sipping drinks and just plain loving a total escape.

There’s a bonus for grown ups who love waterside summer fun: After 5 p.m. the pool goes 21 and up, with a water-based nightclub feel, a perfect spot for a group cool-off evening out.

You can stay over, too, and  take in some other fun things the city has to offer. Fenway is walkable from the hotel, as are many other sights worth seeing. And should it be a hot one, the pool is back at the hotel for your next dip.

Dip into history: If you’re local, there’s a chance you’ve never dipped your toes into Boston’s famed Frog Pond (https://bostonfrogpond.com).

Smack in the heart of Boston Common, America’s oldest public park, the Frog Pond is more than a place to cool off. It’s steeped in history.

Come any time of day to splash in that historic spot of lush green surrounded by a city scape. There’s a carousel to ride, a delight for any age, and on Thursdays they offer free yoga. Stretch and flex and then cool off in the water; sounds like a good afternoon.

You can weave it into a day, as well. Park and walk along the Emerald Necklace green spaces (go to https://www.emeraldnecklace.org to download or print out a map.) See where Revolutionary soldiers had encampments, and reflect on the nation’s history at your feet.

It’s a perfect picnic spot too, and with the Boston Public Market just a quick walk away at 100 Hanover St., you need not even pack one – just pop in, find your favorite Boston-based food and your lunch is ready.

It’s not just about looking good on the course, although I confess, when it comes to sports, to being a bit of a classicist when it comes to dressing.

There’s something, after all, that just feels right about dressing snappy for a sport. To garble the iconic Coco Channel quote: “Dress shabbily and they remember the outfit. Dress impeccably and they remember the player (and the game).”

But there’s more to it than that. Proper attire keeps you comfortable no matter what you face out there. Quick shower? Waterproof works. Muggy as can be? Wicking materials save the day. Cool or even cold? Warm but not restricting solves that. It may seem oversimplified, but there is something to it: Dress well to help you play well.

With that in mind, I’ve been searching and slowly building a proper golf wardrobe. While I’m still en process, I’ve found some winners, pieces that look great, feel right and help rather than hinder my play.

My newest love is one my son-in-law, an avid golfer, had told me to try out. Zero Restrictions (https://www.zerorestriction.com), he told me, makes quality, good-looking attire that he feels comfortable and ready to play in. I reached out and then sent me a box of samples.

Was I happy? More like thrilled. Zero Restrictions’ products solved a few problems I have with attire, offered me some crisp looks and, while not low-priced (but also not too high, considering what’s out there), feels solid and enduring, meaning they’ll remain go-tos for a good long time.

First up, their Sadie Skort. Skorts are the saving grace of sporting attire for women. I love them for tennis, pickleball and now golf. Built-in shorts are a godsend, but sometimes, things can be not quite right.

The Sadie fit in every way. First, the pockets: placed just right and (thank heavens!) deep enough to fit what I need in my pocket on the course, they sit comfortably while still doing all I need them to do.

Next, the material. Made of a textured cooling wick polyester wicking knit, it feels durable, yet breaths like a light fabric. The little touches matter, like the comfortable compression waistband and the gripper tape (not sticky at all) on the shorts legs to hold them in place.

Even when I was swinging for the rafters (my teaching pro is encouraging more speed in my big swings, wahoo!), they stayed in place but never restricted.

Oh, and it’s cute. The blue textured outer skirt hides a fashion wink: super cute mint green shorts underneath. I love the Sadie.

For days that may need layering, I’m a fan of their Wanda Vest, a waterproof, windproof vest that’s light enough for any day you need a little more, but durable enough to layer on just about any day.

I love the lightweight material; layers need to never be too much. And I love the feminine touches like the shirring in the back to flatter just about anyone, even me. I’ll be keeping one in my bag just in case, and I’m sure I’ll need it often. Like the skirt, it’s forgiving enough to move with any swing I take – vital.

The Sofia Z500 Pullover is a big more of an investment, but one you should feel good making.

