Ah, summer! It’s finally here and now, more than ever, it’s time to get out, stretch those legs, and explore our wonderful city once again. As we settle into the new normal of Governor Hogan’s Road Map to Recovery and the ebbs and flows of social distancing, we can still find the time and space to maintain a respectful social distance (complete with that chic face mask) while taking advantage of the warm weather and the beauty around us. Frederick is full of places to sight-see, explore, grab a bite, and shop- take your pick on what you’ll do first! #frederickbucketlist #thatsfredericklifestyle
Not sure what you want to do first? Worry not! We’ve got you covered with a Frederick-style summer bucket list for all ages! This list will take you from sunrise at Gambrill State Park to stargazing in your own backyard; from strolling down Carroll Creek with a sweet treat to coddiwompling (it’s a thing!) all over the county. Invite your friends or family to join you in completing this bucket list before the summer’s over! Are you ready to complete all 16? Tag us on Instagram using #frederickbucketlist and #thatsfredericklifestyle so we can follow along with your progress! We can’t wait to see you out there (from a distance)!
"Oh, the summer night, has a smile of light, and she sits on a sapphire throne." Bryan Procter
Catch the Sunrise
We know getting up early is hard, but grab a cup of joe and head up to the South Frederick Overlook at Gambrill State Park for a spectacular view of the sunrise over Frederick county - we promise it’s worth it!
Snap Some Sparkler Photos
Pick up a set of sparklers and find the perfect backdrop. Wait patiently for that golden moment before sundown to snap an Instagram-worthy sparkler photo.
Go Fly a Kite
On a breezy day, pick out your favorite kite (or make one) and take it down to Baker Park. Make a day out of it by packing a picnic, a blanket and setting up camp under a tree.
Take to the Trails
Catoctin Mountain Park is full of beautiful walking and hiking trails. Spend a few hours in nature - enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells it has to offer.
Level Up Your Smores Game
Have you ever put a peanut butter cup on a smore? What about a Twix bar? Get creative with your toppings and go wild! Chili-chocolate smore, anyone?
Water Balloon Fight
Warm up your throwing arm because it’s time to start a fight - a water balloon fight! Fill up a few and ambush family members or invite your friends out to the local park and play some water balloon dodgeball. Be sure to pick up those little balloon remnants when you’re thoroughly soaked.
Take Time to Pamper Yourself
There’s no time like the present to sit back, relax, and pamper yourself. Make an appointment at your favorite local salon for a manicure, pedicure, or facial (better: all of three!) or simply DIY it at home!
Soak Up the Sun
Lay back, relax, and soak in that sun (with the appropriate amount of sunscreen, of course). Grab a copy of the most recent Frederick Lifestyle and enjoy the latest good news happening around your favorite county.
Give a Room a Facelift
Give your space a facelift! Go all out and paint the walls, or simply rearrange your furniture to let that feng shui. In need of a new knickknack or two? Check out Molly’s Meanderings or Dream House in downtown Frederick.
Serve a Neighbor
After months of isolation, we could all use a hand getting back on our feet. Take the time to serve a neighbor. Bake a simple treat, mow their lawn, or pick up their groceries - spread the love in your neighborhood!
Bike Through Historic Frederick
Grab your bike and head for the roads. Check out Visit Frederick’s website for routes (we recommend the historic Frederick ride). Don’t have a bike? Bicycle Escape in Frederick has bikes for rent!
Sweet Treat Stroll
There’s nothing better than a sweet treat and a beautiful view. Stop by Pop Shop for a soda or Frederick Fudge & Ice Cream for a scoop and wander down Carroll Creek for an afternoon stroll.
Hang Out Under the Stars
Whether you roll out the old sleeping bag and stargaze all night or simply nest yourself on the deck with a drink and a good movie, spending some time enjoying a midsummer night is sure to leave stars in your eyes.
Send an Encouraging Note
Think back to a time someone encouraged you or inspired you. Got it? Great! Now sit down and write a note thanking them for that moment and send it off to them. It’s sure to brighten their day and yours!
Test Out a New Recipe
Now’s as good a time as any to test out a new summer recipe! Online at City Lifestyle, we got plenty of amazing recipe articles to choose from. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a new favorite!
Coddiwomple
This English slang word is defined “to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination.” Hop in the car or take a walk with no destination in mind. A left here, a right there, and you may end up somewhere you’ve never been before. Try it out!