Aaah, summer — that long anticipated stretch of lazy, lingering days, free of responsibility and rife with possibility. It’s our permission slip to be lazy. Summer — the season when we take the time to do nothing and have it count for something. It is our opportunity to lie in the grass and count the stars or study cloud formations.
This is the season when we’re held in a hypnotic spell. The sheer force of summer’s presence mesmerizes us with splashes of serenity and solitude.
Here are our playful, carefree choices for shopping, dining and entertainment offering peace and tranquility to ensure you’ll have it made in the shade:
3 Enjoy the pleasant sounds of summer at Four Mile Historic Park on Wednesday evenings during the Shady Grove Picnic Series July 1-Aug. 19, 6:30 p.m. It’s melodic musical bliss. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 Hit the farmers’ market in Cherry Creek (Sat. and Wed.), City Park (Sun.) to fill your pantry with fresh produce. Information: 303-442-1837.
3 Step into summer by revolutionizing your home with imported tile and stone from CAPCO Tile & Stone. The largest locally based distributor is your stepping-stone to home beautification. Information: 303-759-1919.
3 Spend a day ambling among plants and pyramids during Elements Day at Denver Botanic Gardens July 16, 6-9 p.m. Information: 720-865-3501.
3 Enjoy harmonies by the Denver Municipal Band and Summit Brass Soloists at Gates Concert Hall, July 16, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
3 Spend a day with friends trying on glamorous and crazy outfits at Cherry Creek North’s Sidewalk Sale, July 16-19. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 Warm up to the dog days of summer at the juried art show depicting dogs in the Niza Knoll Gallery, July 17-Aug.22. Information: 303-953-1789.
3 Settle back and unwind on the Inn at Cherry Creek’s Terrace during Summer Bluegrass & Grub, July 31, 5-9 p.m. Information: 303-377-8577.
3 Be spontaneous and travel to Paris for a summer night during the Alliance Française Soirée d’Été Benefit July 11, 7-11 p.m. The proceeds from the event in the Space Gallery on Santa Fe Drive support the organization’s cultural events and scholarships. Let loose, go dancing and bring back auction souvenirs or a Dream Trip to Paris. Information: 303-831-0304.
This summer began a little late; the weather was unsure whether it would install summer at all. Most days began in stops and starts of intermittent rain showers followed by a cloudburst. With summer in limbo for a while, everyone is hoping the mosquitoes got confused and forgot to be born, albeit unlikely with all of the rain.
Soaking up in the Valley’s natural summertime amphitheater invokes a sense of connection to the environment that is a one-of-a-kind experience.
There’s something about sunshine, long days and breezy nights that make us feel like anything is possible. Now’s the time to take chances, try new things and live life to the fullest. Take an evening walk without checking your smartphone. You’ll know summer is here when you no longer get wet feet but the asphalt is getting sticky.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.