This thicker yet moveable pullover (10 percent Spandex for the win!) features an interior wind flap for that blustery day, an easy to access and comfortable front pocket, a back vent for when you’re just not sure if you’re hot or cold, and thumb holes for those who like their sleeves pulled down tight.

And just like the other items, it’s machine wash and dry, meaning easy and quick care so you can have them on the ready.

Zero Restrictions aces menswear as well. And while they may not be the only brand in my new “golfer for life” closet section, they’ll be a big part.

We’ll talk gloves, glasses and other accessories soon.

For now, I’m thinking I’m on my way to a wardrobe that wouldn’t just please Coco, it will add to my game. Look snappy, feel good, be comfortable and play better. Good investment, if you ask me.

For me, that spot is Ludlow, Vt.

Ludlow stole my heart, and has had it for decades.

I woke up recently to news coverage of water churning right down the Main Street of Ludlow’s downtown; huge rocks and rivers of mud changing the landscape, roadways and buildings up by the ski area access road, and insane rapids picking up cars and tossing them along the riverside throughout town.

Ludlow, and so many cities and towns in wonderful Vermont, is in crisis.

I think of all my favorite places with worry: Mojos Café, where vinyl records are the backdrop as you nosh on Mexican food in the most casual setting you can imagine; the owners always, always there and remembering guests who’d visited just once.

They’d pushed their way through the pandemic via window service take out and had finally circled back to fully operational.

How about The Book Nook, an adorable independent book store that I’ve visited every single time I’m in town for the past 20-plus  years. Every day, they have a literary quote on the chalkboard. Guess it and you get 20% off — and bragging rights. How I love poking through their amazing local authors shelves as I worked my brain for the answer. Can an independent book store hold on through this?

Café At D Light, where we’d drive down early morning from our Okemo Mountain Resort perch for the best hash and eggs for me, the full-on pancakes, eggs and meat for my spouse. We were always surrounded by locals; you kind of have to know the Café is there.

It’s clear from video and photos they’re well under water.

Up the road at the very end of the resort access road – perhaps the spot most shared in media around the world today because of the giant rock, mud and water slide that completely transformed the town’s busiest intersection (clean and easy shifting roads are now rubble, rocks and mud) is where we’d stop on our way back to grab Ugly Doughnuts from Sweet Surrender Bakery (IMHO the best chairlift pocket snack up there) and say a quick hello to Shon at The Boot Fitter, the guy I’ve trusted my ski gal feet with for decades (thanks, of course, to a kind local’s recommendation on a chairlift one sunny spring day years ago. That’s Ludlow folk; always sharing the good stuff).

Will they be OK?

There are so many more spots that mean so much and look so worrisome. Main and Mountain, where I learned — during the pandemic at their firepit outdoor seating — to love an Old Fashioned. Their old-school Shaw’s Supermarket, which, when wiped out by Irene in 2011, pitched tons of tents and set up a kind of field supermarket, not as much to keep making money as to keep feeding the locals (markets are few and far between up there).

And how about Tony, the super nice local mechanic who, when my car died upon arrival a few years back, called all his local customers and asked them if he could prioritize me, and had my car ready by the end of my weekend trip. What kind of town does that for a visitor? Ludlow does.

I’m worried for “my” town.

I know the people. They’re tough yet kind. They work hard and most of all, they love their little corner of the world even more than folks like me do.

In the book “Deluge,” author Peggy Shinn does a remarkable job telling the story of how Vermont towns saved themselves during Tropical Storm Irene by digging in, teaming up, focusing on forward and *maybe* forgetting to ask permission a time or two.

Could Ludlow come back better than ever? I vote yes.

Here are some ways to help:

The Vermont Community Foundation has organized the VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund 2023. Go to https://vermontcf.org/our-impact/programs-and-funds/vt-flood-response/ for ways to donate.

State officials have encouraged people to give to the American Red Cross of Northern New England (https://www.redcross.org/local/me-nh-vt.html), or a local United Way to assist in relief efforts.  Granite United Way covers Windsor County, in which Ludlow resides http://www.graniteuw.org/.

