There’s nothing quite like a summer day on the water, especially when Essex, MA decides to turn up the charm. July 2019 saw me setting sail (okay, more like casually motoring) through the salty waters of this coastal gem. The sun was high, the breeze was just right, and the only real agenda was to soak up as much of it as possible. Sand found its way into every crevice of my belongings, but that’s the price you pay for adventure, right?

Of course, no proper boat trip is complete without refreshments, and what better fuel for a seafaring soul than an ice-cold Margarita? With a perfect balance of lime, tequila, and questionable decision-making, it became clear that the best way to navigate the waters of Essex was with a drink in one hand and a salty breeze in the other. Somewhere between sips and steering, I may have slightly overestimated my boating prowess—but hey, what’s a trip without a few “learning moments”?

As the sun began to dip, there was only one logical move left: an evening stop at Shea’s Riverside Restaurant & Bar. Nothing beats the combination of waterfront views, good company, and a cocktail menu that demands attention. Sitting by the water, sipping something strong, and watching the last golden rays dance on the river, it was the kind of summer night you wish you could bottle up and take home.