You've talked about it endlessly and now it's time to plan your summer club trip. Gas prices may be climbing to unknown levels but you will be prepared with carpool or train schedules in hand.

A few approaches: 

Any club can travel thematically -- a famous author's house, a destination you've read about and simply have to explore, a lovely inn.  But have you ever channelled an author's true passions?  Have you gone deep sea fishing in the style of Ernest Hemingway?  Visited his cats in Key West?  You don't have to read any of his numerous fish tales unless you really want to.  Summer is the perfect time to revisit or try for the first time A Farewell to Arms or the author's classic story of Paris, The Sun Also Rises.

Plan a day trip, a minor hike or an outdoor club meeting of any sort.  Bring along some poetry and don't despair that you missed National Poetry Month (it's in April).  What has worked best in clubs?  Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitmanand Wallace Stevens -- or all of the above, in tandem.

After all of that poetry you will need a trip to the movies. We'll have to wait until December for Marley & Me, so consider a few big, summer movie options.  Sex and the City will be watched closely and parsed for plot, character development and why exactly did they have to make this movie.  But if you are spending precious planning time, why not channel your blockbuster side and organize a club outing to see The Dark Knight (opening July 18th), The X-Files: I Want to Believe (opening July 25th) or revisit Agent Scully via DVD or in her surprisingly effective turn as Lady Dedlock in Bleak House.  Summer reading of Dickens optional.