I’m a tennis player, you see, but so many of my friends (and yours) have been swept up in the pickleball frenzy that I just had to join in.

“You don’t need to know a thing to have fun at it. Just show up!” my friends counseled me. And so I did. But I found myself lacking. Sure, I could hit the ball over the next and get the general gist of that. But not understanding the basics just made it feel less fun to me.

And so, even after my friends said I was fine, I headed to a beginners pickleball clinic. Like magic, understanding the basics and intent made it immediately more fun. (Important to note here that “understanding” and “playing better” are two unique things.) But still, knowing what I should be trying to do just brought up the fun factor for me.

I feel the same way about golf. As an adult learner (and knowing my own sports coaching needs), I knew if I really want to become a competent and – perhaps more importantly – happy golfer, I was going to need guidance.

But does everyone need lessons? The pros say: It depends.

“It is by no means a requirement to take a lesson when you start playing golf,” said Dean Hajedemos, head golf professional at Crosswinds Golf Club (https://www.golfcrosswinds.com) in Plymouth (disclaimer: he’s the pro brave enough to be guiding my game). “There are plenty of golfers who have never taken a lesson who can move it around the golf course at a high level.”

But, he said, that’s rare.

“For the majority though, just going out and playing and hitting the range you’ll find golf is not an easy game, and it can be frustrating when you struggle to make contact or can’t see the ball fly towards your target and don’t know how to make that happen,” he said.

And that, he added, plays into what golf should really be about: having fun.

“We play golf to enjoy the game and everything that comes with it, so taking a lesson is, at worst, a one-time way to learn the fundamentals of the swing to make it easier to make contact and see the ball fly further and straighter.” Also known as: understanding what you’re doing so you can enjoy it more.

For me, an every-other-week lesson sandwiches lots of practice range and actual playing time, and it’s working. I’ve a long way to go, but I’m having so much fun as I reach the level of “knowing what I’m doing wrong.”

So, who should take lessons and how often? After all, the PGA and LPGA pros work with coaches nearly every day of the week, so there’s no shame in seeking guidance.

Andrew Gildea, director of the Champions Indoor Golf at the Pine Hills in Plymouth ((https://www.championsindoor.com)) breaks it down by player level.

Beginners, he tells me, should absolutely take a least a lesson or two, and the more the better.

“Starting the game with solid fundamentals (Grip, Posture, Alignment) will make your life SO much easier as you develop your game,” he said. “What many people don’t realize is that the setup is the greatest influence on HOW you swing the club.”

I get this. It was important for me to build a solid foundation, rather than just go out and try to patch a golf swing together.

He suggests a group of lessons close together to start and then the pattern I’m currently in: every two weeks with lots of practice and play between. In time, I’ll shift to less often.

But he adds: Even if you can only swing one lesson, do it for a good start.

Intermediates, he said, should hone in on specifics they want to work on and communicate that desire to a pro for a lesson or more.

And advanced players, who really don’t often need lessons, can benefit from that as well.

A good teaching pro, he added, guides you about more than your swing mechanics or bunker shots. Additionally, they help you set up a practice routine that shores up what you learn while with them.

“The best thing that a coach can do is teach you how to practice most effectively and efficiently for your game,” he said.

For me, lessons are the right choice. And I’m going to – in my relatively new golf life “expertise” – make a claim: A golf lesson could never hurt your game. I say make the investment in your game quality and let a great pro guide you to just that. Just like on the pickleball court, guidance from a true pro just makes things better.

Case in point: A friend recently invited my husband and me to join a group on the Odyssey Premier Dinner Cruise, part of Boston Harbor City Cruises’ (https://www.cityexperiences.com)  long list of on-the-water offerings in and around Boston Harbor.

Of course I said yes. I’d not seen this friend in quite a while. But I said yes with a bit of an internal eye roll.

A harbor dinner cruise? How touristy!

