How To Make Sure You Pick The Perfect Watermelon This Summer
It happens every summer, you pick up a watermelon at your local grocery store or farm stand only to get home and slice into only to find that it has…
Funny man with watermelon helmet and goggles looks like a parasitic caterpillar
It happens every summer, you pick up a watermelon at your local grocery store or farm stand only to get home and slice into only to find that it has no taste. That feeling you get when the watermelon isn't sweet just bland. Sure it looks like a watermelon but it lacks that amazing sweet fresh taste that you are craving.
Picture this scenario, it's way too hot and humid outside. All you want is the best piece of watermelon money can buy. You walk into your local supermarket and you see a monolithic bin of watermelons.
So, if you read these 4 tips on choosing the perfect watermelon this summer, you will have a much better chance of choosing one.
Cute asian little child girl eating watermelon fresh fruit in the garden
Which one do you choose?
Some people go with the knocking method, although this requires a great ear and a bit of an imagination, because there's NO science behind it. However, they say that "a ripe watermelon will have a dull, hollow sound." Whereas, an "immature watermelon will have a higher-pitched ping sound."
But, according to the folks at SimplyRecipes.com, here are the things you need to look for when trying to buy the perfect watermelon:
1. Look for a yellowish spot underneath. This is called the "field spot" or "ground spot". If it’s ripe, it will be a pale, buttery yellow. If that spot is light green or white instead, then it has not ripened yet.
2. Choose the ones with brown, coarse webbing on the outside. There's a good chance they're perfectly ripe and even sweeter, too. (Here's a picture.)
3. Avoid the watermelons with any visible cuts, dents, or bruising. Some minor scratching is OK, but anything worse than that, it's no good.
4. Buy them in season. The best time to buy a watermelon is roughly April to September. So, go get you some!
3 New England Rentals Named Best Airbnb Beach Houses in the United States
Three New England Airbnb rentals top the best in the United States. And we couldn't be prouder! (Also, we're not surprised. We have some serious coastal bragging rights.)
Conde Nast Traveler recently ranked the Best Airbnbs Beach Houses in the United States. New England is home to three.
The website found "22 of the best beach houses in America that offer everything you need for a perfect summer vacation—or any other season for that matter."
Conde Nast weighed the pics on ratings, response rates and Superhost status.
"All this means that you’re virtually guaranteed to get what you see online, and have smooth communication with the host," cntraveler.com reported.
The Rise of Airbnb
As you know, Airbnb swooped into New England like a boss, shaking up the hotel scene big time. Cozy cabins, quaint cottages, and historic homes popped up on your screen, all ready for a stay.
The cookie-cuter hotel rooms became a thing of the past. Now your neighbor's beachside cottage was up for grabs.
Tourists ditched the traditional hotels for a taste of local life. They wanted more than just a bed; they wanted an experience. And Airbnb delivered, offering unique stays that screamed personality.
Suddenly, every spare room became a potential goldmine. It was like a game of Monopoly, but with real houses.
Why Travelers Benefit
Why settle for an expensive, small hotel room when you could snag an ocean-view Airbnb. Waking up to the sound of waves crashing, with the salty breeze right there. You can split the cost with more than one person. You can do laundry without breaking the bank. There's no kids running around in the hallway outside your door at 6 a.m. And no wild parties keeping you up at night (unless it's your own!)
Plus, you'll have all the comforts of home, from a fully stocked kitchen to quirky decor.
Yarmouth, MA
Conde Nast says this one bedroom, one bathroom cottage is "prime Cape real estate: Colonial Acres Beach, where you can lay in the sun or dive into the ocean, is just steps from the shared patio. And don’t worry about having to bring your own beach chairs or umbrellas—the host has them on hand."
And according to the listing, "Take in endless views of the ocean walking up to this quaint cottage. Here, the pace is leisurely – sip coffee on the deck, watch the sunrise, and swim in the warm waters of Nantucket Sound just outside." It starts at $165 a night.
Westerly, RI
Wait, what? A cottage near Taylor Swift? (The singer has a place in Westerly. Currently not listed on Airbnb. But this one is! According to Conde Nast, it's " favorite of Traveler senior commerce editor Madison Flager. The cozy coastal home is just a short drive to the beach and downtown Westerly, giving guests the opportunity to explore more than just the sandy shores. The front porch is a fantastic spot to sip coffee in the morning or take in the evening sea air before heading out to dinner."
It's two beds, two and a half baths and starts at $280 a night.
Kennebunk, ME
Conde Nast says "this cozy cape house makes the perfect home base for spending a night or longer in the area. Its inviting salmon pink doors, charming glossy black shutters, and cozy knotty pine beams and ceilings feel like they were swiped straight out the pages of your beach read and brought to life by a New England fairy godmother. " It's three bedrooms, two baths and has a kitchen equipped for a pro. They're also located at the end of a quiet road with large yard and surrounded by woods. It's a mile from Dock Square and the beaches.
