ome day trips feel like a quick escape. Others feel like you accidentally stepped into a different rhythm of life before lunch. That was the biggest surprise when I compared my trip to Block Island this summer with my Fire Island day trip last summer. Both are beachy, ferry-forward, and perfect when you want salt air without committing to a full holiday. But they are not the same kind of getaway.

Some summer meals stay with you because the food is good. Others stay with you because everything lands at once: the sound of a warm welcome and more friends arriving, the first cold glass of Prosecco, the smell of lemon and seafood, and that easy moment when everyone finally slips into the pool. This was that kind of Pool Party!

Although I was tempted to try one of their winery flights, I opted for their 2024 white Merlot, appreciating its delicate aroma of white peach and subtle hint of citrus zest. This was followed by a glass of the delightful 2021 Mercato, an herbaceous red fruit table wine that truly hit the spot!