Summer fun: popsicle, flip-flops and beach ball (left to right) (Courtesy photos)

The lazy, hazy, hot and sweaty days of summer in Baltimore are approaching and we want you to make the most of them. Whether you plan to “staycation,” road trip or fly the friendly skies, we have some trippy itineraries. If you plan to lounge poolside or hit the beach, we’ve got a bag full of juicy reading suggestions. Practicing safe sunning or getting all dolled up for an encounter al fresco? No worries, we’ve got you covered with beauty and wellness tips. And, of course, there are tons of summer recipe suggestions — for grilling, lounging, partying and sipping. Check out Jmore’s Summer 2019 Guide and let the sunshine in.

Various heirloom tomatoes
Various heirloom tomatoes (Photo courtesy Heather Dunhill, Flickr Creative Commons)

Food:

Summer Recipes — Whether you’re spending a day at the pool, going on a hike or just having a casual backyard gathering, these summer recipes are the perfect accompaniment.

Light and Luscious Summer Recipes — These simple-to-prepare recipes from The Classic Catering People are the perfect antidotes to warm weather appetites.

Tomatoes: A Primer —  One of summer’s simplest and sweetest pleasures? The taste of ripe tomatoes eaten straight from the vine.

Impossible Burger: Meating High Standards — Your family barbecue will never be the same.

San Miguel de Allende, Fallingwater and The Cotswolds (left to right) (File photos)

Travel:

The Travel Issue: Tales from Near and Far — The following are but a few meditations, memories and musings on travel, exploration and, most of all, adventure!

How to Do Nothing at Chincoteague — Here’s the most incredible thing that happened during one of our family summer vacation weeks spent on Chincoteague Island, Va.

Cousins in the Catskills — A reminiscence of spending time in the old Borscht Belt.

Bar Mitzvah in the Berkshires — Greetings from camp at Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center, home of Hazon, in Falls Village, Conn., in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains.

Capitalizing on D.C. — Sightseeing in D.C. is far more than White House tours and visits to the Smithsonian.

Havre de Grace Oozes with Charm, Scenery and History — Looking for a quick, nearby getaway? Havre de Grace oozes with charm, scenery and history, all with a picturesque Main Street brimming with trendy restaurants and stores.

The Mysteries of Pittsburgh — There’s a lot to do in Pittsburgh — from the Andy Warhol Museum to the Carnegie Science Center to the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

The Philadelphia Story — Whether you’re looking to visit a museum, eat some traditional deli food, sample world-class Israeli cuisine or check out a famous shul, there’s always something Jewish to do in Philly.

Asheville’s Allure Abounds and Dazzles Year-Round — Summer festivals, fall foliage, winter sports, springtime flowers — choose a season to spend in this lovely western North Carolina city and you just can’t go wrong.

How to Do Portland (Maine) in 4 Days and 7 Easy Steps (Alone) — Here are one solo traveler’s suggestions for how to spend a long weekend in the seaside town.

Saying Cheers to Boston! — A visit to the Massachusetts capital promises to be a wonderful travel through time.

Pristine Beaches, Walkabouts and Charm Await on Nantucket — Where can you go where you’ll find nary a traffic light, fast-food restaurant chain or neon sign? Where can you walk centuries-old cobblestone streets, enjoy a clambake on pristine beaches or set sail from a picturesque harbor lined with gray-shingled shops and restaurants?

Dazzling Delights and New England Grace in Martha’s Vineyard — Seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod in the Commonwealth (not state!) of Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard takes a bit longer to reach than going “downy” ocean, but it’s not a bad trip at all.

Find yourself…in the Poconos — Picture Kellerman’s Resort from “Dirty Dancing” combined with such sleepaway camp staples as bonfires, Bananagrams marathons, movie nights and communal dining.

Northern Excursion to the Canadian Maritimes — Here are some highlights from some of the most astounding topography on Earth.

Standin’ on a Corner in Winslow, Arizona — In my limited world view, Winslow was best known as the town immortalized by the Eagles in their 1972 breakout hit, “Take It Easy,” written by Jackson Browne and the late Glenn Frey.

