The last few weeks of summer are both inevitable and altogether numbing, especially since summer consisted mainly of work and the occasional fun outing with friends. It goes by so fast that you hardly felt it was summer at all.
Coming up on the last few weeks of freedom, there are only so many days left to use it wisely. Despite that, there are plenty of easy and fun ways to enjoy summer.
1. Go on a late night drive with friends.
These are the moments that will stay in your memory forever. Blasting chill music while driving around with no destination can make for the best conversations and have lasting impacts on friendships. You can discover a lot about places and people during the nighttime.
2. Take a hike.
Literally go on a hike. There are so many good trails in Virginia, some you don't even have to pay to go. It can be a great way to exercise and refreshing to be outdoors on a beautiful day.
3. Go to a summer festival/concert.
I'm not just referring to the ones that have big names or thousands of people. The local paper will have tons of small venues hosting unknown names at local bars or hangouts. These are usually very cheap or even free. A great chance to be with friends and hear live music.
4. Find a drive-in movie theater.
Thought these were extinct? Big mistake! There are still those who cherish these hidden relics and have kept them preserved to show the latest movie hits or even classics. Bring your date to one of these and she may just fall in love right there.
5. Call an old high school buddy.
Most of the time you lose touch with people you were close with in high school. Whether by choice or life's many changes, you grow apart and become different people going through college and beyond. However, summer is the perfect time to meet up with an old friend to see how they are. You may not realize it, but they miss you more than you know.
6. Grill outside with your family.
This doesn't have to be reserved for the 4th of July or tailgating. Being with your family is just as important as being with you friends, especially since they don't see you during the semester. Start up the barbecue and have a good time with them.
7. Spend a day doing crafts.
For those who have an artsy side, take to Pinterest or whatever creative outlet you use and get to crafting. It can be very therapeutic and can lead to unexpected but good outcomes. Whether it's changing up clothes or painting a canvas, doing small crafts can be what you may need.
8. Attend a local baseball game.
There is no other sport that describes summer quite like baseball. With greasy hot dog vendors, giant cotton candy, and the 7th inning stretch, it's not hard to understand why it's one of America's great sports. Support your local town team or the city/state one.
9. Go tubing on a river.
You don't even need a boat for this one. Just some friends and some sunscreen will make for a perfect time out in the sun. Even if the drive to one is long, the destination will end up being perfect.
10. Self-tan at your home.
If you have no money for a spray tan and no motivation to leave the house, then laying out a towel on your own front lawn is a great way to soak up some rays. Add appropriate music to make it even more enjoyable.