Summer officially ends in roughly one week (Sept. 22 is the fall equinox), so what better way to bring the season to a close than with one or two quintessential summer activities? Here are six ways to soak up the final days of summer in New Mexico.
Go for a hike
One of the best things about New Mexico is its breathtaking wilderness. Relish the sun and views on your favorite trails before the cold sets in.
Make a day trip to Abiquiqu Lake
Pack a cooler and spend a day fishing, swimming, and if you’re feeling brave, cliff jumping. (Just be careful—varying water levels mean you never know what rocks may lay just under the water’s surface.)
Spend an evening under the stars
Few things are as enchanting as a New Mexican sky at night. Millions of piercingly-clear stars dust the pitch-black sky, and it feels as if the entire universe is at your fingertips. Choose a minimally-lit location (the Cerrillos Hills State Park in Cerrillos, NM, is a great spot), pack binoculars or a telescope, a constellation guidebook, a few snacks, and spend the night discovering new and familiar constellations.
RELATED: Read our “How to Be a Backyard Astronomer” post for amateur stargazing tips.
Host a barbecue
Bring friends and family together to toast a final hurrah to summer 2016.
Take a weekend staycation
Before the busy fall schedule gets going—school, extracurricular activities, the holidays—enjoy two full days of doing absolutely nothing. Read a good book, watch a movie, paint your nails, cook your favorite meal—whatever relaxes you.
Attend a summer series event
Many cities and towns in New Mexico have concert or entertainment events that reoccur into the later weeks of summer, so check local programs in your area.
Farewell, summer. Until next year. You will be missed, but thankfully, we will have the crisp autumn air, golden aspens, and tamales as solace.
What do you plan to do before summer ends? I’d love to know. Leave a comment in the comments section below.
I’ll be doing all of the above! Thanks for the helpful tips to soak it all in : )
@Caitlin – Excellent! Let us know about your adventures! We’re going to miss summer, but fall in New Mexico is just as special. Thanks for the comment.