Through the frigid, snowy winter, I sat by our fire and dreamed of toasty summer days when I could lounge by the pool or ride my bicycle to the community garden. Now that summer is finally almost upon us, it’s time to create a bucket list to take advantage of the longer days of this glorious season. Here are seven unique things to add to your to-do list this summer.
Try fly fishing: Do you live nearby a river or creek known for fishing? Try fly fishing this summer and get the hang of the rhythmic casting and tying on your own flies. Catching a fish on a high-action fly rod is fun with a hint of instant gratification if you know just what fly to tie on to the end of your line. If you’re squeamish like me, you’ll even find it easier than fishing with a nightcrawler.
Go to an outdoor concert: From outdoor amphitheaters to concerts in a city park or a botanic garden, look up concert schedules for outdoor venues in your area. Pack a summery picnic, your favorite refreshing beverage, and a blanket to enjoy the fresh air and good music.
Green your thumb: If you haven’t had any luck with growing plants before, this is the summer to finally green your thumb. Start small with just a tomato plant on your patio. There are specific tomato varieties for container gardening. Basil is also easy to grow in a container. If you’re feeling a little more ambitious, join a community garden and plant a vegetable garden. Other gardeners there will be able to help guide you through the season and provide valuable advice on growing all of your favorite produce.
Ride a ferris wheel: Whether it’s at a state fair or a local amusement park, hop on the ferris wheel with someone special for a romantic ride. The ferris wheel is a classic attraction and features the best views of a city as the warm summer air breezes past your cheeks.
Go to a drive-in theater or watch a movie outside: While there may be fewer and fewer drive-ins, if there is one in your hometown, be sure to catch a summer blockbuster. Bring your own snacks, sleeping bags, and lawn chairs for the complete experience. If a drive-in theater isn’t an option, watch a movie outside in your own backyard. Set up a white sheet and a projector and screen an 80s classic, such as “The Breakfast Club” or “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
Make homemade ice cream: There’s nothing better than the taste of homemade French vanilla ice cream topped with fresh berries from the farmer’s market. Search Pinterest for new recipes and ideas for making homemade ice cream, even without a conventional ice cream maker.
Go on a sno cone date: In my small hometown in Idaho, we regularly stop by the local sno cone shack. This summer, plan on going on a sno cone date with your significant other. Be sure to top your sugary and icy snack with a little cream for an extra special treat.
