It’s official: the warm (dare I say, HOT) temperatures have arrived in Buffalo! I wasn’t sure I’d see the day, to be honest.
As a result, I’ve put together a little summer bucket list (it’s just in my notes app, not nearly as cute as the ones I create for my Etsy Shop), with the hopes of making the most out of these warmer months (weeks, days- I’m not sure what to expect).
Unlike summers of my past two decades, there truly is a limited time of decent weather here! So if I want to do something outside, I must do it NOW.
So, here’s my summer bucket list:
Get a treat from an ice cream truck
Late last August, I was walking to the train station after attending an outdoor reading event. The walk was through a beautiful neighborhood full of Victorian-style homes, and it felt like such a quintessential evening. To top it off, I heard the jingle of an ice cream truck in the distance.
Locals here joke about how Buffalo is “behind the times,” but I think it’s nice. I don’t want to forget the simple joys of waiting for an ice cream truck to round the corner or seeing if they have something I like in the freezer. While I know ice cream trucks still run around Buffalo, many of them seem to have routes in neighborhoods outside the city (understandably), so tracking one down might be a bit of a challenge, but it will make the treat that much sweeter!
Go on a boat ride
One of my favorite things about Buffalo is its proximity to water (I love going to the canal!), so a boat ride feels right. I don’t know anyone who has a boat (at least not yet), but there are all sorts of boat tours to take!
I took the history cruise in the fall, and am thinking an evening cruise would be nice for the summer.
Have a margarita on a patio
Margaritas are my favorite cocktail, but I’ve only had ONE since moving here! I would love to find a restaurant/bar with a nice patio where I can get a freezing cold margarita. Bonus points if there are chips and salsa!
Make a strawberry cake
Is anyone else following Betty G on Instagram? She has a way of really bringing the nostalgia, even in the things she cooks.
She made a strawberry-lemon cake using boxed cake mix, adding condensed milk, plus lemon and strawberry icing, and it looks SO good! I’d love to get some fresh strawberries for it, too.
Visit a park
I saw an Instagram post from NFTA Metro (Buffalo’s transit system) sharing a schedule for its annual Adventure Bus! Each summer (and once during the holidays), the bus offers free rides to specific parks for free (the ride and park admission are free). I am still trying to figure out which park(s) to prioritize, but I love that they offer this, and I definitely want to take advantage of it.
Drink an Icee
I don’t think I’ve had a proper slushy in at least 10 years, and that needs to end. I’ve already seen slushies at the canal, but I think I need a real one from a gas station. I’m admittedly out of the loop on gas station culture since it’s been almost a year since I drove a vehicle! But I’m looking forward to dipping my toe back in.
Read a beach book outside
I love reading seasonally, and although I don’t have any travel plans this summer, I want to romanticize what I can. So, I might not be sticking my toes in the sand, but grass will do!
I haven’t decided what beach book(s) I’ll be reading this summer; sometimes I like to plan ahead and other times I prefer to be in the moment. If I had to guess, it might be an Elin Hilderbrand, or maybe “Jaws 2!”
Attend a baseball game
It’s no secret that Buffalo is a football city, but I’m here for embracing all parts of the seasons, even when it means cheering on the city’s less-favored teams. The Bisons’ stadium is just a few blocks from my apartment, and spending an evening outdoors with a beer and a hot dog… it doesn’t get more summer than that!
Fly a kite
I remember loving flying kites as a kid and have been wanting to do it as an adult, but have just never taken the time to look and actually buy a kite! Given that it’s so windy here, I’m confident I’ll be able to do it. I already have my kite picked out; I just need to buy it!
Attend outdoor concerts
Buffalo has pleasantly surprised me with its plethora of great music venues and options for experiencing live music. The warmer weather also means even more venues are an option. There are outdoor shows every week in various neighborhoods, including free shows on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights!
Go to farmers’ markets
There are farmers’ markets all across the area, but I’m grateful to be within walking distance of a weekly one where I can get seasonal plants, flowers, fruit, honey, and other treats. The market actually started last week and runs through October, so there will be many trips to the market!
Jump rope
I shared a personal essay about my history with jumping rope and why it’s so important to me to get back into it this summer; you can read it here if you’d like!
…And that’s my summer bucket list! I’d love to know what you guys are planning for this summer or if there’s anything I’m missing from my list!
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