Calli with Love

I have a hard time saying goodbye to summer: the sun, the carefree energy, the childhood nostalgia. etc. The end of summer blues aways hits hard. I can’t help but mull over the unfinished thoughts, ideas, trips I never took, etc. August, though not the calendar end, signifies the last chance to complete your summer goals. Culturally, we welcome fall once the school and football season kick off and we tend to spend all of August preparing for it. The “back to school” and “end of summer” sales are at their peak and fall seasonal items are starting to fill the shelves. Summer always seems to end too soon.

There are plenty of ways to continue to indulge in summer while gearing up for fall. Whether you’re needing a distraction from the upcoming semester or just want to soak up every last bit of the sun before it hides away again, here is my ultimate end of summer bucket list to help keep that summer feeling alive.

1. Indulge in Summer Produce

One of the best parts of any season is the fresh produce it produces. Don’t let summer end without indulging in watermelon, peaches, zucchini, tomatoes, corn, blackberries, and more! Don’t be afraid to pull out Pinterest and try new recipes. This week I bought a bundle of peaches and looked up nearly every recipe possible to get my fix (peach, burrata, and prosciutto sandwiches! peach crisp! peaches and chicken! Genuinely unreal.) You won’t regret it.

2. Go to the Beach

August is usually when lakes and rivers are finally warming up enough for a comfortable swim. Head to the beach with friends, family, or on your own if you want. Build sand castles, jump some waves, or just relax with a book, but remember to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated!

3. Have a Picnic at the Park

This is something you can do even as it gets chillier out. Grab a blanket, some snacks, some drinks, a book or craft, and head to a park near you. Find a spot under a tree or rest out under the sun. Take in the fresh air around you. If you go with friends, bring a ball to kick around or cards to play with. Stay until sunset if you can.

4. Make Lemonade

How adorable were we as kids with our Lemonade or Kool-Aid stands? To me, this was the epitome of summer. The sky was the limit for us. Do yourself a favor and buy yourself ingredients for some fresh lemonade! It’s not hard to make and easy to spice up with different flavors. It’s a sweet treat to take you back in time.

5. Host an End of Summer Barbecue/Potluck

Colorful pasta salad, potato salad, buttery corn on the cob, barbecue sauce, and fresh, juicy watermelon… Need I say more?

6. Have an Outdoor Movie Night

There’s a lot of feel good summer movies to enjoy on a warm night outside. Grab some blankets and a projector or your laptop to create a cozy vibe. Movies like Mamma Mia, Before Sunrise, The Sandlot, and Luca are a few of the perfect options for this experience.

7. Go Star Gazing

Use one of the final remaining summer nights to drive into the country and admire the beauty of the nonpolluted night sky.

8. Catch Fireflies

Grab a jar or just use your hands to catch some fireflies. Just remember to let them go afterwards.

9. Go Camping

Pack the necessities and head out to into the wild for an unplugged night or two away from the world. If you’re not too fond of the wild, go ahead and camp in your yard. It’s just as fun and your bathroom is right there.

10. Plan One Last Road Trip

Pick a destination: a National Park, a monument, a long distance friends house, a new city. Find an exciting reason to get in the car with some people you love and just drive.

11. Go to a Baseball Game

Baseball games can be cheap or expensive depending on the team and league. A Rockies game in Denver can be as low as $8. Enjoy the game, eat a hot dog, and have a drink.

12. Enjoy Drinks on a Patio

Patio season is nearing its end. Take advantage of it while its here and explore the beautiful restaurant patios around you.

13. Go to a Concert

Look up what shows are coming to the outdoor venues near you! Try to catch one at an outdoor venue before the season ends.

14. Tend To Your Garden

Watering my garden and keeping it tidy is one of the highlights of my day every day. There is nothing sweeter than witnessing the flowers finally bloom and the produce come in. Keep it up before fall hits.

15. Wake Up Early for a Sunrise

Just do it. It feels like you have the entire world in your hands.

16. Watch a Sunset

Again. Just do it. Find a look out spot and take in the beautiful colors.

17. Grab Ice Cream

Some of the best flavor come from local ice cream shops.

18. Eat Meals Outside

I’ve been eating my breakfast outside almost every day this summer and it has brought a lot of peace to my mind. Leave technology and work inside and focus on the elements around you as you nourish your body.

19. Lay in the Sun

Laying in the sun is one of my absolute favorite past times. It’s not just about getting a tan, though. There’s a lot of health benefits to letting your skin absorb the sunshine (with sun screen of course.) It can improve mental and physical health deeply. For many, the sun goes away for months once fall comes around, so try to take advantage of that sunshine while it’s here.

20. Make S’mores

Create a balance with all the fresh produce by letting yourself indulge in one of summer’s greatest sweet little treats, s’mores! They’re fun to make and so delicious. Try putting a fun spin on the dessert with Reese’s cups, Oreos, or even strawberries.

21. Work out or do yoga outside

If you have a workout or yoga routine, try taking it outside at least once a week. If you don’t have your own routine, look up classes or groups that meet outside. It can be any kind of workout you’d like: running, soccer, basketball, yoga, dance, stretching, and so many other options to choose from.

22. Go to a Drive In

Summer is for the epic blockbusters. Switch up from your normal movie theater and go to a drive in wherever you can find one. It’s such a fun experience for everyone.

23. Host a craft party outside

Think of a paint and sip with your friends. Now take it out into the park or in your front yard. Add some snacks and a speaker and you have a lovely girl’s day.

24. Go to a Local Farmer’s Market

Farmer’s markets are a wonderful way to explore and give back to your community. You get access to local produce, art, and other trinkets. Sometimes they have local music and food trucks playing. Try getting some fresh groceries here rather than a store.

25. Go on a Bike Ride

To experience the quintessential 80’s summer film vibe, grab your friends and go riding on a trail or through town.

26. Run through Sprinklers

Best way to cool off in the summer heat.

27. Go canoeing/kayaking

My mom always does an end of summer canoe trip with her friends and the few times I’ve gone with, I had the best time. I prefer a kayak personally because you can really lean back and relax as you float down the river.

28. Ride rollercoasters at an amusement park

Need an adrenaline boost or just want to face your fears? Get your ticket to an amusement park before the season ends. Bonus points if they have a water park.

29. Have a water balloon fight

Buy some water balloons from the dollar store and invite friends over for an all out war. Don’t be scared to get wet.

30. Journal your favorite moments

Write down your favorite memories from the summer. Include any songs you loved, movies you watched, and pictures to give gratitude to this time of your life.