101 best things about summer

Makeover

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!

  1. lemonade stands

  2. whirring vintage fans

  3. sundresses

  4. fireflies

  5. wildflowers by the highway

  6. s'mores

  7. grilled burgers, steaks, fish, fruit...

  8. summer thunderstorms

  9. the long, lingering daylight hours

  10. fireworks

  11. parades

  12. linen

  13. the return of Mad Men

  14. watermelon

  15. napping in a hammock

  16. sunglasses as headbands

  17. the smell of sunscreen on kids

  18. farmer's markets at their most glorious

  19. a chelada on a hot day

  20. picnics

  21. daytrips to the beach (and the reminder of it with sand everywhere)

  22. iced tea out of mason jars

  23. espadrilles

  24. bocce

  25. swimming

  26. halter top strings dangling down your back

  27. outdoor movies

  28. long hikes in the cool, quiet woods

  29. sandcastles

  30. wavy, sexy beach hair

  31. saltwater taffy

  32. camping

  33. drippy ice cream cones

  34. yoga outside

  35. easy entertaining on your porch or in your backyard

  36. swimming out to a floating wooden platform in a lake

  37. croquet with a pimm's cup

  38. kids playing in sprinklers and open fire hydrants

  39. sleep-away camp

  40. horseshoes

  41. a fresh pedicure tucked into fancy sandals

  42. Lillet on the rocks with a slice of orange

  43. so-golden-you'd-never-know fake tans

  44. visiting national parks

  45. outdoor concerts

  46. sno-cones

  47. big, floppy hats

  48. canoeing

  49. sheer, pretty make-up

  50. vacation, staycation, or just giving yourself a quick relaxation break

  51. iced coffee

  52. the sounds of the ice cream truck

  53. straw bags

  54. braids

  55. eating outside

  56. sleeping in tents (in the backyard or the wilderness)

  57. crisp, cool cotton sheets, dresses, and shirts

  58. the seasonal return of rosé wine

  59. going to a baseball game

  60. fresh basil and mint growing on your windowsill

  61. healthy, homemade icy treats

  62. sunny days = sunnier moods

  63. blowing bubbles

  64. getting lost in a juicy novel for an afternoon

  65. water balloons

  66. car wash fundraisers

  67. rooftop parties

  68. road trips (and kitschy roadside attractions)

  69. corn dogs

  70. frisbee

  71. the ripest, most luscious tomatoes

  72. collecting seashells

  73. mini golf

  74. lobster rolls

  75. state fairs (and food on sticks)

  76. flea markets and antique fairs

  77. staying inside when you've had too much sun, blasting the a/c, and watching movies

  78. cute swimsuits

  79. country church suppers

  80. pretending to be Amelie on Bastille Day

  81. driving with the top down

  82. crickets

  83. the sound of lawn mowers

  84. open windows

  85. kids in sunglasses

  86. sand between your toes

  87. sitting in the shade on a hot day

  88. the sound of ocean waves

  89. blackberries

  90. a cool breeze on a hot day

  91. flip flops

  92. the smoky smell of people barbecuing

  93. relaxed attitudes

  94. surfing

  95. spotting hot air balloons

  96. skinny dipping

  97. dogs with their heads out car windows, tongues wagging

  98. bicycles built for two

  99. snorkeling

  100. neighborhood block parties

  101. the weightlessness of floating with the sun on your face


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