My Summer 2013 Bucket List

Posted by Porcshe N. Moran

Memorial Day note: Thank  you to all of the fallen soldiers, veterans, active service members and military families. Today, the country pays tribute to your bravery and the sacrifices that you have made in the name of freedom. Never Forget. Ever Honor. 

Happy Memorial Day!  Now that summer has unofficially started, I can't help but think about all of the activities that I'd like to pack into the several warm and sunny months that lie ahead.  From picnics in the park to fireworks and barbecue, here are some of the items on summer 2013 bucket list:

• Attend my first St. Louis Cardinals baseball game- I'll admit I know nothing about sports, but I always have such a great time when I watch a sporting event live and in-person. Growing up in Chicago, I went to see the White Sox. Now that I've lived in Missouri for nearly a decade, I think it is time to enjoy America's favorite pastime Cardinals style. 
• Take a tour of Warm Springs Ranch- The famous Budweiser Clydesdales live on more than 300-acres near Boonville, Mo. before moving to their official home at the Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis.  From the photos I've seen, it looks like a beautiful place, and the majestic horses are awe-inspiring creatures.  Tours of the ranch are offered from April to October. 
• Have a picnic- One of my favorite things to do in the summer is dine al fresco. I'd like to go to a park and enjoy a delicious meal under a shady tree.  
• Spend a weekend in Rocheport, Mo.- Back in January, I spent the night in Rocheport at a beautiful bed and breakfast that I was writing about for a magazine article. On Valentine's Day, my fiancé and I returned for lunch at the amazing Abigail's restaurant and some shopping. This summer, I'd love to book a room at a B&B and enjoy this charming little town when the weather is nice.  

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• Visit Missouri wineries- My experience at the Art Fair & WineFest in Washington, Mo. last week made me want to venture out to some of the more than 100 wineries located in my state. During the summer months many of the wineries host concerts, pairing dinners, outdoor movies, festivals and other special events. Patrons can tour the vineyards and production facilities in addition to taking in the gorgeous views of rolling hills, rivers and bluffs.
  
• Host a backyard barbecue- When I was younger and dreamed about what my adult life would be like, I always pictured myself hosting fabulous dinner parties in my equally fabulous Manhattan apartment. That has yet to happen, but I think a casual backyard barbecue with a few friends at my home in Missouri would be a good time.
• Visit a state park-The Missouri State Parks system has 85 parks and historic sites. The American Trails organization recently named Missouri as the "Best Trails State". I'd like to do some hiking with my fiancé and our dogs to explore the native flora and fauna. 
• Go on a random drive- It would be fun to throw a dart at a map of our area and take a day trip to wherever it lands. You don't have to go far from home to have an adventure!
• See fireworks on the 4th of July-When I was a little girl, I went to an Independence Day celebration with my dad at a park in my hometown, and ever since, the 4th of July has been one of my favorite holidays. No matter how old I get, fireworks never seem to lose their magic. I even wrote a story last year about the cities in the U.S. that spend the most on 4th of July festivities. 
• See a play at Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre- There is a great professional theater in Arrow Rock, Mo., a tiny village with a population of 56 people. Actors, directors and crews from cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City come to the Lyceum each year from June to November to bring first rate productions to the middle of Missouri. This season, the theatre will feature eight different plays and musicals. I'd like to go see "Meet Me in St. Louis."
• Go Camping- In 2012, About.com readers rated Missouri as the best state in the country for camping.  My first and last camping trip was several years ago with some friends during summer break from college. We spent the night at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. I had so much fun, and I've wanted to do it again ever since.  

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What are your plans for the summer? Share your bucket list in the comment section below!