miniature summer.

Remember on the last day of fifth grade when the bell rang and you couldn't get out of school fast enough to start summer? The next few months would be filled with hot, sunny days, drippy popsicles, cookouts and baseball games. It feels like those carefree summers were left behind after starting high school. High school meant non stop sport practices (volleyball: you were the bane of my existence) and summer jobs (bleh).

Strangely enough, I felt a little like my fifth grade self at college graduation. One whole month with limited responsibilities, no work and few plans. It was the best feeling knowing I have a miniature summer this year. I intend on squeezing in all the popsicles and pool time I can before entering the real world at the beginning of July.

Tribe Time
 To kick off the summer, I have attended two baseball games for our Indians. One concluded with fireworks and the other with awesome dugout seats thanks to my friend, Alicia! So American.

Boat Rides
Whether it was on the Goodtime III or Chris' family boat, I've been spending some time in and around Lake Erie.

Don't forget to make a trip to the lake this summer. Mentor Headlands is my favorite spot, but Edgewater Beach is also hosting weekly happy hour events! 

Exploring
I found Rito's a fun Italian Deli and Bakery in addition to discovering Chuppa's Marketplace in Parma. They have delicious fresh squeezed orange juice. It was refreshing and perfect for hot summer days.

4. Alfresco Dining
Alfresco Dining definitely didn't happen in 5th grade but whatever. It's my grown up favorite summertime activity. We stopped in Little Italy for an outside meal at Angelo's Nido Italian Restaurant (try the stuffed rigatoni).

5. Walks in the Park 
Wade Oval is looking extra perfect this time of year.

So is Shaker Lakes Park

 
Bonus: Brunch 
Ok, fine yes I brunch all year religiously. However, I had to include this because I was finally able to try Fire Food & Drink brunch in Shaker Square. I love the patio and can definitely see myself going back for a sticky bun and coffee on a lazy weekend morning.

If you have a favorite summertime activity let me know in the comments below so I can try it!

surprises.

Surprises take thought and careful planning. They take lots of self-control to refrain from blabbing to everyone (something I struggle with). Most of all, surprises don't let you down. When there are no expectations, you can't be disappointed. What's not to love.

I celebrated my 22nd birthday this past week. Birthdays are a great reminder of everything we have to be thankful for. I loved hearing from friends and family throughout the day. It was great to celebrate with some of my best friends. There were so many little surprises throughout the week. I really appreciate you all!

A few weeks ago, Chris told me he had a surprise day planned for my birthday. I tried my best not to ask him 5 million times what we were doing. I am glad he kept it a surprise.

We started off the day at First Watch. I opted for the pumpkin spice pancakes with chicken apple sausage and scrambled eggs. After a nice breakfast with Katie (one of my roommates) and her boyfriend, Chris and I got in the car.

My surprise? A ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad! It was an absolutely perfect fall day for a train ride.

I couldn't believe how many people were taking advantage of the beautiful weather. The trail was full of bikers, walkers and families. The train was so full that we got to sit in the brunch car! We definitely enjoyed having the nice seating arrangements.

We rode the train to Peninsula where we got out and shopped around. I loved looking in the old style stores. The Yellow Creek Trading Co. was my favorite place to shop. The store was built in 1885 and has been a general store, blacksmith shop and post office. The original wooden floors creaked as we walked around and it was fun looking at all of the Halloween decorations.

After shopping, we sat down at a local bar and had some refreshing iced tea with an appetizer of chips and guacamole. The guacamole was the same recipe Alton Brown uses on the Food Network. Delicious.

Our train ride back was just as beautiful and relaxing. I would definitely recommend spending an afternoon in our National Park and taking a ride on the Scenic Railroad. Chris and I hope to ride bikes once the leaves change and take the train back. (It's only a $3 ride for bikers!)

Autumn is just around the corner and I couldn't be more excited. Be sure to check out tickets for the RIPE! Fest next weekend.

camp ohio.

If you have spent about 2 seconds with me, you would know I am not a wilderness girl. Sure, I love the outdoors. I love the beach and mountains and fields. However, I do not love spiders, pollen or dirt. When I say "I went camping for three days this past week" anyone who knows me laughs. And when I say "I went camping and loved it," disbelief. No way. Not you. More laughs.

But I did, I really loved it. Despite the flat tire, massive spider in the tent, dead car battery, torrential downpours and muddy clothes, I had a blast this past weekend.

We started by camping up at Geneva on the Lake at Indian Creek. Our site was nice and we were within walking distance to the lake.

Later that night, we walked to the strip were we had the summer staples: hot dogs and root beer from Eddie's Grill. It was such a fun, retro place.

After dinner, we stopped into some of the novelty shops and making our way to the Old Firehouse Winery. The interior was decorated with (you guessed it) firehouse memorabilia. There were badges from fire departments all over. Chris even found my hometown, North Canton! We each ordered a glass of Ohio wine and enjoyed the outdoor live entertainment. Geneva on the Lake has been around for quite some time and is worth a visit. There are some really quirky places and it is a fun way to spend an evening.

For the remainder of the weekend, we stayed at Top O' The Caves Campground in Hocking Hills. We had a great site surrounded by the dense wooded area. On Sunday, we hiked nearly 8 miles around Old Man's Cave. What an awesome place. It was tough, but the trail was full of cool lakes, waterfalls, and rock formations to look at.

I am proud to say I completed a successful camping trip with only 2 mosquito bites and one minor rash. Not bad for a girl that is allergic to grass, dust, pets, penicillin and just about anything that blooms. (I wish I were exaggerating)

If I can camp, anyone can. Seriously, I am basically the Rosie the Riveter of camping.  So plan a trip with a few friends and go explore one of our beautiful Ohio State Parks! 

the suite life.

I think this post calls for a little background first: this summer I am working as a marketing intern for Cohen & Company in downtown Cleveland. It is a perfect job for me! While I only started working three weeks ago, I have already worked on multiple events and projects. My interest in social media has proved to be very helpful for my internship. On May 22nd, Cohen & Company took some of the interns to the "Social Media" Suite at Progressive field for the Indians game against the Detroit Tigers. The game was a lot of fun and it was great to have the opportunity to tweet for Cohen.

Of course, going to baseball game is a summer staple. I realize the tickets for the suites can be a bit pricey or exclusive, but I really encourage everyone to get down to a few games this season. There are plenty of affordable tickets and honestly, every seat has a great view. Not to mention, Mother Nature doesn't care how much you pay for your seat.

First inning...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 So as you can see, we may not have had the best weather. Despite the rain, it was still a great way to spend the evening and break up the week! Check out the official Indians Promotional Schedule for the best nights to go. I would definitely recommend going for fireworks or dollar dog night. Go tribe!

 

...Fourth inning