Please tell me I’m not the only one that starts humming Olaf from Frozen’s catchy “Summer” tune whenever this balmy season is mentioned. (P.S. You’re welcome for that song bomb. *whistles and walks away*)
Wherever I am, there’s something about Summer that always makes me think of my hometown in Bradenton, Florida. So many days spent laying on the beach, building sandcastles, bodysurfing, and just soaking in the salty air. Flip-flopping or barefooting it everywhere, wandering through Farmer’s Markets, inhaling the sweet aromas of fresh produce.
Where we lived, we could almost always smell oranges being juiced at the Tropicana factory, and almost every main road boasted at least a few fruit stands all season long.
It’s a glorious season. In spite of the heat, there’s always something festive and exciting about everyone being out and about and enjoying themselves, whatever they’re doing.
As we travel, one of the things I’ve loved most is experiencing those Farmer’s Markets again, but on a grand scale. It’s part of the culture–bazaars, corner fruit stands, and sprawling open-air markets boasting every variety of produce, meats, cheeses, and spices you can imagine–and a myriad of other delicacies. The sensory overload alone is something to behold.
But I’m always taken back to smelling those juiced oranges in Florida, and the way a fresh blueberry from the produce stand bursts in your mouth, and the watermelon juice dripping off the chin of every small child swinging their feet from a picnic bench at the beach. The little joys of Summer.
One of my favorite quotes is this one by Ralph Waldo Emerson…
Live in the sunshine.
Swim in the sea.
Drink in the wild air.
I think it summarizes my feelings about summer. Letting the season envelop your senses, and milking every second of it.
I hope to instill this same wonder in my children.
Every chance you get this summer, visit something new, something cultural and unique. Buy some fresh blueberries or watermelon from a produce stand, take a walk down a path you haven’t traveled before. Make adventures.
Fresh From Florida‘s website is a great way to learn about all the wonderful seasonal fruits, vegetables, seafood, and other things Florida produces every year. It’s a perfect place to start in bringing summer into your own home.
We’d love to know what your favorite things are about this season, too. Feel free to reply below or leave a comment on our Facebook share of this post. Now go drink in some wild air and have an adventure.
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