How to Enjoy the Outdoors This Summer

I've been truly enjoying the warm summer months and trying to really take it all in. I'm taking advantage of any excuse to be outside in nature and to appreciate it in all its glory. Here are a few ways you can enjoy the outdoors this summer. And remember, keep it sustainable and environmentally friendly!

Australia 2017

Host an Event at a Tree House

Summer weddings are quite trendy. Every time I go online I see people talking about the bevy of weddings they have to attend this season. Fortunately, for me, I'm not going to any. But if you're getting married this season I would totally recommend one of these beautiful Pronovias wedding dresses, particularly the Rocky! Anyway, I say fortunately because weddings are a lot of work. So much goes into putting them together, and they can even be a bit of a hassle for the guests. Will it be outdoor? On the beach? In the middle of the day?

But even though I'm glad to not be attending any weddings, if I were going to one this season, I would want it to be held at a unique venue like a tree house. I've never been into the typical wedding venue in a church, so I've always liked the idea of something less traditional and more unique. The beauty of having a wedding at a tree house is that you can easily wear something like a casual beach wedding gown at this location. The casual look and feel of the dress will go quite nicely with the outdoor, rustic vibe of the tree house. Just think about the fun lighting, wood accents and bamboo tree background that would be a photographer's dream. Oh, and it doesn't have to be a wedding. You could host a birthday, family reunion, brunch with friends or whatever. As long as it's at a tree house then you're golden.

Hike a Waterfall

A couple months ago my friend visited me all the way from California. While she was here, we drove up to north Georgia so we could hike a waterfall. It was splendid. I honestly wouldn't mind hiking waterfalls every weekend if I could. You get the feeling of accomplishing something while also being active, which is good for your mind, soul, heart and overall health. And to top it off, you're rewarded with a beautiful waterfall. My goal is to hike more waterfalls here in Georgia (because apparently that's a thing in this state) this summer. Thank goodness for my plant-based bug spray.

Scotland 2017

Go to an Outdoor Movie Night

Back in 2017, I actually put together an outdoor movie night with friends when we stayed in a cabin in Lake Tahoe. It was great, but it was also winter. I can guarantee you that an outdoor movie night will be way more fun in the summer. And consider making it a dinner and a movie and dining al fresco! Ramp up your food and drink game and skip the typical popcorn and soda (ugh). Opt for a nice cheese plate, tapas and refreshing virgin and alcoholic cocktails. All you need is a projector and your favorite throwback movie. Go with something nostalgic. Or you can see if your city is hosting any movie nights. They're pretty common this time of year.

Plan a Staycation in a Yurt

I used to think that no one in their right mind would sleep in a yurt. I'm not into camping. I like my creature comforts. But these days yurts are the shit. They're a step up from tent camping and many usually come with beds and small kitchens and pretty much anything you'd need for a weekend staycation. Most of all, unlike a house or apartment rental, yurts are most likely already surrounded by nature. This means you'd be waking up in a stunning setting where there are more trees than people. Who wouldn't want to experience that?

Tulum 2016

Travel by Bike or Boat

My favorite place from my Mediterranean trip last summer was Croatia. Two reasons why: I spent a lot of time reading in a hammock on a boat, and I did a bike ride around an island. Now, I'm not saying go rent a boat or travel to an island. Just consider getting on a bike and riding through a trail or park where you live. There's something quite freeing about going downhill on a bike with your hands in the air. If you can get on a boat (like a sunset river cruise or something) then try that out as well (as long as you don't get seasick). It's just a nice way to be on the water without being in the water. Even though I'm a Pisces, I'm more into being around water than being in it.

Fiji 2017

Festival Fun or Sports Bum

I think festival season might be over -- I don't know as I honestly don't keep up. But I will say that listening to music outside is hella fun, much like an outdoor movie night. Find a summer concert series, grab a blanket and head out with some friends. If you're into sports, then you should see if there are any summer soccer, baseball, lacrosse, etc leagues in your town. The games are typically free to attend and provide you with something fun to do outside. I've found myself watching summer league baseball games at a park nearby lately, and I'm surprised at how much fun I'm having. I don't even like baseball, but it's good to get away from the indoor screens.

How have you been enjoying nature and your surrounding environment this summer?

This post is in collaboration with Pronovias