**Photo EVGEN 1234 (Shutterstock)**

Late June on the Forgotten Coast has a particular fullness to it. The days have reached their longest stretch, with sunlight spilling across the water well into the evening and the air carrying that warm, steady heat that only eases when the breeze picks up off the bay.

Boats move steadily along the river and out toward the Gulf, while downtown sees a steady mix of locals and visitors drawn by the season’s offerings — fresh catches at the market, shaded spots to linger, and the simple pleasure of watching the light change over the water as afternoon drifts into evening. It invites you to step outside the usual pace, whether it’s a slow walk along the waterfront, time spent with neighbors, or just sitting with a cold drink and letting the day unfold.

Summer feels fully arrived now — not in a rush, but in a way that asks you to settle into it and enjoy the coast while it’s at its most alive.

Enjoy the beauty around us and have a blessed week...