I was wrong. Our three-hour dinner tour of Boston Harbor was both beautiful and fun. And I’m here to say to the rest of you locals: Grab a seat on the Odyssey. You’ll see our beloved city in a new light (sunset and then starlight), from a view you don’t often get.

And, you’ll savor a great three-course meal, excellent cocktails, and make friends with many of the other guests aboard. It’s a wicked awesome time.

We boarded the Odyssey at its dock at Rowes Wharf. Having parked at the Boston Harbor Hotel’s public lot (affordable; a nice surprise), we had only steps to walk to the boarding area. Being a Thursday, a live band was playing on the floating docks outside the BHH, a nice kick-off to our night.

Before boarding, a ship photog snapped a shot of us with the ship behind us (available for purchase at night’s end. And yes they were worth taking home, we were led onboard to our window-side table.

Wanting to relish every minute, we headed up to the top deck with a first cocktail. The top deck has scattered conversation pits with those comfy outdoor couches. It was a bit chilly our night (hello, early summer 2023), but the heat lamps did the trick. And we needed not carry our drinks up; waiters approached regularly to keep us sipping.

The lower level dining area is centered with a dance floor and a house DJ. He kept up a background of perfect dining music as we ate.

I chose the charcuterie board first course, a delicious steak dinner and a decadent chocolate cake dessert. There was salmon, chicken and a vegetarian meal to choose from as well.

After dinner, the dance floor came alive, and it became clear who was celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and engagements.

We danced as we felt the mood, the sun setting on the harbor behind us.

But sunset also means back to the top deck where we watched the city shift from day to night.

I felt newly enamored with my beloved Boston. And with all the Seaport development, the skyline’s gotten a new look.

As we cruised along the harbor, past the harbor islands, the airport, the city front and more, I got a little verklempt.

“Oh wow,” I said, “Even the Tobin looks beautiful from this point of view!”

“Moira,” my husband laughed, “that may be an exaggeration.”

“Look at it!” I said, pointing at the lights of the bridge reflecting on the water.  “I rest my case. My city’s a beauty.”

As the night went on, everyone shifted from dance floor to outdoor views and back again; we took pictures of one another and airdropped them, stopped to hug the couple celebrating a big anniversary and basically, acting like one giant wedding party.

We pulled back into Rowe’s Wharf, up close with the city that had been sparkling in the distance all night. A Boston dinner cruise. Totally works for this local.

I sat on their porch scarfing down hot dogs and Fanta Oranges when I was a little girl and my mom was playing a couple of practice holes. One year my mother – whose name graces championship plaques there – endured my hack golf when she graciously hosted me as a partner in the mother/daughter. Generations of family members have been champions there. So, yes, my heart beats a little extra for the place.

Now, playing it as a true golfer, I know my love is not only well-placed, but enduring.

SCC (https://www.scituatecc.com), a private club that opens to the public each Monday and offers a wide variety of private membership options, is a marvel of a nine-holer, going up and down and up and down again on the steep ledge that leads up to Scituate’s Third Cliff.

You tee off from lofty heights looking out over bluffs. Osprey and sea spray scent pop up from time to time, and while you may have some slower play here and there on the busy public days, you won’t mind. The view itself eggs you on to stop and just savor it all. And it’s ever-changing: the tides roll in and out creating a new vista every hour, every day.

The par 35 (slope 121, rating 34.9) comes in at just over 3,000 yards from the blacks, and packs a lot of challenge into that yardage, no matter your tee box.

But let’s start with the history, because while it may feel personal to me, it’s not just mine. SCC sits on what was once the Welch family farm. Much of the current clubhouse was the family’s home there. In 1919, residents of Third Cliff, which lays out just above the club itself, purchased the land and built the golf club.

When World War II came, as was the case at many clubs (and particularly for women), SCC thrived. To this day, it remains busy, beloved and beautiful.

All that beauty is laced with challenge as well. Holes run up and down the hilly land, with some long, lush fairways demanding power drives and smart fairway play, and some surprisingly challenging par 3’s tucked in.

