A CALGARY END OF SUMMER BUCKET LIST

I feel like summer started late this year. We had major July gloom in Calgary. I had to make up for enjoying summer when the sun finally came out the week leading up to August.  And make up for it I did. I knocked so many things off my summer bucket list: family and friend time in Montreal, exploring the Lake Louise and the mountains, recharging by spending time out in patios with friends and so much more.

If summer ended today, I could smile and say I had an incredible summer. Hopefully, we still have some weeks of high temps and warm sun left and it’s important to make the most of them.  To make sure we live it to the fullest, I'm sharing an end-of-summer bucket list to squeeze in before we officially say so long to summer and fall makes its debut.

So wherever you plan to be this end of summer, make sure you have these fun activities on your end bucket list and lets alleviate any end-of-season blues!

1. Host a picnic for friends or plan a barbecue. If you haven't thrown a big backyard barbecue yet, what are you waiting for?

2. Make s'mores. Grab some skewers and get roasting! Use your marshmallows to make the classic treat or try another recipe like s'mores nachos or s'mores brownies.

3. Go paddle boarding. Stop daydreaming about that hottie and just take him/her on a paddle boarding date.

4. Get outside and volunteer. Give back to your community while enjoying the outdoors.

5. Take a hike and watch the sunset. Even if you don't travel very far, there's nothing like watching the sunset while surrounded by nature. Why not try sunset at Nose Hill next time.

6. Enjoy a movie outdoors. Enjoy your favorite film while embracing the warm weather and head to a drive-in if still available or host a movie screening in your backyard.

7. Start and finish a book. Take a break from technology, grab a book and go to the nearest local park in your community. If its a nice day outside, you'll be treating you with a well-deserved dose of vitamin D.

8. Spend the day on a boat. Whether you're having brunch on a sailboat or wine tasting on a yacht, soak in the last bit of summer on a boat.

9. Have a spa day with your mom. When was the last time you spent time with your mom, or closest girl friend? You know you both will love it.

10. Try taking a social media detox. Taking a social media sounds beyond nerve racking but so incredibly rewarding and allows you to reconnect with yourself and other human beings around you.

11. Try a new rooftop restaurant. Grab your significant other and go for happy hour to that place you haven't been yet.

12. Stargazing. Invite some friends over for a viewing under the stars for a great summer memory. A quick drive out of Calgary and you’ll be able to see constellations with the unaided eye easily. Away from the light pollution and noise, Alberta ranks as one of the top places to stargaze in the world.

13. Make home made popsicles. Making popsicles in the summer is like baking cookies in the winter—something you have to do. 

14. Explore your city. Quick – what is the biggest tourist attraction near where you live? See top landmarks including the Bow, Scotiabank Saddledome and Calgary Tower. Enjoy city views from Scotsman's Hill and Crescent Heights. Wherever you are, there is a reason tourists flock there in the summer. Spend a few hours taking in the sights like a tourist and get to enjoy a vacation without actually having to leave town.

15. Check out your local farmers market. Get the freshest, in-season produce in your neck of the woods. Get your hands on those local goodies while you still can. http://www.calgaryfarmersmarket.ca/