By Susan Crandall, Education Director

 

Summer Time Eats

  • Add Mint & a few sprigs of lavender to water and keep in re
  • frigerator for a cool refreshing drink, can also try Lemon Verbena & Mint.
  • Tomato & cucumber slices sprinkled with chopped basil and a dash of your favorite vinaigrette.
  • Smash or puree your favorite berries (blueberries do not work real well), pour into an ice tray and once frozen add to still, sparkling water or ice tea.
  • Get a local cantaloupe cut in thick crosswise sections and add a dollop of vanilla ice cream (dairy or dairy free) in the middle.
  • 2 shots of espresso poured over a glass full of your favorite ice cream.

 

Summer Time Retreats   

  • With bare feet walk on cool green grass; or simply sit with bare feet on the grass – read, think, chat and ground yourself with no electronic devices in site.
  • Swim in a bend of a river or creek
  • Walk through the aisles of Bush Parks’ rose garden, taking long deep breaths as you stroll.
  • Sit in the shade of a tree and read a new children’s book – suggestions: any Newbery Award books.
  • Take a day trip to the North Willamette Valley for views, wine tasting. Suggestions:  Red Ridge Farms & Durant Vineyards, Alexana Winery. Or try  breakfast or lunch at Babica Hen or Red Hills Market, both have outdoor seating.

 

Summer Time Fun

  • Take your favorite kid(s) (or not) and play in one of the area’s water splash fountains – Riverside Park, River Road Park, Englewood Park, Fairmount Park, Northgate Park, Wes Bennett Park, West Salem Park, Coolridge McClaine Park (Silverton).
  • Take some more favorite kids (or not) and go to Wings & Waves Waterpark or Enchanted Forest.
  • If you have a little hill in your yard, get a Slip N’ Slide to make your own water park.
  • Mini Golf at PuttSkee’s in Monmouth.