With the Fourth of July and Labor Day holidays just around the corner, along with many other perfectly valid opportunities to pig out on delicious BBQ, we’ve rounded up the most unique (and palate-pleasing) options for summer feasting around the world. While the Southeast has always been a standout for its exceptional BBQ, other destinations put their own spin on the classic, summer favorite!
Clam Bakes in Colorado
Though Vail is best known for its winter activities, Summer in Vail brings a burst of color and action to the valley as colorful wildflowers bloom and waterfalls of all shapes and sizes flow. This summer, The Sebastian – Vail, a boutique luxury hotel and private residence in Vail Village, is celebrating the season with Summer Suppers at The Sebastian. From June 27th to August 29th on Mountain View Terrace, owners and guests will delight every Thursday in family-style dinners featuring a rotating menu of summer staples including Clam Bakes, Lobster Boils and a Pig Roast. The suppers will feature live entertainment from BBQ Mike and local liquor partners, with a portion of the proceeds going to a different charity partner each week.
Caymanian BBQ in the Cayman Islands
Set in a melting pot of over 135 different cultures, Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa offers culinary delights for groups that draw from the diverse range of cuisines present on the island including Caribbean, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Thai, French and more. The recently renovated resort offers groups the opportunity to watch Executive Chef Sandy Tuason prepare unique dishes with a fusion of international flavors on the famed Seven Mile Beach against a backdrop of the breathtaking Caymanian sunset. Chef Sandy hosts cookouts on the sugar white sands featuring fresh buffet-style Caymanian BBQ incorporating a variety of native tools to prepare authentic culinary delights. The resort also serves lionfish at all onsite dining outlets, including Beach House, Ferdinand’s and Tortuga Beach Grill and Bar, in an effort to conserve local marine life and vegetation from the invasive yet delicious species. The fish is prepared in a variety of ways including a Salt Crusted Whole Fish delivered by local fishermen on a regular basis.
Garden-Inspired Meals in Ireland
As temperatures warm up in Ireland, Carton House invites travelers to break from their meetings and head outdoors to explore the 1,100-acre property with a BBQ feast on the lawn, or perhaps even sunset cocktails at the iconic Tyrconnell Tower which features the most amazing views over County Kildare. Meeting attendees can relax and unwind as the resort’s chefs provide a tasty feast of grilled dishes and garden inspired meals.
Local Lobster in Maine
For vacationers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, the quaint Chebeague Island Inn, found in the heart of Casco Bay, is the ideal shoreline getaway to relax and unwind. As a seasonal property open approximately from May to October only, the Inn takes full advantage of the optimal coastal weather and its “unplugged” nature. There’s no better way to spend summer than by enjoying the simple elegance of New England island life with bike rides, lobster fishing with local lobstermen, visits to the Chebeague Oyster Farm, and sunset cruises all followed by clam and lobster bakes on the lawn with fresh, local ingredients from the island farm and Chef’s garden out back. Travelers looking to get the full Maine experience can throw on a cozy sweater and set up a private beach bonfire – the perfect way to end a summer’s day.
Pickles and Slaw in South Carolina
Set in the heart of Southern BBQ country on South Carolina’s May River, Montage Palmetto Bluff’s comfort food venue, Cole’s, offers views as desirable as their Lowcountry favorites. The menu is filled with Southern summer favorites, and nothing beats their Smokehouse BBQ Platter. Offering an upscale take on down-home favorites, Cole’s features favorites “From the Smokehouse” including a BBQ Half Chicken, plenty of slaw, pickles and collard greens to complement their BBQ favorites (they even have a Smoked Tofu dish for the non-meat lover) in addition to a perfectly curated wine list. Diners will love soaking up the sunset views overlooking the marsh as they catch up with loved ones over beloved favorite dishes.