Summer Activities and Book Recommendations
It’s FRIDAY! And it’s SUMMER! (The calendar may say otherwise, but with record temperatures forecasted in Georgia for this weekend, summer has already arrived.)
Today’s blog challenge from the 540 Writing Community was to write about anything, so let’s kick off summer with some lists! First some fun activities for summer, and then a great summer reading list!
Fun ideas for Summer, even when you’re not on vacation:
1) Local farmer’s markets are always fun and practical. Many markets offer entertainment, most offer local, fresh produce, proteins, breads, honey, and baked good. Some even allow hand-crafted goods by local artisans. Your state’s website may provide a list of farmer’s markets in your area, but also check on social media, because many of them now use these outlets so share their entertainment schedules, produce offerings, and more. Here’s a national list, although it may not be as updated as social media.
2) Splash pads have become more common, even in small towns. Many are free or cheap. Crowds vary, depending on the time you visit. Check your county recreation department to find splash pads near you.
3) Outdoor concerts – take a picnic for a memorable date. Don’t forget your folding/camping chairs and or a picnic blanket.
4) Day trips / road trips (my favorite!) – go exploring, even in your own town or county. Pretend you’re a tourist visiting for the first time. You might be surprised at what you discover. Don’t forget to explore your State Parks! Adventure awaits!
5) Get out in the countryside – small farms may offer seasonal events, like berry picking or fresh berry treats / ice cream; petting farms or viewing of baby animals; flower picking; tastings or even farm-to-table meals.
6) Learn a new hobby (like these courses on leather working from The Laughing Falcon) or take a painting class (Check out the Paint Slingers.)
7) Hone your writing skills: Take Heart Coaching (Or here for children and teen classes.)
8) Get some family photos made. (If you live in or visit the Georgia / Tennessee area, I highly recommend Bobbi Jo Brooks Fine Art & Photography; if you live in or visit central Florida, I highly recommend Savannah Payne Photography .
9) Check off at least three things on your bucket list this summer (one per month). Don’t have a bucket list? Create one this summer and get started. (And acknowledge that bucket lists change over time, so be flexible and enjoy your experiences.)
10) Forget about age. Pull out the water hoses and sprinklers, kiddie pools, bikes, jump ropes, bubbles, chalk, popsicles, ice cream and watermelons. Just have fun! That’s what summers are all about.
Looking for those summer reads? I asked some of my Facebook groups for recommendations and added a few of my own so here’s a list, divided by genre:
Fiction:
To Follow a Dream, To Chase a Dream, and Turtle Box Memories by Chaundra Lynn Smith
Loyally, Luke by Pepper Basham (Book 3 of series - all delightful)
Bright Lights: Four Christian Contemporary Romance Novels (A Summer to Remember Book 1)
Starry Nights: Four Christian Contemporary Romance Novels (A Summer to Remember Book 2)
The Happy Camper by Melody Carlson
Murder Goes Glamping by Malissa Chapin
Eyes for My Worst Neighbor by Ella Marie
Summer by the Tides and Love, Unscripted by Denise Hunter
Storms of Serenity and Wandering Soul by Fay Lamb
The Summer of Keeping Secrets by Jill Lynn
A Midsummer Romance: Summer in Wild Rose Ridge by Alyssa Schwarz
Lethal Danger: A Christian K-9 Suspense (Guardians Unleashed Book 4) by Jerusha Agen
To Love a Falcon: A 1940s Fairytale-Inspired Mystery (Ever After Mysteries Book 14) by Nancy C. Williams
Fair Trade (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery Book 3) by Heather Day Gilbert
Nonfiction:
Graceful Influence: Making a Lasting Impact through Lessons from Women of the Bible by Lori Roeleveld
A Softer Voice by Nancy McCall Sullivan
Excelsior: Praise and Worship Poetry for the Next Generation by Alma L. Carr-Jones
When Love Wags a Tail: Inspiring Stories of Love, Loyalty, and Laughter (Wag Away Tales)by Carmen Leal
I Chose You: Imperfectly Perfect Rescue Dogs and Their Humans (Wag Away Tales) by Carmen Leal
Unwind: A Devotional Cookbook for the Harried and Hungry by Aarti Sequeira
Teen and Young Adult:
Island Gambit (International Mission Force) by Felicia Bridges
8 Notes to a Nobody by Cynthia Toney
Children’s Picture Books
Almost a Big Boy by Alma L. Carr-Jones
KC's New Friend (KC the Mouse Series Book 2) by Estelle H. Herndon
Escapades with Exceptional Pets of Rumi Rancho (Hooray for Holidays Series Book 2) by Peggy Cunningham
Best Friends and Worms (Pegtales Book 1) by Peggy Cunningham
Pickle in My Pocket by Tracy and Timothy Ruckman
Read More:
Blog Challenge Day 1: Questions I’ve Had Since My Cancer Diagnosis
Blog Challenge Day 2: Does Your Hospital Have a Navigator?
Blog Challenge Day 3: Turning Points: How I Became a Writer
Blog Challenge Day 4: The Pursuit of Wisdom
Blog Challenge Day 5: Summer Activities and Book Recommendations