If you’re like me, the transition from summer to fall is not an easy one. Going from 75 degrees and sunny every day to a crisp wind takes some time to get used to, especially when you love summer as much as I do. To avoid a case of the end-of-summer blues, grab your friends and participate in these five activities before the start of spooky season:
- Host a BBQ or Potluck
A great way to get friends together and enjoy the outdoors at the same time is by hosting a BBQ or potluck dinner! If you have access to a grill, you can keep it simple by throwing on some burgers and hot dogs, or if you want to challenge yourself, grill some steaks and chicken! Don’t have a grill? No problem! Have each of your friends bring a plate big enough for everyone to share. Potlucks are not only affordable but allow everyone to share their favorite dishes and put their cooking skills to the test. There’s something about eating outdoors that makes dinnertime a little extra special. Layout some blankets or sit at a picnic table, and enjoy! For all the apartment residents in NYC, a rooftop or balcony can suffice.
- Cheer On Your Favorite Baseball Team
If you’re a baseball fan, attending a game, especially on a sunny day, makes the experience that much better. It’s the perfect chance to get a group and spend a free night or weekend afternoon together. For all you Yankee fans, travel to Yankee Stadium to catch a home game before playoffs begin! The excitement in the stadium is like no other, and don’t get me started with the food. Where else can you feast on a foot-long hot dog and show some team spirit? Take advantage of the opportunity to buy tickets before the season is over!
- Treat Yourself to a Picnic
Picnics are one of my favorite summer activities. The beauty of it is if you have something to sit on and some food that can travel well, you’re golden. Having a picnic before the summer ends is ideal so you can enjoy the last few days of nice weather. Travel to your nearest park or set up some blankets in your friend’s backyard. I personally love going on my campus’ greenspace with my friends after grabbing sandwiches from the deli down the street. You can picnic by yourself or with friends! Regardless of where it is and who it’s with, having a picnic is a simple and fun activity to end the summer.
- Visit a Garden or Outdoor Exhibit
A weekend walk through a garden can put you in the right headspace for the week to come while giving you exposure to Vitamin D. If you’re a Fordham student or find yourself in the NYC area, visiting the Bronx’s Botanical Gardens is a great activity to partake in when the weather is nice. The flower and art exhibits are breathtaking during the summer months, and there is enough to sightsee for an entire afternoon!
Here is the link to the Garden’s upcoming events: https://www.nybg.org/whats-on/
- Take Part In Outdoor Activities
Ending the summer season with a hike or a bike ride not only gives you that last little bit of needed outdoor time, but it is also an entertaining way to stay fit! Search for the nearest hiking trail, pack a lunch, and spend the day taking in the view if you have the time. Hiking or biking is perfect for when the weather is nice and should be taken advantage of before the cold winter months force you to work out in a crowded and indoor gym. In my opinion, working out with a view on a sunny day makes exercise that much more enjoyable!
If you make the best of the last days of summer, the season transition will be that much easier!