Beachgoers frolicked in the waves at Nantasket Beach in Hull in July. (Tom Herde for The Boston Globe) Beachgoers frolicked in the waves at Nantasket Beach in Hull in July.
Part 1: A taste of heaven
Bliss arrives in icy, creamy scoops

Bliss arrives in icy, creamy scoops

Forget Memorial Day, shorts weather, or the end of school. Summer starts in New England when the ice cream stands open. The Quattrini family of Merrimac enjoyed their treats from Hodgie's Ice Cream in Amesbury.
(By Tania deLuzuriaga, Globe Staff)
Part 2: Soundtrack of the season
'Swing and a high fly ball'

'Swing and a high fly ball'

Red Sox games on the radio fan waves of joy across New England. Stephen Tilton (left) of Medford kept the Sox at Revere Beach. (Andrew Ryan, Globe Staff)  Video Field of dreams
Part 3: Beating the heat
Hearts warm for cold feet at area beaches

Hearts warm for cold feet at area beaches

New Englanders take special pride that we can withstand chilly water temperatures. (Emily Sweeney, Globe Staff)
Photos Taking a chilly plunge at Boston beaches
Part 4: Shakespeare alfresco
As they like it

As they like it

The Commonwealth Shakespeare Company returned this summer with "As You Like It." Actors Larry Coen (left) and Kelby Akin shared a laugh. (By Keith O'Brien, Globe Staff)
Part 5: Hot days, sizzling nights
Fired up in New Bedford

Fired up in New Bedford

Backyard barbecue can't hold a flame to the weekend-long Feast of the Blessed Sacrament festival. Susan Amaral (left) of New Bedford sipped sangria opening night Thursday.
(By Eric Moskowitz, Globe Staff)
Part 6: Reliving a youthful chapter
Memory doesn't lie about the hotel work she loathed

Memory doesn't lie about
the hotel work she loathed

Twenty years later, revisiting a housekeeping job on Cape Cod is a reminder of the work's monotony.
(By Megan Woolhouse, Globe Staff)
Part 7: Silver screen in the moonlight
Catching flicks in the outdoors

Catching flicks in the outdoors

Drive-in theaters can stir up childhood memories or create a new experience. Eddie Hunt, left, of Braintree watched "Tropic Thunder" from the roof of a car at the Rustic Tri-View Drive-in theater in North Smithfield, R.I.
(By Jonathan Saltzman, Globe Staff)
Part 8: A fish tale
Perfection on a roll

Perfection on a roll

Fried scallops on Cape Cod are summer personified. Left: Zach Vitas and Katie James, both of Charlestown, make a toast before chugging an oyster shot at the Beachcomber in Wellfleet. (By Scott Helman, Globe Staff)
Part 9: Trips with children
Vacation is better if parents outnumber offspring

Vacation is better if parents outnumber offspring

Sometimes, it takes a village to have a family vacation. Backup is crucial for parents of young children. Amanda Borges (left), 12, and brother Noah, 10, squabble less when the family shares a Maine vacation with friends the Rochas (behind), said their father, Carlos. (By Erica Noonan, Globe Staff)

Travel resources

35 summer things to do
Escapes for every budget
Escapes for every budget
Your perfect beach
25 spots just right for you
25 spots just right for you
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