Summer is finally here and so is the perfect time to try something new every day for a week! Most people have hobbies and special things we enjoy doing; but, stepping out of your comfort zone is a great way to find a new favorite hobby. Give one of these hobbies a try, or all, and most importantly, have fun.

1. Go on a walk
A walk around your neighborhood, in a park, or literally anywhere can be so refreshing. We can’t always have time for the gym, but 10 to 30 minutes for a walk at some point in the day is easy to fit in. I like to go on a walk from my house to Wheeling Park which is about a 45-minute walk altogether. I like getting some fresh air and a change of scenery, all while getting in some exercise. While the weather is still cooler and not unbearably hot, it’s the perfect time of the year to start going on walks.

2. Go on a picnic
While the weather is still warm, nothing is more fun than going on a spontaneous picnic with friends, family, or your significant other! Picnics are romanticized a lot in movies and whatnot, but you can go on friend-dates too! Finger foods are the best snacks, and you can pack as much food as you want. Find a basket, cooler, or anything that will hold some snacks and drinks, grab a blanket or some old sheets, and grab someone to go on a picnic with. Or, you can just take yourself on a fun date too and enjoy the sunshine and snacks in the park!

3. Go thrifting
Now that winter is over, it’s time for some new clothes. And what better way is there to upgrade your wardrobe than thrifting? Thrifting is not only better for the environment, but it’s an adventure in itself. All of the thrift stores in Wheeling have more than just clothes too. I usually find a cool hat or a few shirts, but I also find things like a new glassware set or some picture frames. The coolest thing about thrifting, is that you never know what you’re going to find until you spot it.

4. Try a new restaurant/ Eat outside
This one works anytime really, but warm weather calls for outdoor seating. There are quite a few restaurants in the area that offer outdoor seating. Cheddar’s, Generations, Later Alligator, El Paso, Panera, The Crooked Dock, and more, all offer outdoor seating. I’m sure there’s plenty more, but I haven’t been to all the local restaurants. You don’t even have to eat outside, just try something different. Next time you’re hungry, support a local restaurant and try something new.

5. Listen to a podcast
I never used to be one that enjoyed listening to podcasts until recently. I listen to them whenever I’m cleaning up if I don’t want to listen to music. There are so many podcasts out there that anyone can find one that they’d enjoy. No matter what your interests are, there’s most likely a podcast about it. Try turning one on next time you’re doing the dishes or dusting the shelves.

6. Arts and Crafts
Whether you like to paint, draw, color, or craft, set time aside to work on one of these. With the weather being nice, you can do any of these outside, too! Coloring and painting help me relax and while keeping me focused. If you want to add a new art piece to your room or walls, try painting something to hang up. It’s always fun tapping into your creative side and seeing where your mind takes you.

7. Find a new recipe
Whether you like to bake or cook, trying out new recipes are always fun and challenging. I like to find new dinner recipes to try because I get bored of the same meals every week. I also like challenging my cooking skills and seeing how well I do. You can do this for any meal or snack of the day, and if you don’t like how it turned out, at least you tried!

For me, there is something in the summertime air that brings out a sense of creativity and yearning to try something new. I hope you enjoy these seven tips and find them as refreshing as I have. Be sure to follow The Trumpet on social media and our website to keep up to date throughout the summer!