Costa Rica’s Charms — Pura Vida. In Costa Rica, these words express the philosophy of life that embodies the natural beauty of this majestic country and its people. Enjoy life, live life to the fullest, be grateful for all living things.

‘Staycation’ Possibilities In and Around Charm City — Everyone — even those pesky tourists to Baltimore — knows about Harborplace, the National Aquarium and Fells Point. But what about some of the lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path places in and around Bmore?

Campfire
Roasting marshmallows at the campfire. (Photo courtesy Flickr)

Pop Culture:

What We’re Reading in the Summer of ‘19 — We’re avid readers here at Jmore and we really seem to take our book selections to the next level when it comes to summer reading. This year, staff members dove into a wide range of literary genres — autobiographies, historical fiction, mysteries and romance are all well-represented.

Postcards from Camp — Campers from Camp Airy and Camp Louise submit dispatches of their sleepaway adventures.

7 Works of Fiction Set at Jewish Sleepaway Camp — A summer away at camp provides escape, romance, nature, slapstick, self-realization and a varied cast of characters thrown together in a hothouse atmosphere — all grist for a fiction writer.

There’s a Podcast About Jewish Summer Camp — “Campfires and Color Wars” covers anything from camp food to the lake to awkward sexual encounters.

10 Jew-ish Podcasts You Should be Listening to — Looking for a comedy podcast that uses a uniquely analytical Jewish sense of humor? We’ve got you. How about programs that break down Jewish culture in modern American society? They’re here, too.

Bunkmates for Life — Dani Moss and Amanda Stevens met in 1999 at Camp Saginaw, an overnight summer camp in Oxford, Pa., a little more than an hour from Baltimore. Dani was 13 and Amanda was 12, and the two were assigned to different bunks.

Ralphie’s Summer VacationJmore contributor Rafael Alvarez spends a Shabbos in Memphis.

Merriweather Memories — Each summer, generations of music lovers – from both Maryland and D.C. – come to Merriweather Post Pavilion to enjoy some great music and have a night to always remember.

Book Smarts — Emma Snyder, owner of The Ivy Bookshop, offers recommendations for must-read titles for adults and children.

Jmore’s Top Event Picks for July 2019 — Here are some of our top picks for enjoying those carefree sunny days and getting deep in the summertime mood.

Manicure
Try a red, white and blue mani this July 4.

Beauty and Fashion:

Beauty Beat: American Beauty — These bold, bright yet unquestionably wearable looks from Jmore beauty expert Ariel Lewis are guaranteed to create some fireworks. 

Beauty Beat: Summer Lovin’ — Jmore beauty expert Ariel Lewis has the specs on the products, shades and styles you need to look gorgeous for the balmy days, sultry nights and luxurious long weekends ahead. 

Beauty Beat: Facing the August Heat — Baltimore is infamous for its exceptionally humid summers. But muggy August days don’t mean you can’t keep your face looking fresh and your style sleek.

Sunscreen
Sunscreen (Photo courtesy Shutterstock)

Tips and Advice:

The Neurotic Jewish Mom’s Guide to Summer — Summer is known for being a lazy, carefree time — but for anxious moms like me, summer can be seriously scary. There’s a host of hidden dangers to worry about, from sunburn to tick bites to water accidents.

Quick 5: Sunscreen Savvy with Dr. Rebecca M. Dodson — Should we stop using sunscreen?

Health Tips for a Super Summer — How can you make the most of summer and ensure you feel good enough to enjoy it? Here are some things to do this summer in Baltimore — and a list of ways to take care of yourself and be able to enjoy the season.

Garden Variety: Bay-Wise & Bountiful — Gardeners can help protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay watershed region while also creating beautiful rain gardens.

Summer Lovin’ Your Garden — Now that the dog days of summer are upon us, keep your garden looking beautiful with a little bit of tender loving care. During July and August, the key to a thriving, sustainable garden is maintenance.

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