Listen, y’all — it’s already August (like HOWWW the heck?!) and summertime is winding down. I don’t know about you, but I have a very long summer date list that needs to be checked off before sweater weather rolls around. If you’re local here in eastern PA, don’t worry — I gotchu. Here’s a list of summer date ideas to fit in before the cool breeze comes thru!!

1. Phillies game
   DUHHHHH!! If you haven’t been to Citizen’s Bank park this season, what the HECK are you waiting for?! Phillies games are soooo much fun, the ballpark is the TOP-rated stadium for vegetarians (heck yeah!!) and you get a freaking GORGEOUS view of the Philly skyline as the sun goes down during the game. What’s there not to love?! Oh, and there’s always a chance that the kiss cam lands on you & your boo … ‘nuff said 😉

2. Jim Thorpe
   Alright y’all, confession time — I’ve never been to Jim Thorpe. I know, crazy right?! This cute little town is situated right in the middle of the beautiful Pocono Mountains in northeastern PA. You can go on a super fun hike and then grab a bite to eat (& maybe a brew to drink?) in this cozy mountain town to replenish after the workout. And mayyyyybe y’all can stroll hand in hand past the cute little mom & pop shops before heading home in the evening … just sayin’ 🙂

3. Longwood Gardens
   I mean, let’s face it — Longwood Gardens is beautiful in the spring and fall, too. But there’s just something about the way that summer sun sets and casts a golden glow on the impeccable landscaping in the gardens that just doesn’t quite match up to any other time of year. There’s also a beer garden and live performances in the evening, not to mention super cool fountain shows after night falls near the conservatory!!! I go here all the time for couples & engagement sessions, but I am DYING to go on a date here before the summer ends.

4. Hershey Park/Dorney Park/Knoebels
   I feel like an amusement park trip is an ESSENTIAL summertime activity, especially at the end of the summer when the temperature is much more bearable than the middle of July!! Roller coasters, arcade games, log flooms, lazy rivers … if you want a day jam-packed with fun, amusement parks are your best bet. (Pro tip — if you’re a ride/roller coaster person, Hershey & Dorney are your best bets. If you would rather not scream all day and enjoy food stands & games, Knoebels is your place!)

5. Jersey shore
   Okay, but did you really experience a full summer in eastern PA without making a trip to the Jersey shore??? I think not. If you time it juuuuuuust right, you can easily make it to the shore and back in a single day OR in a quick little weekend trip. Depending on the beach, there are plenty of places to park for free (helloooo, Belmar!) and there are so many cute towns to experience if the sun gets to be a little too much (hey Stone Harbor & Cape May!!). You just need to watch out for those pesky beach tags. But other than that, you’re golden!!

I hope this helps cure your end of summer blues & gives you some solid date ideas to squeeze in before Labor Day rolls around! I know I’ll be trying to do as many of these as possible before the breeze makes me shiver. Let me know if you end up doing any of these dates, I’d love to hear from you!!!!

Cheers to summer 2021 🙂