Wisdom & Wealth:

Summer Memories

We love hearing about our clients’ summer adventures, so this month we’d like to share some of our own! Read on the hear what the Hess Financial Team’s favorite memories or experiences were this summer, and help us highlight the fun ways our team enjoyed the season.

One of my favorite parts of connecting with clients is hearing about their lives—the trips they’ve taken, the adventures they’ve had, and the memories they’ve made. Reflecting on my own summer, I can honestly say it was action-packed! I challenged myself to plan something fun every weekend, and I’m happy to say I succeeded. I kicked things off with a trip to Duck, NC, where I witnessed the extraordinary sight of the Wild Horses and learned about their rich history. I also spent time exploring a few botanical gardens, with Elizabeth’s Garden in Manteo quickly becoming my favorite. The gardens themselves were stunning, but it was the life and energy within them that left the biggest impression. And of course, no summer would be complete without a few baseball games. Many weekends were spent cheering on the Washington Nationals—and enjoying more than a few soft pretzels along the way!

This summer was a busy one with home projects and the start of our “New Office” renovation. I didn’t get everything done on my list, but I have grown to accept that. Maybe next year. For three years I’ve enjoyed daily visits from the same deer who proudly shows us her little wobbly fawns in spring that grow strong over the summer. They will soon start eating my shrubs. There are too many special family events to mention, but the highlight of each summer is the Backroads Cycling trip my wife and I take each year. This year we found ourselves touring the Provence, France region. Vineyards, lavender fields, castles, and so much more stimulated our senses. I even got to ride up the infamous Mont Ventoux. It was a great summer!

This summer, I spent time at several music festivals and fiddler’s conventions, but one of the highlights was the Appalachian String Band Music Festival, better known as Clifftop. Over the last week of July, I camped with friends for five nights in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia.

Each night was filled with old-time jam sessions that stretched into the early morning hours. There is never a shortage of things to do at Clifftop, from five-minute clawhammer banjo lessons and flatfoot dance workshops to lively nightly square dances. While I decided to sit out the fiddle contest this year, a few friends and I decided to sign up for the band contest at the last minute. We didn’t place, but we had a great time performing together. This was my second year attending Clifftop, and I’m already looking forward to going back next year!

My wife Emily and I wrapped up summer with a family trip to Topsail Beach in North Carolina. We were able to see my brother and his girlfriend who came down from Michigan. Normally you hear that people are either bigger fans of the mountains or the beach, but I certainly appreciate some time with each!

We also made the trek up to Long Island, New York for one of my cousin’s weddings. I haven’t been back there for a while, and Emily had never visited NYC before, so we made a last-minute decision to spend a day there and explore life in The Big Apple. The Great Gatsby Broadway show was a highlight. While it’s amazing with how much there is to do, we both agreed that we probably prefer our slower paced lives here in Harrisonburg /Rockingham County.

This summer was a busy one full of firsts and transitions—our first home purchase, moving family into college, family members adding precious new babies, and a couple of little vacations sprinkled in! Suffice to say, as busy as it was, we didn’t capture a lot of pictures. With that being said, I think I’m personally heading into fall looking forward to yet another transition. And maybe, as the leaves begin to change, I can slow down, enjoy the beauty, and hopefully catch some Sunday football.

Here’s to embracing the season ahead—whatever it may bring—with a little more stillness, gratitude, and maybe a fantasy football win (or two)!

This summer was filled with unforgettable moments that reminded me of the importance of family, community, and making memories. We kicked things off with a classic Fourth of July beach trip, sunshine, sand, and fireworks lighting up the sky. One of the highlights was spending time at our local fair with my daughter, Sage, cheering on our friends in 4-H and FFA. It was heartwarming to see the dedication and pride these kids put into their projects. For Sage’s 14th birthday, I surprised her with tickets to see Megan Moroney live—an experience she, nor I, will ever forget! I also got to cheer on my son, Briar, as he pulled his truck in the fair’s truck and tractor pull and raced it in the drag races. Watching him compete was such a proud and thrilling moment. These experiences reminded me how special it is to slow down and enjoy the people and places that matter most.