END OF SUMMER BUCKETLIST

Remember the years when school didn’t start until after Labor Day?  You could
really enjoy those last, sweet, summer nights before school started.  Now, it seems
like when school is back in session, in the middle of August, summers seem to end
just as quickly as they begin.  

Well, we are here to remind you that summer doesn’t end when the school days begin!

There are plenty of things you can do to finish off your summer season before fall
makes an appearance.  Here’s a list of what you can do to wrap up your
summer season:

Visit Table Rock Lake.

Swim, boat, kayak, fish, are some of the activities you must try while visiting Table
Rock Lake.  Even if those activities don’t fit your list, studies show that being by water
helps you tap into your calmest self.   

Read a book or finish one you have already started.

Maybe you had your list of books to read this summer and didn’t finish or get started. 
It’s not too late! Pick up that book and dive in before you get too busy again!

Enjoy summer treats

Check out the local farmers market and indulge in the fresh fruits and veggies of
the season.  Peaches, tomatoes, melons are some of our favorites. Whether it be
peaches, BBQ, or pineapple whip don’t let summer flavors pass you by.

Go on a road trip

Roll the windows down, blast your favorite jam, and hit the country roads.  The
Ozark mountains are glorious in the summer and a trip you won’t want to miss.  

Play a game outside

The summer has numerous games that are fun for everyone!  The list of games
is long like a summer day. Bean bag toss, volleyball, horseshoes, badminton,
washers, ring toss, bocce ball are just a few games on the list.  One of my favorite
memories of playing games in the summer was flashlight tag. What are some of your
favorite summer games?  

What are you waiting for?  Get going and end this summer with a BANG!

Make your reservation at Mill Creek Resort! 

The sounds and tastes of summer

Summer is a glorious time of the year at Mill Creek Resort on Table Rock Lake. It is a time to slow down and get outside. This year summer in the Ozarks started slow but seems to be here in full force. The rain, though not completely over, has lessened and the sun and heat are increasing. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a key component to summer.  We went blueberry picking many times before the season ended. Our goal was to try as many farms as could before they closed. There are many farms in the area, but we only made it to three this year. Hopefully, next year we make it to a couple of more!

Persimmon Hill Blueberry Farm

The long days and late nights provide opportunities to try new recipes. Cooking is often done outside on the grill while at the lake to keep the heat out of the kitchen. A favorite dish from the grill is the kabob. To make every dinner guest happy we use steak, chicken, and shrimp. One weekend this summer we gave them a nontraditional twist and marinated them in a combination of whiskey, olive oil, and spices. We have found it easier to add the shrimp to the kabob stick frozen with the shell on. Our families enjoy bell peppers, red onions, and mushrooms as the veggies.

Beef, Chicken, and Shrimp Kabobs

Salads are a staple during the summer! Caprese salads are one of my favorites. I love the combination of fresh basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. Since it is peach season, I decided to use peaches instead of tomatoes. The basil came straight out of our struggling garden. The combination of peaches and glazed balsamic vinegar was super tasty! The kids wouldn't touch it, but did enjoy the peaches with their meals.

Peach Caprese Salad

To top off this already amazing dinner; blueberry brownies were served for dessert. Thank you Hummingbird high for sharing the recipe on a blog post. Fresh blueberries and bittersweet chocolate are a delightful combination. This is a recipe we will use again!

Blueberry Brownies

Time spent at Mill Creek Resort on Table Rock Lake is both an adventure and a respite from the busy lives we all lead. Reserve your weekend getaway and make memories that will last a lifetime.