It’s been a long time since any of us had fun. And by that we mean the screen-free, spontaneous, uninhibited fun of the Before Times—the kind associated with blasting music with the car windows down, cannonballing into the hotel pool, or dancing with strangers until the sun rises. But with the ongoing vaccine rollout continuing across the U.S., the summer of 2021 is shaping up to be one packed with a renewed sense of hope, celebration, and, well, a good dose of normality.
In anticipation of the months ahead, we’ve put together a list of 101 ways to have fun this summer—everything from trying out roller skating or taking up surf lessons for the first time, to glamping under the stars and using all those points and miles to finally leave the country in search of someplace new again. (One thing you won’t see? A single virtual event.) We hope it not only helps you feel even more inspired about planning your summer, but gives you license to get excited about the future once again.
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Spend as much time outside as possible
1. Plan elaborate park picnicsADVERTISEMENT
2. See live music again
3. Catch a movie at the drive-in
4. Host a backyard barbecue
5. Wear sunscreen everyday
6. Seek out the country’s best swimming holes
7. Get into bird watching
Eat and drink somewhere other than your kitchen
8. Experience a city through its food tours
9. Dine inside one of the world’s best new restaurants
10. Support your local Chinatown
11. Discover—and celebrate—America’s many food cultures
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12. Feast on Texas barbecue
13. Hop on the tinned fish trend—the ultimate picnic staple
14. Attend a fabulous French dinner party
15. Book a vineyard tour in wine country
16. Drink a cold beer inside your favorite dive bar
17. Impress your friends by whipping up some Italian cocktails at your vacation rental
18. …Or order one from a trained bartender
19. Go to happy hour on a rooftop
20. Drink rum on the beach
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