How is it already the middle of July!? We love spending summers at home enjoying simple pleasures with our family and friends. I've been jotting down a few summer "must-dos" to make sure we find time for all our favorite summer activities before this season slips away. Below you'll find a list of my must-do activities along with local recommendations if you're in New England, or use it as inspiration for summer fun wherever you are!
Newport Polo - It's been a favorite tradition to attend a polo match in Newport each summer. Get your friends together, bring a picnic dinner and get ready to stomp some divots. Lawn tickets are only $20 and well behaved dogs are welcome too! We always go once or twice each summer, and had so much fun at the USA vs. Italy match earlier this month, which you can see in the photos in this post!
Sample local oysters - We love buying a couple dozen oysters from our local seafood shack and bringing a bottle of wine to a local park. Spinney Creek Oysters from Elliot, ME are a current favorite. Make sure you have ice to keep them cold!
Beach days with a good book - We've finally got a great beach setup that includes these chairs and this umbrella.
Find the best lobster roll in New England - Local favorites currently include the Buoy Shack in Kittery, ME and take-away from Sanders Fish Market in Portsmouth, NH, but the hot roll at Straight Wharf Fish Market on Nantucket is my New England fav!
Bike rides to ice cream - One of my favorite summer pastimes, hopping on a bike (this one is so chic and a great price!) and riding to a local ice cream spot is my favorite summer treat! Add this adorable bike basket to a wallet.
A beach bonfire with s'mores - Rye, NH residents can host beach bonfires on Jenness Beach - I'm waiting for my invite G!
An afternoon on the water - We've been taking our boat out a couple times a week, but I've also been meaning to take our canoe out on an afternoon adventure, and plan to pack a picnic basket so we can eat on the water.
Pick blueberries for homemade muffins - This site has a great list of organic berry farms in Maine, I think we're going to try to visit Winslow Farm when they open up their fields for berry picking in a few weeks.
Catch our own lobster - NH residents can apply for up to 5 recreational lobster traps. We've got the permits and just need to buy the traps and lobster buoys now that the season is in full swing!
Beach yoga or Paddleboard Yoga - Common Roots yoga studio takes their practice out to the beach in the summer time, and Sup Yoga hosts pilates and yoga classes on paddle boards. Too much fun!
Go fishing - We went saltwater fishing once last summer and I caught my biggest fish ever off the coast of Maine (a 35" striper!) Fingers crossed we get to Vermont this year for some fly fishing.
Host a clambake - We're thinking the works: lobster, clams, corn and potatoes! Set the table with splatterware dishes and a big stretch of butcher paper for easy cleanup.
Catch an outdoor movie - I'm thinking Rear Window or Rocky at Prescott Park but there are lots of drive in theaters around New England as well!
Visit the farmers market - And load up on fresh fruits and veggies for al fresco dinners at home.
Day trip to Brimfield Flea Market - I missed the July Market last week but hope to peruse the stalls at Brimfield Antique Flea Market later this summer!
Nap in a hammock - There's nothing like snoozing in a classic hammock under the shade of a tree.
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