It seems we wait all year for summer. Then boom—just like that, it’s over. Instead of crying about the impending doom and gloom of back-to-school season and cooler weather, we’ve decided to extract every little bit of sunshine out the fleeting days of summer. Your summer bucket-list may be too tall to tackle this late in the game, but over here at InTown Suites, we’ve kept a pulse on summer with five must-do, must-see things to accomplish before the warm weather vanishes. So slap on the sunscreen and unpack your swimsuits, there’s still a lot more adventures to discover across America this summer.
EAT AL FRESCO
Why spend the remainder of your summer days dining inside? Grab a basket, a cozy blanket, some tasty snacks, and head out to one of this country’s great public green spaces like Encanto Park in Phoenix, voted one of the nation’s 12 best city park by Forbes’s. You’ll be spoiled for choice with up to 222 acres of picnic space, trails, golf courses, a swimming pool and amusement park, all set along a gorgeous lagoon. Catch your own lunch, fishing an array of freshwater fish species from the park’s waters, or grab a post picnic desert of corn dogs and funnel cake from the concession stands. With everything Encanto has to offer, you can experience a summertime’s worth of fun in one day.
- DIVE IN
Summer may be ending, but the warm weather is peaking in many parts of the country this August. When the home sprinkler just won’t cut it anymore, try cooling down at a nearby public pool, beach, lake—heck we’ll take a puddle at this point! For some serious refreshing in the San Antonio area, head to San Pedro Springs Park for an invigorating swim. Texas’ oldest state park, San Pedro Springs packs natural springs, a playground, swimming pool, multiple sports areas and more into 46 lush acres. Take a dip, stroll around the beautifully manicured grounds, and soak up the rays.
- TAKE A HIKE!
No, we’re not trying to get you to leave—we actually want you to get outside and take a hike! Road trips are great, but we believe there’s no better way to discover this country than by foot. If you find yourself in Nashville, one of our favorite places to hit the dusty trails is at Radnor Lake State Park. Once you’ve spent a few days experiencing the glitz and glam of Music City, journey into this nature preserve. With five miles of unpaved trails surrounding the pristine Radnor Lake, this is one place that demands to be explored. Take your time winding through its paths, looking out for some of the region’s native wildlife. You might not run into any country music stars, but you’re guaranteed a sighting of more than a few critters including bobcats, white-tailed deer, coyotes, and several species of birds and waterfowl.
- SAVOR THE SEASON
One of the best parts about the summer season is the festivals. Fairs, concerts, parades, fireworks—anything to get us outside and smack dab in the middle of the action. These seasonal events are a great way to take in the culture, culinary offerings, and entertainment that each community has to offer. Take Cincinnati’s Cincy Brew Ha-Ha for example. The largest festival of its kind in America, this one-of-a-kind celebration offers more than 120 local brews along with some knee slapping live entertainment performed by over 75 comedians on four stages. Enjoy a few chuckles for free and take in the beautiful Ohio River as Sawyer Point Park comes alive with roars of laughter. A unique event not to be missed.
- WATCH THE STARS UNDER THE STARS
Outdoor films in the park are no longer a romantic convention only seen in LA based romcoms. More and more al fresco film festivals are popping up across the country inviting residents and visitors alike to cozy up on the lawns of parks to watch your favorite action packed blockbusters and family friendly films. In Atlanta, almost every week this summer you’re guaranteed the opportunity to catch a flick (or two) in one of the city’s many parks. In fact, the fun doesn’t stop until the end of September. So pack the popcorn, grab some refreshments, and pull up some turf to enjoy this year’s biggest new releases including Beauty and the Beast, Star Wars Rogue One, and more!
Need somewhere to stay during your summer-end adventures? InTown Suites Extended Stay Accommodations offers 189 locations in 22 states to help you chase the last days of summer in comfort.
