As I mentioned in my 4th of July post Luke had a four day weekend! Instead of traveling or packing up the camping gear we decided to stay local so Luke could get a lot of “Luke time” (aka play computer games and not think about work) at home. So instead we explored nearby for holiday weekend events and celebrate the 4th with our own BBQ for two.

We started our 4th of July with some patriotic pancakes. Using Bob’s Red Mill gluten free pancake mix I added a little honey, cocoa powder, vanilla, and fresh blueberries and strawberries for our Thursday brunch.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing with no particular plan in mind. For our BBQ using pre cut stew meat, Luke combined soy sauce,  sirachica, and some spices to create a savory but kicking steak marinade. And what BBQ is complete without some corn on the cob straight from the grill? All served with some local hard cider.

When it got dark we went on a walk to the Bridge st. where we watched fireworks over the Chemung river.

Friday was a complete day in highlighted by finishing a good book and making some great homemade fish tacos (recipe to come).

Saturday we drove up to Hammondsport  just north of Bath where Luke works. And if there is any town to be named a real life Stars Hollow this is it! Named “America’s coolest small town” by Budget Travel, the central park has a gazebo where summer concerts are held Thursday nights.

Surrounding the park are mom and pop diners and bakeries, antiques, an ice cream parlor, pubs, a toy store, a BBQ joint, coffee shops, city hall, and the downtown church.

After a humid walk we got back in the car and drove to the northside of town to check out the fireman’s carnival. This small town fundraiser for the local fire department included a BBQ chicken dinner, raffles, and of course carnival rides and all those games to win a giant stuffed pink monkey topped off with a fireworks show later in the night.

After walking through the carnival, we found the Keuka lakeside park full of people with their families enjoying the waterfront in swimsuits, BBQing, or kayaking on the lake.

We then drove with the windows down to the mall to catch the last showing of Despicable Me 2. We laughed over and over again at some minion mischief while sharing a box of junior mints

And today? Well today is our chance to regroup from a great long weekend, check off a few weekly chores, and see what’s ahead for the next week.

What did your family do for the holiday weekend?