Next Stop, Miami

Before throwing those flip flops into the carry-on and stowing in the overhead bin arranging to have your liquids shipped, let us first ponder, just for a moment, the summer that was:

Grills were conquered, lobsters were tamed and all manner of cocktail and party food was consumed. The restaurant scene crested and troughed, like the waves at every last beautiful beach. The LIE tried to take us down, but couldn't come between hard working Wall Streeters and their exclusive rentals. Lists were made and deals were sealed. And then? More lists were made. The parties. Oh, the parties.

And so, the sun sets on the summer of 2006. We find ourselves in September, a month so close in chronological proximity to the glorious haze that is August, yet so far in every other way. But don't be so quick to pack it in, friends. With these Fall and Winter months comes the promise, nay the obligation, to focus southward and westward, where places like Miami and Aspen are calling your name.

We'll lead the way, but just one question: Your jet or ours?