Our Summer Bucket List

Every year when we return from vacation I feel that kind of sadness that summer is almost over and I haven’t done enough “summery” activites. This year I decided to jot down a little summer bucket list on the way home and we’ve been crossing lots of things off our list since our return. There’s still plenty of time left this summer to do all the fun things with your friends and family and really you can continue to do many of these things into fall as well! Some of the items I listed are specific to Lexington, Kentucky but you can definitely customize to something similar in your area. I’ve also included a blank summer bucket list template if you want to fill out your own! Enjoy and let me know what you’re excited to try first!

xoxo

Emily

click below for a printable template

Take advantage of the beautiful weather by enjoying a picnic at the park. Check out this post I did a few years back for all the details on how to pack the perfect summer picnic! You can also just make it super easy and grab some food to-go like we did for our picnic (local mexican for thwe win!). Things to remember: plates/utensils/napkins (just in case they don’t provide), a blanket to sit on, drinks, and bug spray!

The Kentucky Theater is an iconic part of Downtown Lexington! It originally opened in 1922, and is a favorite for Lexingtonians. They have a popular summer classics series (which I have always LOVED), and are offering online ticket sales. Check out their Facebook Page for up to date movie listings. I will definitely be heading to some of their summer classics as usual this year, especially Sabrina!

The Parkette Drive-In is a beloved retro restaurant in Lexington, KY. It’s been around since 1951, and was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives in 2010. They are known for their Fried Chicken, Poor Boy Burgers, and classic retro style! I LOVE visiting here in the summer for some good fried food and vintage ambiance!

Lexington Farmers Market has so many options for markets throughout the week! There are regular markets every day of the week (except Mondays) and Pop-Up Markets that you can find out about on their Facebook page. The biggest market on Saturdays has been temporarily moved to the Rupp Arena parking lot to accommodate social distancing requirements. It is incredibly spacious, with free, easy parking! My husband and I usually go to the Southland Drive market on Sundays because we used to live in that neighborhood and could walk there easily. We still like to go to that one for old times sake, even though it’s a little furher from our house now!

There are several options for snow-cones around Lexington, including Loco Ice, and Kona Ice of the Bluegrass. Check out their facebook pages for hours of operation and Snow-Cone truck locations! There is also a location I love to visit on Alexandria Drive in Gardenside (in front of the post office parking lot). I can’t find any information about this one online but last I checked it was still open.

Drive-Ins are the perfect way to enjoy a nostalgic summer night. If you have access to a truck, it’s the best way to enjoy the show! Grab some blankets and pillows, pack your own snacks and drinks (or purchase some there- different drive-ins may have policies about what you’re allowed to bring!), and create a cozy little set up to enjoy the show! I put together a round-up of all the best drive-in theaters across Kentucky here. My goal is to try to visit them all in the next couple of years! There are a few included from Indiana but they are very close drives to Kentucky towns right on the border! Just a heads up, I’ve found all their Facebook pages have more up to date info than their websites as far as upcoming movies (and I linked all their pages in that post above!)

Wheeler’s Pharmacy has been a Lexington neighborhood favorite for over 60 years! It is totally like stepping back in time complete with a lunch/breakfast counter still in the store. Located on Romany Road in the Chevy Chase neighborhood, they are home of some of the most incredible milkshakes you can find! Check out their Facebook page for updates about their offerings and when they are open right now.

Light a candle, grab some blankets, and cozy up on your porch, deck, or backyard for the perfect outdoor movie night! Bonus points if it’s a great throwback movie like Dirty Dancing :). You can set this up by just bringing a TV outside from your house or doing a full projector set up with a sheet, pop up screen, or even inflatable screen.

The Lexington Public Library is a network of six libraries across town, and so many online resources. Many branches are currently closed due to COVID protocol but check their website for the most up to date info here, including details on their virtual summer reading program! We often visit the Beaumont branch but I would love to take JW to the big downtown branch as well whenever it opens back up!

The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky is located on Alumni Drive on the south side of UK’s campus. They are currently open with limited hours from 12 p.m. to dusk Monday through Friday and dawn to dusk Saturday and Sunday, but check their website as hours may change. The Arboretum features a 2 mile paved path, perfect for a summer stroll. There are several gardens and paths to explore! This would also be the perfect spot for a summer picnic! They do have a children’s garden area which is currently closed due to COVID, but has a some really cool interactive garden and even water feature areas for young children and toddlers.