Howdy Nation! Squigs here.I prepared to write this entry by taking a look at THHG posts from last year, and I got that warm, fuzzy, fluttery feeling when you realize that vacation is almost here. Time for sunshine and BBQ and great beer!

Cookout NYC hits the Big Apple July 7 & 8, 11:30am to 4:30pm each day. The brainchild of Jimmy Carbone and the gang at Food Karma Projects, the Cookout features fantastic chefs from all over the city, grillin' and picklin' and otherwise ticklin' your tastebuds. In addition to the piles of meat, there's a kimchi-eating contest, family activities, and live music. And local fave Sixpoint will be bringing out its "Signal" smoked pale ale (likely the best brew we've ever paired with grilled vittles) as well as six more in their beer arsenal. (This is the July Good Beer Month featured event!) Ticket prices are tiered for general admission, with beer (four drink tickets), and premium (plenty o' suds). Check 'em out HERE.

One big perk of this event is the location. Governors Island hangs tough at the southern end of the East River with stunning views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Lady Liberty herself. And Admiral's Row, the exact location of the Cookout, typifies the genteel and historic feel of the island: tree-lined and lush. It's a great daytrip to take even when there's not a festival, but how much sweeter is the getaway when a Cookout's involved? And the ferry to the island is FREE and leaves from its own mooring just north of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. (Check out the Governor's Island site for more info: calendar, info, travel, etc.)

Will you join us? Slather up with sunscreen, don your BBQ bib, and hydrate. Cookout NYC is what's HOPpenin', y'all!