I know I’ve been a bit MIA lately — summer somehow got crazy busy for us! Between weddings, road trips and family commitments our weekends are all packed. It’s so much fun, but it leaves me feeling a bit drained every Monday morning. So, I’m making it my mission to slow down a bit for the rest of the summer and soak up all the season has to offer. Here’s my bucket list for the rest of summer.

Swim In Lake Michigan

When James and I lived in northern Indiana, we spent many summer weekends driving across the Michigan border to visit the beaches at New Buffalo and St. Joseph. I’m so happy we have a lake in Bloomington, but it’s just not the same! We’re headed up to southwest Michigan next weekend and I plan to spend at least one afternoon at the beach. Michigan summers are magical.

Read More

I’m still working toward my goal of reading 20 books this year and I’m just a bit behind schedule. I just finished up Devil In The White City, which several friends recommended. The book was phenomenal, but it definitely took me longer to read than most books. I’m guessing it’s because it’s nonfiction and I’m typically a fiction reader. I just got The Marriage Lie from the library after reading a few good reviews and I’m hoping to get through it quickly. If you’ve stumbled across any good summer reads, I always love hearing recommendations!

Spend An Afternoon At Oliver

Oliver Winery is one of my favorite places in Bloomington. The grounds are beautiful, the wine is delicious and there’s nothing more relaxing than enjoying a picnic on a summer afternoon. I’ve made it out to the winery a couple of times this summer, but James hasn’t yet. Luckily, that gives me an excuse to go back!

Participate In An Organized Bike Ride

James and I are avid cyclists, but it’s been a long time since we’ve participated in an organized ride. I’ve been eyeing the Moonlight Loop ride in Columbus, which sounds like it would be a more leisurely outing. We aren’t as familiar with the annual rides in south-central Indiana as we are with those in the South Bend area, so if you’ve participated in one that you’ve enjoyed, let me know!

Host An End-of-Summer Party

We absolutely love entertaining and it’s been a few months since we’ve thrown a big gathering at our house. I’ve always wanted to do a craft beer bottle share, so we just need to pick a weekend and go for it! You can’t beat sitting around the fire pit at night while laughing and drinking with friends.

Attend An Outdoor Concert

Between Bloomington and Indy, there are so many outdoor concerts throughout the summer. It’s so fun to pack a giant blanket and some snacks and enjoy local music in the parks.

Visit The IMA’s Beer Garden

We already did this once this summer and had so much fun that I’m dying to go back again. The IMA’s beer garden is one of the most beautiful, serene places I’ve ever gotten a drink. And going back will give us a chance to check out some of the exhibits we missed last time!

Make Ice Cream

I was an ice cream making machine last summer, but I haven’t gotten around to making any this year. Luckily, the cookbook club I’m in selected Food52 Ice Cream And Friends as one of the books for this month, so I have some extra motivation to break out our ice cream maker.

What’s on your summer bucket list? Tell me by leaving a comment below!

The post Soaking Up Summer appeared first on The Broadcasting Baker.

We’ll check quite a few things off our summer bucket list over the next few days. We’re road tripping south with my family to visit my aunt, uncle and cousins for a week. They live in Arkansas and own an amazing houseboat business on Lake Ouachita. We’ll spend a few nights on the boat and almost all of our time on the water. After a crazy summer, it’s just what we need!

Here some other things I want to do before the summer’s over:

1. Take advantage of Tiki Tuesday. 

Every Tuesday during the summer the amazing bartenders at Cardinal Spirits serve up some impressive beach-themed drinks. Just sipping them makes you feel like you’re on vacation. We went to Tiki Tuesday a lot last summer, but somehow we haven’t made it once this year. That needs to change!

2. SUP at Lake Monroe.

I haven’t been standup paddle boarding in a while and I’m dying to rent a board for an afternoon out at Lake Monroe.

3. Attend Cork & Fork.

I’ve only made it out to Oliver Winery once this summer and I want to make a return trip to hear some live music during their Cork & Fork series. The event is actually at their Creekbend Vineyard in Ellettsville, which I’ve never visited.

4. Hike at McCormick’s Creek. 

I absolutely love McCormick’s Creek State Park. It’s a short drive from Bloomington and offers great hiking trails and camping. We rented a cabin there with some friends last summer and had a blast.

5. Go camping. 

I have no idea how we’ve gone so long without doing this, but we have to take advantage of all the amazing camping spots near us! In addition to McCormick’s Creek and Lake Monroe, we’re a short drive from the beautiful Brown County State Park.

6. Participate in Tour de Upland.

We’ve talked about signing up for this event ever since we moved to Bloomington but have always had other plans. This year we’re free! Tour de Upland is a weekend of cycling, beer and camping. Does it get much better? There are several different routes to choose from based on your cycling level. If we’re going up and down Brown County hills, I think we’ll go for one of the shorter rides!

7. Plan a picnic. 

We’re lucky enough to live within walking distance of several great city parks at our new place. I’d love to throw together an easy picnic and walk down to one of them for dinner one night. There’s something about eating outside that’s just so relaxing and enjoyable — at least when there isn’t 90 percent humidity.

8. Bike to the Scenic View.

The Scenic View is a great restaurant that overlooks Lake Monroe. I’ve been wanting to bike out there forever and a summer evening is the perfect time to do so. You can’t beat the view or the food!

9. See a drive-in movie. 

When I was a kid my parents would take us to a drive-in movie theater about 30 minutes away from my hometown and it’s an experience I still absolutely love. We have yet to go to the Starlite Drive-In in Bloomington, so I’m keeping my eyes on their schedule over the next few weeks.

10. Host a cookout. 

We don’t have a grill, which means we only cookout when we’re at a friend’s house or visiting my parents. But we’re not going to let that stop us! I think it would be a blast to get a group together at a local park that’s equipped with grills and throw an end-of-summer cookout. You can’t beat hot dogs and s’mores.

What’s on your summer bucket list? Chime in by posting a comment below!

The post End Of Summer Bucket List appeared first on The Broadcasting Baker.