5 new ways to have an old-fashioned summer
Photo by: Tess in New York
The world is opening back up! Travel within Europe is now permitted, National Parks in the U.S. are accepting reservations, and shops and restaurants everywhere are welcoming customers back in. There are finally (some) places to go and things to do. But life may still feel a little uncertain, from flight and hotel availability to what’s actually open when you get to your destination. And for that reason this year may see some of us choosing to stay closer to home.
Maybe your dream destination isn’t ready to welcome visitors back or maybe you just don’t feel ready to leave home. Then cue the perfect, old fashioned summer! You know what we’re talking about: the sound of the ice cream truck, the local water hole, the backyard with friends, and evening fireflies (or lightning bugs, depending on where you live).
We see this year as the perfect opportunity to find new ways to have an old-fashioned, amazing summer, right at home. And we’ll show you how, including how to capture those dreamy summer memories!
Photo by: Brian in Havana
A road trip
There’s always been something about a road trip that just screams “freedom.” Freedom that looks like wind blowing through your hair, bare feet on the dashboard, snacks in your lap, and wide-open vistas. And let’s face it, this summer everyone is in need of freedom.
In the U.S. the road trip has become synonymous with summer, but that holds true for the rest of the world, as well. A road trip allows people everywhere a chance to get away, relax, and take stock, whether you’re in Australia, Europe, or South America. (And who doesn’t want to create their very own Motorcycle Diaries? I do!) Whether you head out on two wheels or four, on your own or with the whole family, 2020 may very well be the year of the road trip.
Planning this year will be more important than ever. But planning is one of the best parts of a road trip, whether you spread out paper maps on the floor, course it on Google, or use one of the many cool road trip apps available. With a little research you can decide if you want to stay in-State or go farther afield, spend the night at hotels and AirBNBs or try an RV adventure, and determine all the best landmarks for stops and sightseeing.
Wherever you go and however you travel, consider booking one of our local photographers at one of your stops for an epic road trip photoshoot you’ll want to share as digital postcards!
A backyard retreat
When I think back to childhood summers, some of my favorite memories are from time spent in the backyard, reading on blankets, nighttime scavenger hunts with Dad, and lying in my great aunt’s hammock listening to music. When I think a little more, I realize that my love of summers in the backyard has extended into adulthood. Now I may have a bowl of olives with a glass of wine instead of peanuts and popsicles, but I still love the long afternoons, the warm breeze, and the buzzing insects.
With just a few accessories, your backyard can become the perfect summer retreat. If space allows, get a fire pit and make s'mores and hot dogs, or set up a tent for a campout with sleeping bags, pajamas, and ghost stories. Even smaller backyards are great for lounging in lawn chairs, lying on blankets, running through sprinklers, reading, barbecues, or evening cocktails. If you have a blank wall, set up a projector for nightly screenings of favorite movies, to include popcorn and candy.
Whether you're young at heart, a romantic, or part of a family, there are endless hours of fun and memories waiting in your very own backyard, and our photographers can help you catch them with a contactless photoshoot!
A childhood fantasy
When you have kids, summer vacation is about spending quality time with them while they’re out of school, taking them on trips they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. And let’s face it, for many of our kids, that dream destination usually includes the name, Disney, in it.
This summer the Disney resorts remain closed while many parents are still concerned about venturing away from home. But don’t despair; we have a “disneyesque” solution for you!
With a little creativity, you can bring Disney to the kids this summer. From Mickey Mouse pancakes for breakfast to Minnie Mouse ears to sport around the house. Remember that projector idea for the backyard? What a perfect way to watch the kids’ collection of Disney films, with homemade funnel cakes and ice cream bars. Or subscribe to Disney+ for the summer (if you haven’t already during quarantine!) and let everyone in the family take turns picking out movies and shows throughout the summer months. Also, check out the many websites, like Parade, that have curated all the virtual Disney ride experiences available online. A pillow seat and an arm workout by Mom or Dad will have the kids giggling as if they’re on the real thing.
Help build the anticipation for the trip to come and book one of our vintage virtual photoshoots of you and the kids in your Disney gear while you wait!
A watery escape
Just as summer evokes the image of the wide-open road, it also conjures up daydreams of cool water, in all its forms! From ocean waves to slow-moving rivers, glassy lakes to sunny swimming pools. If you live near any of these, make them your go-to destination this year.
It takes a little effort upfront, but once you’ve got yourself organized you’ll be set for the entire summer and you won’t regret it. Get the sand pails ready, bags packed with sunblock and magazines, or the outdoor bar stocked with ice and drinks. Then commit to getting out there and enjoying yourself on a regular basis. My sister and her three boys have already started their summer mission of searching out the best swimming hole in the river that runs near their house. I’m already indulging in weekend drives out to our Northern California beaches, supporting the local hot dog stands and saltwater taffy shops, and enjoying the sea breeze. And I’m absolutely booking the first full moon voyage on the Schooner Freda B out of Sausalito once they’re cleared to take guests back out.
So fly a kite at the beach, cannonball into the pool, or float down a river. And book an outdoor photoshoot to capture those shimmering water-filled memories for good!
A total revamp
It may not appeal to everyone, but for some of us, the ultimate summer staycation includes some home renovation. Looking back at the 1950s in America, people were less apt to go on a vacation as they were to invest in new gadgets and furniture for their homes. The country was booming and new technology was making our homes more enjoyable than ever, from cool appliances, to television sets the family could now gather around.
We may be at different times, but we can capture some of that renovating spirit and use our summer to honor the places that have kept us safe as we’ve stayed at home these past few months. Plant a garden with the kids, paint the bedroom, or pick out that backyard patio set.
My husband and I are remodeling our kitchen. Not only does that mean that when summer is over we’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of the season-long into autumn and beyond, but with the renovation we’re able to support local artisans, like cabinet makers and granite cutters, as well as local restaurants, since we’ll definitely be getting takeaway while the kitchen is out of commission! And you can bet we’re going to want some dramatic before-and-after pictures, a great opportunity to support a local photographer!