Yankee Magazine July/August 2025: Splash into Summer

Prepare to immerse yourself in the quintessential New England summer pastime and perhaps pick a side in the great lake vs. ocean debate

"Every summer, a friendly rivalry emerges among New Englanders: Team Lake or Team Ocean?" says Ian Aldrich, executive editor of Yankee. "We decided to tackle this fun topic head-on, not just to highlight the unique experience each offers, but also to provide a resource for our readers to explore every corner of New England, whether they prefer freshwater or salt."

The cover feature package, Testing the Waters (Pg. 60), serves as the ultimate guide to New England waterculture for residents and visitors alike. Readers will discover pages of practical, insider information designed to help plan the perfect summer getaway, no matter which side they're on.

Wading In (Pg. 62) – Two Yankee editors – executive editor Ian Aldrich (Team Lake) and senior food editor Amy Traverso (Team Ocean) – dive into the debate over fresh vs. salt, then meet up on a beach to try and find common ground. Does one of them convert? Only readers will know.

Liquid Assets (Pg. 66) – Yankee contributor and New England travel expert Steve Jermanok rounds up more than 20 favorite beaches, lake retreats, and coastal escapes in all six New England states. Picks include Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown, MA, for prime sunset viewing; the Rangeley Lakes Region in Maine, for bird-watching; Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester, MA, for beachcombing; and Vermont’s Grand Isle State Park, for trout and bass fishing.

Shore Bets (Pg. 65) – Senior food editor Amy Traverso shares her recommendations on the best waterside eats, from seafood shacks to upscale dining. Favorites include the Beach House Grill in Chatham, MA, and River Drivers Restaurant in Millinocket, ME.

The Waterculturalists (Pg. 70) – How can you tell a lake lover from a beach aficionado? Yankee presents an illustrated field guide to New England’s two quintessential summer species in their natural habitats.

Overnights to Float Your Boat (Pg. 72) – A curated collection of water-centric hotels and inns for every kind of getaway, from family-friendly to food-centric. Oceanfront highlights include Ocean House (RI) and The Wauwinet (MA), while lakefront picks include Pickering House Inn (NH) and The Lodge at Moosehead Lake (ME).

Fantastic Voyage (Pg. 84) - Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the release of Jaws, Peter Vandermark's behind-the-scenes photos from the film set are published here for the first time since appearing in the Cape Cod News in 1974.