Summer '16 is here! We made it through finals and now it's time to relax, adventure and have a blast! Here's a list of things everyone should try this summer to make their couple months off more enjoyable.
1. Ice cream places
Hot summers require eating lots of ice cream-- seriously, it's a rule. Kimball's Farm, the classic Massachusetts ice cream venue, is always a fan favorite. While enjoying ice cream you can also take part in mini golf, a driving range, pony rides, bumper boats, petting zoos and other lively activities! It's great for families and groups of friends, and the ice cream is A+.
When in the Boston area, a popular spot is Lizzy's, the 'new classic' in Cambridge. All the ice cream is homemade and has a super fun environment. They have over 50 delicious toppings and the ice cream is truly award winning.
2. Beaches
Another must during the summer is visiting the beach! Sometimes it's much needed to take a break and stare at the ocean for a little while.
A great beach I visited recently was Narragansett in Rhode Island. The sand was smooth and clean, and the water had amazing waves and didn't get too cold. Later in the afternoon they even played music that could be heard down the whole beach. It was so relaxing getting to enjoy the sun while jammin' to some Jimmy Buffet.
Cape Cod beaches are never a disappointment; however, the better the weather gets, the busier the beaches will get. A "less crowded" area in the Cape is Wellfleet, which has an amazing beach called Newcomb Hallow. The waves are smaller but the beach is huge with a large sand dune. The sand is soft and white and the waves stay gentle. It's also a great nighttime fishing spot!
3. Adventures
Even though you might be working all summer, or have an internship or just seem to be really busy, it's important to take some time off and do something spontaneous and fun!
Plan a road trip to Niagra Falls with a group of friends, go watch fireworks and eat cotton candy, buy tickets to a Red Sox game, bridge jump; even just going on a last minute bike ride or hike can be a great way to treat your self!
4. Recipes to make
Quick and easy recipes are a great way to save yourself from spending all your money, especially if you're like me and splurge on froyo.
Frozen bananas are super delicious and super simple to whip up. Freeze a bundle of bananas overnight (or for a few hours), and insert a popsicle stick in each. Melt a bag of chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of butter for 30 seconds intervals until fully melted and dip the bananas in the chocolate, putting them on a sheet of wax paper. Put on sprinkles, nuts, coconut or any kind of toppings if you'd like! Place the bananas in the freezer after, and enjoy when they're finished.
Another easy ice cream-type snack is watermelon ice! All you need is watermelon, lime juice, honey and gelatin. Pour 2 tablespoons of water and 1 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin in a bowl and microwave for 40 seconds, let it sit for 2 minutes, then microwave again. Place a cup of watermelon into the blender with 2 tablespoons of lime juice and 2 tablespoons of honey in the blender with the gelatin. Blend, adding one cup of watermelon at a time until smooth. Then pour into a small 8x8 dish and place in the freezer for a few hours. Beat it with an electric mixer when ready to serve until it's fluffy.
5. Sunset spots
Summer sunsets never seem to get old; I look up at the sky with the same amazement almost at every sunset I see. Sitting out during a warm night with your loved ones watching the sky change from soft blues and pinks to bright purples and oranges is a relaxing, quiet and a really wonderful experience.
A great place to watch the sunset is right on the Charles River separating Boston and Cambridge. You can walk along the water while also watching the sky, and it's a breathtaking sight. The skyline and the reflection in the water is dazzling.
If you're willing for a longer drive/adventure, Lake Chaplain in Burlington, Vermont has an amazing view. Grab a blanket, some snacks, your best friends and sit out on the beach and watch the beautiful painting of colors reflected from the sky in the water -- the drive is worth it, trust me!
Make sure to accomplish everything you want to do in order to make your summer cool as heck before we head back to school. Enjoy yourself for the next few months!
