Gaming AL FRESCO - a summer GAME NIGHT

I often categorize "game night" as a cold-weather activity. Make a pot of chili, throw a log on the fire, dust off The Game of Life and voila! Game night!

Recently, though, I enjoyed an especially delightful game night on the porch of a spectacular Mackinac Island B&B. It was so pleasant that we had multiple game nights al fresco. Just us, the spirit of competition, and on one night, a particularly inquisitive little frog who roosted on the railing to watch. Our urban-dwelling hearts were charmed, and we briefly considered moving to the country.

No matter if you live in the sticks or in a 606xx, I encourage you to enjoy a game night on your porch (balcony, fire escape, bench on the park, etc.) sometime this week. I'm a big fan of the strategy game Risk, whereas my husband dominates at Monopoly. Add a pitcher of white wine sangria and a few domino cookies to distract your opponent from your next move. It certainly beats partypoker video or even waiting until winter for an indoor game night.