Their No. 2 par 3, where you tee off up high and hit to an elevated green, is considered one of the toughest par 3’s in the region. The reward is mighty though: Hit that green or eventually find your way to it and you feel on top of the world. Views all the way to the Spit and North River await.

The next hole sends you way down below for a long, straight fairway past the clubhouse and along the marshes of the North River.

Across the street some lovely condos tuck up alongside the holes but the foliage shields them; you feel totally in nature. Those holes require some deep thinking: lay-ups before marshy areas to hit over and another tricky par 3 mean you’ll use all those clubs in your bag.

It’s a walkable course, but carts are available and do be aware: the hills can be steep. Our day we played a combo, two of us in a cart and me on foot. We were able to stay together easily and savor the play, the view and the company as one.

Post-round, whether you choose to play 9 or loop back around for a total of 18, set aside time to grab lunch or a drink in their classic New England clubhouse. They still have hot dogs, but the tall glass Fanta Orange of my childhood is but a memory. I replaced it with iced tea. Perfect.

Years ago, when my now adult daughter was a little girl, we were driving up Old Driftway, the road that cuts through the middle of SCC, on our way to the post-funeral lunch at the home of my deceased grandfather, former Superintendent of Boston Schools William H. Ohrenberger, a Third Cliff resident and long, long, long-time member at SCC.

“Hey Mom,” she said from the back seat as we drove past that beautiful view on our way to his home. “Didn’t you say we are going to where Grandpa lives?” I affirmed. She smiled, eyes wide at the lush green fairways, white clubhouse and ocean views.

“Oh! So then: This is heaven!”

She wasn’t wrong.

Don’t worry, we found some great last-minute choices that are worth celebrating. Consider these.

Rooftop party where the July 4 stars stay: The Fairmont Copley Plaza (https://www.fairmont.com/copley-plaza-boston/) is the official hotel of Boston’s Fourth of July stars: The Boston Pops. Book a Gold room for the night of the 4th and you’ll also get star treatment.

The hotel will host a rooftop terrace party with those hors d’oeuvres Fairmont Gold is famous for, a signature welcome cocktail and honor bar, and a partial fireworks view from atop the 110-year old historic hotel.

The party runs from 8 to 11 p.m., which means you’ve plenty of time to meander over to the Esplanade or just walk around and take in the sights of the city.

Gold floor guests also get private check in, a dedicated concierge and access to their lounge where breakfast, snacks and evening appetizers are complimentary.

Should you be a night owl, you may even see some Pops relaxing post concert.

All American in America’s Home town: A huge parade first thing in the morning and a massive fireworks display after dusk bookends a full day of fun in Plymouth, the town where it all began.

Plymouth has long been a great spot for the Fourth. The annual parade steps off at 9 a.m.; you’ll want to get there early to grab a route-side spot. The parade starts at Cordage Park, just north of downtown and comes through the center of town and then down Water Street, past the Rock, Mayflower II and the beautiful harbor.

Once the parade wraps, you can dine in one of the many great downtown and waterfront spots, head to the Plimoth Patuxet living museum for some true American history, grab bites from the food trucks on site or even soak in the sun on the beach or harborside.

Parking can be a challenge as there are many road closures. Your best bet is to arrive early, park outside of downtown and take a little walk in. You can find parking details here: https://www.parkplymouth.com/parkplymouth-homepage.html.

At 7:30 p.m. the Plymouth Philharmonic begins their harborside concert, which goes until the sky lights up with fireworks around 9:30 p.m. Grab a lobster roll from a local spot like Bramhall’s Country Store and picnic harborside.

Pro tip: Do download the Ride Circuit app from See Plymouth (seeplymouth.com), for access to free electric vehicle rides to and from spots like the beaches, museums and shopping areas.

Old school small town big fun: If nostalgia is your aesthetic, or if you just want to dip your toes in a true American home town Fourth of July vibe, head to Sharon.

Sharon’s Fourth (https://sharonjuly4.org/index.html) gets ahead of the game by kicking into high gear on July 3.

