Tag: summer

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Top Summer Destinations to Explore

Michael Gortenburg travel

Hey everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here.

Summer is the perfect season to explore new places and recharge before the busy months ahead. Over the years, I’ve visited some fantastic destinations that capture the spirit of summer travel. Whether you prefer beaches, cities, or mountains, these spots offer something for every traveler.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod is a classic summer getaway with charming coastal towns and beautiful sandy beaches. Spend your days biking scenic trails, browsing quaint shops, or enjoying fresh seafood by the water. The lighthouses and sunsets over the Atlantic add to its timeless appeal.

Napa Valley, California

For wine lovers, Napa Valley is a lush retreat during summer. Enjoy tastings at renowned wineries, dine on farm-to-table cuisine, or take a hot air balloon ride for spectacular views. It’s a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville blends arts, craft breweries, and outdoor activities. Summer here means hiking waterfalls, exploring mountain trails, and soaking up the city’s creative vibe.

Maui, Hawaii

Maui offers stunning beaches, waterfalls, and lush landscapes ideal for a tropical summer escape. From snorkeling with sea turtles to scenic drives like the Road to Hana, there is no shortage of memorable experiences.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago transforms in summer with lively lakefront parks, festivals, and rooftop bars. Catch a concert in Millennium Park, take a river architecture tour, or savor the city’s famous deep-dish pizza.

Tips for Summer Travel

Book early to secure your spot, pack lightweight clothing, and remember sunscreen. Balance active days with downtime to fully enjoy your trip and stay hydrated in the summer heat.

No matter your style, these destinations provide great summer experiences to enjoy and explore. I hope this list inspires your next adventure.

What are your favorite summer spots? Share your tips in the comments or connect with me on social!

Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri.

Also, follow Michael on Medium, Twitter, and Xing.

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Rooftop Bars in KC for Summer Nights

Michael Gortenburg Summer Nights

Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here.

When the weather heats up in Kansas City, there’s nothing better than sipping a cocktail with a skyline view. KC’s rooftop scene offers everything from casual beer gardens to champagne lounges—perfect for summer evenings with friends, dates, or solo city wanderings. Here are my top spots to enjoy the warm nights above the city:

Percheron Rooftop Bar (Crossroads Hotel)

A pioneer in KC’s rooftop resurgence, Percheron features laid‑back vibes, craft cocktails, coastal‑inspired bites, and panoramic city views. It even made Condé Nast’s “15 Best Rooftop Bars in the US” list. Open-air games, couches, and communal tables make it ideal for groups or a chill solo drink.

Blanc Champagne Bar (11th Floor)

KC’s first dedicated champagne rooftop is ideal for a sophisticated summer evening. The Sun Club seats about 100, features shade sails and outdoor TVs, and offers Champagne flights tasting over 85 sparkling wines. It balances “approachable luxury” with a relaxed vibe—great for celebrations or a refined BYO dress-night-out feel.

Horsefeather Social (Loews Hotel)

Seventh-floor elegance with craft cocktails and fire pits overlooking the Kauffman Center. Horsefeather blends historic charm and modern design, earning a reputation as one of Kansas City’s premier rooftop lounges.

The Mercury Room & Three Sixty

Up for something upscale? The Mercury Room—which sits atop the Reverb Hotel—offers a sleek experience and 360-degree skyline views. Also consider Three Sixty at Crown Center for cozy evenings next to fire pits.

John’s Big Deck (Downtown)

Vibrant, three-story bar with rooftop fun. Great for live music, happy hour, or casual day hangs, this spot has earned a beloved downtown status.

Messenger Coffee Co. Rooftop (Crossroads)

Want to start early? Grab a cold brew or latte and relax on this breezy rooftop patio with sweeping downtown views—perfect for a calm morning or afternoon recharge.

Whether you’re in the mood for craft cocktails at sunset, plush champagne vibes, or easy breezy coffee hours, KC’s rooftops have it all. I can’t wait to send summer evenings up here. Cheers to the season—see you in skyline mode!

What’s your favorite rooftop? Drop your recommendations in the comments or connect with me on social!

Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri.

Also, follow Michael on Medium, Twitter, and Xing.

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Best Items for the Summer

Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here.

It’s finally summer, and if it’s anything like the past few weeks, the heat will continue to be scorching. The high temperatures can stop you from enjoying the outdoors, but there are plenty of ways to beat the heat and make the most of your summer. I want to share some of the best items for summer that will keep you cool while you soak in the sunshine.

Portable Fan

Unless you’re planted on a beach, you may lack a breeze to help break the heat. A small, portable fan can bring the breeze to you and keep you cool wherever you are. I like to have it on hand when I know I’ll be sitting in the same spot outside for a long time. An outdoor concert or show becomes all the more tolerable in the heat when you’ve got this in your back pocket.

Compact Speaker

Whether you’re spending time soaking up the sun in the yard or hosting a barbecue for the neighborhood, a speaker is sure to liven things up. I recommend a more compact model so you can bring it with you on any trips to the park or beach. 

Reusable Water Bottle

Dehydration is no joke, and if you plan to spend any time in the sun, you should plan to stay hydrated. A reusable water bottle you can bring on the go will make it easy to drink and refill on your journey.

A Sun Hat

The best way to protect yourself from the sun is coverage. Any kind of hat, whether it’s a baseball cap to support your favorite team or a wide-brimmed hat, will protect your scalp and face from burning and help keep you cool while you’re outside. These seasonal hats come with all sorts of brim sizes, so you can pick how much coverage you want.

Picnic Blanket

If you’re anything like me, you love spending time outdoors during summertime. But sometimes places to sit, especially parks on a busy day, can be hard to come by. I suggest keeping a picnic blanket on hand for any park, beach, or concert outings. I prefer ones with an easy-to-clean, waterproof underside, so I don’t have to worry about any mess.

Summer is a beautiful season with plenty of great outdoor activities to explore, but higher temperatures can sometimes interrupt plans. I hope some of these items will help you beat the heat and enjoy your summer!

If you’d like to see some other seasonal travel tips from me, check out my blog here.

Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri.

Also, follow Michael on Medium, Twitter, and Xing.