Move over, Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. We’ve written our bucket list, but with a Berks County twist that includes red-hot jalapenos, bumper boats, tractor pulls and a Crazy Hot Dog Vendor. Read on for 35 ideas that will surely make this summer an epic experience.
1. Find the best burger
Take a bite out of the 10th Annual Taste of Hamburg-er Festival. Hold the pickles, but be sure to get your fill on August 31.
2. Go ka-boom!
Smile, sparkle and shine while Governor Mifflin Community Days’ annual fireworks show lights up the nighttime sky on July 6.
3.Dance like no one’s watching
Shake it up at The Berks Art Council’s free Bandshell Concerts, a Berks staple, every Friday at 7pm, July 12-Aug. 2.
4. March to your own beat
…at the Wyomissing 4th of July Parade. Claim your curb & enjoy a piece of small-town charm paired with summertime fun.
5.Try an organic recipe
Visit the West Reading Farmers’ Market for a taste of locally grown produce, beef and poultry. Open 9am-1pm, Sundays through Nov. 24.
6. Get spicy
Try a red-hot jalapeno or sizzle in the salsa contest at the fiery Chile Pepper Festival in Bowers on Sept. 6-7.
7. Visit a local favorite
Kutztown Folk Festival, June 29-July 7. Google it, and plan a fun-filled day of activities including the quilt auction and petting zoo.
8. Become a ‘Top Chef’
Give Emeril, Rachael Ray and Giada a little competition at The Tiki Bar in Boyertown, the first cook-your-own-food restaurant in Berks.
9. Get the party started
Plan a stylish cabana-esque celebration at Captain’s Cove with your BFFs that’s full of memories – and mojitos. Grown-ups only. Cabana boys optional.
10. Go for a run
Bring out your inner-Forest Gump. Sign up for the Firecracker 5 Miler & Fun Run, 9-11am, July 6 in Shillington.
11. Sail Away
Ahoy, matey. Book “The Reef” at Beverly Hills Tavern, which offers the boat for upscale parties with a private bar and staff.
12. Plan a Romantic Date Night
Request deck seating at Emily’s Pub in Mohnton. Enjoy coconut shrimp, Chilean sea bass -- and some smooches under the stars.
13. Organize a family day
Start with the free Kid’s Summer Series at Gring’s Mill on July 7 (patriotic songs), July 21 (puppets) and Aug. 4 (Shakespeare).
14. Check out the stars
Movie stars, that is, at The Historic State Theater of Boyertown, which brings a touch of Hollywood to Berks with blockbuster and indie flicks.
15. Rev up your engine
Get in the fast lane during the high-powered Ford Fun Weekend on Aug. 17 and 18 at Maple Grove Raceway.
16. Go cruisin’
Buckle up. The 50th Annual Das Awkscht Fesscht classic car show rolls into Macungie Memorial Park on Aug. 2-4. Details: www.awkscht.com
17. Score a hole in one
No caddy needed at Sittler Golf Center in Kutztown. The life-size elephant, zebra and giraffe statues will help you master the game.
18.Calories-schmalories
Visit Mount Gretna’s quaint art scene, then cool off with a world-famous jigger: French vanilla ice cream, rich toppings, whipped marshmallow and jigger nuts.
19. Shop ‘til you drop
…without busting your budget. Rack up on deals from local merchants during Hamburg’s 51st Annual Sidewalk Sale on Aug. 10.
20. Join a jam session
A the Lyons Fiddle Festival at Lyons Community Park on Sept. 15. Est. 1983. A slice of Americana, served with a side of bluegrass.
21. Support a cause
Give Fido & Fifi a new “leash” on life at the Humane Society of Berks County’s Walk for Animals on Sept. 14 at Maple Grove Raceway.
22. Win a contest
Compete for ugliest Hawaiian shirt or best air guitar at Hamburg’s Summer in the City Beach Night. July 12, 5-9pm. Rain date: July 19.
23. Pile it on
Savor Adelphia Seafood’s succulent clam bake. Add chicken, lobster, shrimp – or all of the above. Your taste buds will thank you.
24. Thank a soldier
View authentic military equipment and honor veterans, past and present, at Historic Joanna Furnace’s “We Remember World War II” weekend on July 20-21.
25. Be a Kid Again
Rope climbing anyone? Celebrate Alumni Day with several activities at South Mountain YMCA’s 30th anniversary, set for 3-8pm on July 27.
26. Duck, duck…you!
Feed the ducks – and your imagination – at the Reading Public Museum. Lean about art, culture and Nefrina, the Egyptian mummy.
27. Attend a fair
French fries. Funnel cake. Apple pIes. Dairy cows. And tractor-pull contests. All available at Oley Valley Community Fair, Sept. 19-21.
28. Go junking
Make one man’s junk is your treasure at the Willow Glen Flea Market in Spring Township. Open 5am-1pm Sundays through November.
29. Start a tradition
Wave to the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor and do the Disco Briscoe at Berks’ most popular summer tradition: a Reading Fightin Phils game.
30. Make it a double
Melt your cares away with a scoop of vanilla – and chocolate – ice cream.
31. Learn the harmonica
Grab your coolest Belushi-inspired black sunglasses and head to the Fleetwood Blues Festival from 11am-8pm on Aug. 11.
32. Play out a scene from ‘Cheers’
…with a few beers (and your favorite friends) on the outdoor stone patio at Union Jack’s Inn on the Manatawny in Oley.
33. Plan a staycation
Blue Marsh is the perfect spot for a one-day getaway. Morning itinerary: Boating, hiking, birdwatching. Afternoon itinerary: Picnic lunch, fishing, swimming.
34. Enjoy a Freebie
Centre Park Historic District’s Movies in the Park, dates & times TBD, is a free, picture-perfect way to spend family time.
35. Splish splash
Get moving with one of Ozzy’s Family Fun Center’s blaster bumper boats. Life jackets are a must. Apologies are not.
COMPILED BY KRISTIN BOYD | PHOTO BY HEIDI REUTER
