It’s here, finally. I have a sunburn and sinus infection to prove it. That’s right people IT’S SUMMERRRRR. Today is the first day of June and the beginning of summer months. It’s my favorite time of the year because I can’t stand being cold…at all. Here in the midwest we have more cold months than hot ones, so I like to make the most out of my summer heat before it’s gone again. Below I have a few tips on how to get outside in the summer. We spend so much time complaining about the cold, it doesn’t make sense for us to spend this time inside.
Eat (and drink) outside whenever possible
Patios. Backyards. Rooftops. The easiest way to get outside is to opt for outdoor seating. Most restaurants have a patio or rooftop and if you’re eating at home I’m assuming your backyard is just a few steps away from the kitchen.
I also love to pack a picnic or get takeout and enjoy it in the park. Last summer, we just grabbed a pizza and a blanket and laid outside in the park.
The best rooftops in Omaha/Lincoln:
Blatt Beer & Table downtown
1912
Pitch West
Barry’s (Lincoln)
Old Mattress Factory
Outdoor summer events
Over the summer, every city runs all kinds of events. Yoga in the park, outdoor movies, concerts, beer and wine festivals, etc.
Here are a few I’ll be going to {or want to go to} in Omaha:
Monday Night at the Movies in Midtown
Celebrate America Concert
Wednesday Nite Workouts in the Park
Yoga Rocks the Park
Night Market at Turner Park
Burgers and Brew Fest
Benson Beer Fest
Rivers Edge Taco Fest
Maha Music Festival
Omaha Beer and Bacon Festival
Hello Blackstone – A Night Out for Women by Women
Blackstone Block Party at the Meatball
Foster the People with AJR at Stir Cove
Pentatonix at Stir Cove
Sporting events
Sporting events like baseball are a great way to spend some time in the sun. There is no shortage of this in Omaha between the College World Series and Stormchasers games. The CWS is huge and even if you don’t like baseball, there is a great beer garden set up right outside the stadium perfect for grabbing drinks and hanging out with friends.
Around the 4th, most baseball games will have a fireworks show afterwards.
Take the workout outside
There are so many ways to use outside as your gym. When I need new workout ideas, I head to YouTube. No equipment needed. I also love to take walks or run around the lake near my house. Changing up your old routine and getting outside is great for motivation.
Try a new outdoor activity
Recently, I went golfing (real golf not putt putt) for the first time ever and I had so much fun. Trying new activities can be fun just to get a new experience.
A few activities to try:
Kayaking
Golfing
Sand Volleyball
Soccer
Tennis
Biking
Surfing {if you’re somewhere with surfing}
Rock climbing
Frisbee or Frisbee golf
Hiking
Farmers markets
Farmers markets are a great way to support local, try new things and get amazing deals on produce. My mom and I once drove all the way downtown to get a bag of corn. We may have taken care of the difference in gas, but whatevs.
Be a tourist in your own city
Maybe you haven’t gone to the zoo in a while. Or the botanical gardens. Wherever your ‘tourist’ spots are in your city, you may be overlooking them because you’ve been before. But if you haven’t been in a while, it may be a whole other experience. The other day, Dan and I went to Lauritzen Gardens to see all of the spring flowers in bloom. It’s peony season and peonies are my fave!
If you don’t live in Omaha, every city has its own hot spots. You know what they are.
The obvious ones
Going to the pool, camping and boating. You know the drill. I don’t need to tell you.
When it’s unbearably hot, I would suggest heading somewhere you can get wet. Laying out at the pool is my happy place.
Let me know what you love to do in the summer! I love trying new things.
xoxo Jess
photos by Caitlin Manley
IG: @caitlinmanleyphotography
