5 Ways to Beat the Labor Day ‘End of Summer’ Blues
As Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, many of us are left with a sense of nostalgia and mild blues as we pack away swimsuits and say goodbye to sunny beach days. However, summer’s end doesn’t have to feel like the end of the fun. Here are five ways to keep the good vibes going, all designed to help you beat the post-Labor Day blues. Each option covers a range of activities and ideas with different price points, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
1. Plan a Fall Weekend Getaway
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean travel has to stop! Fall is an excellent time to explore scenic destinations without the crowds and at lower prices. Whether it’s a cozy cabin in the mountains, a vineyard tour, or a trip to see fall foliage, planning a fall weekend getaway can help you transition out of summer gracefully.
- Top Destinations: New England for leaf peeping, wine country tours in Napa Valley, or Asheville, North Carolina, for its stunning autumn landscape and artsy culture.
- Price: Budget-friendly trips to state parks or national parks can cost as low as $150 for a weekend stay, while luxury accommodations at a vineyard or cabin rentals might run from $500-$1,000 per weekend.
- Specs: Look for accommodations with autumn-specific activities such as hiking, hot tub access, or wineries. Apps like Airbnb and Vrbo make finding the perfect fall hideaway easy.
2. Invest in a Cozy Outdoor Setup
One way to embrace the change in seasons is by creating an outdoor space that you can enjoy in the cooler months. An outdoor patio heater or fire pit can help extend the life of your outdoor living space, allowing you to continue relaxing in the fresh air well into the fall.
Popular Products:
- Hampton Bay 48,000 BTU Stainless Steel Patio Heater: A classic propane heater that provides warmth for up to 10 feet in radius, perfect for evening gatherings on the patio.
- Price: $199-$299
- Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit: Known for its smokeless design, this portable fire pit is great for setting up a cozy atmosphere while roasting marshmallows or just relaxing.
- Price: $299.99
- Specs: Look for weather-resistant materials and durable outdoor furniture to complement your space. Consider investing in outdoor lighting like string lights to enhance the ambiance.
3. Host a Post-Summer Potluck
Sometimes, gathering with friends and family is the best way to combat the end-of-summer sadness. Why not extend the holiday spirit by hosting a post-Labor Day potluck? It gives everyone something to look forward to and is a great way to enjoy the final bits of summer weather with good food and company.
- Theme Ideas: Celebrate with a “Farewell to Summer” theme featuring summer cocktails, grilling, or dishes made with late-season produce like corn, tomatoes, and zucchini.
- Price: Hosting a potluck can be quite affordable, as everyone contributes a dish. Your primary costs may include drinks, basic supplies (napkins, utensils), and possibly a few main courses, which could range between $50-$150 depending on the number of guests.
- Specs: Make sure you have enough seating and table space for guests. Investing in a few outdoor games like cornhole or bocce ball can also add to the festive atmosphere.
4. Start a New Hobby or Class
As summer winds down, picking up a new hobby or taking a class can give you something exciting to focus on as the seasons change. Whether you want to learn photography, pottery, or even a new language, fall is the perfect time to dive into something fresh.
Popular Classes:
- Photography Classes: Online platforms like Udemy and Skillshare offer affordable photography courses for beginners, perfect for capturing autumn landscapes.
- Price: Courses range from $20-$150 depending on the platform and depth of instruction.
- Pottery & Crafting Classes: Check local community centers or adult education programs for pottery or crafting courses.
- Price: In-person classes can range from $50 to $300 for a series of lessons.
- Specs: Look for classes that match your schedule and commitment level. Online courses provide flexibility, while in-person classes may offer social interaction that can help fight off the blues.
5. Organize Your Summer Photos and Memories
Another way to keep the spirit of summer alive is by creating a photo album, scrapbook, or even a digital slideshow of your favorite summer memories. This process can be surprisingly therapeutic and provide a chance to relive your best summer moments. Plus, it’s a project you can work on during cozy fall evenings.
Photo Albums & Scrapbooking Kits:
- Artifact Uprising Photo Book: A sleek, customizable photo book that allows you to design layouts and include captions, perfect for showcasing your favorite summer snapshots.
- Price: Starting at $69
- We R Memory Keepers Scrapbooking Kit: For those who enjoy DIY projects, this kit includes everything you need to create a detailed, personal scrapbook.
- Price: $29.99
- Specs: Look for tools that suit your style, whether it’s digital organization (Apple Photos or Google Photos) or more tactile, creative projects like scrapbooks. Online platforms like Shutterfly or Blurb also offer easy-to-use services for creating keepsake albums.
Final Thoughts
Beating the Labor Day “end of summer” blues is all about shifting your focus to the new and exciting opportunities that come with the changing seasons. Whether it’s planning a cozy fall getaway, hosting a festive gathering, or diving into a new hobby, these five strategies offer a variety of ways to keep the spirit of fun alive. Best of all, these ideas range from affordable DIY projects to more splurge-worthy experiences, ensuring that everyone can find something that fits their budget and lifestyle. So, don’t pack away the fun with your summer clothes—there’s still plenty to enjoy as the seasons change.
Happy Boating!
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Read Running Out of Gas on a Boat: What You Need to Know until we meet in the next article.