GET READY TO PLAN YOUR SUMMER ADVENTURE! IN THE FOLLOWING PAGES, THREE OF BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES ASSOCIATES SHARE THEIR PERSONAL INSIGHTS AND GO-TO RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF SUMMER IN MÉRIDA, VAIL VALLEY, AND FIRE ISLAND.
WRITTEN BY: ANETTA NOWOSIELSKA
Mérida, Mexico
A CULTURAL & CULINARY JOURNEY
What is the defining allure of Merida during the summer months? Mérida, the vibrant capital of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, offers a truly distinctive cultural and culinary journey. Frequently lauded by top travel publications, this highly-rated destination is celebrated for a gastronomy unique to its region. Many don’t realize the vast diversity of Mexican cuisine; Mérida’s flavors are a world apart from what you’d find in Mexico City, or along Mexico’s Pacific, northern, or eastern coasts.
Take us through a perfect summer day in Merida. In Mérida, mornings begin with vibrant tropical fruits and natural juices, often at places like Manjar Blanco, where Huevos Motuleños are a must-try. Afterwards, stroll along Paseo Montejo to admire colonial mansions and enjoy treats from Dulceria y Sorbeteria Colon or street vendors selling marquesitas and esquites. Later, explore Plaza Grande and its grand Cathedral, returning at night for a different ambiance. Cap off your day with a spectacular sunset view from Picheta’s rooftop bar, overlooking the illuminated square.
What hidden gems or local secrets are in Merida? Mérida boasts several distinct barrios—neighborhoods, each offering unique dining and nightlife. My personal favorites include Centro Histórico, Santa Lucía, Santiago, and La Ermita. Each features a charming main square with a church and inviting parks. As you stroll through these areas, you’ll discover hidden boutiques, vibrant architecture, and witness locals enjoying their evening walks after sunset. For a truly authentic experience, venturing into the local markets provides a colorful glimpse into daily life and fresh grocery shopping.
How does the local culture of Merida uniquely express itself during the summer season? Mérida comes alive in the evenings with various shows at Plaza Grande, while Santa Lucía’s square hosts live music and dance every Thursday at 9 pm—perfect for an al fresco dinner. For a truly unique experience, consider visiting during the Day of the Dead in the fall, when the city buzzes with week-long festivities. Beyond these, Mérida offers numerous venues for live music and local dance performances throughout the year.
What are some quintessential summer dishes or dining experiences in Merida that truly capture the local flavor and should not be missed? The city offers a wide variety of excellent restaurants. I highly recommend the Gastronomy Corridor on Calle 47, where you’ll find numerous places with diverse ambiances. My top picks there include Michaela Mar (left) y Leña and Catrin, known for its vibrant mural that truly comes alive after dark. In the Santa Lucía barrio, don’t miss MUGY, the Museum of Yucatecan Gastronomy, which offers a fascinating presentation on how the famous Cochinita Pibil is cooked underground. Also in Santa Lucía, La Chaya Maya is a charming restaurant set in an old house, offering both cozy indoor seating and a lovely outdoor courtyard.
Where do you find yourself most at home in Merida? Mérida offers a diverse range of accommodations, from charming boutique hotels to well-known American brands, catering to every comfort level. For those seeking upscale lodging, beautiful restored Haciendas dot the city’s outskirts. Additionally, many older homes in the area have been beautifully renovated and modernized, often featuring plunge pools, and are available as Airbnb options to suit all budgets. My fondness for Mérida is such that I’ve even purchased a house there, making it my personal retreat when I visit.
What are three essential pieces of advice or insider tips you would offer to enhance their experience? Mérida in summer is hot and humid, similar to South Florida during hurricane season, with sunny mornings and occasional afternoon showers. Stay hydrated with bottled water, and rest assured that ice in establishments is purified. Pack light clothing like linen or beachwear. Tipping 10-15% for good service is customary, and it’s best to get cash from bank ATMs for local spots that might not accept credit cards. While Uber operates in the city, you’ll need to use airport taxis for your arrival.
