Like most people, since childhood, summer has always been synonymous with fun. It was my favorite season before spring became a strong contender. Those long hot days of playing softball and riding bikes with a friend have now morphed into much tamer pursuits, involving things like summer produce, a frothy cold beverage with a friend, or a walk in the park. Things that would have bored me silly back then…

As I got older and became an empty nester (!), I forgot how fun summer can be. Then a few years ago, a blogger I follow wrote about making a summer fun list. I loved that idea so much that it piqued my interest.

I always seem to have big expectations for summer. I think, I’ll do this, I’ll go there, but unless I’m intentional about making plans and following through, the weeks settle into a rut. Then somewhere in July, I start noticing that the days on the calendar are flying by, and if I don’t do something, I’ll feel as though I’ve been robbed at summer’s end. And I won’t be the least excited about ushering in a new season.

But there’s an easy way to get more enjoyment from this season, have more fun, and make the days special. It’s simply to make a plan and put it on your calendar, in your planner or on your phone.

Having a summer fun list, checking it twice, and assigning dates to each thing you want to do means that those things might actually happen. And at the end of the season, you will have memories and photos of the experiences you had and the times you shared with your family and friends.

So, as summer marches on, here are a few things on my list that I’ve already done and a few things I still plan to do.

What I Have Done

Meet some loved ones for lunch and eat outside. Two weeks ago, I met one of my nieces and my daughter at a popular Mexican place for lunch. We stood in line, ordered some yummy things (cheese dip! guacamole!), and found a table on the covered deck. Powerful fans and a huge shade tree overhead plus an occasional breeze kept us cool-ish. My niece told us all about her recent engagement, her wedding plans and her dress, and then asked my daughter to be a bridesmaid. With lots of laughter and excitement mixed in, it was a special lunch that I fully enjoyed.

Go to a farmers’ market and buy some peaches. Last month, on the way home from a weekend in the North Carolina mountains, Mart and I stopped off a large, well-known farmers’ market that draws people from all over the region. We bought a large bag of peaches and several juicy tomatoes. After that, I enjoyed just wandering around looking at everything. Then I declared, “I think I’m officially old.” Never ever would I have done that as a young person with as much relish as I do now.

Repaired, safer trail at the river. 2026

Walk to the river. This is something that I can do anytime because we live close to a river, but a recent construction project in the park resulted in new trails and safer paths. I planned a neighborhood walk to see the new project, which made me visit early in the season as soon as the park reopened. Our guide told us and showed us all the changes, and I enjoyed hearing from her and getting to know some neighbors better. It was a fun morning.

Go to the British shop. Last week, Mart and I went to a nearby historic town with a walkable downtown. Arriving early for a meet and greet at a tavern there, we stopped at the British shop. Anytime I’m in this little town, I stop at that store, because the merchandise reminds me of our trips to Ireland and Scotland. I enjoy seeing the tea pots, different brands of tea, scone mixes, preserves, bath products, and of course Milka, a delicious European chocolate. The store brings back great memories and makes me a little wistful for those places, and I usually pick up something yummy to take home.

Go to antique store and lunch with Mom and my sister. Last year, my sister retired, and I’ve been enjoying her retirement ever since. We’ve had more time together than ever before. Our mom has a favorite restaurant and antique store, but my sister hadn’t been there yet. So the three of us made a plan and went. It was about 30 minutes from Mom’s house but so worth it. As an added bonus, we were treated to live music during lunch: a snappily-dressed (is snappily a word?) musician playing old tunes and hymns on a saxophone. It was unexpected beauty in a cafeteria-style restaurant on a random Tuesday, and I’m glad we experienced it together.

What I Haven’t Done Yet

Go to Gibbs Garden. I’ve written several blog posts on Gibbs Garden, an award-winning, 376-acre garden that’s about 90 minutes away. Mart and I are planning to go again at the end of this month. We should see blooming crape myrtles, roses, water lilies, hydrangeas, azaleas, and the last of the annuals and perennials.

Go to a movie at a theater. I have a date with a friend to do this when she gets back in town. Not sure yet what we’ll see, but I might just get buttered popcorn.

Try three new easy recipes. I confess, this does not sound like much fun, but my poor husband would probably jump for joy so I shall see what I can do. I did print out a new recipe about an hour ago so there’s that…

Whatever I make for sure won’t look this pretty!

Remember, it’s not too late to have fun this season. What sounds like fun to you? I hope these ideas inspire you to make your own list and pursue your own summer fun. And if you do, please let me know about it!

At Glimsen, I share glimpses of the beauty around us in nature, the arts, and the unexpected. Click the green button below to get my posts delivered to your inbox once a week, and you'll also get a little printable gift of beauty just for signing up.

Summer's Slipping Away--but There's Still Time for Fun

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