When I picture a Nancy Meyers summer, I think of sipping wine on a patio, fresh produce on the countertop, flowers rolled up in paper, leisurely strolls on the beach, linen button-downs, and spending quality time with loved ones. Summers are truly a magical time in the Nancy Meyers universe. From The Parent Trap’s iconic summer camp scenes to the seaside picnics in Something’s Gotta Give, Nancy Meyers movies are full of summer activity inspiration. And even if you don’t call a Hamptons beach house or a Napa Valley vineyard home, you can easily live out many of these idyllic summer scenes IRL. If you want to channel your inner Nancy Meyers this season, these summer activities will make you feel like you’ve stepped right into one of her movies.
1. Do a wine tasting at a vineyard
I don’t think a Nancy Meyers movie without wine exists… and in the summer, there’s nothing like sipping on a chilled glass to take the edge off the summer heat. Take a note from The Parent Trap, and head out to a local vineyard to enjoy a glass (or three) surrounded by the land that produced it. Whether you make it a solo date with a book in hand or gather your group of girls for a giggly afternoon, a stroll through a local vineyard is just what your summer needs.
2. Make homemade ice cream
On my most recent rewatch of It’s Complicated, I must have been hungry because I paid a lot more attention to the food that Jane Adler (played by the iconic Meryl Streep) makes throughout the film. And while her fresh chocolate croissants sound absolutely heavenly, I haven’t stopped thinking about the lavender honey ice cream that love interest Adam Schaffer (AKA Steve Martin) dubbed, “the best dessert of any sort I’ve ever had… like, in my life.” Making homemade ice cream is surprisingly easy, and you only need a few ingredients and a little patience to get a refreshing summertime treat you’ll be making on repeat. If you don’t own an ice cream maker, look for “no-churn” recipes, which are easy to make without fancy equipment.
3. Host a dinner party
Dinner parties (and hosting in general) are a hallmark of the Nancy Meyers universe, and summer makes for a lovely season to gather friends and family for a delicious meal and conversation. It’s made even better if you take advantage of the warm weather and have your dinner party outside. With summer plans in full swing and everyone so busy, having an intentional time to gather over food will help you stay connected with the people you love the most. If doing all the cooking yourself sounds like too much of a task, turn it into a potluck-style dinner and have everyone bring a dish to share.
4. Put together a fresh flower bouquet
In any Nancy Meyers home, you’d be hard-pressed not to find at least one beautiful bouquet of flowers. Channel your inner Nancy Meyers’ main character by picking up some fresh flowers at the market and learning how to properly put together an arrangement. While you can certainly go with your gut, watching a quick YouTube video with some flower-arranging tips can easily up your game. You might just unlock your new favorite hobby!
5. Go berry or peach picking (then make a homemade dessert)
One of my favorite activities to plan during the summer? Heading to a u-pick-it farm to fill a basket with fresh fruits. Summertime is when fruits like peaches and berries are at their peak, so it’s the best time to stock up. While you could freeze your pickings for use later in the year, I recommend going straight home and making a dessert from your stash. From homemade pies to peach cobblers and berry crumbles, there are endless summer desserts you can make using fresh produce—and then proudly display in your kitchen like a true Nancy Meyers main character.
6. Go camping (or glamping!)
While you wait for the next Camp Everygirl, this summer is the best time to go on a little outdoorsy retreat—Nancy Meyers’ style. Whether you stay in cabins reminiscent of Camp Walden in The Parent Trap or go full tent-mode as the twins do later in the movie, finding some time to get outside (even if it’s within the comfort of a fully air-conditioned suite) is the best way to soak up the beauty of the season. Check out local state parks for campsites and cabin rentals near you, or search for Airbnbs or glamping sites for more of a Meredith Blake-approved outdoors experience.
7. Visit a coastal town for the day
Pack up your flip flops, pick out a beach read, and head to the coast for a day (or long weekend) to channel your inner coastal grandma. From taking long seaside strolls and enjoying a picnic on the beach (as in Something’s Gotta Give) to browsing through cute seaside boutiques, a little getaway to the coast is just what a Nancy Meyers summer calls for. If you live far from the ocean, any cute small town will do—proximity to a body of water is just a bonus.
8. See a play at the theater
For summer days when it’s just too hot outside to function, go see a play at a theater for an indoor activity Nancy Meyers would definitely approve of. Although it won’t quite be the same as watching something by playwright Erica Barry (Diane Keaton’s character in Something’s Gotta Give), check your local theater company for their schedule of summer shows or search for Broadway shows traveling near your city. Seeing a live performance always feels a little more special than simply watching a movie, and it makes for a fun outing to switch up your usual weekend plans.
9. Start a vegetable garden
While I love grabbing fresh produce from local farmers markets, why not embrace your inner Jane Adler and start your own vegetable garden? There are so many veggies that grow well in the summer (think tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, sweet potatoes, and herbs), and as a result, your favorite summer recipes will taste even more delicious. And though most of us can only dream of having a sprawling garden like Jane’s, you can start a vegetable garden with as little space as an apartment balcony. All you need are some pots, soil, sun, and a few plants from your local garden center (which is a fun outing in itself!).
10. Go horseback riding
Does anybody else have that one scene in The Parent Trap of Hallie and her dad horseback riding through their Napa vineyard emblazoned in their brains? Because I do, and I’m afraid my life won’t feel complete until I, too, have spent an afternoon horseback riding through rows of grapevines. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or have never been on a horse, horseback riding is a fun activity that anyone can learn and will no doubt make for a memorable summer activity. Grab a cowboy hat and search up stables near you that offer lessons or guided trail rides.
11. Have a pool day
The epitome of summer to me is that one scene in The Parent Trap of Annie (disguised as Hallie) jumping into the gorgeous pool at her dad’s California home. For extra hot summer days when nothing else will help you cool down, a pool day might just be what you need. Take advantage of a community pool near you or book a day pass at a hotel with an outdoor pool for an activity that feels uniquely like summer. Just be sure to pack plenty of SPF, your favorite sunnies, and maybe a sun hat worthy of Meredith Blake.
12. Make homemade lemonade and enjoy it outside
There’s something about a pitcher of freshly made lemonade that screams Nancy Meyers film set. This classic summer drink couldn’t be easier to make at home—you just need some lemons, sugar, and water, all of which you likely already have on hand. Taste as you go until you hit the perfect ratio, then pour yourself a tall glass and head outside to enjoy the fruits of your labor. You could even invite loved ones over to share a refreshing glass with you.
Lauren Barnhill, Contributing Writer
Lauren Barnhill is a freelance writer with a passion for all things fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle. Beyond The Everygirl, Lauren has written for top outlets including Real Simple, SUCCESS, and BuzzFeed. She is also the voice behind Leisurely, a Substack newsletter all about living an unhurried, intentional life.
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