What did you do this summer?

Remember when you had to write your obligatory essay on your summer vacation upon returning to school for the first week of classes? Well, we are not about to ask you to submit a 2-page, front and back, on college-ruled paper essay, but we would love to hear about your summer travels!

Whether you're a leisure or business traveler, there's something bittersweet about the end of the summer travel season being on the not-t0-distant horizon. You realize that now that the kids are back in school, the weather's cooling down, and we're starting the countdown to how many shopping days we have until Christmas; that the carefree days at in the surf at the beach or on that steep hiking trail in the Appalachians are drawing to a close for this year. Did you find a new place to travel to this year that has a special place in your heart? If so, where was it and what was it about that particular destination that has your mind lingering there?

With summer travel comes congestion; on the roadways, at airports, even at your favorite tourist attractions. Did you discover or create helpful hints to avoid traffic jams, make the delays fly by, or dodge the sweaty crowds at the amusement parks and concerts?

Or, maybe you didn't travel far this year. Perhaps you stayed home and enjoyed local amusements and venues. We're sure many of you have found what you consider to be the best-kept secret of your community! What was it? How and where do others in your locale find it?

All-in-all, while summer has a little less than two weeks before we bid her adieu, we can certainly take pause and remember fondly the fun, new travel memories we collected this summer!