Sizzlin’ Summer Picks
(Click the titles to view the full blog post on each entry)
A heat wave has swept the east coast and midwest, and we have reached peak temps just in time for the Summer Solstice, the official start of summer and the longest day of the year. Family summer vacations are in full swing, but rising temps can make for uncomfortable –and even inconvenient– summer travel. (High temperatures can prevent pilots from taking off and cause delays).
Beat the heat and summer lethargy with this roundup of breezy beach getaways, mountain escapes, light summer bites and workouts that lean into the best of what the season has to offer.
Wellness- Sweat it Out
Your air-conditioned Airbnb, trails and museums, and even world-class nightclubs offer a multitude of ways for you to keep it moving even when you’re vacationing! But take it from a brown girl who managed to get sunburned and bitten, just make sure to slather on a generous coat of bug spray and sunscreen before you step outside, and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
My Love-Hate Relationship with Bikram Yoga
People spend a lot of money to do yoga in a heated studio, but now that the heat outside is inescapable, why not move that yoga mat outdoors to get your stretch on? I prefer the 26×2 Bikram sequence when I‘m seeking strength, balance, and flexibility.
How to Get a Full-Body Workout at Home
If stifling heat isn‘t your thing, keep it climate-controlled with this routine you can do at home or in your hotel room. This first came in handy for me during the 2017 hurricane season, during COVID, and during work trips when time was limited.
How to Make Fit Feel Fabulous on Vacation (+ the cruise edition)
Don’t derail your healthy habits from spring when you’re traveling this summer. Instead, remember these tips to stay active while taking advantage of your destination’s attractions.
Summer Getaways
Whether you’re packing into the car for a road trip or flying overseas, summer is peak travel season for all the right reasons. The kids are out of school and work is at a mid-year lull. Our favorite summer destinations are those that allow you to still your mind at higher elevations, or along the shoreline to find calm in the sound of waves.
Mountains & Peaks
Touch, see, and sniff your way through the Olympic Peninsula‘s black sand beaches, mossy Hoh Rainforest, teetering vistas and fragrant lavender fields.
The wilderness of Alberta is an animal-lover’s dream, and the shale promontories of the Canadian Rockies will take your breath away.
The imposing Teton range looms above the Snake River Valley, pristine lakes, and flourishing alpine forests.
Peer over the Pearl of the Orient from Victoria‘s Peak towards Hong Kong‘s glittering skyline. Engage in retail therapy at the swarming night market or find reprieve in the sleepy Tai’O Fishing Village and steps of the Po’Lin Monastery.
The Latin American capital sits in between two mountain ranges. Feel cool breezes year-round at an elevation of roughly 8,000 feet as you wine and dine your way through Roma and Polanco or dive into Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo’s collections.
Catch the chilly spray of the largest urban waterfall in this underestimated university town that offers a range of family-friendly activities.
By the Sea
Georgia‘s barrier island provides a calming respite for those looking to escape the city buzz. One can go horseback riding along the sands of Driftwood Beach or glimpse into the lifestyles of the rich and famous at the Jekyll Islands Club Resort, the historic summer retreat for some of America’s wealthiest tycoons.
Hawaii (U.S.)
It doesn‘t get hotter than Hawaii‘s Volcanoes National Park. The bubbling caldera can be viewed from a safe distance, or the lucky few can witness lava falling into the sea. Otherwise, catch the surf along Waikiki in Hawaii’s “gathering” isle.
The unsullied shore of Ritidian Beach or the jagged coastline of Pagat are the ideal remote getaways to find quiet moments on the U.S. territory. Melt away your stress as you swim through coral outcroppings or float above rainbow reefs.
***Travel Updates ***
Online passport renewal is back in the U.S. Learn more about the requirements here.
Airbnb’s new cancellation policy lets guests cancel reservations before or mid-trip for a refund if there is an unexpected event.
The national parks are offering free admission on special days, with three remaining this year: August 4, September 28, and November 11. Book your travel now!
Light Bites
My favorite summer recipes are light, refreshing, and juicy to keep you hydrated through the summer.
- Satisfying Salads
- Tomatillo Gazpacho
- Broccoli & Kale Soup
- Summer Corn Soup
- Pear & Gorgonzola Flatbread
Around Atlanta
Hot Nights and Cool Nosh
- Chateau Elan Winery – Sip sweet summer wines in a palatial milieu
- Gaslight Roswell – Dance the night away to millennial favorites in the Atlanta ‘burbs
- Painted Pickle – Toast a frothy beverage al fresco on their fully-covered patio
- Pricci & Chops – Try seasonal menus featuring Georgia peaches in craft cocktails, desserts, and summer salads.
*** Atlanta Updates ***
- Vegan gourmet bakery Cinnaholic opens a new location in Crabapple on June 28.
- On June 26, Dekalb Mall is kicking off a transformation into Lulah Hills, a new multi-use community with retail, restaurants, and entertainment.
- Summer Solstice yoga events take place June 21 & June 22 in East Atlanta Village. Register here.
Other Articles
I took my kids to Munich’s Oktoberfest. Here’s what happened
How I Fell in Love with U.S. National Parks
