While this week has been a bit hotter this week than usual, one of the best parts about Charlottesville in the summer is the weather! Lots of students stick around in the summer and it's always nice to get outside and enjoy it! From hiking to boating, biking to picnicing, there are always great spots around town to enjoy the weather. Here are just some of the ways I, and the others, have chosen to enjoy the outdoors this summer:

Tubing down the James River: Because it has been pretty hot recently, my friends and I went tubing down the James River last Saturday. We had a cooler in one tube and us in the others and just spent the afternoon floating along, enjoying the weather, some tanning (or burning... in my case), and cool drinks. The drive is only about 20 minutes, it's cheap, and loads of fun.

Hiking/Biking in the Blue Ridge Mountains: The Riviana Trail runs through the Blue Ridge Mountains, no more than 15 minutes from UVa. My boyfriend and I went hiking up there last week and even brought lunch so we could picnic at the top of the mountain. The weather was great and the view was incredible! Some students are always up there going mountain biking too.

Canoeing, Kayaking, Stargazing: The Blue Ridge Mountains are also home to lots of open lakes for water sports or open fields for stargazing at night. With warm mornings and evenings too, these events are great before or after work/classes in the summer.

Peach, Strawberry, Blackberry, and Cherry Picking: Chiles Orchard in Crozet, 20 minutes from here, is a great place to pick your own fresh berries and fruit in the summer. During the fall, Carter Mountain is a great place for apple picking as well! A laid-back event with a tasty ending! Don't want to pick it yourself?....

Saturday Farmer's Market at the Downtown Mall: Every Saturday morning, different Virginia farms come to Charlottesville for and outdoor market, selling fresh produce, and other foods. I go every Saturday morning and get great food for weekend picnics and dinners with my friends. I even picked up some fresh hummus and bread the last time I was there!

Movies in the Amphitheatre: Every so often in the amphitheatre at UVa, the University Programs Council will set up a big screen and have outdoor movies for the students in town for the summer. A great, free, event to do with your friends on a warm summer night.

The Charlottesville Pavilion: At the end of the Downtown Mall is an outdoor pavilion that hosts lots of great concerts and events during the summer. This summer, Josh Ritter and Rufus Wainwright, among others, will be coming for different concerts.

There is a ton to do here... this is just a small taste of Charlottesville activities in the summer. Come by and see for yourself!