I know what you’re thinking: what’s a girl from South Florida doing with a country bucket list? If you had asked me a year ago what my ideal summer looked like, I would’ve said beach days, salty hair, and way too many iced coffees.
My hot girl summer at the beach has officially shifted into a country girl summer at the ranch, and I’m still processing that identity change.
The thing is, this isn’t just some random list I pulled from the internet. This is a collection of activities my southern boy partner grew up doing, and now wants to share with me. It’s really sweet when you think about it, like getting a glimpse into someone’s childhood through the things they loved most.
With that being said, welcome to my very unexpected, slightly chaotic, country summer bucket list.
- Mud Bogging
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Also known as mudding, which we really shouldn’t be surprised made the list. This is when people take trucks or ATVs out after it rains and intentionally drive through muddy terrain. Yes, intentionally.
My partner describes it as a “fun challenge” because you’re trying not to get stuck while navigating the messiest conditions. According to him, you either go really slow or really fast, and both strategies make sense depending on the situation.
He also mentioned something about finding the “divots” in the mud to get through properly, which sounds like a skill I don’t have yet. I’m not going to lie, the idea of being covered in mud from head to toe isn’t exactly my usual vibe, but I can already tell this is going to be one of those “trust the process” experiences. If nothing else, it’ll be funny, hopefully.
- Truck Bed Stargazing
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Now, this one? This one I can get behind. I already love stargazing, so truck-bed stargazing feels like a direct upgrade. The concept is simple: line the truck bed with pillows, blankets, and snacks, then drive out to a field far from city lights. Once you’re there, lie back and look up at the sky. It sounds peaceful, romantic, and honestly a little cinematic.
Is this also a cute date idea? Yes. Do I think that’s exactly why it ended up on the list? Absolutely. I’m not complaining, though. Compared to mudding, this feels like a win for me!
- Frog Gigging
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I’m going to be very honest here: I’m not as excited about this one at all. The name alone is enough to make me pause, and the activity itself doesn’t help. Frog gigging involves going out at night near the water to spear fish for frogs and then cook them.
I don’t know about you, but I need a lot of convincing before I participate. Watching? Maybe. Holding a spear and actually doing it? That’s a hard maybe, leaning toward no for me. This might be the one thing on the list that suddenly makes me “busy” that day. We’ll have to see.
- Four-Wheeler Riding
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Now we’re finally speaking my language. I’ve wanted to ride a four-wheeler since I was a kid, and it always seemed like something that only existed in movies. The idea of riding through the woods, speeding along trails, and being out in nature sounds so fun.
For some reason, it always felt slightly illegal in my head, like something you’re not supposed to do unless you know someone who knows someone. Apparently, it’s very real and very normal. This might even end up being one of my favorite things on the list!
I’m already picturing the adrenaline, the wind, and the turns. I’ll probably scream a little at first, but I’ll eventually get the hang of it and not want to stop. It feels like one of those activities that starts as a little intimidating but ends up being something you’re obsessed with.
- Fishing Off a Bank
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I will say, this isn’t my first rodeo when it comes to fishing. Growing up in South Florida, my family went deep-sea fishing, which is a whole experience in itself: boats, waves, early mornings, the whole thing.
Fishing off a bank is completely different; it’s more low-key and relaxed. You find a spot along a river, set up, and wait. No boats, no ocean, no chaos. I think I’ll miss the thrill of deep-sea fishing a little, but there’s something really nice about the simplicity of this version.
- Camping
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Whether tent camping or staying in a camper, I’m not too picky when it comes to this activity. I care more about the experience and where we are. The places my partner’s talked about are all super secluded, surrounded by woods, and honestly look like something out of a Pinterest board.
There’s something about being out in nature with no distractions that feels so calming: no constant notifications, no busy schedules, just fresh air and quiet. I feel like this will be one of those reset moments I didn’t know I needed. I’m also excited about the little things that come with it, like making s’mores, sitting around a fire, and talking for hours with nothing else to do. It feels simple, but in the best possible way!
- Dirt Road Riding
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Just picture this: a dirt road, a big truck going about 30 mph, windows down, snacks in hand, and trees everywhere. No rush, no real destination, and no sense of time!
Out of everything on this list, this one feels the most nostalgic, even for me, and I didn’t grow up doing it. It sounds simple, but in the best way. Just driving, talking, listening to music, and being present.
I can already tell this is going to be one of those moments when time slows down, when you don’t feel the need to check your phone or be anywhere else. It’s just about the experience and the company, and honestly, I think that’s what I’m looking forward to the most!
At the end of the day, this bucket list isn’t about suddenly becoming a full-on country girl. It’s about stepping into someone else’s world for a little while. It’s also about stepping outside my comfort zone, laughing at myself when I inevitably fail at mudding, and finding things I actually end up loving. You never know, you might find something new that you love as well!
I might always be a beach girl at heart, but there’s something truly special about mixing a little country into my summer. Who knows, by the end of it, I might not just survive frog gigging, I might have a favorite memory I never saw coming!
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