Summer Bucket List

We are back from our summer vacation and are finally back in the swing of daily life around here. The last couple of weeks have been spent reuniting with our kitty, unpacking, cleaning, and going back to work.  The day after we returned from Florida was the first official day of summer, and although we aren't planning any more big trips for the remainder of the summer (if you missed my latest announcement--we just booked our five year anniversary trip to Europe later this year!), I have been thinking about how we can still make the most of our summer right here in our own backyard. There are so many summer activities I have wanted to, but just haven't gotten around to it. Now that we have some more down time this season, I think it's the perfect time to cross some of these activities off the list.

• Beat the heat at Barton Springs pool. I have lived in Austin for almost 5 years and have yet to go for a swim at Barton Springs pool. Sad, I know! I'm hoping to finally change that this summer and embrace its refreshingly cold water. I've been told it's one of the quickest and easiest ways to beat the heat right in the heart of downtown, at Zilker Park!
• Visit Hamilton Pool Preserve. Another natural pool I have yet to explore is Hamilton Pool which is located just 30 miles outside the city limits. The views and the water are so awe inspiring. If that's not enough natural beauty for ya, Jacob's Well, another natural Texas water landmark, is less than an hour south of Hamilton Pool! 
• ​Take a dip at Deep Eddy. One thing I love about summer in Austin is there are so many ways to cool off when you need to, which is just about every day in Texas. Whether you're visiting one of the natural pools, boating on the lake, stand up paddle boarding, or taking a dip at Deep Eddy, Texas's oldest swimming pool, the options are endless!
• Take a tour of Deep Eddy Distillery. After you've cooled off, give your taste buds a taste of Austin by visiting Deep Eddy distillery located just outside of Austin in Dripping Springs, Texas. Take a tour of the grounds, try a specialty cocktail, or try a flight of their Texas inspired vodkas. 
• Enjoy some live music at Blues on the Green and Shady Grove. It really wouldn't be summer in Austin without live music in the great outdoors. Thankfully, every summer, we can get our fill of free live music at KGSR's Blues on the Green every other Wednesday, and Unplugged at the Grove at Shady Grove on Thursday nights. With my work schedule and Austin traffic, I've always made excuses for not going to BOTG, but I will be stopping by this season! I just need to remember to pack a picnic blanket and lots of cold water. 
• Try Lick Honest Ice Cream's new summer flavors! One of my favorite local treats is Lick Honest Ice Creams, and they just released their seasonal menu with new exciting flavors. The menu includes Blackberry, Lime & Basil, Blushing Blueberry Dewberry Corn Cobbler, Honeyed Peaches with Rosemary, Lemon Lavender, Lemonade Pound Cake, Ranch Road, Roasted Mesquite Bean Cookie, Tequila Lime Coconut, and Vegan Vanilla Strawberry Swirl! I can't wait to try the Honeyed Peaches with Rosemary, Lemon Lavender, and Lemonade Pound Cake! PSA: The Ranch Road (a Texas twist on Rocky Road) is BOMB.
• Visit the farmer's market as much as possible. This is one of my favorite after church activities (besides brunch) any time of year, but especially in the summer. Although it's in the heat of the day when we typically go, the fresh, delicious fruit, vegetables, and treats are SO worth it. I love walking through the market, sipping on a Hibiscus Mint iced tea, seeing which vendors are new, and paying a visit to my old standbys to stock up on goodies. Plus, my favorite market just extended their hours by adding a market day on Wednesday evenings! Find the closest farmer's market near you, here!
• Picnic in the Park. Why not take those fresh farmer's market goodies and have yourself a delicious picnic in the park? Every time I pass the park and see those wide-open, green spaces, I just want to find a shady spot and post up with some snacks, wine, music, a good book, and maybe a ball or frisbee to throw around (this one's for my husband), and enjoy the fresh air. *Siiiighs*
• Enjoy as many outdoor patios as possible. There is no shortage of beautiful outdoor patios in Austin, and I plan to take full advantage of dining among them this summer. Thanks to some of my lovely food blogger friends like, Kelsey of So Much Life blog, Jane of A Taste of KoKo, and Eater Austin, I can easily find great suggestions of the best and newest places to dine al fresco! A few places I can't wait to try are Hank's, Le Politique, Justine's, Josephine House, and Olamaie. Some of my favorites are Mattie's, Elizabeth Street Cafe, Tiny Boxwoods, and Juliet Italian Kitchen.
• Visit the new Austin Public Library. I'm not the biggest book worm, but I do enjoy a good summer read or two. (Hello, to my fellow slow readers out there!) The newly renovated public library in downtown Austin looks so nice and is a great indoor activity to try this summer. Even if you don't plan on getting a library card and checking out a book to read, the revitalized space itself seems worth visiting. Plus, they just opened their cafe right inside, Cookbook! 
• Host a backyard or poolside barbecue! We have always loved inviting our close friends over to our house to catch up and do life together, and summer is the perfect time to host a barbecue. With people's (typically) more flexible schedules in the summer, it's a great opportunity to get together, grill, and play yard games in the evening, or grill hamburgers and hot dogs by the pool for a daytime barbecue. If a lot of your friends are busy or out of town, then it's a good excuse to just host another!​

If we cross even half of these activities off our list with the time that we have remaining, it's sure to be a great and memorable summer! 

Which activities are you hoping to try this summer? What am I missing from this list?
Be sure to follow along with me on Instagram as I document and cross off each of these activities from my bucket list, THEN be sure to tag me in your posts (@littlebittyinthecity) as well!
I'd love to see what y'all try this summer!

Little bitty love,

​Kimberly