A Simple Summer | Activities You Can Enjoy Right Near Home

Summer looks very different this year. Matthew and I were supposed to go to Italy this July to photograph a beautiful destination wedding, except that it has been postponed til next year. We’re very excited for next year of course, even tough we are naturally sad to wait another year. Instead we decided to go on a road trip to Route 66 and some National Parks out west, but the virus is just beginning to spread rapidly there due to the lack of restrictions in most western states until recently. We found ourselves with a second canceled summer trip. And with the new quarantines out West it will make traveling more difficult. I feel comfortable continuing as it is a road trip after all, but Matthew and our friends are not as confident, so now we’re looking for an alternative trip for my thirtieth birthday this year. For many of us, it seems our summer plans are on hold. Yet, it doesn’t have to mean that summer itself is cancelled.

Whatever happened to the good old fashioned simple summer? Swimming in the lake, day trips to the local beach, berry picking, gardening, bicycle rides, picnics, parks and outdoor games, cookouts, local camping, and kayaking are all things we can do at home here in New England. Depending on where you live your local summer activities may vary, but we all have plenty of good old fashioned summer activities we can do right near home.

Of course I’m sad about our travel plans, but we are all in the same boat right now and there is plenty of fun to be had in our own backyards [figuratively speaking for those like myself who live in apartments and do not have backyards].

Instead of being disappointed in cancelled plans, we can make new plans of our own for trips and activities that are much less likely to be cancelled and offer just as much summer fun. We can all use this extra time to slow down and enjoy a simple summer, perhaps even do the summer activities you love most but have not had time for in the past. We can relive the joys of summer from time long ago. For me, summer time in New England is all about long bike rides on trails through the woods, jumping into the nearest lake, picnics by the water or under a tree, picking strawberries at a local farm, making time to read a good book, and kayaking down a scenic river. Winters in New England are long and cold, but our hot and lush summers more than make up fir it.

Here is my list of simple summer activities that you can do close to home [location depending for some]:

 

One. Have a lake day. New England has lakes just about everywhere. Tiny Connecticut alone has over three hundred lakes and ponds! Pack yourself a home made lunch, a swim suit, and some eco-friendly sunscreen and make your way to the nearest lake (or even a lake that is new to you).

Two. Go berry picking. Check with your local farms to see if they’re open and which crops are ready for picking, July is a perfect time for strawberries.

Three. Lavender blooms in late June through July and early August. Chances are, there might be a lavender farm near you. although they are rare finds in the United States. Lavender Pond Farm in Killingworth Connecticut is a lovely place to visit for the fresh summery scent of lavender.

Four. Find the flowers. Go on an adventure to see which flowers are in bloom near you or go wildflower picking. You can go for a wildflower walk, visit a local park, or even search for gardens and farms. Many New England states have gorgeous sunflower fields (and even sunflower mazes) and rose gardens are popular in the early summer. West Hartford in Connecticut has the loveliest rose garden at Elizabeth Park.

Five. Have your own backyard? I found this incredible tutorial about how to make your own budget friendly swimming pool! https://www.countryliving.com/life/a43074/stock-tank-pools/

Six. Missing the movies? Find an outdoor movie theater nearby. Chances are, there is one in a reasonable driving distance or just a short day trip away. Connecticut has three drive-in theaters. Don’t forget your bug spray. If you don’t have one near you, try making an outdoor theater right at home.

Seven. Find a local camping spot. Nothing feels more summery than camping in a tent.

Eight. Late summer is perfect for peach picking. Search your local orchards to find available dates.

Nine. A beach day is an obvious choice for a summer getaway, but it has to make this list. Grab your towel, sunscreen, and a good book and make your way to the closest beach. Because many are limiting the amount of people visiting per day, make sure to go early so you don’t miss out.

Ten. Pack a picnic basket with your favorite lunches, snacks, and beverages and make your way to your local outdoor oasis.

Eleven. My father used to love a good fishing trip. Although fishing is no longer my favorite (I feel too bad for the fishies!), it makes a good trip for many. Even if you don’t fish, sitting out by the water is a lovely experience.

Twelve. Do you have a garden, a patch of land outside your front door, or even a community garden in town? Get planting! Its not just great for the environment, it is also a healthy activity for you physically and mentally. Gardening strengthens your immune system and also reduces stress. And nothing tastes more like summer than fresh tomatoes ripe off the vine.

Thirteen. Draw, color, or paint outdoors. Bring a sketchpad or small easel and make your way outdoors to capture what you see on paper. Try fun colors and get creative.

Fourteen. Kayak/ canoe/ paddle board. If you don’t own one, there are plenty of rental places that offer all three options to get out on the water.

Fifteen. Host an outdoor lunch or dinner.

Sixteen. Go for a hike or a long walk. Its always nice to walk outdoors close to home, but what about searching for a new park or trail that you have not been to before?

Seventeen. You don’t need a yard at home to enjoy lawn games. Bring your favorite outdoor lawn games to your local park with some friends. You can play corn hole, croquet, frisbee, or any of your favorite games.

Eighteen. Try playing your favorite children’s games like drip, drip, splash (a game similar to duck, duck, goose, but you use water to drip and then splash the person that you choose as it).

Nineteen. Build a bird house.

Twenty. Fly a kite.

Twenty-one. Shop at a local farmer’s market. You can create delicious meals and try new recipes using the fresh produce you find.

Twenty-two. Have a stargazing night. You’ll want to go out on a clear night without clouds and pack some blankets and layers in case it gets chilly. Try a local beach or an open field. See which constmallentions you can find.

Twenty-three. Read a book outside. Have any friends that love to read? Perhaps you can plan a reading afternoon together or even a book swap.

Twenty-Four. Get creative with photography. You can go for photo walks, try astrophotography, get into nature photography, capture a long exposure photo of a waterfall or river, capture some underwater photos, or plan a creative photo shoot.

Twenty-Five. Go for a bicycle ride. You can ride right at home or find some trails nearby.

Twenty-six. Are you blessed with a porch, patio, or back yard? Make yourself an at-home outdoor oasis. Add mood lighting, comfortable seating, and a place for an outdoor fire or meals.

Twenty-seven. Celebrating something special? Plan an outdoor dinner date. It can be at home or in a park. With the proper setting, a table for two, comfortable cushions, and some cute tabletop settings, you can have the dinner date of your dreams.

 

What simple summer activities are you looking forward to?