How to Have a Summer of Love

You can do this in your own backyard or at a local park. Put a blanket on the ground and prepare a feast of easy-to-carry foods, such as sandwiches, refreshing apple slices or grapes, and crackers (with Brie cheese or imported salami if you’d like to splurge).

Boost the romance factor: Bring along plastic flutes and a bottle of champagne in a cooler to toast your love.

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There’s nothing sexier than taking a dip in the ocean and a walk in the sand with your love. Slather sunscreen on each other, read a favorite book to your spouse, and splash in the water. If you’re an athletic pair, you can surf or boogey board together.

Boost the romance factor: An ice pop followed by a sweet kiss is a simple, welcome surprise on a hot summer day.

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Make like kids again and go to a favorite amusement park. Clutch each other on the scary roller coaster, take silly photos with the characters roaming in the park, and share cotton candy and popcorn.

Boost the romance factor: Win a prize for your love at the carnival games.

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Flowers are in full bloom this time of year. You can find wildflowers all over the place. You might even have roses and hydrangea growing in your own backyard. Pick what you find, tie the bunch with a bow and attach a love note for your spouse.

Boost the romance factor: Include an invitation for a romantic dinner with the bouquet of flowers.

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Grilling burgers, hot dogs, and veggies together is a fun way to pass an afternoon. When you bite into your meal, you will reap the rewards of your work. But the time you spend together grilling and eating in the fresh air will be even more delicious.

Boost the romance factor: Save room for dessert and feed each other berries and cream. You may want to take this finale into the bedroom.

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