The official start of the fall season is just around the corner, but summer’s not over until it’s over. After all, the weather forecast right now still calls for upper 90’s or triple digit temperatures in the next few weeks. Kinda hard to be thinking about fall just yet – even though stores already have Halloween decorations and Christmas lights on display and you can now order your favorite pumpkin-flavored drinks and treats.

So, don’t put away your swimsuits and beach towels just yet. Keep firing up that barbecue grill. Summer is still trying to have its last hurrah. End your summer your way doing the things you like to do – or should do. Here are some of the things on my end-of-summer to-do list!

Catch one of the summer blockbuster movies on the big screen
Well, I’m probably one of the last few people on earth who haven’t seen “Deadpool & Wolverine” this summer. Get your popcorn and candy and enjoy one of the summer movie blockbusters before they end their run in theaters. There’s nothing like seeing an action-packed movie and enjoying the special effects on the big screen.

Head to your local Farmer’s Market for your last chance to enjoy summer produce
Get your fill of the sweetest, juiciest produce while they are still in season like berries, corn, peaches, plums, summer squash and more, before they are replaced with fall harvest produce.

Shop summer til you drop
Whether you prefer to shop online or in-store, there are summer clearance deals to be had everywhere. It’s the best time to shop for summer items you can use next year like strappy sandals, solar patio lanterns, lightweight rechargeable neck fans, bike shorts, the list goes on.

Enjoy cool treats
Nothing cools you down inside and out like a two-scoop sundae. Better yet, introduce your palate to Halo Halo, a traditional Filipino shaved ice dessert with evaporated milk and a “mix” (Yup, “halo halo” means “mix”) of fruit jellies, flan, sweet red beans, coconut flakes, a scoop of ube (purple yam) ice cream and more. It’s a colorful mix that’s nothing short of sweet and refreshing – a perfect summer cool treat!

Make your plans for some holiday fun
I couldn’t believe it when tickets already went on sale in late July for the musical “Elf” in our city. And tickets were almost sold out when I checked! The member pre-sale for tickets to our city’s popular Polar Express Train Ride started in late August. So if you don’t want to miss out on watching the majestic “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from ”The Nutcracker”, you better get your credit cards ready to purchase tickets or make reservations as early as yesterday.

Enjoy the extra hour of daylight to do things
Ride a bike, go for a walk, squeeze in one more quick errand during that last hour of daylight. And perhaps you’ll enjoy the last few minutes of daylight with your favorite drink while sitting on your comfy patio lounge chair – and enjoying the relaxing glow from your new solar patio lanterns you just bought on clearance!

Watch the sunset over the lake
Speaking of the last few minutes of daylight – as you go for a walk, remember to stop and witness nature’s artistry – as it paints the sky with red, pink, and warm golden hues of a summer sunset.

And on that day of the last watercolor-bathed summer sunset, I hope by then, you got to do everything you wanted to do as the season comes to a close.

See you next year, summer!