You probably already broke out the shorts and the sunscreen weeks ago, but today marks the first official day of summer. In an effort to enjoy every little moment of these all-too-brief days of surf and sunshine, we've put together a laundry list of some of our very favorite summer delights. Add yours in the comments!
- lemonade stands
- whirring vintage fans
- sundresses
- fireflies
- wildflowers by the highway
- s'mores
- grilled burgers, steaks, fish, fruit...
- summer thunderstorms
- the long, lingering daylight hours
- fireworks
- parades
- linen
- the return of Mad Men
- watermelon
- napping in a hammock
- sunglasses as headbands
- the smell of sunscreen on kids
- farmer's markets at their most glorious
- a chelada on a hot day
- picnics
- daytrips to the beach (and the reminder of it with sand everywhere)
- iced tea out of mason jars
- espadrilles
- bocce
- swimming
- halter top strings dangling down your back
- outdoor movies
- long hikes in the cool, quiet woods
- sandcastles
- wavy, sexy beach hair
- saltwater taffy
- camping
- drippy ice cream cones
- yoga outside
- easy entertaining on your porch or in your backyard
- swimming out to a floating wooden platform in a lake
- croquet with a pimm's cup
- kids playing in sprinklers and open fire hydrants
- sleep-away camp
- horseshoes
- a fresh pedicure tucked into fancy sandals
- Lillet on the rocks with a slice of orange
- so-golden-you'd-never-know fake tans
- visiting national parks
- outdoor concerts
- sno-cones
- big, floppy hats
- canoeing
- sheer, pretty make-up
- vacation, staycation, or just giving yourself a quick relaxation break
- iced coffee
- the sounds of the ice cream truck
- straw bags
- braids
- eating outside
- sleeping in tents (in the backyard or the wilderness)
- crisp, cool cotton sheets, dresses, and shirts
- the seasonal return of rosé wine
- going to a baseball game
- fresh basil and mint growing on your windowsill
- healthy, homemade icy treats
- sunny days = sunnier moods
- blowing bubbles
- getting lost in a juicy novel for an afternoon
- water balloons
- car wash fundraisers
- rooftop parties
- road trips (and kitschy roadside attractions)
- corn dogs
- frisbee
- the ripest, most luscious tomatoes
- collecting seashells
- mini golf
- lobster rolls
- state fairs (and food on sticks)
- flea markets and antique fairs
- staying inside when you've had too much sun, blasting the a/c, and watching movies
- cute swimsuits
- country church suppers
- pretending to be Amelie on Bastille Day
- driving with the top down
- crickets
- the sound of lawn mowers
- open windows
- kids in sunglasses
- sand between your toes
- sitting in the shade on a hot day
- the sound of ocean waves
- blackberries
- a cool breeze on a hot day
- flip flops
- the smoky smell of people barbecuing
- relaxed attitudes
- surfing
- spotting hot air balloons
- skinny dipping
- dogs with their heads out car windows, tongues wagging
- bicycles built for two
- snorkeling
- neighborhood block parties
- the weightlessness of floating with the sun on your face
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Photo credit: Getty Images
