Summer is here and it calls for resting, relaxing, and recovering from all the stress of spring semester. It’s time to kick off our summer bucket lists and make an effort to enjoy our time off. For those of us taking summer classes, there is hope for us too. No matter where you are, there is something you can do on this list. So get out there and explore this summer!
Visit a Sunflower Field
Summer is notorious for the perfect blooming conditions for sunflowers. Around this time, patches start to pop up all around Florida and other states as well. If you’re looking for a refreshing picture to post or an environment that will brighten your day, look no further than your local sunflower field. Most fields are owned by local farmers, so you can feel good about supporting your community as well. People aren’t the only ones attracted to the beaming patches of sunflowers, so are bees, butterflies, and other little creatures. If you’re lucky you can catch some shots of these different insects and animals coexisting. Along with experiencing one of the most beautiful color palettes of nature, you can also bring home a sunflower and explore its many uses. Not only do sunflowers make uplifting decorations, but their seeds can also be used in all kinds of recipes. There truly is something for everyone at a sunflower field. Some Florida fields that are especially beautiful include those at Sweetfields Farm and HarvestMoon Farm, although there are still so many other beautiful fields around the country.
Take a Road Trip
A road trip can be anything from a days-long ordeal to a two-hour drive to the next city, so why not devote at least one day to exploring somewhere new? Pick a place you can commute to by car, whether it be another state or even another country, and just go. You can create a route and pinpoint hotels to stay the night on the way, or if your location is closer, still treat it like a long road trip and bring snacks and blankets. When you reach your location don’t forget to live in the moment and take as many pictures as you can. You can compile your photos into a travel book or scrapbook, in the process you’ll be creating a window into the memories you’ve made. What’s there to lose?
View this post on Instagram
Go to the Beach
This one is obvious, summer was practically made for the beach. Even as a Floridian, I’ve never been the biggest fan of the beach, but I’ve come to love the details and creatures you won’t find on dry land. My recommendation is to find a beach you’ve never been to before and walk along the edge of the shoreline. You may see a horde of little crabs scuttling back into the ocean or even those interesting shells with strange sea slugs living inside. Whether you realize it or not, the beach is alive and if you pay close attention you’ll realize just how teeming with life it really is. Sift through the thousands of shells and collect some, consider your findings mementos. You can create jewelry or crafts with your shells, and who doesn’t love a homemade creation?
View this post on Instagram
Have a Picnic
Simply have a picnic. Allot some time to enjoy the moment with a friend or partner by having a picnic somewhere you’ve never been. There’s no set location that is best, so choose somewhere spontaneous. Some location ideas could be a park, a beach, or even a boat or kayak. You can choose to have your picnic beneath the sun or the stars, as long as you’re inspired that’s all that matters. Pack your favorite foods or just simple sandwiches and snacks. There is so much room for creativity in making a picnic special. Take the time to journal if you’d like, or even sketch or paint your surroundings. A simple picnic could sprout an adventure.
View this post on Instagram