How has Merida evolved over the years you’ve visited? Mérida is rapidly gaining recognition as Mexico’s newest must-visit destination. This growing appeal has spurred significant new developments, particularly in the city’s northern reaches, en route to Progreso beach, as more people from Mexico City invest in second homes. Beyond its charming historic core, Mérida offers a modern side with shopping malls and diverse restaurant options. Its international airport, conveniently located just 15 minutes from downtown, provides direct flights from Miami and other U.S. cities, enhancing its accessibility.
For the adventurous traveler, what are some exhilarating or memorable outdoor activities? Recently, I organized a day trip for friends, hiring a van to explore beyond Mérida. We visited Uxmal, an incredible Mayan archaeological site just over an hour away, which offers a more mystical and less crowded experience than Chichen Itza (below). On the return, a stop at Cenotes Hacienda Mucuyche provided a refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters, a must-do experience unique to the region. Another favorite excursion is to Celestún, where you can take a boat tour to see flamingos in their natural habitat and swim in natural springs, followed by fresh seafood at Las Pamplas. Mérida’s surroundings offer countless other captivating destinations like Valladolid, Izamal, and the iconic Chichen Itza, ensuring you’ll long to return for more.
Vail Valley,
CO MOUNTAIN SERENITY
What would be the key experiences, from sunrise to sunset, that encapsulate Vail Valley’s essence? My perfect day starts with a quiet coffee outside, overlooking the mountains as the morning light rolls in — no rush, just fresh air and family. We pack up for a picnic by the lake, where the afternoon drifts by with card games, laughter, and a casual BBQ among friends. As the sun dips behind the peaks, we head back for our favorite tradition: a backyard pizza cookoff using our pizza oven. It’s messy, delicious, and full of fun.
What is the defining allure of Vail during the summer months? It’s the mountain air — crisp, clean,
and a world away from Miami’s sweltering summer haze. The Vail Valley offers a kind of stillness that’s hard to come by: quiet mornings, cool breezes, and nature at your doorstep. It’s where I can truly breathe, reset, and slow down.
Beyond the well-trodden paths, what hidden gems can you share? Vail Saturday Market is a must-visit for fresh local finds and those charming mountain town vibes. Also, Edwards Main Street offers beautiful spots worth exploring. And I can’t leave without stopping by a cozy spot for coffee and some inspiration from the stunning Scandinavian home décor at Hygge Life Shop.
Where do you find yourself most at home in Vail Valley? It’s our family cabin — a place we’ve had for over seven years now, and one that holds layers of memories. It’s not just where we stay; it’s where we reconnect. From afternoon dips in the hot tub to long cooking sessions in the kitchen where everyone gets involved, the cabin has become our gathering place — for reunions, slow mornings, and spontaneous outdoor adventures. It’s surrounded by nature, but more importantly, it’s filled with the comfort of each other’s company. That’s what makes it feel like home.
How does the local culture uniquely express itself during the summer season? Taste of Vail is such a fun way to try amazing food and wine, and Bravo! Vail always blows me away with beautiful music in the most breathtaking setting. In addition to the Vail weekend markets – The Salute to the USA celebration around the 4th of July is a local favorite, with live music, food vendors, and one of the best fireworks shows in the Rockies.
Is there a particular moment that perfectly encapsulates Vail’s magic for you? One that stands out is our overnight stay at Piney River Ranch. We packed light — just the essentials — knowing we’d be off the grid, with no cell service and no distractions. That night, we all huddled up in the cold mountain air, wrapped in blankets, telling stories and just being together.
What are three essential pieces of advice or insider tips you would offer for anyone heading to Vail? Pack Layers – the weather can swing from sunny and 75 to chilly and in a flash. Make reservations for popular spots or top Vail restaurants, especially on weekends. And lastly, don’t overplan – leave room for spontaneous adventures.
