Fall is fast approaching but it is not yet in the air. While we are still stuck in the oppressive late August heat, we might as well take advantage of all that summer has to offer one last time. Here is a list of ten of my favorite summer activities that I would recommend everyone check off before they begin to pull out their sweaters.
1. Get Ice Cream
Ice cream is always number one on the list. While I am a firm believer that ice cream is not a seasonal food, I don’t think anyone can deny that a soft serve cone tastes much better once it’s gotten a little drippy in the August sun. If you’re not an ice cream fan, frozen yogurt works too. It’s all about where you are and who you’re with.
2. Go for a Drive
This is one of my personal favorite things about summer. I am not a beach person, and prefer to enjoy a beautiful view of the ocean from the confinement of a car. Whether it's a sunset drive or late at night, nothing beats driving in the summer with the windows down. Extra points if you have an aux cord and an amazing playlist.
3. Watch the Sun Rise
I didn’t know how crucial this was to my summer experience until I got up at 5:30 am last week and watched the sunrise with a friend. I have always been of the mindset that summer is for sleeping in, so the thought of waking up when it is still dark outside has never been appealing. I finally did it though, and it was absolutely worth the nap that I needed to take later that afternoon. Sitting in your pajamas with a good friend and a cup of hot tea or coffee is an incredible experience.
4. Lay in the Sun
I am a self-proclaimed “lizard”. Not in the colloquial high school boy sense, but in the fact that I love to lay in the sun. Sometimes I literally just lay down on my front porch, on my driveway, in the grass, and close my eyes. This can be done at the beach or any other sunny outdoor spot, and I guarantee it will boost your happiness levels 200 percent. For someone who works inside most days, getting some sun can be the best thing in the world. Make sure to wear sunscreen, you don’t want to fall asleep and wake up burned, but even ten minutes will do you good. This is a distinctly summery activity that cannot be achieved in the cooler fall light, so indulge in this while you still can.
5. Go for a Walk/Hike/Run
While you’re up at 6 am, you might as well lace up your sneakers and hit the pavement. Exercising outside is so refreshing, but it's better to do either early in the morning or at twilight to avoid the summer heat. Make use of nearby trails to enjoy the shade of the forest while also getting a good workout in.
6. Hang Out With Your Family
This is a year-round to-do list item, but it is easier to take advantage of in the summer months. For those of us leaving for college, it is easy to spend a lot of time saying goodbye to friends, while forgetting that we must also leave our families. Family members can be included in any of the previously mentioned items, and I guarantee that they will appreciate it.
