Summertime: the time of year to kick back and let loose with your friends. It is beyond common to find yourself sitting around with your friends and thinking, "what is there to do"? Sometimes, it almost feels impossible to figure out something to do - I've been there, done that. But, there is actually so much to do out there; just channel your inner creative mind and go with whatever first pops into your head. Don't knock it, 'til you try it - am I right? Here's a brief list of some things that I enjoy to do most over the summer:
1. Road trip down the shore
New Jersey is known for its shore points, and I'm sure everyone whose grown up in the Garden State is well-familiarized with the shore. There are so many shore points to choose from and so many boardwalks to roam around. Between the dozens of food places located on the boardwalk and handful of carnival rides, you can't really ever go wrong (Personally, Kohr's strawberry-banana twist ice cream is a must have on every trip). You also can't forget about the killer views, totally "insta-worthy".
2. Concerts, concerts, concerts ...and more concerts
This is my ultimate go-to thing to do over the summer with my friends. Concerts are overall a good time and you can never go wrong; one of your faves will always be playing at some point in time over this summer. Some of my summer concerts for 2016?: Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber(x3), Nick Jonas, Drake & Future. None of those spark your interest? Literally, go to google and type in summer concerts in New Jersey and pick away at what concerts you want to attend.
3. Beat the heat, stay inside and enjoy a movie night
Sometimes it is just too damn hot to be spending the entire day outside. After all, it is summer and heat waves do happen; but don't let that stop you from hanging out with your friends. Kick back and relax with a movie day and binge watch as many movies as you can. My friends and my personal go-to is scary movies: you really can't go wrong. And of course, don't forget the snacks.
4. Channel your inner foodie
Instagramable food seems to be all the hype now; whether you're actually posting it on Instagram, Snapchat, VSCO, or whatever means of social media you dedicate your food posts to; photos are being taken. There are articles upon articles of "places you need to eat at this summer", so why not grab a few friends and venture off to some of those places? Beats sitting around wondering what to do, who knows what you may discover along the way. Anyway, who isn't down for a killer meal that looks as good as it tastes? (Just so happens that I work at a very insta-popular foodie favorite: Montclair Bread Company, which is also pictured above).
5. Plan a getaway trip
Classes are over, but most of us are working part-time or full-time jobs during the summer, so there really isn't much emphasis on the "break" in summer break. Notify your job/boss ahead of time and plan a week or weekend getaway trip with some friends. Whether it's a mini-vacay down the shore, or a trip to Florida, Vegas, California (virtually anywhere); get out there and go! You'll not only make some amazing memories, but you'll enjoy some of the best stress-free days and get to enjoy what a real break finally feels like.
6. Go to amusement parks, fairs, carnivals, etc.
Who doesn't love a day filled with thrills? Jump in the car and head to Six Flags: Great Adventure or even find some carnivals or fairs that you can go to. There's pretty much always some type of festival going on during the summer; whether it be a food-focused festival with a couple of small attractions or something like the State Fair at the Meadowlands, you'll end up somewhere enjoying yourself!
7. Explore some cities
Living just about 15 minutes away from the city is something I've always appreciated; having such easy access to one of the most popular cities in the country. With that being said, get dressed and go explore NYC! Maybe you've been to New York a lot and you want to go explore the unknown, try some cities you've never been to before. Providence and Newport in Rhode Island are a couple of my favorite go-to's. (A small detail I've fallen in love with in Newport is pictured above!)
8. Squeeze in a workout session
The feeling of getting up and motivating yourself to get to the gym: some people have this drive, while others just don't. I personally don't mind heading out to the gym alone, but my best friend also goes to the same gym, so it's a win-win for me. I personally enjoy working out a lot more than most people do. If you're one of those people that just can't find it in you to get to the gym alone, hit up a friend and ask them to go with you. It's always a motivation-booster to have someone working out with you and pushing you to the next level. In the moment you may feel like it's something you absolutely hate, but trust me, you'll feel amazing once you've finished your workout (and so will your friends).
With any thought or idea that pops into mind this summer, go out and do it. This is the season to do anything you want; the weather is almost all the time in favor for fun to take place (you can have fun in the rain too 'ya know). With the weight of classes lifted off our shoulders over summer, it frees up a lot more time than we may think we have.
