As the summer heat beats down on the United States, to the point that some areas are experiencing extreme drought, some places actually make for great places to be in during the summer season.
The following areas were selected based on the following criteria:
- Pleasant temperature
- Easily accessible water activities
- Escape from the crowds
- Has at least one summer festival
Whether you choose to live in these places permanently or just decide to spend a few days of your summer vacation, these are pieces of heaven on Earth when the summer season rolls in. So turn up your air conditioning, get a tall glass of a cold beverage, and let your imagination loose as you read on.
10 Best Places to Be in During Summer
1. Lake Tahoe Area, California
Local Festival: Lake Tahoe Summerfest
With cool weather and lots of water sports and activities to do, you’ll never get bored here. The weather is pleasant all-year-round.
2. Washington County, Maine
Local Festival: The Blackfly Ball
Just because this is Maine’s most rural county doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of fun stuff to do. With plenty of breathtaking spots to enjoy nature and some alone-time, Washington County is a great place to be in during the summertime.
3. Summit County, Colorado
Local Festival: The Keystone Bluegrass and Beer Festival
Dillon Reservoir, lots of biking events, and Dillon Amphitheater concerts make this county an awesome summer spot. And if that’s not enough, you can get more than 100 local brews at the Keystone Bluegrass and Beer Festival.
4. St. Louis Area, Mississippi
Local Festival: The Festival of Nations
Even before springtime ends, the folks of St. Louis area start to get into a festive mood and dance in the streets. From various summer activities like cornhole games and circus shows, one is sure to have a blast here.
5. Los Angeles County, California
Local Festival: FYF Festival
L.A. during the summertime summed up in three words: movies, parties, and beaches. What more could you ask for?
6. Teton County, Wyoming
Local Festival: The Targhee Bluegrass Festival
If you’re the nature-loving, hiking type, then Teton County is a great place for you to go to. Yellowstone and Grand Teton Park alone gives you a lot of things to do.
7. Chittenden County, Vermont
Local Festival: Cheesemakers Festival
Vermont’s summer weather is perfect for exploring the bike path along the water that made Burlington famous or go hiking along the Appalachian Trail.
8. Portland Area, Oregon
Local Festival: The September Feast Portland Festival
Portland is known for its outdoor summer eating and drinking festivities, all thanks to the Feast Portland Festival. Other than being a foodie paradise, it also boasts of several fun outdoor activities the whole family can enjoy.
9. Austin and San Marcos Area, Texas
Local Festival: Austin Ice Cream Festival
San Marcos has quite the reputation for being one of the most rocking college towns in the U.S. But when the schools are closed, Austinites take the party to the San Marcos River for plenty of summertime shenanigans.
10. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Local Festival: Grand Illumination Night in Oak Bluffs
Martha’s Vineyard is the perfect picture of what an American summer is. Water sports, fun and relaxation, seafood dinners, and sunsets at the beach. Could anything else be more perfect?
Do you know of any other awesome spot to live in or visit during summer? Tell us about them!
