Summer is fast approaching, and plans for the warm weather will continue to be affected by the pandemic, even though places are beginning to open up now. I still want to have a fulfilling summer, so I’ve made a summer bucket list of activities that I’d like to do and places I’d like to visit over the summer. Most of the activities can still be done, even now while many restrictions are still in place, just with a few precautions like wearing a mask, staying outside, and keeping distance between you and other people.
Go to a Sunflower Farm
Last summer I went to a sunflower farm nearby with a group of friends. I would love to go again once they’re in bloom later in the summer, so hopefully the farm will be open to the public.
See a Movie at a Drive-In Theater
There is a drive-in movie theater in Goochland County, Virginia that I went to once last summer with my boyfriend, Andrew, that reminds me of the theater in the movie Grease. It’s a great option for a date night during the summer that's different and fun. The one nearby already opened at the beginning of May and has all online ticket sales, so I plan on seeing a movie soon.
Shop at Farmers' Markets
The Richmond area has a few farmers’ markets selling local goods that would be fun to visit even while wearing a mask.
Go to the Beach
My family goes to Virginia Beach every summer for a week-long vacation to bike, swim, and relax. This year’s vacation will probably be a bit different, but we're still planning on going..
Try Surfing
While at the beach, I’d like to try surfing. I’ve tried to surf a couple times before, but I was only ever able to kneel on the board. So, my personal goal is to ride a wave while standing up.
Build a Sandcastle
When I go to the beach, I typically build something in the sand. In the past, I’ve made sand sculptures like alligators with my dad and of course sandcastles.
Visit Washington D.C.
The country’s capital is just about two hours (sometimes more, depending on traffic) north of Richmond, so it’s a great destination for a day or weekend trip to visit Smithsonian museums or Georgetown. Even though I live relatively close, there’s so much more for me to explore, so if possible, I’d like to visit D.C. this summer.
Read for Fun
During the school year, I don’t normally have any time to read books for pleasure because I spend all of my time reading the books and articles that are assigned to me, so I’d like to get through at least 10 books that are on my personal reading list this summer.
Learn to Roller Skate
I have terrible balance. I feel shaky even when I simply try to balance on one leg, and I’m definitely not at all able to ride a skateboard or walk on a slack-line. Andrew used to roller skate a lot when he was a kid, and he is great at ice skating. Maybe with practice and his help, I’d be able to roller skate without falling over.
Go to a Lavender Farm
Like the sunflower farm, I’d love to visit a lavender farm when they’re in bloom, which is coming up soon at the beginning of the summer.
Go Hiking
Once hiking trails open up to the public, I want to hike with my friends on one of the many trails here in Virginia.
Go Stargazing
Since I live in a pretty highly populated area, the stars aren’t always super visible at night. Some of the brightest stars and planets you can see, but it isn’t as beautiful as the night sky out in the country. This summer I want to go stargazing somewhere where I can see everything in the sky.
Have a Picnic at Maymont
Maymont is a public park in Richmond with a historic house museum, gardens, wildlife exhibits, and a nature center. The outdoor areas are still open, so it’d be a great place to visit and have an outdoor picnic.
Kayak on the James River
Where I live in Henrico County, we’re lucky to have many places with access to the James River to swim, rock hop, and kayak. I’d like to kayak down the river at least once this summer.
Visit Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
My family used to visit Lewis Ginter fairly often when I was young. It’s a great place to bring kids, where they can explore nature, and it’s a beautiful place to visit when you’re older to enjoy the flowers and take pictures. Hopefully the gardens will be able to open up to the public sometime this summer.
Soak up the Sun in the Backyard
I’ll probably be spending quite a lot of time out in my backyard this summer, so I’m planning on ordering a small portable pool to use out back by both me and my family’s dog who absolutely loves water.
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