Romanticizing Summer: No Beach, No Problem

Written By : Grace Weidenhamer

When you think of summer, do you think of summer, do you picture days soaking up the sun on the beach, picnics in the sand, and evenings on the water? Or bikinis under denim shorts and beachy waves crafted by saltwater? That’s the quintessential summer for many: sandy toes and ocean views. But if you don’t live by the beach (hi, me), summer can feel a little underwhelming. I’m a Midwest girl, born and bred, so I’ve realized (after years of coastal envy) that there are still ways to romanticize your summer, no matter where you live.

Find your little slice of paradise:

For some people, it’s a family lake house. For others, it’s camping at a state park. You don’t need a beach to enjoy summer moments in nature, where you can relax, unwind, and step back from the hustle of daily life. Set up a hammock in a shady patch of trees or lounge in your backyard with a good book. Unplug, soak up the warmth, and create your own little oasis — no beach required.

Take advantage of patio season:

If you live somewhere with long winters and short summers, you know the joy of that first patio drink after months of gray skies. Whether you take your laptop to a cute café patio or sip a spritz on a rooftop with friends, dining outside instantly adds vacation energy to your everyday routine.

Take a morning moment:

One of my favorite summer rituals? Waking up early for a morning walk. Throw on a cute workout set, queue up your favorite playlist or podcast, and head out for a hot girl walk to grab an iced coffee. There’s something about it that feels like a slow morning on vacation before a sun-soaked adventure.

Not a walker? Try stretching or meditating in the morning light. Take your breakfast and journal outside. Or play ocean sounds while you get ready for work. The goal is simple: start your day intentionally and soak in those peaceful summer vibes.

Level up your hosting game:

If you’ve never been to a good ol’ fashioned Midwest cookout, I’m genuinely sorry. There’s nothing better than spending a warm evening with loved ones, grilling burgers, playing yard games, and roasting s’mores by the fire.

You don’t need a huge backyard or a fancy setup to host a summer hang. Grab a lemonade pitcher, whip up a seasonal cocktail, and invite your friends over for a casual night of fun. Want

to level up? Organize a slip-and-slide, outdoor movie night, or bring your speaker to the park for a picnic party.

A long weekend getaway:

Still having trouble romamticizing your land-locked summer? Plan a mini trip! Whether it’s a nearby lake, small town, national park, or hidden gem of a city, a weekend getaway can shake things up and give you that vacation feeling — no plane ticket required.

And if a full trip isn’t in the cards, play tourist in your own city. Visit that restaurant you keep saying you’ll try. Take a stroll in a new part of town. Pop into local boutiques or do an ice cream crawl (trademark coming soon).

Not-so-beachy bucket list:

If you’re looking to build the ultimate summer bucket list that doesn’t include going for ocean dunks, here’s a short list of some of my favorite summertime activities:

Go to a baseball game.
Take a hike in the woods or a state/national park.
Make homemade acai bowls.
Create a make-shift slip-and-slide with a tarp, baby oil, and dish soap.
Go on a long bike ride (bonus points if it ends with ice cream).
Go to an outdoor concert or festival.
Play an outdoor sport (in a league or just pickup)... pickleball, tennis, sand volleyball, ect. Golf! Or ride alongside in the beverage cart.
Rent kayaks or canoes.