My final semester of grad school is here and this is the first time in 2 years I’ve actually had time to do other things besides school work. My summer plans are simple: I want to do as much as I can before I graduate and start the 9-5 life(I don’t see how y’all do it).

In my latest for this week’s Creative Loafing, I detail what my summer plans are. I created a travel bucket list for myself with a whole bunch of places I want to see at some point in life. My boyfriend always says a change of scenery does us good and I agree. There’s so much to see in the world and in your backyard.

Here’s an excerpt from my list:

1. Swim at Three Sisters Springs

It’s been years since I’ve swam in water that wasn’t in a pool. Thanks to the state’s aquifers, we have the luxury of cooling off in H2O that stays 72 degrees year-round. I came across Three Sisters Springs in a Facebook video and was hypnotized. Located an hour or so north in Crystal River, this slice of paradise lets visitors explore Old Florida both by natural springs with kayaks or by land on nature trails. 

2. Rent a swan paddle boat at Lake Eola Park

I have many memories of downtown Orlando’s Lake Eola Park as a kid. However, one of the things I never got to do was rent a swan paddle boat. I remember being so envious of everyone I saw cruising around the lake in that over-sized swan. Now that I’m an adult, though, I don’t have to ask permission to fulfill this childhood goal of mine. 

To learn more about the rest of my summer plans, hop over to Creative Loafing and read my article titled “My Own (Florida) Summer”