I’ve gotten very soft since moving to Virginia 20 years ago. Wyoming’s high elevation means it has a cool climate, so my childhood summers were always short. I’ve since fully acclimated to the warmer weather — anything below 50 feels chilly! So, I’m always excited when summer rolls around each year. 

That’s not to say the season doesn’t have its challenges. The humidity isn’t kind to people with curly hair, and I unintentionally go through three different styles every day. By evening, I usually look like Gilda Radner. But I enjoy the humidity nonetheless; it feels like a warm, comfortable blanket. On the other hand, I’ve always been a favorite target for mosquitos. It’s an unpleasant reality, but I love getting outside too much to let it slow me down. 

Going on a hike or bike ride always feels like an adventure. I appreciate the wide-open plains and Rocky Mountain landscapes of Wyoming, where you can see for miles in front of you. But the trees and roads here leave me wondering what I’ll see next. I love anticipating what’s around the upcoming corner and finding surprises along my path. 

The trees and other greenery are also relaxing. They allow me to reset my mind and enjoy time away from screens, clocks, and deadlines. I don’t even mind the whoosh of cars or the chatter of people on their telephones. It’s all part of the beautiful cacophony of being out in the world. You might even say it’s the sound of summer.

I particularly love going for a walk or bike ride on the Virginia Capital Trail. It’s among my favorite places to be around others while feeling slightly removed from city life. Colonial Williamsburg is another compelling destination for a walk. Fred and I always make a point to visit the farmer’s market a few times each season. There’s nothing more luxurious to me than grabbing a cup of coffee and slowly meandering through beautiful stalls filled with flowers, fruit, and vegetables. What we find will often become the basis for dinner, and the farmer’s market feels like summer.

The Colonial Parkway is a fantastic place to go for a bike ride, and fortunately, it’s not too far from where Fred and I live. I enjoy seeing historic areas and traveling along the river. When we’re lucky, we might spot eagles or other wildlife. The space feels open and expansive, and it’s a gift to experience nature, and only a short ride from our home.

Summer also isn’t complete without food cooked on an open flame. If you’re already going to be a sweaty mess from spending time outdoors, why not be a smokey mess from the barbecue? I love marinating those farmer’s market veggies, putting them on a skewer and grilling them outdoors. But I’m also not overly fussy and won’t turn down a grilled hot dog with ketchup, mustard, and onions. Some of the simple things in life are the best, and the bounty of summer makes everything feel sumptuous. 

This season only comes once a year, so we must enjoy it while we can. I hope your summer is filled with nature, relaxation, and small pleasures.

-Geneva Perry