You know how I love Esther Williams – the “mermaid” of 1950s Hollywood, who could make bathing suits look as glamorous as evening gowns?

I look pretty glamorous in my swimsuits from Anthony’s, the experts in women’s fashion, if I do say so myself.

Still, even Esther couldn’t walk around everywhere in just her bathing suit. She needed stylish cover-ups as much as we all do.

Grab yourself a couple of beach cover-ups

Every summer, I stock up on a few beach cover-ups at Anthony’s. I especially love the beach dresses by Peppermint Bay. These shift dresses are cool and casual, and they go right over my head when I need to go from pool to restaurant.

The other day, my hubby Marv and I drove our RV over to Sarasota for a weekend trip. We stayed at Sun-N-Fun resort – our grandkids’ favorite because they have a water park with a giant slide called the “Mega Slide.” After spending a couple hours climbing to the top of the stairs and then swirling down the Mega Slide – 10 seconds of pure watery excitement! – we were exhausted and in need of refueling.

Friends told us about a Texaco gas station right across the street that serves some of the best fried chicken in the state.

So, I pulled on my tropical garden print beach dress – that’s what I call sunny style! -- and we headed across the road to Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse, a giant tiki hut restaurant right behind the Texaco.

This place is getting rave reviews, and I must say, the chicken was divine. I looked great in my beach dress, too. A tiki hut and a tropical print just go together, don’t you think?

What are some of my other fave beach cover-ups from Anthony’s? I also love the J. Valdi cover-ups – they’re fun, versatile and pack up easily for all my summertime adventures.

Love fried chicken and barbecue after a long day at the pool?

Val’s vaca tip of the week: Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse is worth a stop if you’re anywhere near Interstate 75 in Sarasota.The Stottlemyers just built a huge tiki hut restaurant/bar right behind their Texaco station on Fruitville Road, and they got a rave review for their fried chicken and barbecue from thisweekinsarasota.com. The tiki hut is breezy and cool even in the heat of summer, and it’s so casual, my beach and resort dresses from Anthony’s are the perfect attire.