What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when someone mentions summer? If you’re like most people, you’re already visualizing beaming, cheerful days followed by star-studded nights. The brightness and warmth of summer are just what you need after the cold winter months.

But here’s the thing – the cycle of seasons continues. So, the sprightly summer days will eventually make way for another round of fall and winter. That’s why you need to make the most of the bright summer sun and cool breeze while you still can.

From road trips and picnics to stargazing and berry picking – there’s a cornucopia of activities you can try to embrace the spirit of summer. That’s why in this blog, we’ve curated the ultimate summer bucket list to let you have a blast with your loved ones. Let’s take a look.

1. Plan a Road Trip

What screams summer louder than hopping onto your car and driving to a new destination? What beats the satisfaction of the cool summer breeze caressing your hair? Is there anything better than the company of your closest friends and the beat of your favorite music?

Instead of trying to answer these questions, it’s high time you start planning your road trip. Whether you’re traveling with your family or friends, a summer road trip is always going to be memorable. Also, it’s the ideal way to travel while keeping yourself safe during the pandemic.

Make sure you choose a destination that appeals to the entire group. Check the route in advance to find out whether you’re going to encounter any travel restrictions on the way. Also, don’t forget to pack plenty of snacks and beverages for the journey.

2. Pack a Picnic

Even if a long trip doesn’t fit your busy schedule, you shouldn’t deprive yourself of the joy of summers. Instead, you need to pull out your picnic basket, throw in a few cold sandwiches and drinks, and head to the neighborhood park for a day trip.

This is especially a great idea if you’re looking to bond with your kids during their summer holidays. You could even drive to the nearest lake or beach to spend a quiet afternoon with your family. To get picnic goodies, you can head to your nearest ALON or DK store.

3. Enjoy Stargazing & Camping

Marveling a star-studded sky can be one of the most peaceful and rewarding experiences of your life. If you live in a city, you’ll likely need to drive to the outskirts where the sky is clear and there’s less ambient light. Find a quiet and secluded spot where you can sit back to watch myriad stars illuminate the night sky.

Whether you’re planning a cozy summer date or an offbeat family excursion, stargazing is a great idea. You could take things up a notch by heading to a nearby campsite for the outing. Pitch your tent in the open, spend the night sleeping under the stars, and wake up to the jubilant chirping of birds.

4. Take Movie Night Outdoors

Amp up your Netflix and chill game by placing a projector and screen in your backyard. Whether you enjoy action-packed blockbusters or world cinema classics, it’s a good idea to turn your backyard into a movie theater. A bedsheet, a few cushions, and plenty of popcorn – that’s all you need to enjoy movie night in the open. If your backyard doesn’t have sufficient space, find a drive-in theater that’s screening your favorite movie.

5. Shop at a Farmer’s Market

It isn’t summer until you hop around a farmer’s market navigating rows of vibrant, neatly stacked summer fruits and vegetables. So, for your next grocery run, swap the supermarket aisles for a farmer’s market in your neighborhood. Apart from superior quality produce, you’ll also find plenty of handmade baked goods, cosmetics, and other knick-knacks. It’s just what you need to kickstart your Sunday morning.

6. Create Your Own Garden

If you’ve got a knack for gardening, it might be time to build your own green oasis. If your home doesn’t have plenty of outdoor space, you can still create a container garden on the balcony or terrace. Nothing beats the joy of sipping your morning cup of coffee while cherishing the beauty of homegrown lilies, roses, and daisies. Once you get the hang of gardening, you could even try your hands at growing your produce.

7. Go Wine Tasting

Who can say no to a glass of high-quality wine on a quaint summer afternoon? With the rise of wineries across the country, you don’t have to visit Napa Valley to invoke your inner wine connoisseur. A simple Google search will reveal a long list of wineries and tasting rooms near you. It could be a fun way to celebrate a friend’s bachelorette party or enjoy a special date with your partner.

8. Pick Some Berries

Do you want to relive the carefree and happy days of your childhood? All you have to do is find a berry farm near you and visit during the harvest season. Blueberries, strawberries, elderberries – you can pick a diverse assortment of berries throughout the summer months. The best part is that you get to eat all the berries you pick and even carry the leftovers home.

9. Host a Barbecue Party

You can’t go through summer without hosting a barbecue or two with a small group of friends or your loved ones. All you have to do is give your grill a quick clean-up, plan a simple menu of some all-time favorites, like burgers, hotdogs or steak, instead of going overboard with the menu options, and be sure to pick up last minute essentials such as condiments, chips and sides, cold beverages, and disposable plates and paper goods. These items you can also find at your nearest ALON or DK store.

Make sure you prep your meats and veggies in advance. Also, don’t hesitate to ask your guests to bring a few side dishes. The last thing you want is to spend all your time near the grill while your guests try to keep themselves busy.

Summer is the perfect time to explore new places, pick up new hobbies, try new recipes, and make plenty of good memories. Make sure you choose activities that you’ll enjoy alongside your loved ones. And don’t forget to keep your phone handy to capture all those moments to share, and remember for a lifetime.