The end of August tends to bring out two different kinds of people. There are those who are already snuggled into their sweaters and socks and have started drinking pumpkin-flavored everything, and there are those who (like us!) are still in denial that summer is already almost over. (I mean really, where does the time go?!) But regardless of which camp you’re in, there’s no ignoring the reality that those endless summer days are nearing their end.

So, to celebrate (or to mourn) the end of a season, we’ve compiled a list of five things you MUST do before summer 2021 comes to a complete close:

5. Try all those seasonal, summer drink specials

This summer has been one of fun and fruity drink specials, everything from lattes all the way to cocktails. And trust us when we say that you won’t want to leave summer without having tried all of them at least once. To make things easier, we’ve already scouted out some favorites… Café 23:5 has a summer rose and blackberry lavender lemonade; the Winnie latte (honey and vanilla, yum); the Honey Pot (how cute!) cinnamon and honey latte; and a cucumber melon tea (honeydew melon stash tea with cucumber and agave sweetener). Next up, Parker Country Brewing Co has a Tropical Hibiscus Sour tapped, and finally, Hot Chicks Chicken’s boozy summer slushies are the perfect remedy to a Texas-hot, August afternoon. (You’re welcome.)

4. Transitioning your wardrobe

The summer-to-fall transition is our personal favorite when it comes to fashion. The last few weeks of August are usually the time when all those summer trend pieces go on sale, and the first fall sweaters (and jeans and boots and hats and scarves) have already started hitting stores. Thankfully, Carys Lane Boutique is located right here at The Shops, and their stylists will hook you up with alllllll the coolest trends (literally).

3. Start remembering how to school

Summer break can be tough on your students. With all those pool days and summer camps and sunshine, trust us when we say that no one is thinking about those algebra equations they learned last March. With that being said, it’s probably a good idea to take your student by the Mathnasium for a quick back-to-school refresher. Their tutors will get them started on the right foot, and you’ll be grateful that you won’t have to be the one trying to relearn and explain to them why X equals Y to the third whatever.

2. Enjoy Sunny Street Café’s Pancakes

Now this one is a must-do. And if you’ve tried them already, you know what we’re talking about. Sunny Street Café has the best pancakes around. And you can choose from multiple options: maple or berry syrup, chocolate chips, cinnamon sugar and tres leches, wildberry crumble… so many choices. (Is your mouth watering too, or is it just us?) And for the kids… dinosaur shaped pancakes!

1. Go for a picnic

Have you stuffed some wine and cheese into a picnic basket and ate it underneath the sky yet? If not, take this as a sign. With the worst of the summer heat already behind us, late August is the perfect time to go on that long-awaited picnic. Home-prepared charcuterie and sandwiches are always a great option, but there are plenty of restaurants right here at The Shops with picnic-perfect to-go meals as well.

With Labor Day just around the corner, it’s hard to believe another summer has come and gone. However, there are still some sunny days left, so be sure to soak up every last one of them! Tag us on Facebook or Instagram to show us how you’re spending yours.