This was the best way to celebrate the seasonal re-opening of our favorite local dinner restaurant, Chilmark Tavern. They now have outdoor seating but we knew it would a busy night and opted to take our “takeout” to the beach where the children could run around, wild and free. The restaurant is on the way a fabulous sunset spot. We packed up the car with everything we need, bathed and brought pajamas for the baby. We picked up salad, french fries, muscles and had ice cream and rosé on ice. It’s still relatively early in the season for nights outside and so we had the place all to ourselves — the perfect family evening.

After spending MANY summer nights cooking on the beach last year, we have a running list of “must haves” which I would love to share with you for your evening adventures. There are the basics: water, paper towels, a trash bag, a lighter, a flashlight, something to sit on and a little folding table and then there are the fun things to layer on: like fabulous pillows, tiki torches, tablecloths, etc.