1. See Finding Dory in Theaters

     This much-anticipated sequel to Finding Nemo comes out June 17. The forgetful

      blue fish Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) must go on a quest with clownfish Nemo and    

      Marlin (Albert Brooks) to track down her mother.

2. Celebrate National Ice Cream Day

National Ice Cream Day is July 17 this year. Celebrate with your taste buds at

     Cows & Cones in Gales Ferry by ordering flavors like Reese’s Pieces, cookie

     dough or classic vanilla. They are open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the

     summer.

3. Have a Beach Day

     Spend a day soaking up the rays at Ocean Beach Park in New London (parking fee: $22,          weekends; $17, weekdays) or Rocky Neck ($13 parking fee). The summer

     of 2016 is forecasted to be the hottest on record, so make sure you take

     advantage of it!

4. Go to the Mystic Aquarium or Mystic Village

     Before you see Finding Dory, spot some penguins, sea lions and Beluga whales!

     Or window shop at Mystic Village. With more than 30 local shops — from fudge at

     Franklin’s to homemade honey at Sticky Situations — there’s something for

     everyone!

5. Visit the Local Art Scene

More specifically, the Hygienic Art Gallery in New London. Their new gallery,

    Free Range, is open from May 28 to June 25. You can view the exhibit from 11

    a.m. to 3 p.m. most weekdays, and 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.   

6. Eat at a Food Truck

     From June 18 to Aug. 6, New London will be hosting more than 10 food trucks

     from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on their waterfront. Get a snack from thecupcake

     truck, cannoli truck or kettle corn truck.

7. Have a Friend Date

Gather up all your friends for a friendship date over the summer. Go to the

    movies together, pack a picnic or go to an amusement park. It’s the perfect

    reason to spend time as a group before parting ways over the summer.

8. Pick Berries at Holmberg’s

    Make memories picking berries at Holmberg Orchards in Gales Ferry this

    summer. Raspberries are in season from June until August and the blueberry

    and peach picking season both start in July.

9. Go Kayaking at Bluff Point

Launch a rented kayak or canoe at Bluff Point this summer vacation! The boat

     launch is shallow, making it the ideal location for a beginner. Take in the

     picturesque sights and sounds as you paddle along. Dock your kayak at the sand

     bar across the way to rest at your own private and secluded beach.

10. Watch the Fireworks

Make an effort to go to a fireworks show this July. Sailfest is July 8-10 this year

       in New London and there will also be a local fireworks show in Groton at Fort

       Griswold July 11.

Leah Sheltry, Assistant Editor-in-Chief

Senior Leah Sheltry is the Assistant Editor-in-Chief of the 2015-2016 Colonel. She is the secretary of Youth United for Global Action and Awareness (YUGA) Club and is on the swim team. She will attend Lasell College to study Fashion Communication & Promotion next fall.