These two moms opened a spa. It had one big, beautiful effect on the
Mery and Sindy always knew they wanted to open a spa to bring beauty to customers. Little did they know it would have the same effect on the community. And Business First was there. We provided $23,000 in grants to help with much-needed renovations so Mery and Sindy could bring their vision to life.* Now, not only does their spa impact clients in a beautiful way, it gives the community an economic lift as well.
*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.
Mery Seminario and Sindy Catalan, ISSI Beauty Spa, Port Washington
July is the heart of summer - a time to celebrate freedom, family, and the simple joys of the season. From beach trips to backyard barbecues, vacations, and evenings under the stars, July is made for creating lasting memories. Inside this issue, you'll find inspiring seasonal editorials, delicious summer recipes, and more to help you make the most of the month. Interested in advertising? Seasons® Magazine is published monthly in both print and digital formats. Contact us today to learn more.
Great Summertime Leisure Activities
Awarmsummer breeze captures the spirit of a season many people associate with relaxation and renewal. With vacations, lighter schedules, and more free time, summer often provides opportunities to slow down and enjoy simple pleasures.
People looking to embrace the season can consider these leisurely activities:
• Relax by the water: Whether it's a pool, lake, or beach, spending time near the water is a classic way to unwind and enjoy a stress-free summer day.
• Paddleboarding: Though it requires some physical effort, paddleboarding is typically done on calm waters, making it a peaceful way to enjoy the outdoors.
• Fishing: Fishing offers a chance to relax in nature while enjoying the anticipation of a catch. Time spent outdoors can also help reduce stress.
• Read a book: Summer is the perfect time to catch up on reading. Whether on a beach, by a pool, or in a backyard hammock, a good book can provide hours of enjoyment and relaxation.
• Visit a museum: On especially hot or rainy days, museums offer a comfortable indoor escape. Summer is often a great time to visit and explore exhibits at a leisurely pace.
Summer is a season of leisure, and these simple activities can help people make the most of the long, warm days.
Affordable Summer Entertainment Options
Summer is full of opportunities to rest and unwind. It’s also a prime time for people to embark on vacations, road trips, or take in activities around their hometowns. According to InsureMyTrip, millennials prefer to travel the most during summer. July is repeatedly ranked highest, with Transportation Security Administration volume records indicating that various dates during July are particularly busy times for travel.
Summer is synonymous with school breaks and time off from work, and it makes sense that people will look to entertainment options to fill their time. But not everyone has the budget for lavish two-week vacations or bigticket excursions. Fortunately, having fun doesn’t have to involve going broke. The following are some low-cost options for active daily or overnight adventures when the mercury rises.
Local sports game
While the draw of a Major League Baseball stadium certainly has its merits, unless inexpensive tickets can be secured, more local options may be a more budget-
friendly fit. Minor league games can provide the thrill of watching sports without
the high price tag. Plus, they draw smaller crowds and are closer to home for most fans.
Fairs and carnivals
The average cost of a day at an amusement park can be eye-opening. BestLifeOnline. com says major park tickets for a family of four now range from $370 to more than $1,100, depending on the park’s luxury level. Smaller regional parks may have lower-priced tickets, but even then, costs can add up when considering food and drink, too. Church carnivals and local county fairs tend to be much more affordable and offer similar thrills and games.
Day
at the beach
Few things can be more relaxing and fun than spending time by the ocean. Families and friends can spice things up by picking different beach locales and packing the car to check them out. Create a list of possible beaches to visit on weekdays or weekends. Purchasing beach tags well before the start of the season can reduce the costs of beaches, as some charge around $10 to $12 per person for daily rates. But there also may be plenty of free or low-cost options.
Summer offers plenty of affordable activities and adventures close to home.
More Ways Enjoy Entertainment Close To Home
Whiletravel can be exciting, there are plenty of ways to enjoy recreation and entertainment without leaving town. Many local options are affordable, convenient, and perfect for spending quality time with family and friends.
Live music: Local restaurants, pubs, schools, festivals, and community venues often feature talented musicians and performers.
Theater productions: Community
theaters and colleges regularly stage plays and musicals, offering quality entertainment at affordable prices.
Dining out: Exploring local restaurants is a great way to enjoy different cuisines while supporting area businesses.
Farmers markets: These markets provide an opportunity to shop for fresh, local products while enjoying a relaxing outing.
Parks and recreation: Beaches, parks,
trails, lakes, and marinas offer countless ways to enjoy the outdoors and stay active.
Comedy shows: Local venues frequently host comedians, making for a fun and affordable night out.
From live performances to outdoor activities, there are many ways to enjoy entertainment close to home without the expense and planning that often come with travel.
Tips To Steer Clear Of Traffic On Your Next Summer Road Trip
Travelerstake to the roads in droves come summertime. When vacation season hits full swing, vacationers have long had a tendency to get behind the wheel and take to the open road. That tradition seems to be especially appealing to modern travelers.
