We all do summer a bit differently. For some of us, summer bliss is found on a striped beach towel beside a body of water (begging for cannonballs). For others, it’s found in wild places only hiking trails can reach. But one thing we can all agree on is that the best of what summer has to offer is always outdoors. From mountains to beaches to lakes, nothing beats a day spent with Mother Nature. 

Intuitively, we know that sunshine and a warm breeze are pure soul-food, but research confirms it: Spending at least two hours in nature per week is associated with good health and well-being. So to inspire some al fresco fun, we’ve compiled the one-and-only checklist you need to keep the season ablaze. From outdoor activities you haven’t tried yet, to outdoor-friendly recipes incorporating the light indulgence of Baileys Deliciously Light, your favorite-time-of-year is about to get lighter and brighter. Starting now!

The perfect picnic only needs a few things: a picnic blanket, a lush patch of grass, and plenty of sips and snacks. But here’s how to give your picnic a fresh twist: First, visit a local berry farm to pick your favorite juicy berries or an orchard to gather a basket full of tart apples. Pair your day’s harvest with Baileys Deliciously Light for a light and delicious picnic treat (that has 40% less sugar and calories than Baileys Original). Pour it over ice to enjoy on its own or mix it with your iced coffee for a lighter, summer-spin on the classic rich cocoa and vanilla flavors you know and love!

As much as we love them, the summer months can feel like a social swirl of friends and adventures. Lighten things up by throwing the occasional jazz in the park on the calendar. If you’ve never been, these (typically free) events are usually hosted at popular city parks, featuring local musicians who love to share their passion for jazz. There’s no better way to slow down the summer frenzy than in the company of friends, saxophones, and syncopated rhythms.

No matter how you slice it, summer is the season for indulging in life’s pleasures. And sometimes that’s found right in the sanctuary of our own backyard, cold cocktail in hand. For an indulgence that perfectly pairs with the lightness of your summer mood, try this Baileys Deliciously Light Raspberry Smoothie. With tangy raspberries, indulgent vanilla cream, and notes of chocolate, this decadent treat is destined to be devoured in your favorite outdoor spot. Cheers to the season!

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When the sun blazes overhead, we all have the same destination in mind: the nearest body of water. Whether that’s a pool, a lake, or the ocean, there’s no better occasion for an over-the-top inflatable float. And what says summer better than a giant flamingo floatie? So gather your book, a cool beverage, and some friends to hit the waters in style. Words of wisdom: Time flies on a floatie, so don't forget the waterproof sunscreen!

In between the vacations, festivals, and off-road adventures—summertime is made of the small, blissful moments: like snack time. If you’re like us, snack-hour is sacred—and taking it outdoors makes it even more so. For snacks that beat the heat and keep you feeling light, whip up these favorite summer recipes!

Fun fact: Not only are sunsets breathtaking, they’re actually good for our health. Studies show that engaging with natural beauty helps us feel connected to nature and our own well-being. Take that to the maximum by planning a scenic sunset hike. Choose a short trail that offers the perfect vantage point and arrive a half-hour before sunset. Trust us when we say, nothing on Netflix can compare to those fiery hues and a lustrous moon-rise. Soak it up, snap your selfies, and make sure you head back down before it gets too dark.

As much as we cherish summer, the long days and warm nights go by in a flash. The fleeting summer days tempt us to constantly go big… But that often leaves us with an overwhelming social calendar and a tank running on empty! Just as important as the barbecues and baseball games are opportunities that help us lighten up. Whether it’s the treat of Baileys Deliciously Light or kicking back with a book in a hammock, we’re chasing after those lighter and brighter moments this summer. So pour it up, get outside, and find your bliss.

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