We’ve teamed up with FreshDirect to make vacationing extra easy and breezy this summer. Order online or via their app to shop your go-to groceries, whether you’re prepping for a weekend beach trip or an overnight excursion.
It’s the moment we’ve been waiting for all year—it’s officially summertime. With warmer weather, longer days, and shorter work weeks, it’s time to start planning your weekend trips, because no summer is complete without a few days at the beach (or lake! or river!). Whether you’re heading to the ocean for an afternoon swim, or making a full weekend of it, your trip will be that much easier if you’ve got a fully stocked cooler in tow to keep you well-fed (and well-hydrated), and don't forget the sunscreen. To make your life easier, order all your essentials from our friends at FreshDirect because they’ll deliver everything—yes, everything!—straight to your door. From the best snacks to pack to the right booze to bring, here are 11 cooler must-haves for the ultimate weekend adventure this summer.
1. FreshDirect Organic Lean Ground Beef Patties
If you’re into an all-American cookout, make sure to pack FreshDirect Organic Lean Ground Beef Patties. Trust me, you don’t want to be shaping patties in the sand, plus these ones are made with 100 percent organic Black Angus beef that’s prepared using a special chopping method to ensure that the meat isn’t over-ground. Some beaches have grills right on the sand, which makes hosting an impromptu cookout a breeze. If you’re going somewhere a bit more remote, you might want to consider bringing a portable grill to cook up your favorite dishes as you watch the waves.
2. Brooklyn Mills Potato Sandwich Buns (4-Count)
Where there are burgers, there must be buns. Grab a bag of Brooklyn Mills Potato Sandwich Buns to add to your cooler and you’ll have top-notch burgers in no time. Made with a blend of hand-mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, Vermont Creamery butter, and organic eggs, you can really taste the difference. Bonus: These buns will arrive at your door extra fresh because FreshDirect is the only grocery retailer that delivers Brooklyn Mills’ artisan bread fast enough for that just-baked flavor.
3. Brooklyn Mills Artisan Brioche Hot Dog Buns (5-Count)
If a Maine-style seafood roll is more your vibe, go for the Brooklyn Mills Artisan Brioche Hot Dog Buns and be sure to order the rest of the ingredients you’ll need to make these Grilled & Chilled Shrimp Rolls. The shrimp gets prepped ahead of time, which means this dish is ideal for throwing together once you’re water-side.
4. FreshDirect Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken may not be your typical beach go-to, but hear me out—can you imagine anything better than pulling apart a chicken while sitting on a beach towel? I can’t. With crispy skin and succulent meat, FreshDirect’s rotisserie chicken is the perfect meal when you don’t feel like cooking.
5. The Little Potato Company Fresh Creamer Potatoes
I get more excited about side dishes than mains because they're an excuse to show off all your bounty (especially during the summer when produce is at its peak). For beach-appropriate sides, think about recipes that are easy to prep ahead of time and can stay fresh in a cooler, like potato salad. Try dressing these creamer potatoes in a punchy vinaigrette instead of the usual mayo-based situation.
6. Bicolor Corn
Potato salad isn’t the only side worth making. While grilling corn on the cob may not be super practical when you’re surrounded by sand, you can still get your corn fix with a summery, cooler-ready corn salad made with bicolor corn that's as stunning as it is sweet.
7. Baby Seedless Watermelon
Baby seedless watermelon is an excellent addition to refreshing salads, like this Watermelon Tomato Salad with Cumin & Fennel from Amanda Hesser. If a salad feels too fussy, this juicy watermelon is delicious as is—just make sure to slice it up before you head out.
8. Sweet 2 Eat Organic Yellow Peaches
There’s something about sitting in the sun and splashing in the waves all day that makes you hungrier than ever. To avoid getting hangry, it’s important to pack an array of snacks to keep you going throughout the day. I love bringing a bunch of fresh fruit that acts as a snack and sweet treat all in one. My favorite? Sweet 2 Eat organic yellow peaches because they taste like peak summer.
9. Kettle Brand Sea Salt Potato Chips
Now that you’ve got your sweet snacks taken care of, it’s time to think about something salty. I love bringing a bag (or two) of Kettle Brand Sea Salt Potato Chips. While I’m a classic gal in terms of flavor, go wild with their Sea Salt & Vinegar, Sour Cream & Onion, Dill Pickle, or Backyard Barbecue flavors (FreshDirect has ‘em all!).
10. Montauk Brewing Wave Chaser IPA (12-Pack)
While alcohol isn’t required for a great beach day, there’s nothing quite like sipping on a cold drink between dips in the ocean. A bottle of wine may sound good in theory, but have you ever gone to the beach and forgotten your corkscrew? Day. Ruined. The same goes for a batch cocktail (which I usually love!). Trying to keep all those cups out of the sand and a bag of ice frozen? No thank you. Instead, try Montauk Brewing Wave Chaser IPA. Or, check out the Beach Juice Rosé with Bubbles sold by FreshDirect Wine & Spirits.
11. Poland Spring 100% Natural Spring Water (6 Count, 1 Gallon Each)
Now that your food and booze is all packed up, it’s time to address the most important beach essential: water. Hydration is key, especially on hot days. If you’re going to a bigger beach there will surely be folks selling water, but to avoid any upcharge it’s always best to bring your own. I always opt for Poland Spring 100% Natural Spring Water in gallon jugs to ensure I won’t go thirsty.
Our friends at FreshDirect are making it so much easier to head to the beach this summer, thanks to their handy grocery delivery service. Order snacks, sips, and so much more, then they’ll deliver it straight to your door. Psst: Use code FOOD52 for $50 off with your first order of $99+. FreshDirect is available in the greater New York City metropolitan area, with seasonal service to eastern Long Island and the Jersey Shore. For more info, visit https://www.freshdirect.com/help/delivery_info.
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