April is almost over! I can see light at the end of the rainy tunnel, grazing my face with warm, wonderful summer. After finals draw to a close, graduation gives you an excuse to go out for fine dining (and not have to pay for it) and that big girl/boy job starts, what are you all looking forward to? Do you have any big vacations planned? Or are you just excited to spend some good ‘ole summer nights grilling out with your favorite people?
I’ll tell you what I’m most excited for: bon fires. We used to have them quite often around the Hunter household. Now that I will be home it only seems appropriate to throw at least one or two with old friends.
If you’re looking for ways to spice up your summer, I’ve come up with 15 ideas to get you started on your best summer yet!
1. An outdoor concert. Go see someone you love, sing all the songs at the top of your lungs. Then check out someone new, take the time to listen to their lyrics and connect with the music.
2. Picnic in the park. Take your dog or a loved one! Make some yummy snacks and bask in the sun.
3. Read a good book. But do it outside. Maybe while you’re on your picnic.
4. Go skydiving. Sure, it’s expensive, but if you can afford it…take the plunge! This goes for hot air balloons and bungee jumping.
5. Catch an airshow. Because planes are awesome. If the tickets are pricey, see if you can’t watch from the outskirts.
6. Rent a pontoon. Invite a ton of friends, split the bill and it’s super cheap. Pot luck on the food and drinks and you’re good to go for hours of crazy lake jumping or relaxing tanning.
7. Host a BBQ. Don’t know your neighbors? Invite everyone over for some kabobs and corn hole. (that sounds weird…you get me)
8. Weekend trip. I’m talking 2-3 hours away in a town you’ve never been. Maybe it will surprise you!
9. Festivals galore. Bloomington in particular has incredible festivals- art, music, food. Check your city’s calendar. Most are free!
10. Free movie nights. Especially if the drive in has one. Or maybe a local theatre.
11. Comedy club. One of my favorites! Pretty cheap, too. Be prepared to laugh until you cry.
12. Take a class. Art, pottery, yoga, cooking, music…there are lots of options. Try something new!
13. Decorate. Pick any room in your house and re-decorate. If you’re on a tight budget, just switch around the furniture for a fresh look.
14. Volunteer. Homeless shelters and soup kitchens always need extra hands. You’ll love the rewarding feeling and meet some incredible people.
15. Enjoy nature. Take a day or weekend to be social media/cell phone free. You can go camping (but not RV/shower camping), fishing, hiking. Another great way to enjoy Mother Earth is taking a sketch book and draw what you see. Really take the time to look at the little details.
Those are my suggestions to get you started. Another great idea is to take ideas, write them down on strips of paper or popsicle sticks and pick them out of a jar randomly (originally for dates, but you can mix it up with adventure ideas as well). I’m all about being as spontaneous as possible. If you like things planned, that’s alright! Just be ready to go with the flow if you gotta 😉
Hope everyone has a great start to their summer! Oh, and good luck on all those finals hard working students!
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