Summer nights are what pop and country songs are made of. Everyone seems to look forward to summer nights, even if they dread the heat they bring. After living in a small city for nine months, I grew accustomed to having places to go at night, such as coffee shops and theaters. But what is a college student to do at night when they return home for the summer? Small towns may not have as many options as a city, but with a little bit of creativity, there are plenty of things to do.
1. Shoot fireworks: Who says it has to be the Fourth to have fun with fireworks? All you need are some friends and fireworks, and you have a simple summer night. Plus, if it's cool outside, you can light up the night even more with a bonfire while jamming out to music. There's not a more relaxing way to spend time with friends.
2. Go Swimming: You will either need a pool or a friend with a pool for this one, but swimming at night is a great way to cool off after a hot and humid day. For those that work during the daytime, it's hard to make time for the pool, so it's perfectly fine to swim at night! Plus, as an added bonus, you don't have to worry about getting a sunburn!
3. Have a sleepover: You're never too old for sleepovers, and since college was pretty much just one big, stressful sleepover, what better way to spend your summer than by continuing the fun? You can pig out on junk food with your friends, watch romantic comedies (or horror movies), and stay up all night talking about your crush from Biology. Then, when it's over, you can sleep in late like you never got to do in college, unless you just skipped all your morning classes (shame on you).
4. Drive around: Gas prices are low so there's no better time to ride around with your windows down and radio up! You can either do this with friends or alone, assuming you at least have a car to drive yourself around in. If you live in a small town, then there's a pretty good chance that you're surrounded by farmland and dirt roads. Sometimes, it feels good to get away from it all.
5. Have a movie night: Assuming that your small town is big enough to have a movie theater, then why not catch a flick with friends or family? If your town doesn't have a theater, then treat yourself to some Netflix or rent a movie. Then, build the ultimate blanket fort and act like a kid again, but don't forget the popcorn!
6. Eat: Nothing treats boredom better than food. While it may not be healthy to eat just because you're bored, food brings people together. You can venture out to the closest truck stop to eat Dunkin' Donuts and chat with friends for hours, or hit up McDonald's and blow the money you know you shouldn't be spending.
Hopefully, these six ideas help make your summer nights more fun and adventurous. You don't have to live in a city to have a good time, and summer gives you the perfect opportunity to reconnect with family and old friends. Make the most out of every moment and enjoy summer while it lasts.