It all starts of 4 p.m. on Beach Street where children are welcome to take part in a parade. Decorate a bike or wagon, dress up in your finest; whatever makes you happy and then march along as crowds cheer you on.

That wraps quickly (kids can only march for so long) and is followed by a family concert, which is free like the parade.

Through the afternoon and early evening there’s a food truck fair, games and activities, live music and train rides on the Roaming Railroad (https://www.roamingrailroad.com) a Sharon Fourth of July tradition.

At 8 p.m. you can enter or cheer on competitors in a pie eating contest. Winner takes home $50.

Then at 9:30 it all wraps up with fireworks. See that? You did it all and it’s not even July 4 yet.

The Cape’s only Nicklaus-designed course offers up 18 holes of pure golf challenge. Expect holes that make you think, rethink and sometimes hold your breath. That’s how Nicklaus designs; that’s how you expect to play on his courses.

But the Ocean Edge team makes sure it’s all balanced by comfort. From the service to the setting to the true country club feel, 18 holes at Ocean Edge may challenge your game skills, but it does it in a way that’s sublimely on point.

My husband and I headed down for an overnight golf escape early summer. Ocean Edge is a private club; only members and Ocean Edge Resort guests can play the course. That plays to its advantage.

As soon as we arrived, a staffer politely pulled my well-dressed husband aside and let him know that shirts must be tucked in while playing there. I’m all for the democratization of golf; sports almost always grow better by expanding their client base. But as someone who plays almost exclusively public, you see some … interesting attire out there. It was nice to realize right away this would be a semi-spiffy round.

We headed over well before our tee time. Shuttles run regularly from the Mansion area of the resort at the beach to the golf club and housing there, tucked a bit inland in Brewster; it’s also easy to take and park your own car. Your choice.

We were greeted by a starter who grabbed our clubs, cleaned them and set them up in our cart. He pointed us in the direction of the driving range where balls were at the ready, no need to purchase slot coins to get a bucket.

“Don’t worry about timing,” he told us. “It’s close, and if it gets near time I’ll come find you.” How kind.

Right away, we saw how challenging in a good way this course is.

But first: the conditions. Pristine, lush green, and somewhat forgivable surfaces, both on the fairway and on the greens help balance out the challenge.

And challenge there is.

Here’s a first tip for playing this course: print out their hole-by-hole descriptions and suggestions (you’ll find them here: https://www.oceanedge.com/golf/course-gallery-details). I made the mistake of planning to refer to it on my phone only to find out (and this is one of the few “could be betters” about the course) that their Wi-Fi is weak at best. When I mentioned it to the starter at the turn, he said “Oh, great input. I’m going to print some out and give them out.” (Good idea).

The course is a long one, with some bunkers, traps, elevated greens and dog legs that don’t give you many “dial it in” holes or even moments. Even their par threes, like hole three that I was approaching like it would be a snap only to find that the crosswind and layout meant more smart shot planning, make you work your muscles and your mind. I like that.

If you were going to pick a word of the day, it would be undulation. Greens and approaches flow up and down like the tides at the nearby beach. And rolling is a standard: the fairways have ups and downs that both make it challenging and – in the case of a few of my drives – give you bonus yards galore when you land in the right place.

It’s all beautiful. One of the hilliest courses on the Cape, its fairways are lined by tall, healthy trees, and while there’s no ocean view, at times you get that salt air scent.

A snack and beverage cart appeared so frequently, I felt like I was conjuring it. And when a foursome errantly jumped a hole in front of us (it happens everywhere), a course attendant appeared before we’d even thought of it much and straightened things out. It never slowed our play.

While we could have headed back to the beach section of the resort for our post round meal, we opted to sit outside at Linx Tavern, part of the club’s pristine and airy in a perfectly Cape Cod kind of way clubhouse.

I noshed on a beautiful meze plate (a healthy and unique choice for a golf club) and my husband scarfed down their Local Burger, giving it two thumbs up. From there, we watched as every kind of group teed off: a dad and his two young sons, four women clearly on a girls trip, a couple like us out to enjoy the day.

