Let us help you arrange your summer ‘play’ list with these area hot spots

Reader,
There’s nothing like the summer time. Even though you might be working this summer, it’s still a time of the year when the beach is heating up, the youth crowd the streets, there’s dancing, laughter and music.

Yes, music. This year, reader, we want to give you the ultimate summer guide. If the summer were an iPod, these would be getting top play — you know what I’m saying?

Peruse this list with a highlighter, share it with your friends, use it as kindling for a bonfire on the beach. We’re here to help, reader. Put your ’Pod on random, and let’s see what comes up.

‘Put On’ Young Jeezy

For a long time, things looked bleak for downtown Florence, but steady improvement has had dramatic effects. Summer in “Flo-Town Downtown” is starting to look bright. Check out these summer events in Florence for ways to “put on” for the Magic City:

1. Florence After Five tops the list with the new downtown Florence concert series happening the first Friday of every month this summer across from Central United Methodist Church. There will be live music, vendors and an art show by Metamorphosis Art Collective.

2. Florence Art Trail Gallery continues all summer with exhibits in local photography, modern furniture and a visual arts exhibit at the beginning of July. The gallery also will continue to offer classes in several mediums.

3. The Spirit of Florence celebrates the Fourth of July with arts and crafts, a children’s activity area, cultural events and music. The festivities conclude with a Red Wolves game at American Legion Field.

4. Florence Museum stays steady with visiting artists such as Ana Anest on June 9 as well as the Pee Dee State Wide Competition beginning Aug. 18.

5. Drs. Bruce & Lee Foundation Library maintains its busy schedule of speakers and authors as well as classes in scrapbooking and quilting.

6. Florence Little Theatre offers “Acting Up!” This is a summer acting camp in July for children 5 to 7 years old. Before that, check out the Woods family and friends in concert as a benefit for the American Red Cross.

‘Vacation’ The Go-Go’s

Sometimes it helps to get away. Your job is railing on you, the streets are steaming, cabin fever is setting in — a vacation is in the works. We’ve scoured the globe looking for cost-effective and gas-friendly places where you can spend a relaxing day or two.

1. Awendaw

Tucked snuggly in the midst of Francis Marion National Forest and a little more than two miles from the Atlantic Ocean, Awendaw is the perfect antidote for a stressful few months or weeks or days.
Visit awendawsc.org.

2. Outer Banks, N.C.

Not overcrowded yet tourist-friendly, the Outer Banks are the Shangri-La of the Carolinas and most certainly a welcome retreat from any troubles in your life.
Visit outerbanks.org.

3. Fripp Island
If complete seclusion isn’t on your list but relaxation is, then Fripp Island is the resort with a little bit of everything. It’s great for a little family — or golf — time.
Visit frippislandresort.com.

4. Cherry Grove Beach
This part of the Grand Strand is usually not as crowded as some of the southern beaches, and it’s not too far to drive. Also, Cherry Grove Grill has a very tasty burger reputation.

5. Savannah, Ga.
It’s the Charleston of Georgia, just as genteel, just as beautiful. If the Chucktown foot traffic worries you, give her western sister a try.
Visit savannahvisit.com.

6. Jones Gap State Park
Hiking, camping, contra dancing — plus, there’s natural beauty 360 degrees around you. Jones Gap State Park is a place to find your inner dancer, inner primitive and inner peace.
Visit southcarolinaparks.com and search “Jones Gap.”

‘Summer Nights’ John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John

Let’s not forget that summer is, above all things, romantic. Forget the fact that you and your loved one are sweating profusely and the air conditioning has died, this is your time to be outside, enjoy the sun and each other. There are some places nearby you’re sure to find perfect for a romantic walk.

1. Timrod Park
Located in the midst of downtown Florence, it’s far enough from the bustle of downtown traffic that a nice evening amble through the park can be enjoyed thoroughly.

2. Kalmia Gardens
The boardwalk and trails seem to go on forever, and there’s plenty of spots to sit a while with your lover and gaze romantically upon the floral landscape.

3. Lucas Park
Located in an upscale neighborhood with gardens, walking trails and picnic tables, Lucas Park is perfect for strolling hand in hand with your other half. And if you feel like conquering two parks hand in hand, Timrod is just a view blocks away.

4. Jefferies Creek
This is the largest watershed and wetland in the Pee Dee area and an absolutely beautiful place to spend a few hours. Paint, write poetry or talk about how much you love each other. What the heck, you’re American, do it all.

5. Lawton Park
Lawton Park might be one of the best places in Hartsville to watch a sunset (I believe we all know how romantic that is). Plan a picnic and a game of tennis while you’re at it.

6. Lynches River County Park
Lynches River in Coward is 680 acres of good, romantic scenery. If you’re the bluegrass type, show up the first Saturday of the month around 3 p.m. and enjoy local pickers at work.

‘Lose Control’ Missy Elliot

The summer is indwelt with the spirit of Pan, asking us to dance in the streets and spend multiple days walking around the same place listening to lots of bands. Nibble on these festival selections to see which one tastes most like “party” to you.

1. Bele Chere Festival July 24-26 in Asheville, N.C. Free, but there’s a $2 wristband to imbibe. Since 1979, it’s presented some of the coolest, some of the smoothest and some of the quirkiest in music, art and food.
Visit http://www.belecherefestival.com.

2. Sun Fun Festival June 6-8 in Myrtle Beach. Most everything is free, but check their Web site for specifics. The Sun Fun Festival welcomes Lifehouse and Blake Lewis, along with many other entertainers and performers to the area this summer.
Visit http://www.sunfunfestival.com.

3. Plum Hollow Festival May 29-30 in Campobello. Tickets are $25 for a one-day pass and $45 for a weekend pass. The legendary festival dedicated to alternative bluegrass returns for yet another round of picking.
Visit http://www.moonshiners.com.

4. Bonnaroo June 11-14 in Manchester, Tenn. Tickets are $224.50 to $249.50. Four days. Huge venue. Lots and lots and lots of music. It’s like race weekend without stock cars.
Visit http://www.bonnaroo.com.

5. Charleston Beach Music and Shag Festival Aug. 27-30 in Charleston. Price varies according to day attended. Beach music performers from throughout South Carolina and beyond will perform at this four-day festival.
Visit http://www.pivotsbeachclub.com/charlestonbeachmusicandshagfestival.

6. Mountain Dance & Folk Festival starting at 7 p.m. every night from July 30 to Aug. 1 in Asheville, N.C. Prices between $10-$54. Bluegrass and old time string bands, clog and mountain dancers and ballad singers.
Visit http://www.folkheritage.org/shindigonthegreen.htm.