Summer Bucket List
Don't forget the sunscreen!
Hi! Hello!
Each summer I make a list of all the summery things I’d like to do between memorial day and Labor Day. A favorite creator who inspired me to do make my own list said she likes to think of it as a menu and not a to-do list to take some of the pressure off. So my goal is to do as many as possible by the end of the summer, no guilt for not doing it all!
I had an unexpected family loss last week and I’ve been lagging in my posts anyways as life has gotten a lot busier. But I’m excited to focus on some happy things to look forward to and hold space for myself to show up in the ways I can in the coming weeks. So with that out of the way, let’s jump into the summer list!
Park Picnic Party
Or really as many park picnics as I can squeeze in this summer. No need for elaborate set-ups or spreads, even picking up sandwiches after work or bringing my coffee and a book while Sayak goes for a run around the Prospect Park. Catch me outside!
On the topic of picnics, the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens has summer member evenings and a few of them they allow you to bring in your own food and picnic! Each evening has a different theme - one night with live jazz, Pride night, movie night and more. For Christmas the last few years I have received a membership to the gardens as a gift and I want to take advantage of as many of these evenings as possible!
Queens Night Market
Every day we’ve planned to visit the Queens Night Market the last couple of years, we’ve been rained out so this year we will officially make it happen!
I love that the night market subsidize their vendors to make sure that the weekly offering is a representative mix of the cultural tapestry and heritage of Queens and New York City! They also have a price cap on dishes of $5 or $6 to ensure accessibility and I love that so much.
I love a food market and it’s so much fun to stumble upon a street festival during the summer. Special shout out to Smorgasburg and Japan Fes with events all summer long!
Red Hook Day
I’ve already crossed this one off my list with my friends! The first weekend of June we took the Friendship Express ferry down to Red Hook. We had a tasting booked at The Red Hook Winery. Then we had dinner at the Red Hook Lobster Pound. I also recommend making a stop at Steve’s Key Lime! A day in Red Hook feels like you’re anywhere else but NYC and I’m planning to post a mini guide at some point.
Beach Day(s)
Growing up in Western NC, going to the beach meant at least a five hour drive one way. So I love that I can sit on a train and be at the beach within the hour. We usually take the A train to the Rockaways, switching to the shuttle and getting off at Beach 90 St or Beach 98 St. I want to squeeze in as many beach days as possible this summer!
Also easily accessible from the city is Coney Island and Brighton Beach. If you have a car, Jacob Riis Beach is great too but a little harder to get to with just public transportation.
Watercolor in the Park
Also on my summer bucket list is to watercolor in the park. I just picked up this cool watercolor workbook and maybe if I make a habit of it I will treat myself to a new set of watercolors.
Farmer’s Market
Nothing is better than a farm fresh tomato and a juicy peach (my favorite peaches are from SC). To get the best pick of produce you gotta be early to the farmer’s market. I’m hoping to get to the farmers market as much as I can this summer.
There are farmers markets all over the city but I am partial to the Fort Greene and Grand Army markets.
Baseball Game
I want to go to at least one Brooklyn Cyclones and Mets game this summer.
The Brooklyn Cyclones games are the most fun! Take the train down to Coney Island and you’ll get to see the iconic Coney Island amusement park with the ocean behind. Sitting in the stands at the Cyclones, you get to see this incredible view. Cyclones games are definitely some of the most fun I have ever been too. One night the team was sponsored by Oatly so they were the “Oatmilkers” for the night and the crowd chanted OATS! OATS! OATS!
If you insist on MLB, the Mets have better food (sorry Yankees) and are much easier to get to from our home.
Ice Cream Dates
With friends or with my husband, I want to squeeze in as many ice cream dates as possible. Whether from a Mister Softee truck (it has to be Mister Softee), our favorite neighborhood gelato cart or from the The Social, ice cream is best when shared with people you love!
Yoga in the Park
Yoga in the park has been on my summer bucket list for a couple of years now and I am determined to make it happen this year! Prospect Park has a Thursday class at 7pm all summer long - let me try to make at least one if not a couple of these classes!
Governor’s Island
Governor’s Island is also one of those places in NYC that makes you feel you’re anywhere else. Hop on the ferry - make sure to reserve your spot on weekends in the summer. There are all kinds of things to do on Governor’s Island! You can rent bikes, there are food trucks. The hammock grove is a great place to relax. During the fall they have a pumpkin patch. If you’re looking to splurge, QC Spa is also a great place to spend a day relaxing.
Summer Concert series at Forest Hills Stadium
Every summer, Forrest Hills Stadium has an incredible line up. Last summer we saw The Avett Brothers and I am hoping to see Mumford and Sons there this year!
Summer Reading List
During the summer I mostly want to read romances and beach reads! I put together a list of new books coming out the next couple of months and I am looking forward to reading as many of these as I can! I already have some downloaded on my Kindle and so many holds at the library.
You can read my reading list here: Part 1 and Part 2
WNBA Liberty Game
The WNBA plays throughout the summer and I am hoping to catch at least a couple of New York Liberty games this year. Last summer, I went to one game and had such a fun time. Ellie the Elephant is the star of the show!
If you live in NYC, don’t forget to vote! Early voting runs through Sunday 6/22 and election day is 6/24. Rank all five slots for mayor and remember, ABC.
Happy summer,
Savannah
📚 Currently Reading: Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
🎧 Currently Listening: The Genius of Judy by Rachelle Bergstein
You can shop my 2025 reads so far here.
If you would like to learn more about my Reading Around the World Challenge, you can read more about it in my previous post.
You can see my reading list for my Reading Around the World challenge here.
You can submit reading suggestions for my challenge here - I am always looking for more ideas!
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Summer of watching movies again for me!