By Paris Wolfe
From June through September — with bonus days on either end — Northeast Ohio has the best summers. We picnic and play on miles of Lake Erie beaches and Metroparks trails.
No matter where we go, we take stuff with us: towels, sunscreen, books, food, chairs and more. Whatever you plan to do this summer, we’ve come up with a list of handy take-along gear, some from small local retailers, others purchased online.
Pack a bag. It’s go time!
TOTES
Stash your beach blanket, water bottle, sunscreen and sunglasses in a large, sassy canvas tote from Sophia Boutique, 7578 Fredle Dr., Concord.
BLANKETS & TOWELS
Show your North Coast allegiance with a Great Lakes quilted throw (or towel) from Spartina 449. The all-cotton blanket is perfect for picnics, the front porch swing or evenings on the boat. Or wrap up in your terry towel after a dip in the pool or lake. Spartina449.com
BOOKS
Get lost in compelling new beach fiction from Fireside Books, 29 N. Franklin St., Chagrin Falls.
- It All Comes Down to This by Therese Ann Fowler
- The Home Wreckers by Mary Kay Andrews
- One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
- Summer on the Island by Brenda Novak
- The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand
- Mergers and Acquisitions by Cate Doty
BEACH/CONCERT CHAIRS
Grab a low-profile SUNFLOW Beach Chair and get comfy in the sand or on the lawn. This fashionable and functional chair offers optional sunshade, cup holder and safe spot to stash your stuff. Removable backpack straps make the chair easy to carry. Getsunflow.com
PICNIC BASKETS
Pack a picnic in Natural Life’s lightweight, insulated Picnic Basket Table. Tall enough to hold a wine bottle, it’s just too cute. Flip the lid and it doubles as a table and/or cheese board. Find it at naturallife.com/products/picnic-basket-table
DISHES
Skip the paper plates in favor of sturdy, environment-friendly melamine dishes for your next outdoor dinner. They’re fashionable, packable, unbreakable and lightweight. You’ll find several patterns at Mulholland and Sachs at Eton, 28699 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere.
