Pa' la playa!!

A happy pre-summer day to all! The beautiful weather has got this sun lover wondering what sorts of beaches will come this year. I, for one, plan to soak up the 88 degree sun tomorrow on the shore. "Shore enough" this topic always brings up debate over where the best beach is in New England... here's my top five, and reasons why-- however, this is a marketplace of ideas, not a dictatorship-- so please sound off on your favorite beaches and why. The most popular beaches will be visited and included in my beach review series coming this summer. So crack open a cold one, grab your favorite book or beach toys and get out the cocoa butter-- it's about to get sunny in here.

GR's top 5 beaches in New England:

#5 - Hampton Beach, Hampton, NH
I'm going to pre-empt you all by saying that yes, I am fully aware of the fact that Hampton is not known for its class or its cleanliness (although the filth prize goes to its southern neighbor, Salisbury). Hampton's not about that. Hampton beach is where you go with friends to get a good summer buzz on, blast the tunes on your 90's boom box, and go mullet watching [believe me, there are some life-altering mullets to be seen here]. I love to get a caravan of friends and a cooler full of good times and spend a couple days at Hampton... if you come home without a crooked freehand tattoo or an STD of your choosing, it was a successful trip.

#4 - Misquamicut Beach, Westerly, RI
Misquamicut is known for its gnarly traffic jams and pricey parking come summertime-- however, it's for good reason. Rhode Island beaches have beautiful sand and much warmer water than anywhere else in New England. The waves are usually mild enough to take a dip, and there is fantastic seafood all around-- grab a lobster roll @ Seafood Haven, no mayo. Grilled lobster on a buttered roll with a cold Corona = happy times.

#3 - Marconi Beach, Wellfleet, MA
For ocean purists who want to see pristine wetlands, gorgeous clean (and freezing cold) water, and the smell of flowers will love this gem on the outskirts of the Cape. It's a haul, and there's nothing to do there-- but for a romantic weekend away, this is the place.

#2 - Scarborough State Beach, Scarborough, RI
Scarborough can be just as busy as Misquamicut in the summer, but is a little bit closer to home for me. The water's warmer than Misquamicut, and is more family-friendly than Misquamicut on weekends. A better alternative, especially when stuck in traffic on a 100 degree summer day and you see that exit.

#1 - Horseneck State Beach, Westport, MA
Off the beaten path (it takes 10 miles once you get off the highway on a narrow 2-lane rt. 88 to get there), gorgeous sand and bird refuges... let us not forget the wonderful surf and harbor behind it. Horseneck is my #1 go-to beach for a day of chilling out and catching rays. Even in the off season, it maintains its beauty. I'm always a fan of state parks because they are better maintained and generally cleaner than other beaches. Horseneck is a place only second to Hampton for seeing someone I know (because we all are in on the secret about this place). The crowds are never unbearable, and the parking is a reasonable price in-season. If you're in Boston or Worcester, it's a quick hour-and-some-change shot down south. The south coast of Massachusetts will not let you down.

With that, please share your favorite beaches-- and if you see the Passion to Burn crew there this summer, let them know you posted and you'll get a free PTB t-shirt!

Keep the sand between your toes... - GR

Puns of the day:

I have been to Hawaii, the dirty old man said.
"Which island?" the lady replied.
"ComeonIwannaLayYa"

What do fish sing when they play baseball in the ocean?
"Cod Bless America"


Also... to keep with the nautical theme... my new favorite SNL short !