Top Five Friday #15

Hi everyone!  I can't believe it's Friday already!  This week has really flown by me, especially after a super slow month of May.  It feels like just yesterday that I was in Erie for my race (and yes, I'll stop talking about it now)!  Is everyone excited for the weekend?  I know I am!


For today's Friday Five linkup, we're talking about summer activities.  Everyone has a favorite season, and mine is definitely summer.  I feel like there's SO much going on, and I'm always out doing something fun!  I'm sharing my top five things to do in the summer, but be sure to share what YOU like to do and I'll definitely add it to my list of things to do!  Hope you all have a great weekend!

Summer Activities

Stand-Up Paddleboarding / Kayaking

I absolutely love every type of water activity, and these two are my favorite!  In Pittsburgh, you can rent kayaks near PNC Park as well at North Park through Venture Outdoors.  There are so many other places to go in the area as well!  I'm hoping to take a weekend trip to Ohiopyle sometime this summer and enjoy the white-water rapids!  If you're interested in trying SUP, I would highly recommend SUP3Rivers- the owner is absolutely hilarious and has an adorable dog that joins him!

Beer Gardens

Nothing says summer to me like dining al fresco, and drinking at a beer garden is even better!  There are a few options that I love in Pittsburgh, including the Penn Brewery and Sienna Mercato, but nothing will beat the time I was in Munich at the original Hofbrauhaus (above)!

Hiking

Hiking is so much fun, especially now that I can go with Dan and Selma!  I love exploring new places and finding beautiful, hidden gems.  Last year, we checked out Watkins Glen in New York (above) and this year I can't wait to explore all the places that Fittsburgh suggested!

Baseball Games

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is go to a baseball game!  I've mentioned before that Dan and I are attempting to visit every major league stadium, but nothing beats PNC Park! 
A few times a year, there is a concert and fireworks show after the game, and those are my absolute favorite.  I've gotten to see Daughtry, Train and a few other bands throughout the years.  Tomorrow's game will feature Big & Rich, and August 8's game will have O.A.R.!

Road Trips

I love to jump into the car and drive around, finding new places to explore with Dan with some amazing music playing (check out some suggestions below).  Sometimes we'll plan out a trip (like going to D.C. for the weekend, pictured above), and other times we'll just see what we stumble upon.  I posted before about my favorite weekend trips from Pittsburgh, and I can't wait to add a few new cities to that list this summer!

Songs

I created a Summer Playlist to go along with all my activities! Some are cheesy summer anthems, while others just make me happy!  I hope you enjoy :)

best summer songs pop

Shows

Orange Is the New Black

The new season is out TODAY!  I'm not one for binge-watching as soon as a new season is released on Netflix, so please no spoilers :)  I just finished season two a few days ago (I didn't want to have a cliff hanger months before the new season came out) and I can't wait to dive into the new season!

The Bachelorette

Ugh..as if this season couldn't get any worse, my least favorite contestant from a previous season decided to come and join the group (almost halfway through).  Can we expect another gem like this at the "Men Tell All"?  Is it too late for the show to change direction and just focus on Britt and Brady's relationship?  The only highlight of this episode was Ashley S.'s cameo!

I Can Do That!

I am LOVING this show!  How amazing was Ciara and Cheryl Burke's double dutch routine?  I'm also really loving Jeff Dye (the comedian)...he makes the show for me.  I'm kind of getting tired of Nicole, especially all of the splits that she was doing!  We get it- you're flexible.  It'll be interesting to see her doing Avenue Q next week and not another sexy act!

American Ninja Warrior

I'm finally catching up and watching this season!  It's been really crazy so far with some surprising early exits by some of my favorites from last year.  I also want to mention Jennifer's post that talks about Kacy Catanzaro and the Success/Failure Cycle.  It really spoke to me after my half marathon, and I think you'll all enjoy it as well!

Friends

I'm so sad to almost be finished with this show!  We're on the final season, and it's going to make me so sad to say goodbye to the cast (even though the show's been over for years!).  Has anyone else gone through the series when it was added to Netflix?  I'm obsessed!

I hope you all have a great weekend!!

Linking up with Mar, Cynthia and Court 
as well as Heather and Clare! 

What are some of your favorite summer songs?
Any big plans for this summer?

Comments

  1. Alanna @ Madeleines & MarathonsJune 12, 2015 at 2:09 AM

    Stand-up paddleboarding looks like fun! I'm not sure how good I would be at that though. My sense of balance is so awful. I would probably spend most of my time in the water, which would probably still be enjoyable with how hot it's been already. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJune 12, 2015 at 1:27 PM

      It's SO much fun! It's a little scary at first but I'm sure you would get the hang of it. Jumping/falling in is definitely allowed though!

      Delete
  2. SuzyJune 12, 2015 at 3:36 AM

    That Watkins Glen place looks off the charts gorgeous. WOW. What an incredible experience! I love your list. We've got kayaks but we've never tried SUP-ing. Definitely on the to-do list. I love summer!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJune 12, 2015 at 1:28 PM

      I couldn't believe how beautiful it was! You should definitely try SUP..if you like kayaking you would love it and get the hang of it quickly!

