Catherine on family beach vacations, 2026 edition – FIT IS A FEMINIST ISSUE

It’s not easy to find a few days in which four twenty-somethings, a hard-working public health epidemiology nurse, and a college professor/aunt/sister living 1000 miles away can all get together for some beachy relaxation, meals and general watery merriment.

But, we all managed to make the time. My sister, her kids and selected others (friends, sweeties, etc.) have been gathering on the South Carolina coast since her kids were born. In fact, my sister and I enjoyed the same summer ritual with our family from the time we were born.

These vacations for me mean mellow family activity– swimming, walking, cycling (although the weather didn’t cooperate this trip), and occasionally kayaking. Also game playing, movie watching, and good meals, snacks, beverages and treats. Hanging out at the beach with people I love is my favorite thing of all, and I am the most relaxed and well-rested for the year.

So, what did we do this year? TLDR: swim (beach and pool), eat yummy coastal meals, stroll on beachs and by marshes, and sample soft serve ice cream, and play arcade games (yes, they still have skeeball and space invaders). Need proof? No problem.

We listened to a Stevie-Nicks-Janis-Joplin homage singer at this marsh-front bar.

We had dinner at a place called The Claw House, then strolled along the boardwalk. This party boat was coming back from a loud and possible queasiness-inducing voyage. You can see some people were very eager to disembark.

Honestly, I would have much preferred to have a party on this boat, which was also resting by the time we strolled by.

These guys were playing 90s rock to a partly appreciative audience. I was among those appreciating it.

One evening, we went to a local place for dinner, and enjoyed a beautiful sunset.

And what family beach trip would be complete without some time at the arcade?

I’m still on vacation, so more fun will be had. But I had to share some of the ongoing fun with all of you.

Dear Readers, how are you spending your leisure time this summer? I’m always up for more frivolity suggestions.

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Published by catherine w

I’m a feminist public health ethicist (yes, that’s a thing). I’m interested in heath behavior change, particularly around eating and activity, and how things other than knowledge affect our health decisions.I’m also a cyclist (road, sort-of-off-road, commuter), regular yoga-doer, occasional swimmer and kayaker and leisurely social walker.
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