As this abnormal summer comes to an end, I was glad I ended it with some sense of normalcy. Over Labor Day weekend I went up the mountains to my friend Kelly’s family’s house in Lake Hauto, right outside of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. The long weekend getaway was relaxing and much-needed. We decided not to have a set plan and to go with the flow so we didn’t have to feel rushed or stick to any schedule.

We arrived early Friday evening and hung out around the house, ordering pizza and taking a golf cart ride around the lake and community. Saturday morning we started our day with a three-mile walk through the different trails lining the neighborhood. We spent the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying nice weather. After dinner that night, we went down to the lake to enjoy a couple drinks, fireworks and music from a live band. The fireworks were amazing — as they went off in the sky they reflected beautifully off the lake, and the live band sounded great.

Sunday was our adventure day. We started with delicious breakfast sandwiches and then got ready for a day on the boat. Once all our snacks and drinks were packed, we hopped on the golf cart, headed to the dock and climbed aboard the boat. We took the scenic route around the lake so we could see some of the gorgeous lakeside properties and backyards. We then anchored in the swimming area to hang and, for those brave enough, to swim. The lake was a little cold, but I went in, although I didn’t last long. After a day on the lake, we just sat by the fire and enjoyed each other’s company that night.

As we packed up to leave Monday afternoon, I felt so relaxed and was thankful I was able to get away for the weekend. The weather was beautiful, and it was the perfect way to celebrate the unofficial end of summer.

— Mary Melnick, social media and editorial coordinator