Summer Like a Local

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS JESSICA CARTWRIGHT

So, summer feels like it’s finally here. Nice work making it through the cold days of winter, aka toddlers-who-refuseto-wear-jackets-and-boots season.

Enjoy that summer grass on your feet, all the fresh produce and the many summer activities Bozeman has in store.

Go to the farmers markets. This is a great way to support your local growers, enjoy an amazing community vibe and nourish your family with incredible food. There are the Tuesday markets at Lindley Park, Saturday markets at the fairgrounds along with markets happening in Big Sky and Livingston.

•Pro tip: Expect these to be busy, so go early (if you can) to find a spot and plan to walk a bit (potentially) to get there. My family likes to have a meal at the markets and stay a while to make it worth the effort.

Float the Madison River. Yes, it will probably be busy and can be chaotic. But it’s also an incredible experience and such a wonderful way to soak in nature. Be sure to leave the river better than when you came by picking up any trash you find and being kind to others. It can get windy and accidents happen, so let’s all help each other out by picking up anything we find along the way and try to keep our rivers sparkling clean. Please carpool. And, if you’re planning to imbibe, be sure to have a DD as it’s a long and winding road home.

•Pro tip: Book your float with Madison River Tubing on 11th and Main Street. They do a phenomenal job getting you quality tubes and all the gear you need. They’re incredibly informative and helpful and make the whole process a lot smoother and easier. You can also rent stand-up paddleboards and other water equipment from them. It’s a no brainer.

Check out the Splash Park in Belgrade. It’s so nice to enjoy the water during a hot, dry summer. The playground nearby is also a wonderful spot to spend an afternoon.

•Pro tip: There isn’t any shade at the actual Splash Park, so be prepared for breaks or plenty of sun protection.

Go for a family hike. We try to have low expectations, as you never know how hiking with kiddos will go. But your attitude will affect the others. My family loves making it fun by adding games or a scavenger hunt of sorts – how many different types of flowers can we find, can we spot landmarks we know from the top, can we draw what we see then color it later… as well as sometimes putting on a song when we need the motivation. And always plenty of snacks for encouragement. My daughter also loves having her own hiking pack, mini First Aid kit and a walking stick she decorated. She really takes ownership when she feels like she can make the adventure her own and we get a lot further on our hikes.

•Pro tip: Check out GVLT’s (Gallatin Valley Land Trust) Trail Map for trail ideas. Please be a responsible hiker by being patient and kind with others, picking up any trash you find, letting someone know where you’re going, bringing plenty of layers, water and sun protection, and ensuring your dog is on a leash in marked areas and that you pick up after them. Also be sure to log your miles for their Summer Trails Challenge and consider donating to GVLT for all the work they do to make our valley an incredible place to live and play!

Make dandelion crowns and be OK with doing nothing. Sometimes when summer hits and it feels like if we’re not constantly out making the most of it, we’re missing out (since it’s such a short, treasured season). But that’s so not true! Let the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) go and turn it into JOMO instead (Joy of Missing Out). It’s OK to simply relax and enjoy your yard, let the kids run through the sprinkler, take a stroll or lie in the hammock. I know I personally need to remember to give myself some slack and remember my family is having a great time and staying home can be such a welcome reprieve; we don’t have to do something epic every weekend.

•Pro tip: Sidewalk chalk, sprinklers, popsicles, lawn chairs, hula hoops. It doesn’t have to be complicated to make good memories, and keeping it simple can mean you actually get to take a load off and enjoy summer relaxation to the fullest too.

Jess Cartwright helps women going through big life transitions - whether it’s a new baby or wanting to show up differently in our lives. She does this through one-on-one yoga, meditation, energy healing, connection and guided international retreats. Find her at www.jessicaenergy.com or on Instagram @jessica.energy.