Two weeks until finals week is upon us. So why is it that all I can think about is summer? The only thing on my mind is getting to the pool and laying under the sun. Honestly, I have had a bucket list for the summer of 2016 since January. I love getting out and doing a lot of different things in the summer, and here are a few of my favorites.
1. Drive-in movie theater
Going to the movies outside, on a cool summer night, is always a classic. Setting up blankets and pillows in the bed of a pickup might be the best thing about these types of nights out.
2. Going to the farmer's market
As someone who loves to cook, the farmer's market is my best friend. The best thing you can do for your local economy is shop on Saturday mornings at your town's farmer's market. The produce is fresh and you invest into local businesses. It's a win-win.
3. Going camping or hiking
Camping is so much fun in the summer, no matter how hot it is outside. It is always a special treat to get to spend time in nature and have fun while doing it, too. Hiking is so rewarding when you get to the top of the trail to a beautiful overlook of mountains. One of the best features that Tennessee has to offer is our gorgeous mountains.
4. Road trips
Road trips are an essential summer activity. I highly suggest driving The Natchez Trace from Nashville all the way down to Natchez, Mississippi. It is a beautiful noncommercial highway that has many stops to look at Native American burial mounds and hiking trails. Sometimes all you need is a road trip to Nashville in search of pretty murals.
5. Festivals
Hangout Festival, Bonnaroo, Country Music Awards Festival and many other festivals come around every summer. They all have great activities such as music, art and food to offer you.
6. Going to the lake
The lake is like going to the beach, but better. You don't have to drive far to reach a lake, and there are so many different activities that take place on the lake. Wake boarding, water skiing, tubing and paddle boarding are only a few of the many activities you can participate in while at the lake. My favorite activity is definitely kayaking!
7. Play tennis
Tennis is a great pass time no matter what age you are. Getting together with three of your friends to play tennis is so much fun, even if you aren't very good. Another bonus is that it offers you a fun workout outside. Obviously this picture was taken after we played tennis.
8. Going to the pool
The classic summer activity that everyone participates in at some point in the summer. Whether you are relaxing in the pool, playing games, or reading a book while you tan, you will always have fun at the pool--unless you get sun burnt.
9. Cliff diving
Rock Island is one of my favorite places to go cliff diving. With jumps of all different heights, you can slowly work your way up to the staggering 50 feet jump. I've only managed to do the 20 ft jump, but nonetheless, it was still just as scary. It is such an adrenaline rush, that you need to experience at least one time.
10. Going to a cookout
Fresh burgers off the grill just screams summer time. Hanging out outside, grilling food, and talking with friends is what summer is all about. It is just so convenient that a cookout wraps up all of the best qualities of summer and puts them into one event. While the picture is not us at a cookout, we were still enjoying our sweet tea from Cookout.
11. Going to the beach
During the summer the beach is packed just about where ever you go. The seafood and sun that you get at the beach can make anyone feel relaxed. The sand can be both a blessing and a curse, but a beach trip is definitely worth all of the sand that ends up in your car. Just laying out and listening to Jimmy Buffet songs is all you have to do to create a great beach trip.
Summertime, you have been good to me. Let's keep our relationship strong and end this long distance shindig. Only two weeks left. Summer, please hurry.
