The Local’s Summer Bucket List: 23 Ways to Squeeze More Out of August

August 15, 2026

Late August in New England is a special time. School is just starting up or is about to. People are making apple picking plans, breaking out the flannel and busting out the boots. Well, almost.

Technically there are still a few more weeks left of summer, and now, we are entering the precious period of Local's Summer. Our favorite ice cream stand is still open, but there's a shorter line. You can play a round of mini-golf with ease. You can take a left!

The longest, hottest days of the summer might be behind us, but there's still plenty of things to do. Here's a list of ideas to make the most of it:

One more beach day
Have ice cream after dark
Watch a sunset somewhere you don’t usually go
Take the scenic route home
Go swimming in September
Have a beach picnic at golden hour
Buy something from a farm stand
Go out on the water — even if it's just a ferry ride, kayak, paddleboard, or boat tour.
Find a new-to-you walking trail
Eat dinner outside until you need a sweatshirt
Take a day trip to a place you usually ignore
Wake up early for a beach sunrise
Get lobster rolls / fried clams / whatever your quintessential local summer meal is
Visit a lighthouse
Have a “no plans” afternoon
Take a disposable-camera-style photo walk
Go to a local summer event before the season winds down
Collect a little piece of summer — shell, beach glass, pressed flower, photo, ticket stub, etc.
Have one last bonfire/fire-pit night
Stay at the beach until you’re chilly
Make a summer playlist and take a drive with nowhere to be
Do something touristy on purpose — because locals are allowed to enjoy the tourist stuff too.
Make plans for September instead of mourning August.