Welcome back from the long weekend, reader. With Memorial Day behind us, summer is beginning, and our Official Guide to Summer is finally here, providing you with the best things to do, drinks to drink, recipes to make and places to go this season. We want to make sure you take full advantage of all there is to do so that come September, you won't look back on the last three months with any regrets. Let's make this summer your best one yet.

Last week, we asked you what type of grill you'd be firing up for Memorial Day Weekend. Over half of you (52%) were using gas, while the rest of you said charcoal (28%), pellet (10%) or electric (7%). 

11 Cocktails That Prove Whiskey Is Ideal for Summer Drinking

When the thermometer hits 90 (or 100 or 110…sorry, Florida) and the 5-inch shorts come out, we have a drink in mind. And that drink is — surprise! — whiskey.

While other people flock to spritzes and white spirits during the heat, whiskey is versatile enough for any weather situation. Yes, that includes beach-ready cocktails. So we asked bartenders, brand ambassadors and distilleries to send us their best summer whiskey cocktails. A sampling below covers bourbon, rye, Irish whiskey, Japanese whisky and Scotch-based drinks. If these seem too complex for your home bar, you’re welcome to try a canned variation.

NEWS FROM THE WEEKEND

Richard Dreyfuss’s comments at a Jaws screening prompted an apology from the theater.

The house from Home Alone is on the market.

Bill Walton, Hall of Fame basketball player, dies at 71.

Genesis’s upcoming GV90 could reshape the high-end SUV world.

Is bottled water harming California’s wildlife?

10 Last-Minute Summer Trips You Can Still Pull Off

Summer is just around the corner. And while it’s expected to be one of the busiest travel seasons yet, that shouldn’t preclude last-minute types and jet-setters who have an open weekend or two on the calendar from going somewhere great. If you fall into either camp, don’t fret! There are plenty of epic spots to visit this summer that don’t require a ton of legwork to make happen. Domestic destinations like Chicago and Providence never disappoint. Bermuda is an easy and relatively inexpensive flight from most East Coast airports. Even longer-haul trips like Athens and Lisbon are doable with the right mindset (and maybe some airline miles).

Here are 10 trips that you can still pull off before swimsuit season.

F1 Academy’s Path to Getting a Woman on the Grid Is Just Getting Started

Abbi Pulling is smiling. On Wednesday, May 1, a few days ahead of race weekend, the young driver is on the field at LoanDeport Park. Far away from the track at Hard Rock Stadium, she’s about to do a jersey swap with former Marlins second baseman Luis Arráez (now a member of the Padres) before one of his final games in the city where the heat is on. From the moment Pulling stepped onto the field, she was excited and thrilled about what was unfolding around her, taking it in as any other average 20-something would.

Pulling has plenty to beam about outside of a jersey swap, too. She’s currently atop the Championship standings as part of the Alpine and Rodin Motorsport team for F1 Academy. The all-women driving series, fully supported in every aspect including financially by every F1 team and dedicated to providing a clear progression and pathway to land a female driver in the big leagues, is in its sophomore season with no signs of slowing down.

12 Great Places to See Comedy in Chicago

Why did the comedian bring a hammer to the comedy club? Because she wanted to nail her punchlines! We can practically hear the groans, but don’t worry: you’re pretty much guaranteed to hear far better jokes at the clubs and theaters listed here, thanks to Chicago’s dynamic comedy scene and rich history as a breeding ground for the top names in funny business. The next time you're in need of a laugh, pay one of these spots a visit.