Ultimate Spring and Summer Bucket List

It has been a long winter. I am excited for some clear blue skies, long afternoons, and ice-cold drinks. Although the new normal is more restricting than our spring and summers in the past, there are still a number of things we can do to enjoy the good weather. So today, I'm sharing my ultimate spring and summer bucket list.

If you’ve seen my fun things to do in the fall post, you know that I like to create a bucket list to keep me busy during a season. Creating a list is a great way to keep track of some treasured memories and helps hold me accountable. It also motivates me to seek out new adventures for an enjoyable season. So if you are in the process of customizing your bucket list and want to ensure you make the most of the warmer seasons, this post is for you!

Here are a few things to add to your spring and summer bucket list.

Visit a Tulip Farm

Nothing screams spring more than the tulip farm pictures that flood our social media timelines. Peak season is normally between end of March until mid May. The best time to go is mid April in my opinion, most of the tulips would be in bloom by then and won’t be cut down. My two favorites in the Pacific North West are Woodenshoe Tulip Farm in Oregon and Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Washington.

TAKE ON A DIY PROJECT

I try to have one project to work on each season. It helps the time go by faster and can be a form of therapy. This past winter I worked on my bedroom. It kept me busy and gave me something to look forward to after work and during the weekends. Whether it is a gardening project, reorganizing your room, repainting a room, creating some art, or seasonal decoration - create a mini project you can set on accomplishing in a season.

Walk Under the Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossoms are one of the earliest and prettiest flowers to bloom in the spring. I am glad I was able to travel to Japan, the best-known destination for cherry blossoms, to see their full glory a few years ago. They can also be found in many places in the United States, including my alma mater - The University of Washington. Peak season can be as early as February in some places and early April in others. Once in bloom, they don’t stay for long so sit or take a stroll under the trees while you have the chance.

Visit a Lavender Farm

For me, there are only a few things more therapeutic than walking through a field of lavender in bloom. It is one of my favorite scents and I greatly appreciate how soothing it is as an essential oil. This is a great mid-summer activity and a good way to stock up on some essential oils. Not all lavender farms will have the essential oils available but you can still buy some lavender that can last weeks. Peak lavender season is between July and early August. If you live in the Seattle area, here are some lavender farms near Seattle.

Visit a Sunflower Farm

What better way to celebrate the vibrancy of the summer months than by strolling through a field of sunflowers? On a good summer day, a field of yellow sunflowers against a clear blue sky makes an amazing contrast. Sunflowers season is commonly between summer and early fall, peak season is in the middle of summer so I recommend making the best of your trip by visiting when the fields are full.

Take a Road Trip

From weekend getaways to long adventures, a road trip is good for the soul. It’s a great way to explore the countryside, take time to reflect on life, and create memorable experiences. Besides, it might be a while till many of us feel comfortable enough to get back on a flight so this may be a safer bet.

Get Some Nature Therapy

I’ll have to admit, sometimes I like going on a hike and other times, I just drive up for the views. Regardless of which person you are, nature therapy is undefeated. Living in a state that has an abundance of mountains and coastal views is not something I take for granted. If you live in Washington, check out the most scenic hikes in Washington state.

Outdoor Movie Nights

There are some outdoor movie theaters that are operating in smaller capacities but you can also create one at home. This is a fun and cute way to create your own mini blockbuster moment. On a warm evening, grab a white sheet or a projector screen, your projector, some rugs, blankets, pillow, your favorite snacks, and make an event out of it.

Visit a Farmers Market

I love a good farmer’s market! It is a great way to support local businesses and get some fresh groceries. I used to make an effort to visit local markets during my travels too. You know…back when traveling was a thing. Although farmer’s markets are not the normal community-gathering places we’ve had in the past, they are still operating in a smaller capacity as a quick in-and-out shop. Hope you get to stop by some of your local farmer’s markets this season.

Go on a Bike Ride

Whether you’re biking through trails, the beach, or a cute little town, bike rides are quite beautiful. They are a great way to enjoy the scenic route and could also be a good form of exercise. I am looking forward to summer being in full swing so I can rent a vintage bike with a basket and wheel around town.

Have a Picnic Date

This is how I celebrated my birthday last year. It turned out to be a cute setup. You can do your own backyard picnic set up or just go to the park and make a day out of it. Grab a blanket, some snacks in your picnic basket, a speaker, a book, or whatever else you want for your picnic, and enjoy a quiet afternoon laying down in the sun.

Have you created your spring and summer bucket list yet? Hope you find these ideas helpful as you create your personalized list. And if you’ve already created yours, what are some things on your list? Please share them below.

Thank you for reading.