Do you go to the beach during the summer? I live in north Louisiana far from a pretty beach. We do have lakes and rivers that are nice, just not the same as a view of the Gulf or an ocean.

What beaches do you travel to sometimes? We can get to the Florida beaches in a day and the Mississippi and Alabama beaches in less time. What is it about beaches that draws the people and our time and money?

I can think of a few things:

• Vitamin D—the sun with plenty of protection of course.
• Music of the ocean—lapping of the waves
• Lazy hours in a beach chair—with a book or napping
• Freedom of children playing—building, running, yelling
• Great food
• Memories made

Can you add other things you enjoy about the beach? Or are you a mountain or plains person? A cruise or a big city? Staycation?