Six things to do in Hamilton before summer is gone

There is no doubt that this summer has been out of the ordinary due to COVID-19. Whether summer has felt like years long or a few days, it is sadly coming to an end.

Although shutdowns and physical distancing may not permit the average summer trips and antics, there are still some things that you can do to make the rest of your summer memorable.

1. Go to the Starlite Drive-in (59 Green Mountain Rd. E., Stoney Creek)

Grab your covers and some popcorn and take your family to watch a movie under the stars.

As a pandemic regulation, they are currently only allowing those from the same household to attend. A family ticket for two adults and one to three kids is $32.

Reruns are playing from Friday to Thursday every week.

Capacity is halved to maintain a distance between cars, so try to get there early!

2. Have a Facetime dance party with your friends!

Just because we have to stay inside doesn't mean we can't have a party in the comfort of our homes. In the spirit of physical distancing, all you need is a speaker (the one on your phone or computer works perfect) and if you want to spice up the night, some LED lights to really set the mood.

Listen to Spotify's 90's Dance Party Playlist" to get the energy flowing.

Start a Facetime or Zoom call with some friends and go off.

3. Stretch your legs and go for a hike

Hamilton is the perfect place to immerse oneself in greenery.

Go to a trail or waterfall nearby, alone or with some friends, and enjoy the summer weather while working up a sweat. Visit Dundas Valley or Lafarge 2000 Trail. Your thighs may hate you the next day, but nothing beats appreciating nature!

4. Start a collaborative/solo creative project

Grab your smartphone and some friends and start a project! Shoot some photo or video; you can brainstorm a concept and bring props along with you.

You can get some inspiration from Pinterest boards here.

When you're done spending the day with your friends, you can go home and edit on free online softwares.

You can edit your photos on PicMonkey or Pixlr and your videos on OpenShot.

5. Take up skateboarding/rollerblading

If you're impressed by sweet kick flips and rail grinds use these perfect summer days to channel your inner Tony Hawk.

If you are a beginner, do not worry. Get a board and practice in a parking lot near your house.

You can get tips from TikTok tutorials. Here's one to start you out!

You may be inspired to start your own skate gang (a la Nicole Byer).

6. Upcycle your clothes

To save money, limit your carbon footprint and make the most out of what you have, you can revamp the clothing in your closet, no sewing machine necessary.

With the guidance of a YouTube video, crop an old shirt or cut a tee into a halter.

And once you've done that maybe explore the wide world of tie dye.

Cheyenne Bholla a reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: cbholla@thespec.com