5 Things To Do Before Summer Ends

 

 

 

 

One Shoulder Dress: c/o Velvet Heart ($78), also can be found here Wedges: Steve Madden ($59.95) Sunglasses: c/o Zenni Optical Ark Bag: Cult Gaia ($128)

Only one month left of summer!

For some reason when I wore this dress, it made me think about this summer and I wondered, where did summer go?! Can you believe that in about a month summer will be officially over?! I was hoping this summer was going to be more laid-back and I’d have more opportunities to do the things I wanted to do last summer. Last summer, there were many things I wish I was able to do (silly chemo getting in the way) and I thought since I didn’t make many plans this summer, that it would be do-able.

Summer just flew by and somehow our weekends were booked. I was reflecting on my summer and I was surprised that some of the simplest things I have not yet done. With only one month left of summer, I definitely think my summer to-do list is achievable. I’m sure I’m not the only one that feels that summer flew by quickly, so hopefully this gives you a little bit of inspo for you to check off your summer bucketlist or at least take advantage of this season before it ends. Mine is nothing fancy, just a lot of things I can’t do during the colder seasons. It just shows that the simplest things can easily bring joy. My list is mostly tailored to Chicago, but I really think there are similar things occurring in other cities!

5 Things To Do Before Summer Ends

Go To The Park

Chicago is filled with parks and all of them are different! There are several parks and paths I have yet to go on. The city has done so much development that I’d love to see the changes (like the 606)! Plus, Chicago does an incredible job keeping the parks clean and looking aesthetically appealing. Chicago parks have so much to offer during the summer time like Movies in the Park, Rock Climbing in Maggie Daley Park, going for a stroll along the Riverwalk, or, my all time must-do, planning a picnic at Oz Park. There’s a section at Oz Park that is maintained by local residents in Lincoln Park and it is beautiful. The grass is lush, it is surrounded by beautiful flowers, and the landscape is so well manicured. I’ve seen several people go there just to read a book!

 

Be A Tourist In My Own City

When we travel, we love to explore by foot.  So why not explore one of the most walkable cities, Chicago, by foot! And I know there are many things to explore in Chicago that we haven’t seen yet (and I know many of our out of town friends have already been to!) or would like to re-visit. Acting like a tourist gives me a new appreciation for the city. After all, there is a reason why people come here for vacation.

Go To The Farmer’s Market

I’ve been to the Farmer’s Market only ONCE and I love going to the Farmer’s Market. Luckily, I live right by one of the largest Farmer’s Markets in the city – Green City Market. It is such a fun and relaxing way to spend the day. Plus, I love all the fresh veggies, fruits, and flowers! I am also impressed with the Farmer’s Market in the loop. It is so cool to see several markets in the heart of the city! I definitely want to try incorporating more farmer’s market ingredients into summer meals next year!

Do An Outdoor Workout

Nine out of the twelve months we are indoors because, well, it is cold and guess what, that makes working out boring. Somehow during the summer months there are so many creative and fun workouts and they are all outdoors! Best part is that many of them are FREE! I definitely take advantage of the free yoga in the park, rooftop yoga, or beach bootcamp classes! Plus, something about being outside makes the workout more fun and seem to be more do-able haha.

Go To A Fest

There are SO MANY festivals in the summer in almost every Chicago neighborhood. The fun part is that since every neighborhood has its own personality, it makes every fest so unique and the experience so different! My favorite are the ones that Lincoln Park Zoo hosts. Not only does the fee go towards maintaining the zoo and for the animals (FYI it is a free zoo), they have unique ones like the Food Truck Social and Adults Night Out.

What about you guys? Did you get to do everything that you wanted to do this summer? Are you from Chicago and have any additional recommendations?

P.S. the hubs and I really want to book a trip for next month. Do you guys have any suggestions?
xo RD