Summer has officially arrived, and for me, this one feels like it’s going to be big—full of movement, people I’ve missed, places I’ve never been, and memories waiting to be made. Between solo adventures, travel with my daughter, a romantic getaway, and reunions with old friends, I’ve packed this season with the kind of experiences that remind me what time off is really for.
Here’s a look at what’s coming.
Chicago for Her, Denver for Me
My daughter is kicking things off with a trip to visit her grandparents in Chicago. She’ll be there for nine days soaking up time with family, getting spoiled in the best way, and enjoying a change of pace. While she’s away, I’m heading to Denver—a city I haven’t been to. I’m trying to go to all 50 states by the time I’m 50 years old, and Colorado is one of the states left on my list.
This Denver trip is all about friends and fun. I’m visiting some friends who live out there, and we’ve got a great lineup of activities planned:
- Meow Wolf: This has been on my list for years. The immersive, interactive art experience is surreal, weird, and totally mesmerizing. I can’t wait to finally step inside that world.
- Red Rocks Concert: I scored tickets to see Blues Traveler at Red Rocks Amphitheatre—with Gin Blossoms and Spin Doctors opening. If you grew up in the ‘90s, you know how iconic that trio is. I’m expecting a night full of throwback hits, good vibes, and unbeatable views.
- Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park: I’m carving out time to get into nature. Hiking in the Rockies is the kind of grounding reset I crave, and the scenery promises to be stunning.
Solo Time & Catching Up With Friends
When I return from Denver, I get a rare stretch of time completely to myself. No flights, no obligations—just a few quiet, open days at home. It’s a chance to slow down, regroup, and be a little spontaneous.
But I won’t be alone the whole time. I’ve lined up some meaningful social time too:
- I’m heading out for a Drag Bingo Night with a friend—it’s silly, fun, and a great way to let loose.
- I’m planning an adventure day with another friend—destination TBD, but we’re both game for something spontaneous.
- I’ve also made plans to reconnect with someone I haven’t seen in a long time. It feels good to make space for those relationships that have been on pause for too long.
This week is all about flexibility—doing what feels good in the moment and spending time with people who make me laugh and feel grounded.
Sleepaway Camp & a Puerto Rico Escape
Right after that lovely solo stretch, my daughter returns home—briefly. She’s got one night to rest, repack, and then she’s off again, this time to Camp Hidden Meadows in West Virginia for two weeks of classic sleepaway camp fun. This will be her first time at this camp, and she’s going to have a blast—making new friends, trying new activities, and enjoying some independence.
While she’s off adventuring in the mountains, I’m taking a little break of my own:
- Destination: Puerto Rico
- Travel companion: my boyfriend
- Home base: a friend’s house by the ocean
We’re keeping it simple and low-key: hiking out to Secret Beach, floating in the waves, lounging under palm trees, and soaking up all the warmth and quiet. After the nonstop pace of the summer so far, a few days of true rest will be perfect.

A Visit From a Friend & Then—Turkey!
After Puerto Rico, summer still isn’t done. I’ll have a friend visiting from North Carolina—a fun, easy visit with a good friend I’ve known since I was 5 years old. It’s a great reminder that summer doesn’t have to be all planes and packed bags. Sometimes it’s just as nice to enjoy your own space with good company.
And then comes the grand finale: our two-week trip to Turkey.
My daughter and I are joining an Intrepid Travel tour for families, which means we’ll be traveling with other parents and kids—perfect for us both. She gets built-in playmates, and I get a break from being her sole source of entertainment. We’ll explore cities and villages, learn about Turkey’s rich history, try new foods, and enjoy being part of a small group with shared energy.
I’m especially excited for the moments that don’t show up on the itinerary: the in-between conversations, the things we’ll stumble into, the people we’ll meet. And yes—I plan to write a whole series of blog posts about our time in Turkey, so stay tuned.

Closing Thoughts
This summer isn’t about checking things off a list. It’s about experiences—big ones, quiet ones, fun ones, and meaningful ones. It’s about reconnecting with people and also reconnecting with myself. It’s about letting the rhythm shift, leaning into movement, and being really intentional about my time.
If this is what summer looks like, I’m all in.
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