Summers in your hometown can feel incredibly repetitive, boring, and isolating. Friends are away on trips, at school, or working, while you’re having another summer in the same town. This summer may feel like a setup for three months of filler, but it’s not too late!
Here are some activities to have an exciting summer in your hometown, no matter how worn out it may seem.
- Go to the Movies
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Welcome to your new home: the movie theater. With new releases each week, there’s always something fresh and entertaining for you to do. From action to horror to romance, there’s a film for everyone.
If you’re a loyal moviegoer like me, consider investing in a film membership for the summer, like AMC Stubs or Cinemark Movie Club, so your bank account can also survive this summer. If you live in a town with local theaters or drive-ins, support them and keep small businesses alive in the movie industry.
No matter if you’re going solo or with friends, the movies are the perfect place for everyone and provide endless entertainment all summer long.
- Find a Third Space
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Summers can feel socially isolating for me after spending nine months seeing my friends every single day, but third places help to ease that seclusion. For those who don’t know, a third space is somewhere outside of your house and workspace where you can gather regularly.
I’m partial to coffee shops, but a third place could be anywhere from a park, library, or gym. Going regularly lets you see the same people each week and maybe make some new friends along the way. Last summer, going to the same coffee shop and reading with my coffee and sweet treat was a treasured part of my routine that I will be replicating this summer.
- Try a New Workout Class
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Movement is fantastic for both your mental and physical health, so let’s set ourselves up for success this summer! There are so many different classes to try that there is something for everyone. Want to gain flexibility and strength while grounding yourself mentally? Try Yoga. Love cardio and the rush of music? Spinning is your thing.
At many different workout studios, the first class is free, so explore and find out what’s the best fit for you! Keep an eye out for free classes offered in your community as well, often in local spaces like parks. I personally believe the more creative the class, the better, and I will be looking to try a bungee jumping class from the Timothée Chalamet SNL skit.
- Be a Tourist in Your Town
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It’s time to go back to those elementary school field trip destinations. Put yourself in the shoes of someone who has limited to no experience of your town and visit all the tourist destinations.
Check out local museums, landmarks, and historical sites, and reminisce or maybe discover something new! If your town has a classic local restaurant, grab a meal there. Many cities or counties have a “visit” or “travel” online page; check out yours to gain some inspiration!
- Get Outside
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It’s a hard ask, if you live in a tropical climate like me, but there are so many activities that you can’t miss out on. Laying out in the sun by a local body of water (pool, lake, ocean), and get a nice tan while cooling off in the water. Grab some friends or take yourself on a solo date to the beach or park and have a picnic.
This is the perfect opportunity to try some new recipes while soaking in the sun. Depending on your town’s environment, go on a walk or hike to explore new areas while getting your steps in. If you’re trying to avoid the summer heat, I completely understand, so take the opportunity to have a sunrise hike or breakfast picnic to avoid the brutal heat of the afternoon sun.
There are so many opportunities to make this summer great, whether you are traveling or staying in the same town you’ve always lived in. Let’s make some memories and recharge before next semester!
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