Howdy, y’all! These last few days of May have me (Jenn) reminiscing about the summers of my youth spent on the lakes and rivers of Texas. This week public schools are holding their last few days of class, and with the weather getting hotter by the minute I’m all-at-once back there, remembering the excitement and perfection of the first day of summer. Just like Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer, I wanted to stop that day right there, with the whole of summer stretched out luxuriously before me. While swimsuit fashion and ski boats keep evolving, some things never change about summer in Texas. So here’s to pop-ice and watermelon, roadside firework stands and mosquito bites, lifeguarding jobs and sleeping in. And here’s to a long, hot summer in Texas! Keep reading for a few of the must-have items you’ll need to survive through August (in addition to this morning’s tutorial from Martha Lynn, plus a powerful air conditioning unit), and in the comments section let us know what jump starts summer nostalgia for you!
1. Float the Guadalupe River (and never get a tube with a bottom – that’s for amateurs)
2. Texas flag beach towel
4. Levis cut-offs
5. Don’t get eaten up! Deet-free Skeeter Screen, available at Thom’s Market in Austin, TX
6. AM/FM crank radio
7. Chevron maillot, byLangly
8. “Texas Toothpick” custom-made water ski, designed by World Champion ski jumper Joe Mueller. Take lessons from Joe’s brother “Buzz” out at Lake McQueeney, see and be seen at the Lake Breeze Ski Lodge.
9. Classic flops from Haviana
Explore the entire guide on Jennifer’s blog, SCOUT.
Oh, I love this guide! I hope to have my first Texas summer next year fingers crossed for our move.
xo,
Ashley
Love it!!! Makes the heat almost bearable…
ahhhhhh — i love a good innertube. SO says summer to me
cant leave home without one.
All of this reminds me of my childhood in TX too! Where are you from. I grew up in Plano/Wylie area. I miss TX SO bad!
Glad I found your blog! Would love the follow back
The Pretty Pinhead
Eeks you are making me so excited for my move to Austin! My husband and I should hopefully be there by August. We will be heading out in about 2 weeks to house hunt. Any good suggestions for areas to check out? We do have a young daughter so def want something family friendly yet, want to be somewhat near the lakes, trails and so forth.
I already bookmarked your top eating places. I can’t wait to check it all out. -Heidi
This sounds amazing!
I have those pink flip flops! Most comfortable pair that I’ve ever found. Doggie chewed first pair–woof.
Cute radio!! I’ve never been to TX, but would love to check it out. I’m a huge fan of BBQ!
Kristina
Nook & Sea
he he he, I grew up in Texas, cute collection you got there…
Love this iconic selection of summer goodies! The chevron swimsuit is darling.