the only guide you need to romanticize your summer

Hi everyone!

I hope this finds you well. I can’t believe it’s already June! This year has been flying by, and I have no doubt that the second half isn’t going to slow down at all.

To mark the beginning of summer, I thought it would be fun to put together a list of activities you can enjoy this season. This list is full of summer vibes and will hopefully inspire you to make the most of summer! :)

This is at the top of the list because volunteering is not only fulfilling, but it also gives you the opportunity to give back to your community!

Some places where you can volunteer include animal shelters, libraries, food banks, retirement homes, beach cleanups, and support groups, just to name a few.

If you don’t know where to start, think about something you’re passionate about and begin searching for opportunities online.

Picture this: you’re laughing with your friends around the dinner table, listening to good music, and enjoying homemade pizzas—the dream!

Making your own pizzas is such a fun activity and gives off the ultimate summer vibes.

The entire process, from choosing and gathering ingredients to baking the pizzas in the oven, can be both fun and rewarding. In my opinion, the best part is that everything is completely customizable—something you wouldn’t typically find at your local pizza place.

Summer can be the perfect time to pick up a new hobby—especially a creative one!

Some hobbies you could try include scrapbooking, making playlists on CDs, tie-dyeing shirts, crocheting, writing poetry, or taking photos with a film camera. There are so many hobbies to choose from, so explore and find one that sparks your interest!

One of my favorite things to do is find a new coffee shop with, of course, good coffee, a relaxing ambience, and a great aesthetic.

You can try new coffee orders, as many places specialize in different brewing styles and flavors. It can also be a fun way to discover a new spot where you can relax—whether you’re spending time with friends, reading, or even working.

I feel like there’s nothing better than lounging by the pool, reading a good book, and sipping a refreshing summer beverage. Creating a fun, summery drink is a great way to try something new—and who knows, it might even become a yearly tradition!

Try incorporating citrus fruits, berries, or classic summer flavors like lemonade. If you prefer a stronger drink, you can add alcohol, or you can keep it simple and alcohol-free. Either way, experimenting with different ingredients can lead you to discover a variety of delicious drinks!

At Ink & Threads, we support the arts no matter the season. This summer, find an art exhibit that interests you and make plans to visit.

Whether it’s at your city’s art museum or a local art show, attending an exhibit can be a great way to discover new artists from both your community and around the world. To find art exhibits near you, check online or stop by your local library—they often have flyers and event information available!

For avid hikers, any season is a great season to hit the trails. However, summer is an especially wonderful time for easy, relaxing hikes and enjoying the outdoors.

If you live near a national park, it can be a great place to explore. While many parks are free to enter, some may charge an entrance fee. Be sure to check ahead of time, and remember that these fees help support the conservation and maintenance of our national parks!

If you live somewhere with harsh winters, summer brings opportunities that simply aren’t possible during the colder months—like enjoying meals outdoors.

I personally love eating breakfast on the terrace. There’s something so calming about hearing the birds chirp and feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin. It helps me start the day feeling relaxed while I enjoy something delicious.

Breakfast isn’t the only meal that can be enjoyed outside, though. Having snacks, lunch, or dinner outdoors is a great way to make the most of the season. Dinner can be especially enjoyable, as you can enjoy your meal while watching the sunset.

This idea goes hand in hand with the last one about enjoying food outdoors, but there’s just something special about a picnic.

Whether you go by yourself or with friends and family, picnics can be a wonderful way to slow down and enjoy a summer day. While social media and movies often showcase elaborate picnic setups, yours doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. Pack a few sandwiches, bring some snacks, or pick up takeout from your favorite spot.

The most important part is spending time outdoors and enjoying good food, whether you’re relaxing at a park, the beach, or by a lake.

Ahh, a summer blockbuster… I feel like it’s a necessity for getting into the summer vibe!

This is a great activity to enjoy with family or friends. As for where to watch, you can go to your favorite movie theatre or try discovering a new, unique one.

There’s also the classic option of a drive-in—it doesn’t get more summer than that!

I feel like it wouldn’t be summer without a trip to the farmer’s market.

It’s a great way to buy fresh produce from local, reliable farmers, and it can also be a fun opportunity to meet new people and discover delicious foods.

Visiting the farmer’s market in the morning can be a great way to start your day on a positive note. It might even become something you look forward to each week!

*Be sure to check the days and hours your local farmer’s market is open, as each one operates on a different schedule!*

If you’re looking for an activity to do indoors with AC—because, let’s be honest, the heat can be unbearable—then pottery classes are an amazing option.

It’s a fun way to express your creativity and try something new! If you’re already skilled in pottery, bringing friends along can be a great way to share your passion and enjoy the experience together.

Speaking of friends, one of the best things to do this summer is host a game night.

Each friend can bring a game, or the group can decide together what games they want to play that night. Ordering takeout can make the evening even more enjoyable.

From personal experience, hosting a game night can easily turn into an every-weekend tradition—it’s that addictive!

When I was thinking of things to do this summer, I had to include having a campfire—it’s the summer activity.

Eating s’mores by the fire while spending time with friends and family brings so much joy to summer nights. It can lead to sharing incredible stories and making lasting memories.

While spring is when nature is in full bloom, summer can be the perfect time to visit botanical gardens.

It’s a great way to learn about new flowers, shrubs, and even trees while enjoying the summer weather. Since each botanical garden is different, visiting multiple ones can feel like completing a fun checklist!

Another nature activity you can do this summer is stargazing!

If you live in a small town, you’re probably already lucky enough to see many stars at night. However, if you live in a big city, consider taking a short road trip to find a place with minimal light pollution where you can enjoy the night sky.

I love looking for shooting stars and identifying constellations. To help you know exactly what planets and stars you’re seeing, there are apps you can download that use your camera to point at the sky and tell you what you’re looking at!

If you’re looking for a fun activity, mini golfing is always a great idea.

During the summer, late afternoons and evenings are ideal, as the heat tends to die down and the weather becomes more comfortable. If your area stays too hot even at night, indoor mini golf is a great alternative—many places even offer glow-in-the-dark courses!

I know, this is an obvious one for the summer. However, how can you not do a water activity?!

Some of my favorite summer memories are kayaking at lakes but you can choose to go paddle boarding, swimming, or, if you live close, go to the beach and snorkel!

*important reminder to wear sunscreen!!*

Many festivals take place during the summer, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Music festivals are often the first that come to mind, but there are so many others to explore. You can find art festivals, food festivals, and book festivals, and many more.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, refreshing fruits and vegetables. Many are in season, including tomatoes, zucchini, avocados, corn, cucumbers, peaches, berries, nectarines, melons, and more!

It may take some time for them to grow, but now is a great time to start. If you don’t have a garden, you can easily set up small planters indoors in areas that get the most sunlight.

Start with a fruit or vegetable you enjoy and choose one that feels easiest for you to grow!

I hope you enjoyed these ideas on what to do during the summer! What are you most excited for this season? What’s one thing you absolutely have to do during summer?

Until next time xx

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