The 2026 Trends Report from Hilton indicated that 71 percent of travelers surveyed intended to drive on their next vacation. Road trips are favored for a variety of reasons, including a sense of spontaneity that is not available when vacationers are traveling on airlines’ schedules.
With so many vacationers expecting to hit the open road this summer, it can benefit all drivers to embrace strategies designed to help motorists steer clear of traffic.
• Choose alternative routes when mapping trips on GPS. Modern drivers rely on mapping applications to get them to and from their destinations on long road trips, and some of those apps may allow drivers to choose alternative routes that are less busy. Many mapping apps default to the fastest route, but Apple Maps and Google Maps also offer options to avoid highways and tolls. Those alternative routes tend to be less heavily trafficked than the primary routes. Drivers can also look for specialized navigation apps like Calimoto. Calimoto is popular among motorcyclists who use it to find the most scenic and winding routes as opposed
to the fastest. Such roads tend to be less crowded, which can be ideal for vacationers who aren’t in a hurry but are hoping to avoid traffic.
• Wake up early. While it might not be for everyone, those who can rise early can beat many of their fellow travelers to the road. Peak congestion periods vary by region, but it’s generally best to avoid departing during times of day associated with morning and evening rush hour. That’s between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Roads tend to be considerably less congested between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., but drivers who intend to hit the road at this time must get sufficient sleep the night before departing and avoid driving drowsy.
• Depart a day early. If possible, drivers can plan to leave for vacation a day early. For example, leaving on a Thursday as opposed to a Friday can help drivers avoid weekend road trippers and others who are starting their own lengthier trips on Friday. It can also help to return home a day early or leave as little driving as possible for the final leg of the trip, particularly if it’s on a Sunday. Roads tend to be packed with returning vacationers and weekenders on summer Sundays, making those days a particularly busy time to travel.
• Dust off the map. When confronting a traffic jam,
many travelers will utilize the same mapping apps to find alternative routes. That means the traffic may just be shifting from one busy road to another road that may soon become just as crowded. Drivers are urged
to bring along a traditional map to find local roads that mapping apps are unlikely to recommend.
Roadways tend to be busy in the summer. But there’s much vacationers can do to avoid being stuck in heavy traffic.
Make The Most Of Summer Road Trips
Car guys and gals tend to be passionate about their vehicles and their love of the open road, and that might be one reason why the average summer vacation road trip is hundreds of miles. Though there's more to a driving vacation than a love of the open road, a recent survey from Road Runner Auto Transport found that 42 percent of respondents planned to drive between 200 and 499 miles for their summer vacations in 2025. An additional 26 percent intended to drive between 500 and 999 miles. The romanticization of the open road affects a significant percentage of road trippers, 14 percent of whom identified nostalgia for classic road trip memories as their motivation to take a driving vacation.
Outdoor Activities Ideal For Summertime
GeorgeGershwin’s song “Summertime,” from “Porgy and Bess,” offers: Summertime and the livin’ is easy Fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high Summer can be a magical season full of fresh air, warm days and nights, blooming flowers, and plenty of opportunities to spend time in the great outdoors. There are so many ways to fill summer days, and people are urged to maximize time spent outdoors during this time of year. Since the sun’s rays can be particularly harmful between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., protective clothing and sunscreen is
up the length and intensity of rides as experience is gained.
• Day at the beach: Some attest there is no more perfect place than the beach on a summer day. The waves lapping the sand, the birds calling in the air, and the sounds of children’s laughter and sunbathers’ chatter all combine to create a relaxing seaside symphony. According to WebMD, the negative ions given off by the ocean can improve mood and add to the calming effect the beach provides.
lucky to live near a coast can spend an afternoon or evening strolling the boardwalk, enjoying the various fare and fun activities offered. Many boardwalks have games of chance and small rides for kids. Adults may enjoy the restaurants, bars and shops. Of course, no trip to a boardwalk is complete without coming home with some saltwater taffy.
recommended during this time; otherwise, people can engage in outdoor activities during times when the sun is less potent.
Those seeking some summertime recreation inspiration can consider these activities.
• Family bike ride: Explore trails or bike paths in the area in advance, and then prepare bikes for an excursion. Bicycle riding is a great cardiovascular activity that people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy. Try flat paths for beginners, and then build
• Backyard obstacle course: Construct an obstacle course in the backyard that everyone can try. It can include having to jump through tires; climb a jungle gym; run through a sprinkler; and crawl under a low-hung clothesline. Family members can compete to see who can finish the course in the least amount of time.
• Walk a boardwalk: Those
• Hike: In a survey of Americans 18 and older conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association, nearly 50 percent said going for a walk or hike was their favorite outdoor summer activity. Hiking requires very little to get started and can produce numerous opportunities to witness nature and get some exercise.
There’s no limit to the ways people can enjoy the great outdoors when the weather warms up.
Outdoor Furniture Buyers’ Guide
Outdoor
living is growing by leaps and bounds. According to The Spruce, 62 percent of homeowners planned to invest in their outdoor spaces in 2024, believing these areas would enhance their happiness. However, not everyone is using their outdoor living areas to their potential.
