America's Top Summer Activities 2009

This 70-year-old landmark in the northeastern part of the state, whose building resembles a take-out container, serves fried clams in heaping portions. The lines outside can be long, but the patient are rewarded. Dinner for two $30.

—Catesby Holmes

America's Top Summer Activities 2009

The Liberty Hotel, in Beacon Hill (doubles from $295), and Harvard Square’s Charles Hotel (doubles from $199) are partnering to allow guests to travel the five miles between the two properties along the Charles River on Electra Amsterdam Classic bikes.

—Bree Sposato

America's Top Summer Activities 2009

Only in its second year, this thriving newcomer will showcase rockers from the Beastie Boys to Coldplay and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, on a grassy site with rare Manhattan views. Liberty State Park, Jersey City, N.J.; July 31–August 2.

—Tanvi Chheda

America's Top Summer Activities 2009

Harvard Square’s Charles Hotel (doubles from $199), and The Liberty Hotel, in Beacon Hill (doubles from $295), are partnering to allow guests to travel the five miles between the two properties along the Charles River on Electra Amsterdam Classic bikes.

—Bree Sposato

America's Top Summer Activities 2009

The Stadium: Yankee Stadium is no longer the original House That Ruth Built, but it’s still a shrine to Yankee triumphs past.

The Menu: For a genuine taste of the Bronx, go to field-level section 127 for a sandwich from Mike’s Arthur Avenue Italian Deli, like the light-and-zesty eggplant parm. Other options: Lobel’s of New York and Brother Jimmy’s BBQ. But if you’re in one of the 4,000 premium seats (which run as much as $1,250 a pop), you’ll have access to the Legends Suite Club—where celeb chefs including Masaharu Morimoto and April Bloomfield (the Spotted Pig) will make guest cooking appearances.

The Drink: Duck into Tommy Bahama’s Bar for a “Mo”jito—a blend of rum, club soda, sugar, mint, and fresh lime juice—named for the Bombers’ longtime closer, Mariano Rivera.Ballpark Bites: The Mets

The Stadium: Citi Field, a big upgrade on Shea, has a sunlit rotunda honoring Jackie Robinson.

The Menu: A trio of top Manhattan restaurateurs is catering to the Amazin’ faithful. Danny Meyer hits a homer with outposts of Shake Shack and Blue Smoke, plus slow-cooked pork tacos with tomatillo-chipotle salsa at El Verano Taquería. Drew Nieporent (Nobu; Corton) has opened the upscale Acela Club (reservations required), and David Pasternack (Esca) operates Catch of the Day, where the lobster roll bats clean up.

The Drink: Brooklyn-brewed Shack-Meister Ale is sold exclusively at Shake Shack (for a booze-free option, try a creamy vanilla frozen custard s

Visit the studios of dozens of local artists and attend concerts by the likes of the Vermont Philharmonic. Mad River Valley, Vt.; August 1–September 6.

—Tanvi Chheda

America's Top Summer Activities 2009

Interested in surfing but can’t commit the time? Stand-up paddleboarding is surfing made easy: the platform is wider, longer, and more stable than a standard surfboard, and a long paddle makes maneuvering simple. Riders can catch waves but also zip through smooth water. On Oahu, Turtle Bay Resort (doubles from $430) arranges lessons through Hans Hedemann (lessons from $75), an outfitter that also runs classes in Waikiki. On the mainland, the hub for the sport is Santa Barbara: BlueLine Paddle Surf (lessons from $75) is located a block from prime paddleboarding territory on East Beach.

—Jennifer Flowers

America's Top Summer Activities 2009

The New York Botanical Garden is holding an 11-week-long celebration of edible plants and local food, with gardening demonstrations and lectures by celebrity chefs such as Lidia Bastianich. Bronx, N.Y.; through September 13.

—Tanvi Chheda

America's Top Summer Activities 2009

In keeping with the city’s party-all-night vibe, the Gansevoort South (doubles from $395) provides two Puma Stealth Visibility bikes that glow electric green in the dark.

—Bree Sposato

America's Top Summer Activities 2009

California wine country’s top summer festival, which takes place at venues throughout Napa, combines classical music—including a recital by Renée Fleming—with wine tastings. Napa Valley, Calif.; July 17–25;.

—Tanvi Chheda

America's Top Summer Activities 2009

This year’s inaugural concerts, on July 19 and 20, feature works by Caplet and Debussy with narration by actress Claire Bloom. Santa Fe, N.M.; July 19–August 24.

—Tanvi Chheda

America's Top Summer Activities 2009

Homestyle recipes like spiced Chesapeake blue crab, Southern-style coleslaw, and rockfish stuffed with lump crabmeat are the dishes to order at this capacious family-run eatery. Show up at 9 a.m. to see the crabbers drop off their catch. Lunch for two $30.

—Catesby Holmes

America's Top Summer Activities 2009

You’ll find a fleet of Paul Frank Beach Cruisers at the James Chicago (doubles from $269). Element Hotels (877/353-6368; elementhotels.com) plans to install its Trek bike-lending program in seven of its properties, including Las Vegas and Houston, by the end of the year.

—Bree Sposato

America's Top Summer Activities 2009

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America's Top Summer Activities 2009