It’s gonna be a good summer

I went on a trip last weekend to Colorado. That’s right: for the first time since 2019 I left the state of South Dakota. In the words of Jeb Bush: “Please clap.”

It’s funny, when most people go to Colorado it’s to escape the city and go out into nature. For us, it’s the opposite. We go to Colorado so we can feel like we’re back in a city. While I was there, I was able to do some pretty cool things. While I did go for a nice little hike, by far my favorite thing that I got to do was eat 11 tacos.

And, while I was consuming my tacos, I got to thinking, as one does as he stuffs his face full of delicious tacos. And I thought, “Man, if this is how my summer is starting, it’s setting a pretty good tone.”

And, boy, I hope I’m right.

See, last summer for me was a wash. I revisited the summer bucket list column that I wrote this time last year, and I regret to inform you all that the only item I was able to cross off was jumping off the rocks at Dakota Point, and even then I still barely did it in time.

This summer, though, will be different. I have plans to hike Black Elk Peak, go paddleboarding nearly every weekend, watch baseball and just enjoy the things I wasn’t able to do last year due to COVID concerns. I didn’t get to sit on a single gosh darn patio other than my own, but now that I’m fully vaccinated catch me on the closest patio drinking Arnold Palmers until the cows come home.

Yes, this will be a great summer for me, but that’s the least important part of this whole deal. From all reports, this summer is going to be fantastic for businesses.

Yes, we Americans have a pent up demand for travel due to the pandemic. Which I totally get. I didn’t really feel comfortable traveling until just this past weekend. But now that I feel comfortable traveling again, well, I’d imagine that other Americans who are, let’s just say less uptight than I am, will probably feel the same way.

And, from all accounts, people are traveling. I’ve talked to business owners who are saying they’re having the best spring they’ve had in years. When I drove through Main Street in Hill City the other weekend, it was packed. It felt like a July weekend. It was fantastic.

Travel reports I’ve seen, too, are indicating the same thing: people are going to be traveling. After spending nearly a year inside, we Americans are going to do what we Americans do best in the summer: take to the open road and check out amazing places.

And what better place than South Dakota? I guarantee there’s something for everyone here. Hike, bike, cycle, camp, get out onto the water, eat, shop, whatever. If you want to do something I guarantee you can do it here. Shoot, you can do that all here in the magnificent Central and Southern Hills.

Want to hike? Perfect. We have the most incredible trails I’ve ever been on here. From a leisurely stroll along something like the Stratobowl to climbing to the literal highest point in between the Rockies and the Alps in Europe we have that. There’s no going wrong with any trail you choose, really.

Want to get out on your motorcycle? Perfect. I’m not a biker, but I’ve heard Iron Mountain Road is one of the most incredible rides ever. And then, of course, the annual Sturgis Rally takes over Hill City, Keystone, Custer and all small towns in our neck of the woods.

Cycling more your thing? Cool. We have the Mickleson Trail. Start up in the Northern Hills and ride the 100 mile-plus trail to Edgemont. You’ll be treated to good views and a nice ride.

Like camping? Well, luckily we have plenty of campgrounds from which to pick. Whether or not you’re bringing your big rig RV or you’re looking for something you can do in a tent, there’s plenty from which to pick.

Want to experience the great water? Awesome. We have that, too. We have lakes aplenty, and on these lakes you can do a lot. You can kayak, paddleboard, canoe, swim at a beach or even take out a motorboat and do things like waterski and wake board. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can jump off Dakota Point like I did last summer.

You like food? We got food. We have plenty of options — ranging from burgers and ‘dogs to high-quality steaks. Shoot, we even have German food! How many other places — you know, outside of Germany — have German food? I can’t think of many.

Finally, if you want to shop we have plenty of options for that, too. We have boutiques where you can get the latest fashion to your typical t-shirt shop to even a store that specializes in just beef jerky.

Yes, I guarantee this is going to be a good summer, especially if you choose to vacation in the Central and Southern Black Hills.