A recent survey by the International Casual Furnishings Association indicated that only 18 percent of consumers were using their outdoor living spaces as much as they desired. Ninety-four percent mentioned they would spend more time outdoors after updating their spaces. Common upgrades included lighting, decorative elements and, of course, furniture — with lounge chairs and chaises topping homeowners’ desires. When seeking out new outdoor furniture, shoppers should keep the following buying guidelines in mind.
• Determine the size of your space Before buying anything, it’s essential to measure the space. This will give you an idea of how much area you have to fill. A big furniture set can overrun a small living area. Conversely, having too little furniture or items that are diminutive in nature can be swallowed up by a large space.
• Consider the surface material You’ll need to adjust your purchases according to what is underfoot. Furniture stability and weathering can be affected if there is grass underneath. A more stable surface like
concrete or pavers should be beneath furnishings.
• Think about the climate Certain materials will hold up better in different weather conditions. In hot and dry climates, you want heat-resistant materials like synthetic wicker or aluminum. If it’s rainy and humid, teak, synthetic resin, powder-coated steel, and eucalyptus are good options. If the furniture will remain out in cold or snowy conditions, teak and treated metals offer superior endurance.
• Establish your budget Shop around to determine prices and then set your budget accordingly. Mix high and low priced items to balance budgets. For example, you can splurge on a durable teak table and pair it with synthetic wicker chairs, which are a mid-range seating option.
• Select durable fabrics No matter the climate, choosing weather-resistant fabrics with UV protection will alleviate fading and degradation from the sun.
furniture and then plan accordingly for storage. Invest in covers for rainy and wintry seasons. Otherwise, select modular furniture that can be moved indoors to sheds or garages.
Furniture that features removable and washable covers also offers convenience when it comes time to clean.
• Invest in storage Consider the shape and size of the
• Add creature comforts Incorporate outdoor rugs and decorative lighting to make the spaces seem cozy. Side tables offer places to keep drinks or set a book down. Also, don’t overlook the extra comfort that privacy screens and throw pillows can bring to outdoor living spaces.
The right outdoor furniture can set a scene for beautiful, comfortable and wellconsidered outdoor enjoyment.
Patios Lead The Way In Outdoor Living
Patios continue to be more popular than decks. According to a tabulation of data from HUD/Census Bureau Survey of Construction from the National Association of Home Builders, the share of new homes with patios is on the rise while the share with decks remains low. The NAHB tabulation found that the percentage of new homes with decks was 17.6 percent, while the percentage of new homes with patios reached a record high of 63.7 percent. Though some homes feature both a deck and patio, the NAHB notes that’s the case in just 6 percent of properties. However, decks have remained a go-to choice in certain regions of the United States. For example, the NAHB reports that 76 percent of new homes in New England featured decks while just 17 percent featured patios. Decks (42 percent) also proved more popular than patios (20 percent) in the mid-Atlantic region.
Fresh Ingredients Are Perfect For Summertime
Fresh ingredients can be components of a flavorful meal. Come the warmer weather, fresh ingredients also can help people avoid feeling sluggish after eating. This summer, fresh ingredients like avocado and tomatoes can be just what people need when looking for a delicious meal that won’t adversely affect their energy levels. The following recipe for “Bruschetta Topped With Avocado and Tomatoes” from Lines+Angles employs both foods and can make a great addition to any summertime dinner table.
Directions:
1. Combine the cubed avocado with the tomato, shallot, mozzarella, balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, and plenty of seasoning in a mixing bowl.
2. Stir and toss to combine, adding more vinegar and extravirgin olive oil as needed. Set aside until needed.
3. Preheat the broiler to hot. Lightly brush the baguette slices with olive oil before toasting under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown.
4. Remove bread slices and leave to cool briefly. Carefully spoon the avocado bruschetta mix on top and serve with a garnish of sliced basil on top.
Bruschetta
Topped
With Avocado And Tomatoes
Makes 4 to 6 servings
2 large Hass avocados, ripe, pitted, peeled, and cubed
4 vine tomatoes, cored, seeded, and diced
1 shallot, finely chopped
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, drained and diced
2 to 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing
1 large baguette, cut into 1-inch thick slices
1 small bunch basil, leaves only, finely sliced
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Organic Fruits And Vegetables
Consumers familiar with the disparity in price between organic fruits and vegetables and conventional alternatives may be curious if that difference in price pays off with healthier foods. According to a 2014 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, it does. Researchers behind the study concluded that the antioxidant compounds in organic fruits and vegetables deliver between 20 and 40 percent higher antioxidant activity. That's a significant benefit, as the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables and legumes are associated with a lower risk of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and deaths from all causes. In addition, the Mayo Clinic notes that organically grown produce has traditionally had lower levels of pesticide residue than conventionally grown alternatives, though safety measures governing conventional produce and residue levels have changed in recent years and reduced that gap.
