Ten locations that reach their zenith during the summer.
Certain locations are fantastic to visit all year round, like Hawaii, California, and Portugal. However, not everyone is as fortunate. For instance, consider the Midwest.
This region of the country experiences extreme winters, strong springs, and excessively early autumn for a large portion of the year. But when summer arrives? The Midwest comes alive with festivals, lakeside days, and evenings sprinkled with fireflies. This is especially true in Chicago, where locals flock to parks and patios as soon as it starts to get warm. By June, both locals and tourists swarm the Lake Michigan beaches, which are located right next to tall buildings.
Helen Nguyen, the creator of Preserve Travel, who has spent the last three years residing there, described the place as "truly magnetic."
This peak summer occurrence is not exclusive to the Midwest in the United States. These ten locations in the United States and Canada value the additional sunshine the most.
Chicago experiences bitterly frigid winters, with Arctic air circling the city with a ferocity and holding onto residents far into spring. Residents are rewarded with an amazing summer that exudes positivity. "Everyone has left," Nguyen declared. "The city seems so vibrant."
Throughout the summer, there are free activities and events to enjoy, such as music festivals, museum days, and fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday at Navy Pier. But if you want the ultimate summertime feel, grab a Chicago dog and catch a Cubs or White Sox game at the ballpark.
According to Mark Williams, co-author of the LGBTQIA+ travel guidebook "Out in the World," the San Juan Islands are a gem of the Pacific Northwest and "truly something special."
The Salish Sea is brimming with Chinook salmon, orcas, and kayakers in the warmer months. San Juan and Lopez islands, Orcas and Lopez islands, and San Juan Island host studio visits, gallery walks, and an arts festival to honour the creative community. The three main islands are accessible by ferry. Farmers showcase their goods at markets and farm-to-table restaurants, including a pear that a producer on Orcas Island found.
To experience a hint of winter without the chill, ascend Mount Constitution on Orcas Island. Reaching the highest point on the island, one can see Mount Baker and Mount Rainier covered in snow, as well as Vancouver and the mainland.
There are numerous Great Lakes beaches in Michigan, including those at Saugatuck, Grand Haven, and Mackinac Island. However, Nguyen refers his clients to another favourite location that is only 70 miles from Chicago's downtown. Visitors to New Buffalo can go sailing, hiking in neighbouring parks, or simply relaxing on the beach with a view of Lake Michigan.
In addition to attractive bed and breakfasts like Goldberry Woods, an inn on an organic farm where visitors can stay in luxury rooms, cottages, or one of two vintage RVs, the neighbourhood offers reasonably priced vacation homes and llama farms.
Santa Fe experiences comparatively mild summer temperatures, in contrast to its neighbours in the Southwest. Fioraé Luxury Travel co-founder Lindsay Messina predicts normal highs will be in the 80s. The city is alive with art exhibits, live music, outdoor film screenings, artisan markets, and beer, food, and wine festivals throughout the summer. Look skyward once the sun sets; Santa Fe is a top stargazing location.
The greatest place to enjoy the area's cosmic beauty is outside of the city, in one of New Mexico's "dark sky parks," which have earned certification from the International Dark Sky Association. Or you may take the StarGazer, Santa Fe's newest train. Train passengers can enjoy an unhindered view from an open-air flatbed vehicle during the two-hour journey. At least 200 Native American tribes' worth of jewellery, ceramics, textiles, paintings, sculptures, and other creative works are on display at the 102nd Santa Fe Indian Market in August. There will be theatrical performances by native musicians in Santa Fe Plaza, a fashion show including models, and food vendors selling Pueblo stews, Frito pies, and fry bread.
All year long, frozen custard is a popular summertime treat in Milwaukee, where eating the eggy relative of ice cream doesn't require an ice pick. (Last time I watched "Top Chef," the judges were all over Leon's.)
The finest place to enjoy custard is by the water. Visitors to Milwaukee have a choice between Lake Michigan and three different rivers. The largest public beach in the city, Bradford Beach, is popular with volleyball players and avian migrants alike. It has provided free beach wheelchair usage since 2020.
As they head south, they have the option of visiting more intimate beaches like McKinley Beach before arriving at Henry Maier Festival Park. There are events held on the 75-acre fairground all year long, such as the Summerfest, which is a three-weekend festival with 600 musical performances.
Boise Whitewater Park, located at the northern terminal, offers stand-up paddling and river surfing on artificial waves. The Urban Wine Trail, a network of meaderies and wineries with tasting facilities, crosses over with the paved route. The Boise Idaho Potato Trail offers access from the greenbelt to a number of its stops. The breweries, restaurants, and other dining establishments creatively reinvent the potato. The main crop grown in the state can be found in pizza, beer, doughnuts, and an ice cream treat that resembles a baked potato.