Ocean Edge Golf (https://www.oceanedge.com) is worth the overnight it requires. You’ll find stay and play packages and even if you don’t book one of those, they have great twilight fees. Besides, a second day gives you the chance to go at it all again. With the hole by hole tips in hand and the memory of the day before, the course plays even better.

Tucked away are the snow cats and snow fences, and the winter white coat is replaced with a blanket of green. What’s more: there’s a ton of great things to do.

You can find the perfect escape for whatever ambiance you’re looking for – even all of them at once. Consider these New Hampshire hills for some summer fun that may not involve the ocean, but is just as refreshing and beautiful.

Active: You want to run, jump, careen downhill and soar above it all? You’ve got choices. At Cranmore Mountain Resort (https://www.cranmore.com) in the heart of North Conway, you’ll find  all kinds of thrills like a seated zip line ride, mountain coaster, lift-serviced downhill mountain biking (lessons if you’re new), chairlift rides and more. Beginning June 30, they stay open until 8 p.m., meaning you can take in the alpenglow of a summer dusk.

A Cranmore bonus: It’s smack in the middle of North Conway, where you’ll find tons of dining, shopping and other fun things to do.

At Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford (https://www.gunstock.com), you can find feed your need for thrills on their amazing zip line tour that takes you from peak to peak; an exhilarating 1.6 miles of zipping that makes it one of the longest in America.

Then there is their Treetop Adventure that challenges you to get up high and play – literally – at the tree tops. There’s a mountain coaster too if all that’s not enough.

There are hiking trails and a cool Wetlands Boardwalk that serves as an accessible meander through nature with educational components.

Gunstock also boasts a lovely 250-site campground, tucked away in the trees at their base, where you can hunt, fish and more.

A Gunstock bonus: the incredible views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Presidential Mountain Range. If you’re more mellow, you can take a chairlift ride to take it all in as well.

Quiet: Bretton Woods Resort (https://www.brettonwoods.com) in northern New Hampshire offers breathtaking views of Mount Washington. And without a city or big town nearby, you’ll see the stars well at night and hear little if any traffic during the day). But they do add a little spice to their tranquil mix.

In the Canopy Tour, guests are guided through a network of platforms high up in the ancient hemlock trees connected by nine zip lines, two sky bridges and three rappels. You’ll feel the thrill of action while embracing the quiet of nature. It’s a perfect blend.

For a more mellow time, take their gondola up the mountain for views, hiking and even dining in a mountaintop setting.

They also offer guided mountain bike tours, golf, a spa and for the truly adventurous: rock climbing lessons.

Wildcat Mountain In Jackson offers a true chance to serenely savor the summer mountains: Their scenic chairlift rides take you up top for what may be the most dramatic views of Mount Washington out there. You can hike down or ride back down, and without the buzz of crowds of bikers or zip liners, you’ll have a truly peaceful experience. They’ll even supply you with maps to help you hike to waterfalls.

Quaint: Quaint may seem an odd word to use for a spot as dramatic and challenging for skiing as Cannon Mountain (https://www.cannonmt.com) but come summer, it’s the epitome of New Hampshire quaint.

You can ride their tram to the top for views of gorges, mountain ranges and lakes. You can hop out and hike, or hike from the base to special spots like Flume Gorge and Artisan’s Bluff. You’ll find lots of company (it’s a popular spot), with old school simple summer mountain fun. Pack a picnic.

A Cannon bonus: The New Hampshire Ski Museum – always worth a visit – sits at its base.

Little Black Mountain Ski Area (https://www.blackmt.com) in Jackson offers summer horseback riding. If you’re 10 and older you can ride up the ski area trails and back down. Younger kids ride ponies at the base. Add to it all by grabbing a picnic lunch to go at the J-Town Deli and go splash in Jackson Falls.

There are so many more choices in all those categories, and many that combine them all. Your best spot for a listing of what’s out there is www.skinh.com.