Hey, pretty girl!
In honor of summer-time being close to halfway over, it was an obligation to give y’all a summer bucket list and my top tips for having the best summer ever. My goal is to fulfill Dan & Shay–(Summer of) 19 You & Me–vibes. As well as get in on some, Austin Burke-One Summer-type of fun.
Since college starts this fall, this is the last major summer before the real world (ugh, I know). While preparing for college, working, and writing the blog are my main concerns this summer, my bucket list is (and yours should be) jam-packed with everything from drive-in movies to coffee shop brunch dates. I compiled this list, while also throwing in some local recommendations of places you should head this summer!
First up on my list is something I’ve been meaning to do for the last couple of years–the drive-in. For the local gals, I heard that Vali-Hi in Lake Elmo is the spot to go. They are open every night, so perfect for busy schedules! It’s fairly cheap at under $10 per person and you can bring your own snacks, blankets, pillows, and string lights to create the perfect insta post with your bf(fs).
Now for the complete opposite time of day activities, brunch and coffee dates. Two places I have personally brunched at are Ze’s Diner in Eagan and Cheesecake Factory at the Southdale Mall in Edina. Both are great brunch options, Ze’s with a 1950’s vibe and Cheesecake Factory with TONS of options. Two places I plan on trying are The Mason Jar in Eagan and Bellecour in Wayzata. For coffee, I love Starbucks just as much as the next girl, but summer is for exploring! The Twin Cities are a madhouse for cute coffee shops–Cafe Astoria, Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea, and Quixotic Coffee–to name a few.
My favorite bucket list idea was to have a day where my friends and I are tourists in our own city! Look up the touristy locations in the closest city to you and experience your home area as a tourist! For the twin cities gals, this includes Minnehaha Park, Como Zoo conservatory, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Saint Anthony Falls, the Basilica of St. Mary, and Rice Park.
I have a few random things I also plan to do this summer that would make for great time fillers: swimming with the besties, paddleboarding at Lake Minnetonka (and stopping at Nautical Bowls wink wink), shopping at the Eagan Outlet, having a super extra sleepover, and picnicking at some local parks.
@PhotosbyJannaJo
Some general tips to make the most of your summer:
- Turn your notifications off (living in the moment is a lot more fun)
- Wake up early but stay up late
- Flirt with that special someone
- Work to make some money while you have time
- Soak up every second of the sun (fall will be here before you know it)
With Love, Marin