Here we are, yet
again, mid-way through summer vacation. You might have discovered that there’s
little romance left in your regular running routes after stumbling upon a
homeless bachelor hangout. Perhaps the patio served as a good reading spot
until the neighbor’s dog pinned you as an intruder and decided to announce it
to the entire area code. Below are four summer-savvy and overlooked locations to
expand your repertoire beyond the usual hangouts of summers past.
1. Your rooftop
Unwinding at the end of the day is bettered with a view. Get
a different perspective and climb up onto your roof. Your own hill top view was
above your head all along. I’ve found the roof to be perfect, not only to watch
the sun wake up or dip behind the horizon, but for dining, as well. Eating
afternoon snacks, and even dinner for that matter, at the kitchen table is too
formal, anyhow. Don’t forget to haul a blanket up there, though. Shingles
aren’t so forgiving.
Northern Colorado sunset, June 25th
2. The local farmer’s
market
Imagine yourself at Whole Foods market. Now, add free
samples, lower prices and live music to that setting. Sure, I love the comfort
of my own grocery and regular lunch joints (I only really know aisle 8; peanut
butter and Nutella). Yet, the farmer’s market is ripe with fruits and
vegetables with more flavor and freshness than even Chiquita Banana would know
what to do with. Allergies—especially in Colorado—might have you equating
Mother Nature with the schoolyard bully of primary school. If so, pick up some
of the locally harvested honey at the farmer’s market to accustom your nose to
the pollen in your area. If nothing more than to be in the sun and watch as
kids race to eat dripping ice cream cones before their lingering canine does,
the farmer’s market is something to savor during its presence in the summer. Little
known secret, the women who sell the salsa are typically open to bargaining.
3. A good reading spot
Although it’s dreamy to think of yourself enjoying a good
novel while swaying lightly in a hammock, there never seems to be two trees
close enough to rig such a luxury. It’s torturous, really. There are other
idyllic alternatives, however. The best tip that can be offered in finding your
own reading oasis is to separate yourself from city-like noise.
In the northeast reaches of Fort Collins, there is a
tranquil little place called Bingham Hill. As a result of my dear friend
Amanda’s endeavors by moped, she discovered the quaint lookout area engulfed in
green grasses and bordered by the Rocky Mountain Foothills (photo below).
Perfect for reading about the shameless tales of comediennes, or the love
affair of Gatsby and Daisy, locations like Bingham Hill can offer the carefree
quality of vacation without the accompanied fees.
Bingham Hill, June 23rd Amanda demonstrating relaxation at Bingham Hill
4. The freezer—yes, the
freezer
Unlike the other ‘underrated’ locations, the freezer is not
intended to be your next preferred hangout. Rather, it’s the unsung hero of
summertime. The freezer is meant for more than your soon-to-be forgotten
leftover chicken breast. Freeze berries of any kind for cold treats during the
day, or make a frozen variation of your favorite mixed drink come nightfall.
Below are two frozen treat ideas to try:
- Frozen Dipped Banana Pops by Comfy Belly healthy recipes and treats
- A potassium-packed treat coated in your favorite type of chocolate and crushed peanuts
- recipe
- Watermelon Mint Tequila Popsicles by Hungrygirl por vida
- Different from the average Otterpop, this cocktail on a popsicle stick will make any landlocked barbecue seem not so far from the beach. Try without mint, too. CAUTION: melts quickly.
- recipe
