It’s hard to fathom that we’re already well into July! The seasons fly by so fast that if we don’t stop and look around once in a while, we’ll miss them completely. I know that once summer is over, all I’ll want to do is cozy up at home and do all the fall things. But I also don’t want to wish away summer which is is why I compiled my 2017 summer to-do list. Honestly, we need to make the most of that sunshine while we have it, and writing things down is one of the best ways for me to hold myself accountable.
But what should be on a summer to-do list anyway? I think it should be easily attainable, not hard to plan, and affordable… We’ve got about 10 weeks left— we got this!
One of the things I appreciate most about DC is the seemingly endless list of events going on. Between outdoor concert series and events at the museums, there always seems to be something to check out. Whether you’re interested in art, working out, or good old fashioned drinking, DC has something to offer if you know where to look.
Here’s a few items on my budget-friendly bucket list this summer:
Free 3-mile “Sunday Runday” every Sunday 10 AM @ Union Market (NOMA): get your run on plus a free mat pilates class, and then head into the market and eat your well-deserved biscuit!
Free Comedy every Monday 8 PM @ The Passenger (Shaw): as the event page so eloquently states: “COME SPEND YOUR MONDAY’S WATCHING LOCAL COMEDIANS TALK ABOUT THEIR FLAWS AND INSECURITIES SO YOU CAN DRINK BOOZE AND FORGET ABOUT YOUR OWN!” While this event is free, you do need to reserve your space in advance.
Free Summer Concerts every Wednesday 7 PM @ Strathmore (Bethesda): pack a picnic and trek north a bit for Strathmore’s Live on the Lawn concert series
Free Yoga every Tuesday 6 PM @ City Centre (Chinatown): hosted by CorePower, a free yoga series open to all.
Free Drive-in Movie Theater every few Fridays 7 PM @ Union Market (NOMA): free for walk-ups, $10 for cars in advance. You can bet your ass I’ll be there in a few weeks for Honey I Shrunk the Kids!
a few weeks ago, my family took a weekend trip together out to our shore house in ocean city, nj. the weekend started with my brother surprising my parents, who flew in for the weekend from san diego without them knowing. i don’t think i’ve ever seen my mom so shocked!
can’t visit ocnj without at least one stop here
we settled in after the initial surprise and immediately took maribel to the beach. even though we’ve been back living on the east coast for about a year now, we never managed to get her to the ocean. she was obsessed with the baby pool we bought her while we were living in austin, so i was so excited to see her first experience with the ocean.
as soon as we hit the sand she took off running. i’m in decent shape, but i’m so happy my super-fit brother was there to keep up with her as she sprinted toward the ocean. i don’t think i’ve ever seen her happier! she’s still a little unsure about big waves, but we determined that we definitely have a water dog on our hands.
a welcomed, “more healthy” alternative to day-drinking beach beers: truly (spiked seltzer)
after what ended up being a highlight of the weekend for me, we spent the rest of the weekend doing what you do down the shore: relaxing on or near the beach, and eating and drinking way too much. we sprinkled in a few bikes rides and run here or there to keep things balanced.
panama hat (and yes of course, i bought it in size XL #bigheadproblems)
we took our last beach trip of the year a few weeks ago and while it was sad to say goodbye for a little while, i can’t say that i wished summer lasted any longer. i feel like we properly “did” summer.
i saw citizen cope live at the music pier, which was my first concert at that venue. it’s a beautiful location right on the water and i highly recommend seeing a show (any show) if you have the chance.
clams casino at the crab trap in somers point. THE BEST
this summer i also ate my weight in kohr brothers frozen custard, rode bikes to strathmere for mahi mahi sandwiches on the bay at twisties, had one too many bud lights at the beach/back bars in sea isle, drank coffee and read books on the porch, let my hair run wild, stayed up too late watching movies, and spending time on the beach at the 5 o’clock hour (the best hour on the beach, from a pitkin’s standpoint). this has been the busiest season of my life with all of our road trips and adventures (i’ll be writing a summer wrap-up). i’m so thankful for the weekends we were able to spend by the water.
and now that summer has come to a close, i’m really, really looking forward a relaxing and rejuvenating fall.
this has been the busiest season of my life with all of our road trips and adventures (i’ll be writing a summer wrap-up). i’m so thankful for the weekends we were able to spend by the water.
little paradisco 