10 Ways To Maximize The Last Month Of Summer

Yeah, we know—the pending end of summer can be an emotional roller coaster. On one hand, you’re pretty happy about how it’s gone so far, but on the other, you’re a little frantic, worrying you haven’t “maximized” it enough. Well, to ease your mind and to inspire you with some fun ideas for activities during these last few weeks, here are fun ways that will help you squeeze every last drop out of summer.

1—Go somewhere you’ve never been before.

We’re not talking about the French Riviera or the Great Wall but about taking advantage of what we have here in our own backyard. Salt Lake City just happens to be a few hours away from several world-famous national parks. You can literally drive to Zion National Park (home of Angels Landing) or Arches National Park (home to Delicate Arch, one of the most treasured rock formations in the world) in an afternoon. This would be the perfect month to visit either one because temperatures have dropped and so have the crowds. Utah has some of the best and most beautiful parks and cities to explore.

 

2—Eat junk food. (Because calories don’t count when you’re on the road.)

A road trip’s not a road trip without a gas station hot dog, nachos, or an ice-cold soda. You could even make a stop at any sketchy-looking greasy diner. And if you’re planning to be on the road for a few hours, it makes sense to enjoy them even more. Here is some of the best road trip snacks and food for your next road trip:

• Potato chips
• Beef jerky
• Hot dogs
• Packaged baked goods
• Gummy candy
• Ice Cream

 

3—Catch a few innings at a baseball game.

Baseball is more than America’s pastime — it’s also a fantastic way to enjoy a summer night. The warm weather, the fanfare, the seventh-inning stretch … it’s just the thing to close your summer with. Spend a summer evening with the Salt Lake Bees or Ogden Raptors.

 

4—Eat a juicy slice of watermelon.

If you haven’t had that ultimate slice of watermelon yet, don’t worry … there’s still time! Check out your local grocer or stop by the SLC Farmers Market at Pioneer Park any Saturday. Eating a watermelon is one of those things that really signifies summer. So, you better plan on eating one.

 

5—Find the perfect milkshake.

This is certainly a subjective task. But one that’s definitely worth the effort. And fortunately for you, Utah happens to be home to several award-winning, mouthwatering milkshakes.

 

6—Pick the perfect picnic spot for your family.

There’s something about finding your old wicker basket, washing the red and white checkered tablecloth, grabbing some plates and utensils, picking up a bucket of chicken, and then heading off to a less-ordinary picnic area. Utah has many great places to host an awesome picnic. From Duck pond in Logan all the way south to Thunder Junction in St. George.

 

7—Discover a new make-out point (seriously).

This title says it all. Even as we enter our senior years, we can keep the summer romance alive by picking out a new spot to plant a well-deserved kiss on your significant other. Utah is home to some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets. There is no better place to spend some quality time with each other than watching the sunset. Here are just a few perfect spots you can escape to.

• Red Canyon Overlook – Flaming Gorge
• Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve – Layton
• Mount Olympus – Salt Lake City
• Sugar House Park – Sugar House

 

8—Sit and listen to crickets at night.

This is one of the easiest ones to check off the list. But it’s also one of the most satisfying. There’s nothing more relaxing (and more “free”) than stepping out your front door and just sitting down and listening to the soothing sounds of nature and crickets.

 

9—Eat an ear of corn on the cob.

There is something truly nostalgic about biting into an ear of fresh corn on the cob during the summertime. One of the best things about eating corn on the cob is that it is so messy. It’s the perfect food to enjoy on a hot summer day, whether you’re grilling the corn outdoors or boiling it on the stove.

 

10—See a summer blockbuster movie.

We’ve all been conditioned to get excited about summer blockbusters (even though most of them are duds). That said, this is a rite of passage that truly defines summer. So check your local listings, find out what’s on the movie screen.

 

Live your best retired life at Summit Vista. Enjoy delicious and nutritious meals in multiple dining venues, work up a sweat in our fitness center, engage in life-changing wellness programs, and more. Contact our retirement counselors online or call 801-758-3138 to learn how you can live life to the fullest in our award winning senior living community.