The Small Balance Intersection Update - September 2, 2024

Barbecue Drive

55 Classic Labor Day Recipes Every Cookout Needs

As Labor Day approaches, it's time to plan the last big barbecue of the season. From appetizers to desserts, these 55 recipes will ensure your cookout is a memorable one, celebrating the end of summer with classic dishes that everyone will love. Here's a sneak peek at some must-try recipes:

• Grilled Corn on the Cob Wrapped in Foil: This easy, mess-free technique delivers perfectly cooked corn every time, making it a cookout essential.
• Grilled Pesto Pizza with Marinated Mozzarella and Tomatoes: These grilled pizzas, topped with summery pesto and fresh tomatoes, are ideal for an end-of-season celebration.
• Rainbow Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw that pairs perfectly with whatever you’re grilling, adding a refreshing crunch to your meal.
• Herby Miso Grilled Salmon Skewers: Marinated in a blend of rosemary, basil, mint, and garlic, these skewers are a flavorful twist on traditional barbecue dishes.
• Ranch-Rubbed Pork Ribs: Michael Symon’s simple twist on grilled ribs, using buttermilk powder and pantry spices, brings a Ranch-inspired flavor to the table.
• Frozen Sangarita: A refreshing cocktail that combines frozen sangria and margarita layers, perfect for cooling down on a hot Labor Day afternoon.
• Sweet and Spicy Apricot BBQ Chicken Thighs: Cooked in the oven with a homemade apricot BBQ sauce, this dish frees up grill space while delivering bold flavors.
• Baby Back Ribs with Spicy Peach BBQ Sauce: Giada’s ribs, finished under the broiler with a thick, sticky BBQ sauce, are a crowd-pleaser with a peachy kick.
• Vanilla Ice Cream with Peach Syrup: Simple yet delicious, this dessert combines sweet peaches with vanilla ice cream for a perfect summer treat.
• Grilled Triple-Decker Hot Dog Sandwich: Jeff Mauro’s over-the-top creation is a cross between a sandwich and lasagna, layered with hot dogs, cheese, and salami, then grilled to melty perfection.

These recipes, along with the other 45 featured, will make your Labor Day cookout a hit, ensuring a delicious send-off to summer.

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Ocean View

6 Historic Beach Boardwalks Everyone Should Visit

Taking a stroll along a beachside boardwalk is the perfect way to enjoy a summer day. Whether you're soaking in the ocean views or indulging in a sugary treat, boardwalks blend natural beauty, history, and fun. Here are six must-visit historic boardwalks across the United States:

• Santa Monica Pier - Santa Monica, California: This iconic pier, dating back to 1909, offers a mix of history and entertainment. Originally built for sewage disposal, it quickly transformed into a hotspot for local fun. The pier features a carousel from 1939, the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, a thrilling roller coaster, and plenty of carnival games and fishing spots.
• Riegelmann Boardwalk - Brooklyn, New York: Located in Coney Island, this 2.7-mile-long boardwalk has been a New York staple since 1923. Home to the historic Luna Park and the Cyclone roller coaster, it also offers attractions like the New York Aquarium and minor league baseball games at the Brooklyn Cyclones' stadium.
• Myrtle Beach Boardwalk - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Stretching 1.2 miles along the Atlantic, this relatively new boardwalk (opened in 2010) is packed with activities. Highlights include the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, Ripley’s attractions, and the carnival-like atmosphere of Plyler Park.
• Navy Pier - Chicago, Illinois: A historic site along Lake Michigan, Navy Pier was built in 1916 and has served various purposes, from housing soldiers during WWI to hosting Queen Elizabeth II in 1959. Now an entertainment hub, it features a 196-foot-tall Ferris wheel and offers stunning views of Chicago's skyline.
• Wildwood Boardwalk - Wildwood, New Jersey: This 2.5-mile-long boardwalk along the Jersey Shore is a vibrant slice of Americana. It played a significant role in the development of rock music, with Bill Haley and the Comets debuting "Rock Around the Clock" here. The boardwalk welcomes millions of visitors each year to enjoy its retro charm and beachside attractions.
• Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk - Rehoboth, Delaware: Known for its quaint atmosphere, this boardwalk is perfect for families and solo travelers alike. Funland, a long-standing amusement area, and Starkey’s Funnel Cake Factory are popular spots. The boardwalk also offers tax-free shopping and year-round events.

These historic boardwalks offer more than just a place to walk—they are destinations rich in history and full of fun for everyone.

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Scenic Route

Explore National Parks in Style: Top 5 U.S. Park Lodges

This Labor Day weekend, embrace the opportunity to step back, breathe deeply, and appreciate the beauty around you. America's national parks offer unique accommodations that allow visitors to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing comfort. Here are five standout places to stay within U.S. national parks:

1. Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: This historic inn, dating back to 1904, offers a rustic yet grand experience with its iconic stone fireplace and 80-foot-high lobby ceiling. Rooms offer views of Old Faithful, and the lack of TVs and Wi-Fi ensures a complete escape into nature.
2. Glacier Bay Lodge, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska: Accessible only by boat or plane, this lodge offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers. Guests can embark on catamaran tours to see wildlife such as bald eagles, bears, and whales.
3. Lake Quinault Lodge, Olympic National Park, Washington: Situated on Lake Quinault, this lodge provides easy access to rainforest trails and lake activities like kayaking. The lodge also offers guided tours and features amenities like an indoor pool and an on-site restaurant.
4. The Ahwahnee, Yosemite National Park, California: An iconic lodge nestled in Yosemite Valley, The Ahwahnee blends Native American and art deco styles and offers modern comforts. It’s an ideal base for exploring Yosemite’s famous cliffs, waterfalls, and scenic trails.
5. Volcano House, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii: Overlooking the Kilauea volcano, this lodge offers rooms with volcano views and easy access to hiking trails around the caldera. Guests can enjoy dining with a view of the crater and guided walking tours.

These lodges provide not just a place to stay, but an unforgettable experience in some of the most beautiful natural settings in the United States.

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Travel Signals

Summer Travel Spending Cools but International Trips Remain Hot

As summer 2024 winds down, travel spending growth has slowed, dropping 1.1% year-over-year from January to mid-August, but remains robust compared to pre-pandemic levels. International travel, especially to Europe and Asia, continues to thrive, driven by events like the Paris Olympics and Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, with Europe capturing the largest share of U.S. overseas spending. Despite the moderation, air traffic passenger volumes have hit their highest levels in five years, indicating that the desire to travel is still strong.

Interestingly, while overall travel spending has declined slightly, inflation-adjusted spending remains strong due to negative inflation rates in travel-related categories. Higher-income households are fueling much of this international travel, with luxury accommodations seeing better performance than standard hotels, reversing a two-year trend. Asia, particularly Japan, has emerged as a fast-growing destination for U.S. travelers, overtaking Europe in growth rate, spurred by pent-up demand and favorable exchange rates.

Looking ahead, travel is expected to stay buoyant into the fall, though at a slower growth rate than 2023. Domestic travel also shows resilience, with nearly 43% of respondents planning to vacation within the next six months. While the overall economic backdrop suggests consumer spending may cool, the travel sector appears poised to remain a bright spot.

Read more in the full report