Vacationing with the cousins

And other things to do to keep the summer vibe going

I’m Kermit. I’m always Kermit.

I just got back from a weekend at Lake Erie with my siblings and cousins. We’ve been doing a version of this trip for several years, and we often hear from friends who think it would be nice if their family did something similar.

Here’s what we’ve learned over the years:

1)      We go to a town (Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio) with a range of price points for places to stay. There isn’t a luxury resort in the area, but there is a nice hotel for anyone who wants a king-sized bed and daily maid service. There are campgrounds if anyone wants to pull up a trailer or pitch a tent, and tons of cottages, motels, and full-size houses in between. This reduces the financial commitment.

2)      Each family group takes care of their own accommodation. That way, no one gets stuck with the bill when someone backs out, and no one fights over who should pay what or get which bedrooms because their kid brought six friends.

3)      Some people cook and eat most meals at their cottage. Some people eat out three times a day. Usually, at least one family has a place with a yard and fire pit, so we will organize a group dinner. Those who cook can bring a homemade lasagna; those who can’t pick up a pizza or s’mores supplies.

4)      Look for a place with a lot of things to do. Geneva-on-the-Lake has a state park beach, a municipal golf course, and arcades. Nearby Ashtabula has historic sites. Cleveland is about 45 minutes away for anyone who wants to see the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It’s not quite something for everyone, but there are options.

5)      And we don’t always do things together! On Saturday, for example, a few people went to a local winery, two people went on a bike ride, several people went to the beach, and I sat inside and chilled with a good book.

6)      It helps if the kids can be free range. A big part of the charm of this trip is that the pack of cub cousins can be set loose to hit arcades, mini golf, and ice cream shops without the adults—as long as they stick together.

7)      We set the date for the next year at the end of each trip, considering things like graduations and weddings and other events. The organized people can book their place right away, and the more relaxed folks can wait until the week before, and no one gets stressed because everyone books their own place on their own schedule (see above). There’s a group chat for logistics, if anyone wants to discuss them.

Other things to note:

Things to Try

• Near beer: If you’re considering drinking less for whatever reason, check out Athletic Brewing and its non-alcoholic beers. Its NA Lite lets me feel like I’m having a drink at the end of the workday, for only 25 calories, while maintaining enough energy for whatever meetings I have or books I want to read. (Athletic Brewing)

• Octordle: If Wordle has gotten too easy for you, check out this version: eight words. Yikes! (Britannica.com)

Things to Buy

• Books: I love good bookstores, and I am surprised that I just found this directory of independent bookstores (new and used) throughout the US. Use it when you’re planning your next trip. (IndieBound)

Things to Hear

• Paul’s Boutique: My baby brother died earlier this month after a bout with brain cancer. We made a playlist of his favorites. Also: fuck cancer. (Spotify)

Have any great suggestions for keeping summer going? Let us know!