Summer Bucket List
It’s still crazy hot out here in Nashville but some days are finally giving that cool breeze that makes me feel like I don’t have to battle the heat to get out and enjoy myself. I’m trying to seize the last weeks of summer so I’ve put together a summer bucket list of all the things I still want to do.
I’ll update this post as I check things off and maybe have a new idea worthy of being added to the list so come back to see how the plan goes. Hopefully this inspires you to make some fun plans before it’s officially pumpkin season! (Aah I can’t wait!)
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Go to a Concert!
I’m very lucky to live somewhere that has live music for free every night of the week. I got to enjoy CMA Fest last month with a few friends and see artists like Riley Green, Ella Langley, Darius Rucker and Brooks & Dunn play. If you’ve never been to a CMA Fest, you’re missing out!
Every Monday and Thursday there’s a free show called Whiskey Jam at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row downtown. During the summer months they have a few outdoor shows on 5th & Broadway’s SkyDeck so I’m keeping my eye out for their next show. They don’t release details until about a week prior and the lineup is always a good time…whether it’s big names or the next big thing you’ll wish you saw play before they blew up.
Host An Outdoor Summer Movie Night
I’ve always wanted to do an outdoor movie night with a one of those projectors and blowup screens. Now that it’s in the 70’s once the sun goes down it’s the perfect time to take advantage.
I’m between these two projectors right now: a mini projector that’s under $75 but I’d need to get a bluetooth speaker and plug in anything I’d like to use for streaming or investing in this one that’s got great sound included plus apps built in. Both have amazing reviews so I don’t think you can go wrong either way. I found a big outdoor screen for under $25 that I can simply hang on my fence. Now to just pick the perfect movie and decide on all the yummy snacks to prepare.
Hike to a Waterfall
I went to Cummins Falls a few years ago but haven’t taken the time to go back. On hot summer days it’s the perfect spot to get a little workout in with a 2 mile hike and then reward yourself with a dip in the cool water. It can get pretty busy but it’s still a fun summer activity.
Read the Perfect Summer Book by the Pool
Hanging by the pool and reading a summer book is a great way to spend a hot day. I just picked up Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry and looking forward to diving into a fun new book and my pool before it closes in September.
There’s a few more books on my reading list that I’d love to finish before summer’s end. I’ve been told The Summer I Turned Pretty series is totally worth getting lost in so we’ll see how quickly I can binge through them. There’s two more on my list I’m really looking forward to: It Happened One Summer and Out of the Clear Blue Sky.
Kayaking with the Girls
There are so many great places to go kayaking around Nashville. I’ve done the Cumberland Kayak Rentals through the Nashville skyline a few times but I’m dying to try out the Burgess Falls route. Yes please, another waterfall! Floating down the Stones River in Hermitage has been a must-try suggestion and I always forget to add it to my list so this year I’m determined to check it out.
Staycation at a local Farm & Inn
Southall Farm & Inn opened up down in Franklin a few years ago and I always see cute photos of it on my FY page but still haven’t gone down there. This sustainable sanctuary began as a small space for Paul and Laura Mishkin to grow fruits and vegetables but then it turned into a luxury spa and inn with amazing farm-to-table dining. It’s not the cheapest place to book a room but I’ve heard nothing but glowing reviews from friends.
This is the perfect place to forget all your troubles and truly get away from the hustle and bustle of a big town with morning yoga, sound baths and meditations, hiking trails, paddle boarding, a glorious spa rooted in holistic wellness. Bathing in a mineral pool followed by nourishing body treatment & massage before savory delights at their on site restaurants? That’s my idea of a perfect staycation!
Visit the Farmers Market
I love browsing at farmers markets on Saturday mornings. The Nashville Farmers Market has so much more than just local produce to pick up for the week, even though you will find some delicious options at their outdoor market. I always stop at their indoor market for a boba tea before wandering through farmers’ stands, artisanal foods, arts & crafts and more. I always grab some local honey (truly the best for combatting seasonal allergies) and a new olive oil and balsamic vinegar from Galena Garlic Company. I can’t stop using their Italian Tuscan Herb Olive Oil or White Peach Balsamic Vinegar! Of course, I can’t leave without stopping into their Gardens of Babylon Garden Center to see what plant babies need a good home.
Watch a Sunset from a Rooftop
A few of my friends live in apartment complexes with rooftop pools and patios. We’re putting together a night for grilling out and taking in the a beautiful sunset. We each have our own strengths when it comes to cooking so I can’t wait for Joel’s juicy steaks and burgers, accompanied by my crack dip, Sheena’s killer side dishes, followed by Erica’s unbelievable upside-down pineapple cake and Brooke’s sangria during golden hour.
Weekend Trip to a Theme Park
I’m a few hours from Dollywood in Gatlinburg and I’ve only been once during their food & wine festival. There was a lot happening and more people visiting than usual for the event so I didn’t get to experience a majority of the park. Going back to explore the park’s rides on a normal weekend is definitely on my list. I stayed at the Westgate Resort during my last visit and I’ve been dying to go back with Maddi (gotta love a dog-friendly trip)!
Have a Picnic at a Local Vineyard
There’s a few vineyards nearby and Arrington Vineyards is one of my favorites! Fun Fact: It’s owned by Kicks Brooks from Brooks & Dunn and sometimes you’ll catch him hanging out on the porch rocking chairs enjoying some of delicious wines or playing guitar on the chalet deck.
They often host a songwriter series and live music on the hillside, along with food truck evenings but on the nights they don’t have events you can still enjoy yourself on the grounds with a picnic and good friends.
Visit an Art Museum
I’ve recently become an art lover and never been to Frist Art Museum. On these crazy hot days I’m more than happy to enjoy a day inside exploring art displays and events. I have a membership to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens and love taking strolls through their gardens before stopping into the Mansion’s second floor art gallery. They have a permanent collection of art and the mansion in and of itself is a work of art, but they often have rotating exhibitions — I think I visited during the Curator Tour of Edgar Degas like four times.
Host a Game Night
I used to love playing games with friends as a kid and feeling carefree — except about totally owning Monopoly or Manhunt, of course. Even in college, nights were infinitely better with belly aching laughs playing Cards Against Humanity. Hosting a night of charades, Scrabble, …I Should Have Known That or Uno sounds like a perfect night in with great friends.
Take a Cooking Class
I feel very confident in the kitchen and love going through my cookbooks to make something new but there’s always room for growth. I haven’t fully mastered making pasta from scratch so I’m looking forward to attending a class.
Make Homemade Ice Cream
I just got this Ice Cream Maker attachment for my KitchenAid stand mixer and I’m so excited to test it out. What better time than summer when you need a cool sweet treat the most?
Go to a Drive-In Movie or Movie Night at the Park
Spend a night out feeling like you’re in Grease or The Outsiders. Pack your car with all the snacks you love, some pillows or some floor and reading pillow if you’ve got a truck or SUV to create a space to lay down and get cozy. Many cities have movies in the park so if you can’t find a drive in there’s always that option. In a few days Elmington Park is playing The Goonies (a true classic you can’t say no to). Count me in!…except if they’re playing Twister. Great movie, but maybe I don’t need to tempt fate with that choice.
Which of these fun summer ideas have you checked off? What’s on your summer bucket list? I’d love to hear what’s on your list in the comments!