A Summer To Remember
With Labor Day weekend here and the first hint of fall in the air, I find myself thinking not only about how quickly this season has gone by—but what a special one it has been. Summer is about reconnecting with the outdoors and taking time to recharge. I’ve been fortunate to do plenty of both.
Nothing is more quintessentially summer than feeling sand between your toes. I enjoyed that heavenly sensation several times. First, during July 4th fireworks with family on beautiful Wells Beach in Maine. Then, a picture perfect sunset stroll at Point No Point in Washington State with my sweet Benji and friends Lisa and Deane.
And most recently, during my first-ever visit to New York’s Fire Island. On a bright, breezy afternoon, my beloved cousin Carla and I took the ferry out to this popular hamlet, indulging in lobster rolls at Maguire’s overlooking the water, ice cream at Scoops and a walk along Ocean Beach. 
Summer days don’t get any better.
Speaking of perfection, my five days in Colorado visiting dear friend Lisa B. was exactly that. In addition to quality time spent catching up, indulging in delicious meals and being couch potatoes, we took in her home state’s majestic beauty. From an old-fashioned train ride through the mountains to evening walks with Benji under a sky full of stars, it was everything vacation should be…except too short!
Here at home, I savored how my city comes alive when the temperatures rise. I partook in street fairs, dining al fresco at neighborhood favorites (thank you, Beach Café and Five Napkin Burger) and for the first time in years, the US Open and one of NYC’s most popular annual traditions, Shakespeare In The Park. The musical production of the Bard’s comedy Twelfth Night was witty, charming and colorful. Mother Nature clearly agreed, as the forecasted rain didn’t begin until the talented cast had taken their final bow.
I think she may also be a fan of Perrine at The Pierre’s Summer of Rosé series. For Smash Bash, our final outdoor event of the season, the weather held out as we celebrated tennis with food, wine, music and 2017 Wimbledon Champion Garbiñe Muguruza.
Three hours later, at exactly our scheduled end time, the heavens started to open up. Everyone took cover under the hotel awning and immediately started dancing up a storm (so to speak). DJ Neil Nice capped off the night with a medley of Empire State of Mind and New York, New York, the latter sparking an impromptu chorus line. As I kicked up my heels, it hit me that Sinatra’s ode to the Big Apple is again finally what it is supposed to be.
For too many years, I dreaded hearing the timeless song — because it was my late mother’s favorite and a painful reminder of her loss. But on this #PerfectlyPierre night at my dream job, surrounded by friends and colleagues I love, the timeless tune made me smile. It once again became an affirmation of my good fortune to live in the world’s greatest city–a place that I will forever adore and be so proud to call my hometown.
