Forever Summer
We are now in the full throes of summer and many of us are restless. This pandemic isn’t going away fast enough and many of us are really trying to find our way in this new normal. We would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the very uncertain and challenging times we continue to endure. But there is a certain determination and resilience that the summer brings. There is a determination to find a new normal and to persevere with life. While we know that the summer trips to faraway destinations or the party-all-night escapades may be on pause, we had a few summer escape ideas that we think are appropriate for the moment. These summer suggestions will help to keep the spirit of adventure alive in a more intimate way.
“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer." —F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
Up your hiking game
There is hiking … and then there is hiking. With a little extra searching and a great app like All Trails, you can discover hiking adventures that will blow your mind. You may have to drive a little further and do a little more digging, but the rewards are plenty. You can turn an ordinary hike into a great adventure with some of the most breathtaking landscapes.
Backyard adventures
If you are blessed with backyard space, then this is the time to make the most of it. You could plan a backyard movie night and relive the theatre experience. You could get a projector and a big screen, make cute popcorn snacks, and lay out pillows and cushions to create a personalized, comfy movie experience. Or, host an outdoor games night. You could play a fun game of croquet, or life-sized chess. Throw in a good bubble machine to add a little summery vibes to the day. If you have littles, you could get water guns and water balloons and go wild. Throw in a slip and slide and you have your own mini waterpark adventure at home.
Beach bonfires
Nothing beats the mood of beach bonfires. This is the perfect intimate setting for family and close friends. Flying kites, playing beach games, or sharing a pot luck of scrumptious snacks (don’t forget the wine!) are just some of the things to put on your list of to-dos. Then you can settle by the bonfire for smores and more. It’s a perfect summer soiree in these new times.
Glamping
Glamping is on the rise. With a great app and some sleuthing, you can discover a whole new way to enjoy the outdoors. And sometimes you can find the most magical spots right around the corner or a short drive from home. Spend a night on a ranch and wake up to roosters and sheep in the distance. Or, go to the middle of nowhere on a mountain top where you can touch the sunset and kiss the sky. This new world of glamping has completely transcended the typical rugged experience that is usually associated with camping.
Dive into DIYs
With great weather and sunny spirits, this is a great time to start fun projects outdoors. Learn a new skill, build something, plant an herb garden, start a pottery class — the possibilities are endless. We think it’s so important for us to be creative in life: it is a pathway to exploring our inner selves, and a way for us to practice discipline and feel a sense of accomplishment.
We think these activities are great for summer because they foster connection and adventure, even in a new world that is asking us to limit the way we interact with people and places. We’d love to hear what plans you’ve made for summer and which of our ideas you put into play!
xo,
SS
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