If June is the grand entrance of summer in Southeast Georgia, then July is the season in full swing. Between boat days on the coast, afternoons lounging by the pool, and those long-awaited trips to the beach, life lately is lived out of a cooler.

As a private chef, people often ask me what elaborate spreads I pack for a day on the water. The truth? When the sun is high and the salt air is calling, I crave simplicity. A summer outing is only as good as the snacks you pack, and the goal is always maximum flavor with minimum effort.

My cooler essentials

Packing a cooler is a bit like composing a recipe — it’s all about the layers. You want the heavy hitters on the bottom and the delicate grab-and-go items right on top where the kids (and hungry captains) can reach them easily.

This season, I’m leaning into what I call the “elevated picnic.” We’re moving past soggy sandwiches and embracing high-quality, finger-friendly favorites that hold up in the heat.

If you were to peek inside my cooler this July, here is exactly what you’d find:

• A Southern staple: It isn’t a party without pimento cheese. I love pairing a bold, sharp pimento cheese with sturdy sea salt pita crackers. It’s the ultimate anytime snack that feels fancy but stays practical.
• Charcuterie on the go: Forget the board; think bite-sized. Slices of pepperoni and cubes of sharp cheddar or pepperjack are perfect for high-protein snacking between swims. They are easy to handle and satisfy that savory craving.
• Nature’s popsicles: This is my favorite heat-beating trick: frozen grapes. The night before, wash your grapes, pull them off the stems, and freeze them in a reusable bag. They pull double duty as little ice cubes when packed in the cooler and provide a refreshing, hydrating burst of sweetness when you’re out in the sun.
• The sweet finale: There’s something nostalgic about a mini chocolate chip cookie. They are just the right size for a quick treat that won’t melt into a mess. I like Chips Ahoy! Minis because they come in a variety of packaging options that make sharing and packing them easy. They’ve become a permanent resident in my beach bag!

The beauty of these summer months lies in the ease of the days. We spend so much of our year rushing through schedules; let June and July be the months where we slow down and savor the simple things.

Whether you’re anchored in a quiet creek or gathered around a poolside table, it’s the company — and the snacks — that make the memories. So, fill up those ice chests, grab your favorite hat, and head toward the water. Here’s to a summer that’s easy, breezy, and, as always, Some Kinda Good!