Make this the summer you try all the things you"ve always wanted to try! Find out how to: * paddle a canoe; shuck an oyster; track the tides; do a flip turn * play badminton, bocce, and horseshoes * turn seashells into wind chimes; tid-dye T-shirts * prepare summer staples such as the sea breeze, barbecued spareribs, and lobster rolls * build a campfire; grill your just caught trout; toast s"mores * spruce up your summer rental; banish mildew; get the upper hand on berry stains * read the night sky; identify animal tracks, leaves, and clouds * handle the flag with respect and remember all the words to the national anthem * get back to flying a kite and using a hula hoop * play card games, word games, lawn games, and pool games * host an instant party with 20 effortless appetizers * become the most sought-after house guest or host * make bird feeders; grow sunflowers; lure butterflies to your garden * keep the kids occupied with fun activities for car trips and rainy days * organize a clambake or a picnic; hang a tire swing; pack for a hike * contruct towering sand castles; master the art of knots. Hundreds of entries, glorious color photographs, and illustrations take you there and show you how. Whether you"re in a cabin in the mountains, in a rental at the beach, at a weekend house in the country, or taking it easy in town or in your own backyard, Summer: A User"s Guide is the summer necessity—packed with practical guidance, inspiring suggestions, useful resources, engaging history, nostalgic reminiscences, and the promise of a dream summer to come.