Summer days drifting away, but oh those summer nights.
If you’re like me, you live for the summer. It’s a time to slow down, enjoy the heat, and make the most of some ideal, sunny weather. For me, summer is super nostalgic, reminding me of all of the beach trips that I took as a kid or the long awaited outdoor barbecues and pool days I dreamt of during the school year. Although this year summer still looks a bit different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to set aside ten summer bucket list items that I hope to check off in the coming months. Some of these items on my summer list are new, some are old, and some are plain necessities for having a complete summer. Add them to your own bucket list and check them off with me! Who knows what this summer has in store for us!
Shower in an Outdoor Shower
There is nothing that screams summer more than an outdoor shower. In the summer, I try to do everything outside as much as possible- exercise, eat, read, you name it! Add showering outside to the list! Using an outdoor shower after the beach is just one of the little pleasures in life that I enjoy when the summer season rolls around. Although I don’t own one, I am making it a priority to track down an outdoor shower before the summer ends! Keep your eyes peeled!
Drive-In or Outdoor Movie
I have never been to a drive-in movie, however, due to COVID-19 restrictions, I have seen that this format of movie viewing has recently seen an uptick in popularity. I, for one, love seeing a movie in the theaters and miss the outing ever since in-person theaters closed down last year. Although it may take some online digging, I am definitely going to see if I can find a ticket!
New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden is just one of those places that takes you to a whole new world. I have seen plant species there that I have never seen or heard of in my entire life, which fascinates and intrigues me always. The beauty of the gardens is unparalleled and takes me to my happy place. The terrarium is by far my favorite destination in the garden; a wave of color, sights, and smells that truly makes for a unique experience with every visit. This summer the artist Yayoi Kusama has partnered with the garden to create a colorful, polka dot infused exhibition that I just can’t wait to see!
Picnic Lunch
Having a picnic is something that I have wanted to do for a while now, yet need some pressure to make happen. I am hoping that adding it to this list will give me that much needed push. There’s just seems like something so precious about bringing a basket full of snacks, pouring a chilled drink, and sitting on a soft blanket in the park. Call me romantic… because you would be right.
Day at the Beach
Along with every other person who is making a summer 2021 bucket list, I have placed on my list a day at the beach. Practically no summer of mine has gone by without me sticking my toes in the sand and I would hate to break tradition. For me, the beach puts a lot of life into perspective. It reminds me that the world is so much bigger than I am and puts my worries and troubles into appropriate scale. Being at the beach also reminds me of how beautiful nature is and how us humans don’t deserve it. But I am glad it is here for us to enjoy regardless.
Museum Day
If you know anything about me, you know I love a museum. When the heat of summer gets too overwhelming, that’s when you know museum day has arrived. Museums have taught me so much about the world and can provide a respite from the hectic pace of everyday life. In a museum, you set the pace, you choose your own adventure, and find what interests you. Plus, it’s a great way to generate some dinner time discussion to talk about all you have seen!
Visit a Vineyard
Have I ever been to a vineyard before? No. Will I let another summer go by without having gone to one? Also, no. There just seems to be something so picturesque about spending a lazy day in nature, drinking wine, and strolling through the rows of grapes. An added sunset wouldn’t hurt the day and neither would a sun kissed, freckled, tan.
Go Fruit Picking
I love fruit and I love outdoor activities, so going fruit picking seemed like a natural fit. I once went blackberry picking in Maine and it was such a fun time that I am eager to give it a go again more locally. There is just something so satisfying about picking your own fruit from the Earth and seeing where your food is coming from. An added bonus, now you’ve got fruit for weeks once you’re done!
Find a Summer Hat
There are hat people and there are people who don’t wear hats. I have always fallen into the latter category up until this summer. In the effort to spend as much time outside as possible, I find that a fine straw hat could be my new accessory of the season. It’s a step outside of my comfort zone, but I am willing to give it a go!
Get a Summer Manicure
It has been a hot minute since I have gotten my nails done, something that I have waited to do until I became fully vaccinated. Now, the time has come for me to finally step into a nail salon and get some fun, summer inspired nails to brighten up my summer look! My nail beds are screaming for this bucket list item to be checked off, that’s for sure!
Ursula D. 