Longer Days, Later Nights: The Best Parts of Summer

Summer is right around the corner, but we've been preparing for the heat for weeks now. It feels like we got a few brief moments of Spring before the weather started bouncing between freezing cold mornings and hot afternoons. Now we're about to enter the trenches of peak summer heat.

One thing about summertime is that while we enjoy adventures away from home, we still spend a lot of time at home, both inside and out. The days are longer, the evenings stretch a little later, and suddenly I find myself spending more time outside than in. Even as someone who generally prefers being indoors, there's something about summer that always manages to drag me out of the house.

Whether you're inside or outside, the main goal is to stay cool (for me that's hard not to do 😉). If you have central air, consider yourself lucky. We are still living like cavemen and rely on a combination of window AC units and fans. Certain rooms stay cooler than others, and you quickly learn where the best breeze is in the house.

Summer also changes the way we cook. Once the temperatures start climbing, the last thing I want to do is spend an hour standing over a hot stove. This is the time of year when the grill starts earning its keep and dinners become a little simpler. A simple dinner is either something quick you can throw together in the kitchen before you overheat, like sandwiches, a meal cooked outside, or ordering takeout because it's simply too hot to think about cooking.

The bedroom becomes a little more important this time of year too. During the winter, cozy blankets and layers are the goal. In the summer, it's the exact opposite. If you've ever spent the night sweating, kicking the covers off, and wondering why the fan seems to be doing nothing but blowing hot air around the room, then you know how important a cool bedroom can be. Suddenly, lighter bedding, a fan running nearby, and anything that helps create a more comfortable sleeping environment becomes a priority. There is nothing worse than trying to fall asleep in a room that feels like a sauna, which is why a cool, comfortable bedroom can feel like a luxury during the hottest days of summer.

But the biggest change for me is spending more time outside.

During the day, you'll usually find me outside with a Dunkin' iced coffee in hand, maybe heading to a farmers market or taking the dogs for a walk. Even simple things like sitting on the porch for a few minutes before starting the day feel different during the summer.

At night, summer takes on a different feeling. Backyard cookouts, sitting outside after dinner, and enjoying the extra daylight are some things I look forward to. Once the sun starts to set and the temperatures cool down a bit, it's hard not to stay outside a little longer. There's also something about sitting around a fire on a summer night that never gets old. Whether it's roasting marshmallows for s'mores, catching up with friends and family, or simply enjoying a quiet evening after a long day, those are often the moments that end up becoming my favorite memories of the season.

This is what summer is about. It's not only about all the big trips. It's about making small moments that help you enjoy the season a little more.

Maybe that's fresh flowers on the table.

Maybe it's finally setting up that outdoor space you've been meaning to use.

Maybe it's keeping a pitcher of iced tea in the fridge or finding the perfect shady spot to sit with a book.

Whatever it looks like for you, summer has a way of changing how we live. The pace slows down a little, the days last a little longer, and somehow the simple things become the things we remember most.