Now that Memorial Day Weekend is over, I feel like summer has official begun. I also just got back from my first trip since pre-pandemic (I’ll have a post about it next week!), which really makes it feel like summer to me! I had so much fun creating my Spring Bucket List in this post (and doing at least half of them) that I thought I’d make one for summer, too. It’s helping me to really lean into the #DisabledGirlSummer mindset. Let me know what’s on your bucket list this summer, and feel free to borrow any of my ideas, too!
Go for Ice Cream at a Local Shop
For me, this is Sugar’N’Spice – it’s so nostalgic to me; I spent so many fun days/evenings here when I was younger. It’s a 1950s themed ice cream parlor, and I actually had not one but two different themed birthday parties there. Not only is the theme fun, the ice cream is delicious – they have grasshopper, which is mint ice cream with crushed Oreos. It’s so good, and the perfect treat after a hot summer day.
Read by a Pool
We have a beach trip planned for later this summer, which I’m super excited about. I don’t actually care that much about being ON the beach – I can’t use my own wheelchair on the sand, so I can get uncomfortable pretty quickly. But still, the whole atmosphere is just so relaxing and peaceful! What I am excited for is to read by the pool – either with an iced coffee or a frozen marg. It’s the best!
Go for a Picnic
I don’t think I’ve gone on a picnic in… years? But it sounds like the perfect thing to do this summer. Make a charcuterie board, grab a coffee from somewhere nearby, and meet up with friends at Schenley Plaza or Schenley Park. Sounds like chill, laid-back perfection!
Visit the Zoo
I love going to zoos! I try to visit local ones when I travel, but I also love going to the Pittsburgh Zoo. It’s just a great way to spend an afternoon, roaming and looking at all of the different animals. It’s just a quintessential summer activity for me.
Host a Backyard BBQ
I love having family and friends over for summer BBQs, and I really missed it this year. I’m so happy that most of my family/friends are now vaccinated so we can get together again! My dad grills chicken and burgers and hot dogs and kielbasa, I make some pitchers of frozen margaritas, and we bring out the backyard cornhole set. The afternoon bleeds into the evening and it’s just the best time.
Projector Movie Night
As long as the weather cooperates, I have my first outdoor summer movie of 2021 planned for the premiere of In the Heights! I can’t believe that it took me until last summer to set up a projector for outdoor movies – it’s so much more convenient, and especially great recently as movies are premiering in the theater and on streaming at the same time. I’m very much looking forward to annoying my friends by singing along to the film!!
Eat at a New-to-Me Restaurant
I’ve missed dining out so much! I love ordering too many things and trying a little bit of each, then taking the rest home for leftovers for days. And I especially love trying out new restaurants – I’m always looking for my next new favorite! I know lots of restaurants have been struggling over the last year (believe me, I’ve been doing my part to support them through take out!), so I’m happy to see that some new ones are opening and I definitely want to support them. Bonus points if they have outdoor dining, which is my summer favorite, pandemic or not.
Let me know what items you’re adding to your summer bucket list!
