Is it possible to be a serial bucket-lister-maker? If so, I definitely qualify. While I tend to make bucket lists for most seasons, and for just life in general, summer bucket lists are my favorite to brainstorm and put together! I hope you enjoy checking out My 2023 New England Summer Bucket List and maybe it will even spark a few ideas for your own!

I have to give a big shoutout to my Aunt Laura for some of the ideas for this year’s New England Summer Bucket List! Thanks Aunt Laura!

P.S. Make sure you scroll all the way to the bottom for a free printable version you can use to make your own Summer Bucket List! I’m printing mine out and taping it to the inside of my closet door so I can track what I accomplish!

My 2023 New England Summer Bucket List

Host A Backyard Croquet Tournament

Growing up we had a huge backyard and would play croquet all summer long. (Picture me, my sister, and cousins in our bathing suits and using the occasional wire coat hanger in place of any missing wickets.) It wasn’t until I moved to Greenwich that I learned about the culture surrounding croquet. I love an excuse to get dressed up, shake up a speciality cocktail, and make some tea sandwiches, so you bet I’ll be hosting the very first Phillips Lane Croquet Tournament this summer!

Visit A New (To Me) Coastal, Connecticut Town

There are so many charming, quintessential, coastal New England towns that I’ve yet to explore! If you have any recommendations for a coastal, New England town I should check out this summer, please let me know! I’ll compile a list of favorites and share on my IG for anyone else looking for an adventure!
So far towns on my radar include: Branford, CT, Old Saybrook, CT (can’t recall if I’ve been here or not!), and Madison, CT.

Go Into NYC For a Spontaneous Cocktail Hour

Boom, check it off! Last week I ended up in NYC for a semi-spontaneous cocktail hour with Taylor, a friend I made last summer who’s up visiting from NC. We went to The Castell Rooftop Lounge, located inside the AC Hotel in Midtown. I would give the drinks an 8/10, the company a 10/10, the views a 5/10, and the overall vibe a 7/10. There are a lot of other rooftops I would go back to before this one, but its location in midtown was super convenient!

Sunrise Boat Ride With My Dad

I’m embarrassed to admit how long it’s been since I’ve gone out on the water with my dad! I need to remedy this ASAP and a sunrise boat ride with my dad (and Ranger!) on the Long Island Sound sounds like the perfect way to do so! Dad, if you’re reading this, I’ll bring bagels!

Host A Pool Party With All My Local Cousins

Last week I got to attend my baby cousins’ 1st and 4th birthday party and it was so great to get to see everyone together! Last year I feel like we tried to make something happen, but this year we’re definitely getting this on the calendar!

Discover The BEST Margaritas Throughout Coastal New England

I feel like I go through phases with my cocktail order. For a while I was on a French 75 kick, but now I’m all about a good marg. In fact, lately I’ve been trying out the margaritas at all the restaurants in town to find the best one! I’ve decided to take this quest to the next level, opening my search up to the hottest summer destinations in New England! Next stop, Nantucket?!
Any specific spots I need to add to my list? Send ’em my way!

Keep A Summer-Specific Gratitude Journal

This idea originated from my Aunt Laura and I love it! Summers here in New England always go by way too fast. Taking a few minutes out of each day to jot down what I’m grateful for this season will hopefully help me cherish each moment a little bit more!

Restart My Happy Mail Newsletter

Maybe I’m alone here, but I love a good newsletter. When done right, they brighten my inbox and my day! Some of my favorite newsletters come from Tuckernuck and Venita Aspen. They’re always so creative and concise!
One of my favorite parts of my newsletter was the snail, happy mail component and I’ll definitely continue this! Sending happy mail is one of my favorite hobbies.
A NEW & exciting part of my newsletters will be *EXCLUSIVE* discount codes and giveaways with some of my favorite brands! If you aren’t already on the list, make sure you sign up for my newsletter here!

Bring Back My Daily Celebrations Series

In 2021 my intern at the time, Emma, debuted a new Life on Phillips Lanes Summer Series, Daily Celebrations! We had so much fun celebrating all the small things and random national holidays that don’t seem like they should actually be national holidays.

De-Clutter (At Least) 2 Closets Responsibly

My sister uses For Days to responsibly get rid of her clothing/textiles. I haven’t tried it yet, but I’ve been putting aside pieces that are too worn/have stains on them for this exact purpose! For my clothing items that are in like-new condition, I usually give them to friends, family, or post them on Poshmark!

Discover A New-To-Me Local, Coastal Artist

Collecting coastal-inspired art work is a marathon, not a sprint! My original artwork collection is small, but mighty. I love supporting local, artists and this summer I hope to add one or two new pieces to my collection from new-to-me local, New England artists! If you have any recommendations for artists I should check out, please let me know! I just learned about Erin Hanafin Sweeney through Abigail of Belle of the Ball and now have one of her original pieces at the top of my list!

Give The Bunk Room A Makeover!

Of all the bedrooms, the bunk room is always the forgotten one! While I feel like I’ve done a decent job making each bedroom feel comfortable and coastal, the bunk room is in the middle of an identity crisis. The pillows and throw blankets are giving strong cozy fall vibes, while the rug is super summery. Needless to say, it’s got a ways to go!