Since summer is officially here, I thought it would be a good idea to come up with a summer bucket list of things I want to do/accomplish over the next 3 months. In an attempt to slow down my pace of life recently, I’ve really been concentrating on not booking up all of my weekends with plans weeks in advance to allow room for more spontaneity/enjoyment of life. By freeing up more of my time, I think I will be able to enjoy this list of things (and more) this summer.
1. Go to the beach – We are lucky to have Lake Michigan and the beach right here in Chicago! I definitely don’t take advantage of it enough and plan to go as often as possible this summer.
2. Summer Festivals – There are at least three different festivals going on around Chicago in different neighborhoods each weekend throughout the summer. I would love to hit up as many as possible. Some of them on my list include: Old St Pat’s Block Party, Roscoe Village Burger Fest, Taste of River North, Summer on Southport, and the Chicago Air and Water Show. One of my favorite festivals each year is the Old Town Art Festival which unfortunately we will be out of town for this year.
3. Stand Up Paddle Boarding or Kayaking – I would love to try stand up paddle boarding! I’m not sure how successful I would be at it, but it looks like a lot of fun! I would also love to do one of the group kayaking tours along the Chicago River.
4. Farmer’s Markets – I typically go to my neighborhood’s farmer’s market each Saturday, but would love to branch out and explore other neighborhood markets as well.
5. Baseball Games – We are lucky to have two MLB teams in our city. I love going to games and it is such a fun summer thing to do. I’ve already been to one Sox game this year and have a Cubs game on the books, but plan on going to as many as I can.
6. Movies in the Park – The Chicago Park District shows different movies in all of the different parks around the city each summer. In the 6 years I have lived here, I have never done this and I definitely plan on going to at least one movie this summer!
7. Photography Class – We bought a DSLR camera a couple of years ago but have never really learned how to use it properly. It takes great pictures in auto mode, but I would love to really learn how to take pictures properly with it. I am already researching classes to sign up for.
8. Cooking Class – Kevin’s aunt and uncle gave us a gift card to The Chopping Block for Christmas and I am excited to pick a class and sign up!
9. New Restaurants – I want to try two new restaurants (to us) each month including Hot Doug’s which is a Chicago staple that is closing in October. Again, I have lived here for 6 years but have never been!
10. Travel – Since we have the blessing of travel benefits through Kevin’s job, I really want to take advantage of seeing the world and it is my goal to travel to a new place at least once per month.
What is on YOUR summer bucket list?
xoxo – Paige
Myla says
Paddle boarding is fantastic!! I did it for the first time in Puerto Rico this winter. It’s a blast! The trick is to get the hang of it while you’re on your knees and then stand up… Trying to stand right off usually means you take a dip in the water! 🙂 This summer I’m looking forward to horse shows, cookouts, traveling and hopefully lots of day drinking!
Paige says
Thanks for the tips on paddle boarding! I hope I get to try it out this summer! Sounds like you are going to have a good summer – love cookouts with friends!
xo Paige
Katie Elizabeth says
I have so many of these things on my summer bucket list, too! Paddle boarding is a great idea and something I’ve been wanting to try! We haven’t been to Hot Doug’s before but my husband is determined to soon.. I’ve heard stories about lines being way out the door, crazy! It’s going to be a great summer in Chicago 🙂
Paige says
I agree!! I think this summer is going to be great – it better be after the winter we had to endure! Hope you conquer your bucket list! 🙂
xo Paige
Mary Bowditch says
Paige,
I have a photography class idea for you! Check out https://www.creativelive.com/. I purchased a newborn photography and I can’t wait to give it a try!
Also, Singapore makes a great destination for a new place to travel! I even know of a place you guys can stay for free! 🙂
Love reading your blog!
Paige says
Thanks Mary!! I’ll have to check the out! And yes, we should come visit! Kevin’s MBA classes really make it hard to travel for more than the weekend.
Paige