      Delete
  3. UnknownJune 12, 2015 at 3:55 AM

    I love SUP'n, my wife used to be an instructor when north park had it there, we go all the time. I am also a huge fan of ANW and one day hope to make it on that show and show off my skill or lack of. Also If you ever want a certain game for the Pirates let me know I have season tickets and a lot of the games I don't go to so I just give my tickets away, they are great seats. I had to give away the big and rich ones because I will be at a wedding :(

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Gretchen BraunJune 12, 2015 at 1:29 PM

      Wow that's so cool! I want to go to NP and try it this summer. I could definitely see you on ANW..I would come cheer you on! Thanks for the offer..I'll take you up on it:)

      Delete
  4. MKJune 12, 2015 at 4:28 AM

    I love that you included "Miami" on your summer playlist.

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownJune 12, 2015 at 4:58 AM

    I love summer sports/activities! Kayaking is my favorite but I need to try SUP again. I've watched every episode of Friends probably a million times. It's always been my favorite :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Gretchen BraunJune 12, 2015 at 1:30 PM

      It's so great! Can't believe I used to hate it growing up..maybe I was just too young to understand. Try SUP for sure..it's so fun!

      Delete
  6. Janelle @ Run With No RegretsJune 12, 2015 at 5:19 AM

    Stand up paddleboarding definitely looks fun but I can't deny that it's a little bit scary for me because I think I'd lose my balance! I just love the summertime!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJune 12, 2015 at 1:30 PM

      It was intimidating at first but I got the hang of it quickly. If you like water you should give it a try!

      Delete
  7. Janine @ Travel, Run, LiveJune 12, 2015 at 5:29 AM

    Your summer activities sound like so much fun. Stand up paddle boarding is on my list of things to try, and your picture from your hike is amazing! I have to make my way over there some day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJune 12, 2015 at 1:32 PM

      Thanks Janine! I hope you get to try it..it's so much fun :)

      Delete
  8. LesleyJune 12, 2015 at 5:47 AM

    I need to add Summer Nights to my summer list, thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Gina DailyJune 12, 2015 at 6:13 AM

    First of all, high five to another summer lover. I can't tell you how tired I get when fall rolls around and everyone else is like "Fall is my FAVORITE!!!!!!" with their pumpkin spice lattes and what not. I'm like "Noooooo! Summer is ending!! Summer 4 EVAHHH!"" All. by. myself. Anyway, love your summer activities list and that's such a great playlist!! I think I'm going to make a new Spotify playlist....thank you very much for the idea!!
    Gina|| On the Daily Express

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJune 12, 2015 at 1:33 PM

      I know what you mean!! (although I'm guilty of being a pumpkin-obsessed person...cant get enough of it!). I hope you'll share your playlist when you make it...I bet you have great taste in music!

      Delete
  10. AnonymousJune 12, 2015 at 6:44 AM

    No big summer plans in the immediate future, but I'm looking forward to heading into the city this weekend for a friends birthday brunch! I love love love SUP and can't wait to do it more this summer! I hope you have a fabulous weekend : )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJune 12, 2015 at 1:34 PM

      That sounds like a lot of fun! I hope to do more SUPing this summer...it's SO fun and a great workout :) Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  11. Little TranquilityJune 12, 2015 at 7:32 AM

    I'm obsessed with stand up paddle boarding! Also kayaking... Love! Great photo of DC. I used to live there and miss it all the time! Road trips are a summer must. :)

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    1. Gretchen BraunJune 12, 2015 at 1:34 PM

      Yay..my kind of girl! DC was so beautiful and I bet it was great living there!!

      Delete
  12. From Ice Cream to MarathonJune 13, 2015 at 5:06 AM

    I really want to try stand up paddle boarding sometime. I'm terrified of kayaking (tipping over), but I want to conquer that fear! I'm super excited OITNB is back!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJune 13, 2015 at 9:37 AM

      You can do it!! It's scary at first but really easy to get the hang of :) yay for OITNB..just started the new season!

      Delete
  13. HoHo RunsJune 13, 2015 at 5:28 AM

    I have to be in, on or around the water! Water skiing is my favorite thing. I love the mix of music in your playlist.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJune 13, 2015 at 9:37 AM

      I've never gone but would love to! I'm going to try jetskis for the first time in a few weeks. Can't wair! Thanks for stopping by :)

      Delete
  14. Lauren | Just a PinchJune 14, 2015 at 1:17 PM

    I love all of those summer activities! I haven't tried stand-up paddleboarding, but it's definitely on my list. The song I cannot stop play right now is Honey, I'm Good by Andy Grammar. It's...amazing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJune 14, 2015 at 6:43 PM

      I love that song so much!! It always makes me smile. I hope you get to try SUP,.its so fun!

      Delete

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