Savoring Summer

Savoring Summer , by Teresa Thomas Carroll, director

When we get set to travel somewhere, we usually put considerable time into planning what we want to do, see and experience. We do some research and sketch out a plan for what we’d like our vacation to be like. Even if it’s just the vaguest notion, it’s usually more thought than we put into our off-time when we are at home.

Unless I decide ahead of time how I want my short Minnesota summer to be, it ends up passing by before I fully submerge myself in it. In addition to thinking about what I want to do, I also reflect on how I want my summer to feel. Chances are, there are things you had wanted to experience this summer but haven’t yet. If you wanted to have a lazy summer but instead found yourself racing from one thing to the next, a day at the beach might be just the ticket. Conversely, if you’ve wanted to do some exploring this summer but instead stayed in, then arranging some adventures could be just what you need.

If a friend were to visit your area during summer, what would you suggest as “can’t miss” experiences? To squeeze out every ounce of summer enjoyment doesn’t need to take a lot of money or time. Consider setting a date for yourself to experience being a tourist in your own city as a way to savor this last bit of summer.

To get you started, use the mini reflection exercise below.

Mini-Reflection Exercise

(It’s helpful to have your calendar and a piece of paper at hand.)

Brainstorm a list of what you would recommend as “must experience” activities to someone visiting your area during summer.

Imagine yourself as tourist in your own town. What would you want to see and experience?

Do it! Get your calendar and pick a vacation day to be a tourist in your own city. Set your itinerary (see the list you brainstormed), pack your camera, sunglasses and wear something that makes you feel like you’re from out of town—maybe a t-shirt emblazoned with your city’s name. On this day, only do things that a tourist would do (e.g. don’t do laundry or cook from home!). Inspire others: post your ideas of what you plan to do for your at-home vacation as comments on PCF's blog.