This time of year was probably my least favorite when growing up, and it did not help that Target and Costco would be stockpiled with notebooks, backpacks and school supplies in every color possible to help us get ready for the dreaded “back to school season.”
However, the feeling is different now that I am at Drexel with the transition of classes to co-op or co-op to classes. As much as I love having a structured routine and hands-on experience while working, by the end of the six months I am craving late afternoon classes and being back on campus with my friends. But at the end of a six-month term of classes I cannot wait to start working at a new job I had worked so hard to interview for. Either way, fall will be here before we know so take time to enjoy the sun and that summery feeling with these ideas!
Safe, outdoor activities and trips are the way to go as COVID-19 continues to spread across the country. While PA may be a land-locked state, we are only a short drive to beaches in New Jersey, New York, Delaware and Maryland. Cape May, Ocean City and Dewey Beach are some of my favorites for a quick day trip with family and friends. There are also plenty of lakes to go swimming, boating, fishing and even hiking such as Union Lake and Lake Absegami (both located in New Jersey). The Brandywine River (Delaware) and Delaware River (New Jersey) are popular for their tubing and whitewater rafting attractions, which are perfect ways to cool down on a hot afternoon.
If you are not into water activities, there are some amazing parks around Philly that are perfect for hikes and picnics. Check out Valley Forge National Park (PA), Marsh Creek State Park (PA) or Wharton State Forest in New Jersey. There is also plenty to do right here in the city with roller-skating outside of City Hall, outdoor events at Penn’s Landing, and all the ice cream shops you can dream of!
Whether you are stressing over upcoming finals or scrambling to tie up loose ends at your co-op, everyone deserves to enjoy the last bit of summer. Hopefully this gives you ideas to add to and cross off on your bucket list!