Summer is such a wonderful time of the year. The sun rises earlier and sets later which means there’s more time to enjoy fun activities, and what better way to make sure you don’t miss out on any of those activities that you’ve dreamed of all winter long than a checklist? That way you can look back and see all that you’ve accomplished and the countless memories you made. The big problem with Summer 2020 is CoVid-19. BOOOO... Which for us means our international travel plans are on hold, friends' weddings are canceled, and there are still a lot of restrictions in place. So instead of getting down and out, we decided to make the most of our summer being at home. We hope our Bucket List will inspire you to go out and have plenty of adventures of your own. Below is our Summer Bucket List for 2020. Leave a comment below to let us know some of your bucket list items this summer!
Click HERE for FREE Printable for a copy of our Summer Bucket List which also includes an empty one for you to fill out yourself!
1. ✧ VISIT THE BEACH
This may be an obvious one to many and not seem like a “bucket list” worthy item, but living in landlocked Nashville where the closest beach is 7+ hours away means being super international about getting some saltwater therapy in!
2. ✧ CAMPING WITH FRIENDS
3. ✧ GET OUT ON THE WATER & KAYAK/CANOE
We fell in love with kayaking on the rivers & natural springs in Florida. We live by a lake here in Nashville, so when we found two kayaks for the price of one (Thanks Facebook Marketplace!), we just couldn’t say no. It’s been our favorite way to explore, get sun, relax, and watch the sunset.
4. ✦ WATCH THE SUNSET
5. ✧ HOST A BACKYARD COOKOUT/BBQ
What’s better than being surrounded by good friends in great weather? Being surrounded by good friends AND food in great weather! There are so many different styles of cookouts but there’s no wrong way to do it. Here is a List of Different Types of BBQs to get you inspired for your next cookout!
6. ✧ RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE
We have a motorcycle and absolutely love going on rides and taking in the scenery. There is nothing like the wind blowing in your hair and smelling fresh-cut grass while riding through the country on a motorcycle. We have our sights on riding a portion of the Natchez Trace Trail this summer.
7. ✧ HAVE A PICNIC
A picnic is like taking the party out & about. You can go somewhere that has picnic tables, or take a blanket to the park, or go hiking & eat a picnic by a waterfall. All of which are good options! There are endless ways to do it and you can be as cheap or as elaborate as you want. Read our blog on Everything You Need for the Perfect Picnic. (it comes with a FREE PRINTABLE)
8. ✧ GO THRIFT SHOPPING
9. ✧ GO TO THE FAIR
Our state fair isn’t much to write home about but our County Fair is pretty awesome. It’s always fun to ride rides, eat fried foods and people watch.
10. ✧ STARGAZE
11. ✧ RIDE BIKES
12. ✧ TAKE A ROAD TRIP
Throw a dart at a map or just pick a spot you’ve always wanted to explore and go for it. Road trips are such an exhilarating way to see the world. You can do something solo or with a group of friends. We love stopping at roadside mom & pop shops along the way. You truly never know what you are going to find!
13. ✧ KAYAK CAMPING
14. ✧ GO TO THE LAKE
15. ✧ FEED THE DUCKS
16. ✧ GO TO A DRIVE-IN MOVIE
Our Drive-In movie theatre is open most of the year but we seem to only go in the Summer. We love bringing blankets, snacks, and making it super cozy. Here is a list of Drive-In Movies near you!
17. ✧ EAT SNOW CONES
18. ✧ HIKING
We love hiking! Especially if there are waterfalls or some sort of spectacular view involved. The views are always worth the miles! All Trails is our favorite app to use to find the best hiking trails near you here.
19. ✧ PICK FRUIT
Here in the south, there are many places to pick your own fruit, especially strawberries. Pick Your Own is a great resource to help find a farm near you.
20. ✧ HIT SOME GOLF BALLS
21. ✧ RELAX IN A HAMMOCK
There is nothing better than relaxing in a hammock. You can take a nap, read a book, scroll Instagram, talk on the phone, bird watch, etc. Matt gave me a custom hammock for our dating anniversary YEARS ago & it’s been amazing! Our hammocks have lasted us 6+ years. We totally recommend these Ticket to the Moon Hammocks.
22. ✧ WATCH FIREWORKS
23. ✧ RIDE A BOAT
24. ✧ VISIT THE FARMERS MARKET
We love visiting farmers’ markets, especially in different countries. It’s a great place for wonderful fresh breads, vegetables & artisan crafts. You get to meet your local farmers & even neighbors! Check out Farmers Markets Near You.
25. ✧ WATCH A SUNRISE
26. ✧ GO TO A FLEA MARKET
27. ✧ SCUBA DIVE OR SNORKEL
We have always loved to snorkel and see the expansive wildlife in the Ocean. I have been PADI certified for a while and on our trip to Honduras, we decided to do a scuba diving excursion together. It was magical to say the least! It’s a goal of ours to get Matt certified this Summer.
28. ✧ TRY A NEW FOOD
I’m embarrassed to say that I’m pretty “basic” with my food choices. However, Matt is very adventurous with his. He brings me out of my comfort zone, and I’ve found so many foods that I now love because of it. So, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone as well. You may stumble upon some new favorites that you may have never tried otherwise. Don’t have any idea what to try? Check out Hello Fresh. You pick meals for the week, they portion out every ingredient, and they deliver them right to your doorstep. You make them at home but the best part is they have all the ingredients & We have tried so many meals that we wouldn't have even thought to make.
29. ✧ CLIFF JUMP
I am actually afraid of heights and dark water, but Matt grew up on the lake doing these kinds of crazy things! Thankfully, I live life with a “Explore outside your comfort zone” mentality, and I encourage you to do the same!
30. ✧ HAVE A BONFIRE & S’MORES
We love a good bonfire night. We have a fire-pit area in our backyard that we use quite often. You can’t beat the ambiance of a fire on a cool summer evening while watching the fireflies and eating S’Mores… Totally recommend! You also don’t have to spend a fortune on a fire-pit either we bought ours for $30 at Walmart. Here is a Great Fire Pit!
31. ✧ PADDLEBOARDING
32. ✧ DAY TRIP TO ________
We love exploring new places. It thrills us to discover new restaurants and see all the sights a new city has to offer. You don’t have to hop on a plane to enjoy something new and exciting. Chattanooga and St. Louis are on our list to visit this summer.
33. ✧ PLAY TENNIS
34. ✧ PICK WILDFLOWERS
35. ✧ GO TO AN OUTDOOR CONCERT
Living in Nashville, TN, A.K.A. Music City, we have so many opportunities to see amazing live entertainment. There is something magical about sitting in a lawn chair, surrounded by friends, and listening to music. There are HUGE summer festivals you can attend, Amphitheatre shows with some of your favorite artists, or even local musical acts in your downtown square. Check Music Festival Wizard to discover new music & festivals in your area.
36. ✧ GET MILKSHAKES
37. ✧ BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN CITY
Do you know your city inside and out? We are creatures of habit, we all have our favorite places that we return to often. Why not try something new and you could discover streets, stores, and landmarks that you never knew existed. You may be surprised by just how wonderful your town can be. We are fortunate that we live in a city that people travel to for fun.
38. ✧ DO A CANNONBALL IN A BODY OF WATER
39. ✧ GO TO A BASEBALL GAME
We love the whole experience of a baseball game in the summer. Hanging with friends, eating hot dogs, drinking beer... There is nothing more “American”. We are fortunate enough to have a minor league team where we live called the Nashville Sounds. Check out MILB for a team near you. If you don’t have a team near you, this would be a great activity to incorporate into your road trip.
40. ✦ WATCH FIREFLIES