Best Summer Work Spots for Political Professionals

Summer is in full swing, and we’ve rounded up our favorite destinations for political consultants to work from this season. Dive into our top five picks for both our GOP and Democrat friends, curated by Charlotte Shackelford and Kate Holliday.

What do you think? Did we miss any places? Let us know!?

Republicans:

Casey Phillips’ farm: why watch Yellowstone when you can just be friends with creative consultant Casey Phillips and see firsthand what #ranchlife is all about. His South Dakota ranch has been in his family for over a hundred years. From branding calves to mending fences, Casey does it all while taking client calls from the field, literally. Follow his influencer wife Sarah (@fiftytwothursdays) for all the ranch content you can handle this summer.?

The Jersey Shore: not just for Chris Christie, Springsteen or our most famous NJ native in the biz, Eric Frenchman, the Shore is what summer is all about. It’s packed Jersey style high culture: boardwalk people watching, live music, fantastic beaches, and the best pizza slice ever at the Saw Mill.?

Northern MI: highly recommended if you are not adjacent to an ocean. You’ll find yourself splashing through the sandbar and talking by the campfire. Really, it's the simple things in life like when and where. You don’t have no internet. But man, you never will forget the way the moonlight shines upon her hair. The MI Republican political crew can attest!?

New England: finally part of the elite! Think Bar Harbor, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. This isn’t exclusively a summer playground for wealthy Democrats and former presidents. Conservatives can also enjoy Lightning sailboat regattas, clambakes, and tennis, all while wearing Nantucket reds and sipping Mount Gay Rum. If it’s good enough for the Kennedys, it’s good enough for us.

Hilton Head/Kiawah Island: tired of the OBX crowds and its one-lane highway? Blow past South of the Border and wonder “who actually goes there?!” South Carolina is your vacation destination! Here’s your Instagram home for vacationing in HHI. These are the semi-secret beach hideaways of at least one governor and countless operatives. Just a few hours down 95 you will find yourself in the land of golf, gators, and fried goodness. You may even be lucky enough to have an Amanda Elliott sighting.?

Cannon Beach (AKA Goonie Beach): Oregon has a number of competitive races this year. Despite the likelihood that you work in digital, you might find a reason to make a personal visit to Portland. Head west to the beach for the iconic Goonies view, then up to town for some ice cream and other locally grown produce. We recommend Rocky Road for the full effect.?

The Mountains: Our CO GOP friends insist they won’t be taking a summer vacation. But just in case, most will head into the mountains seeking cooler climates. Mountain towns like Vail and Steamboat Springs that are well-known for great skiing in the winter also boast fantastic summer activities such as mountain biking, tubing, and fly fishing.?

Your home (but tell people you are out of pocket): stay home but tell everyone you are in the Swiss Alps. If a generation of workers can succeed as digital nomads, you can survive as a digital homebody. Tell no one you are home. Post a photo of a hiking trail outside of Grindelwald. Live like you are on vacation and do so in Central European time. Colleagues will think you are an early bird and clients will believe they are your favorite zoom of the day.??

Democrats:

Los Angeles: A city with so many options, but first and foremost, what good Democrat doesn’t love a Bravo show? Stop at all of the Vanderpump Rules cast locations: SUR, TomTom, Jax’s, and Schwartz & Sandy’s. Grab a sandwich from Ariana Madix’s new sandwich shop, Something About Her, and take it to eat on the beach. In town for a wedding and need a best man or MOH speech? Hit up Brian Franklin, of Vows and Speeches who will craft the perfect sentimental toast that will dazzle your West Coast audience.

Chicago: An elite summertime city. There’s no wonder why the Democrats chose it as the host city for the DNC this summer. Between Lollapalooza, all of the festivals, and the beautiful views of Lake Michigan, there’s plenty to do and see in Chicago this summer. Be sure to find a moment to share a glass of wine with Jaimey Sexton.

Palm Springs: If you are looking for a relaxing vacation spot, look no further than Palm Springs. You can relax at the pool, have an amazing massage, hit the Palm Springs Vintage Market, or plan your GOTV strategy over a bottle of Chardonnay.? If it’s good enough to host the 2023 American Association of Political Consultants Pollies, it’s good enough for you.

Grand Tetons: If you’re looking for an adventurous and outdoorsy summertime vacation, the Grand Tetons in Wyoming are perfect for you. The views are second-to-none, and the hiking will keep you busy. If you’re not keen on hiking, try horseback riding.?

Key West: The home to some of continental America’s most beautiful beaches and waters. You’ll love relaxing by the southernmost and watching the sunset from Mallory Square. If you love history, stop at The Hemingway Home and Museum to learn about the Nobel Prize-winning author and 6-toed cats. But let’s be honest. You didn’t visit Key West to learn more about your favorite author. If you like to drink, start at one end of Duval Street and end your night at the other. If you want to get some steps in and knock on doors for a local candidate, ping our favorite competitor-turned-candidate Chris Massicotte, running for Monroe County Commissioner. Pro tip: pop in at the Starbucks on Duval Street to launch any pending digital campaigns. The Wifi is solid, but bathrooms are questionable. Like the rest of Key West, it’s close to perfect but far from the normal place to do digital ad work.