Readers' Choice: What's Your Favorite Beach?

Memorial Day has come and gone, the unofficial start of summer now behind us. With temperatures slowly creeping up (not like the 90ºF it was in February) the pool covers are coming off and the sunblock is being uncapped.

But if a pool deck is not where you yearn to be, where do you go to take a refreshing dip and then sit on the shore to relax? Do you make the trek to Rhode Island or Cape Cod to plop yourself down on an ocean beach? Or do you stick closer to home to enjoy a local swimming hole or state park?

Southington has some local opportunities for those who want to spend some time by the water, with the and providing a couple spots in town. You may have another place in mind - if so, please share.

Last week the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection gave the green light to and lounge on the beaches along  Long Island Sound.

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Some popular state parks on the list include:

• Burr Pond State Park, Torrington
• Mount Tom State Park, Litchfield
• Stratton Brook State Park, Simsbury
• Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
• Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic
• Silver Sands State Park, Milford

But don't forget about these popular local places:

• Congamond Lakes Middle Pond, Southwick, Mass.

Tell us where your favorite place to lounge by the water is during the summer. Due to the late start, we will allow nominations through 5 p.m. on Wednesday, followed by a poll opening at 6 p.m. on May 30, but you don't have much time so add your nomination now!

Readers' Choice is all about you — your ideas, your feedback and your voice — so we hope you will chime in and post your reviews of local hot spots.

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