Summer is around the corner, and the days are growing longer. Here’s a list of activities to fill your summer with memories and joy.
Beach
The beach is a great place for excitement and a place to relax. Whether you are going for a swim or tanning in the sun, it is a great place to spend time with friends and family. Vibha Kestur (‘24), a beach enthusiast, touched on her favorite activities to do at the beach. “For me, the beach is a great place to escape reality. I enjoy reading at the beach because my mind drifts off as the waves splash in the background. There’s something soothing about the waves crashing against the shore,” she said.
“The beach is a great place for me because I can get a nice tan while reading my favorite book. I also love to build sand castles with my friends, since I find it satisfying to sculpt towers and cover my friends up with the sand,” Kestur stated. Don’t forget to bring your beach umbrella, sunscreen and towel to give way for relaxation.
Hiking and nature trails
Going on a hike can be a great way to connect with the outdoors, and for people to embark on an adventure filled with beautiful views. Whether you prefer an easy walk through the forest or a rocky challenging trail for breathtaking views, hiking can be a great way to spend your summer while exercising. Jacob Cowley (‘24) talked about his experience hiking. “Hiking with my friends was lots of fun. It was definitely difficult the first time hiking because none of us knew how to navigate the rocky terrain. After 30 minutes of figuring out how to read the map, we experienced a breathtaking adventure surrounded by tall trees, beautiful mountains and huge lakes. Hiking helped to make our friend group stronger. I would recommend the Clingmans Dome observation tower trail near Great Smoky Mountain National Park for individuals looking for a moderate hike, the length of this trail is 1.3 miles with an elevation gain of 337 ft,” he said. Don’t forget to bring water bottles and snacks, and a camera to capture the beautiful nature.
Outdoor concerts
Experiencing the thrill of a live concert and festival throughout the summer should definitely be on your bucket list. Live concerts can be fun with friends to experience diverse artists and to try delicious foods at the concert venues. Gabby Kreuter (‘24) talked about her experience at a Zach Bryan concert, “My favorite artist is Zach Bryan so we were excited to go see him perform live. Seeing him perform my favorite song, “Oklahoma Smokeshow,” while he strummed his guitar and began to sing was breathtaking. I enjoy his music because he talks about the love and loss that he experienced. We cannot wait for him to come back so we can watch him perform again!” Make sure to grab your friends and get ready to sing the night away if you are hoping to attend a concert.
Summer is a great time to hang out with friends and getting out of your comfort zone. With endless opportunities and activities to do, make the most out of your summer and create long-lasting memories.