How has Vail evolved over the years you’ve visited? Vail Valley has grown — there are more shops, more dining options, and a bit more buzz than there used to be. But it hasn’t lost its soul. The mountains are still the main attraction, the pace is still unhurried, and there’s this unspoken invitation to just be and enjoy the outdoors.
What are some exhilarating or memorable outdoor activities that come alive during the summer? Hiking and biking are big — but there’s something unforgettable about paddleboarding on some lakes like Silvan Lake at sunset or taking a scenic horseback ride through Beaver Creek’s wildflower-dotted trails. For a more offbeat thrill, I always recommend whitewater rafting on the Colorado River — the rush, the cold splash, and the mountain scenery all around make it an unforgettable day.
Fire Island,
NY A SANCTUARY OF AUTHENTIC SELF-EXPRESSION
What is the defining allure of Fire Island? Fire Island is a magical place. It’s a small barrier island in the Atlantic Ocean off the south shore of Long Island in New York. It is a completely car-free island accessible only by ferry, which makes it the perfect place to disconnect from work and stress and connect with friends and nature. What makes it stand out is that it’s both a retreat and a celebration—a place where you can connect with nature, community, and yourself. There’s no other place that so seamlessly blends wild natural beauty with celebrating vibrant, unapologetic authenticity.
Describe a perfect summer day there. It starts barefoot, coffee in hand, watching the sun rise over the Atlantic from the beach. The afternoon is all about a lazy, sun-drenched beach session with friends, followed by a dip in the ocean or laying by the pool at the house. As the afternoon turns to golden hour, that’s when the island comes alive with the long-standing tradition of the afternoon ‘Tea Dance’, which originated in Fire Island and eventually replicated by the LGBT community all over the world. Think a daytime happy hour with great people, drinks, and music. Most people go back to their houses for dinner…for the adventurous members of the group they can head back out after dinner to either the Pavilion or Sip N’ Twirl, the two bars that are open late night.
What are some quintessential summer dishes that truly capture the local flavor and should not be missed? The Pines isn’t known for traditional fine dining—but that’s part of its charm. It’s all about fresh, simple, elevated beach food. A lobster roll from The Canteen, shared fries with friends after a beach day, or a backyard BBQ with local clams and grilled corn—it’s summer, stripped back to what really tastes good. Also, the cocktails—especially frozen ones at Low Tea—are practically a local food group.
Share some hidden gems. One of my favorite things about Fire Island Pines is that there are no typical corporate hotels. The most typical lodging is a group of friends who rent out one of the houses lining the boardwalks…the culture and events in the houses, whether your own, or one that you’re invited to, is where the true magic of Fire Island lives.
How does the local culture of Fire Island uniquely express itself during the summer season? There’s
a deep tradition of performance here—be it drag, theater, or spontaneous talent shows—and it’s always tied to a sense of celebration and community. Fire Island has been a haven for creatives, artists, and especially the LGBT community, beginning in the 1920s when men and women, mostly from New York City, would escape to the island to live openly and authentically with freedom to express themselves even when the rest of the world was not as open. Even today, Fire Island celebrates this sense of freedom and liberation.
Give us three pieces of advice to enhance the experience there? Pack lightly – you’ll be coming to the island on a ferry, and once you arrive all transportation is on foot via wooden boardwalks…you don’t want to lug big suitcases around. Say yes to invitations – the BEST experiences in Fire Island happen off the itinerary. Disconnect to reconnect with yourself —there’s no cars and spotty service for a reason. Lean into it and let the island slow you down.
How has Fire Island evolved over the years you’ve visited? New homes, new faces, and a shifting cultural tone—but its spirit has stayed the same. It’s always been a sanctuary: a place where people come to express themselves fully, love loudly, and feel connected to both nature and each other. That blend of hedonism and heart is what keeps people coming back. It doesn’t try to be everything to everyone—and that’s what makes it unforgettable.
