"...and the livin's easy."

The most miraculous thing happened to me the other day.

I woke up in silence, without the persistent wasp-like buzzing of a space heater. I put on shorts and flip flops. And, most importantly, I did not have to shovel mounds of snow to back out of my driveway. All of these small but noticeable changes led me to the most exciting epiphany since my joyful introduction to Starbucks back in 2006: Summer has come to Northeast Ohio.

I must preface this with a confession: I am a most stereotypical girl. The perfect day for me is driving around aimlessly in the sunshine with the sunroof open, radio blasting, giant obnoxious Aviators covering my face. Summer is a thing of beauty to me and should be duly appreciated.

So, in homage to my favorite season (and at risk of likening to Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music), here are a few of my favorite things:

1. Eating on the Patio. Go to your favorite restaurant, request a table outside (if available) and soak up the sun. Some suggestions: Qdoba mexican Grill on Wilson mills, Brio Tuscan Grille in Legacy Village, and The Winking Lizard in Lakewood.
2. Bonfires. Nothing beats s'mores, perfectly charred hot dogs and flickering firelight. Just try not to catch anything on fire.
3. 99 cent Sweet Tea at McDonald's. 32 ounces of pure bliss. Go get one right now!
4. Drive-Ins. Reminiscent of the 50s, this is one of the best ways to spend a warm summer night. Mayfield Road Drive-In in Chardon is my personal go-to. They show a double feature every weekend. Check out this week's feature on their website.
5. Late dusk. Who doesn't love having more hours in the day?
6. Summer Releases: The best movies come out may through August; and the perfect way to cool off is to sit under in an air conditioned movie theater. Flicks to look for: Robin Hood, The Karate Kid and Get Him to the Greek.
7. Nelson's Ledges Quarry Park. Located about an hour southeast of Cleveland, Nelson's Ledges is a beautiful lake surounded by tall rocky cliffs. It's perfect for camping, hiking and swimming. Day admission is $5 and camping rates are $10 per day. For more info, visit their website here.
8. Crickets & Fireflies. Compete to see who can catch the most fireflies in a jar to the soundtrack of a chorus of chirping crickets.
9. Walking Everywhere. What better way to get you beach body ready? Walk to a cafe, take your dog for a stroll, or grab a buddy and wander around. Saving on gas is also a huge perk!
10. Vans Warped Tour. An annual, day-long music extravaganza involving mosh pits, sun burns, overpriced bottled water and wonderfully underpriced merch from around 40 bands. Warped brings such bands as Motion City Soundtrack, Anarbor and Reel Big Fish (to name a few) to a city near you starting June 25. Find out when at their site here.

This summer take some of these activities, add a few of your own, and make some sun-soaked memories that will last you a lifetime... Or at least through the winter.