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Let’s be honest: the standard summer bucket list is exhausted. If I see one more list telling me to “eat an ice cream cone,” I am going to scream. We already know how to eat ice cream; consequently, we are looking for actual vibes this year.
We want a summer that feels like a cinematic montage. Specifically, we want a Main Character Summer that makes your future self look back and say, “God, I was cool.”
Additionally, a true manifesto is about intentionality. Here are 12 activities that are high on aesthetic, low on stress, and guaranteed to make your life feel like a Pinterest board.
1. Sunset Charcuterie & Sketching
First, grab a heavy-duty picnic blanket and some gourmet cheese. Head to the park an hour before sunset with a sketchbook. You do not have to be an artist; however, you will look incredibly mysterious while drawing the horizon.
2. The “Worst Vacation Shirt” Spritz Party
Invite your inner circle over for a themed night. The dress code? The tackiest, loudest souvenir shirt you can find. Furthermore, make sure to serve Aperol Spritzes in fancy ribbed glassware to keep it classy.
3. The Analog Photo Dump
Buy a disposable camera and take exactly 27 photos. Do not look at them until September. Because you cannot see the previews, the “wait time” becomes part of the magic.
4. Master a $22 Cocktail at Home
Stop paying a mortgage payment for one drink at a rooftop bar. Instead, invest in a professional cocktail shaker set and master the Spicy Mezcal Margarita.
5. Midnight Lake Dips
There is something about swimming in the dark that feels like a reset button for your soul. However, ensure it is safe and legal-ish. Always have a plush Turkish towel waiting on the shore.
6. The “No-Wi-Fi” Reading Day
Go to a cafe or a park and leave your phone in the car. Read a physical book with real paper. If you need a recommendation, the “spicy” section of TikTok never lies for a Main Character Summer read.
7. Farmers Market Flower Haul
Do not wait for someone else to buy you flowers. Go to the market at 8:00 AM and buy the biggest bouquet available. Place them in a vintage-inspired vase because you are your own muse now.
8. Outdoor Cinema Night
Set up a projector and a white sheet in the backyard. Add a pile of outdoor floor pillows and watch a classic movie. This is a staple for any Main Character Summer routine.
9. Solo Road Trip to a New Town
Drive 90 minutes in a direction you never go. Buy a coffee at a local spot and send yourself a postcard. Realize that the world is much bigger than your office cubicle.
10. Al Fresco Everything
If you are eating a sandwich, you should be eating it outside. Moreover, if you are drinking coffee, you should be on the porch. We only have three months of this weather, so do not waste it indoors.
11. Stargazing with a Secret
Go to the highest point in town. Whether you bring a telescope or just your eyes, tell a secret to the stars. They are excellent at keeping them.
12. Morning Lake Plunge
Finally, try a morning plunge. Do this before the crowds and definitely before your first Zoom call. It is significantly better than espresso for your Main Character Summer energy.
Wanna Level up?…. Summer Soft Reset: 9 Smart Upgrades for a Cooler Home, Calmer Pets & SPF-Protected Glow