Summer 2018: Make it Memorable. Make it Count

Hi Inspiring people! Hannah here, the Inspiring Intern, summer edition. Speaking of summer, how’s it going? Every thing you’d hoped it would be? Well just in case you’re looking for inspiration, today I’m writing to share a few ways you can make this season count by creating the ultimate bucket list. There are even some ideas specific to the Raleigh area (or at least North Carolina).

To preface this bucket list:

All activities are to be done with people you love (or by yourself because everyone needs some “me time”).

Raleigh’s Ultimate Bucket List

• Go to the beach for sunrise

Leave at 3:30 in the morning if you have to, grab some coffee, a blanket, and a sweatshirt and get on the road. It’s always a bonus to find a cute breakfast place afterwards. My favorite spot is Wrightsville Beach Access 39, with Breakfast at Jimbo’s to follow.

• A Family Picnic

Make some sandwiches and cut up watermelon, along with fresh strawberries. Take it to your favorite park and have a relaxing afternoon. The best spots are Bond Park in Cary and Pullen Park in Raleigh.

• Date Night

The top spots are:

**Raleigh Road Outdoor Theater (Henderson, NC)

**Cinebistro (a theater in Cary that serves you dinner during the movie)

**Beasley’s Chicken n’ Waffles & the Sunset in Raleigh, NC. I would recommend taking your meal to go and going to the top of a parking deck, enjoying it from up high

• Read

Some of my favorites right now:

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak 
• Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
• Forgotten God by Francis Chan
• Everything Always by Bob Goff
• This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

 

• Write a Letter

Reach out to an old college friend, or current college friend, a family member or anyone and write them a letter. Written words are a lot more permanent and meaningful than a text or even call… make someone’s day by sending them a letter.

• Make Ice Cream *Homemade*

One of the purest forms of joy on this planet: ice cream. Make it even better by making it yourself! (Do not count the calories!!)

 

• Stargaze

In the back of a truck bed or really anywhere, if you can. Go somewhere away from lights and don’t forget the bug spray! The best places are Jordan Lake, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Wrightsville Beach

• Go Cliff Jumping

If you aren’t feeling as adventurous as actually jumping off a cliff, swim in the river while your friends jump!

• Eno Rock Quarry (Durham, NC)
• Devil’s Washtub (Moravian Falls, NC)
• Elk River Falls (Elk River, NC)
• Trashcan Falls (Boone, NC)

 

• See a Concert

There are a bunch of great concerts and shows coming up in the area that are definitely worth checking out:

• Foreigner – July 03 – Walnut Creek Amphitheater
• Imagine Dragons – July 05 – Walnut Creek Amphitheater
• Panic! At the Disco – July 28 – PNC Arena
• Pentatonix – August 11 – Walnut Creek Amphitheater
• NEEDTOBREATHE – August 22 – Walnut Creek Amphitheater

• Sleep.

Because everyone needs that:)

Joy

I once read that joy is defined as “happiness that is not affected by circumstance or situation.” With that in mind i encourage you to choose joy this summer. Maybe you don’t get to all the things on your bucket list, maybe you do. Whatever it may consist of, take the opportunity to use your time well and learn from it, and above all – have joy!

Hannah