This Weekend, Tackle Your Summer Bucket List!

Okay, ever since that movie came out, "bucket list" (i.e. things to do before you kick the bucket) has become synonymous with things you just want to find time to do.

If you're like me, when days get shorter by mid-August, I'm thinking about all the things I didn't get around to doing yet this summer and finding ways to fit more in.

Based on my own pining and conversations with neighbors, here are some Middletown Summer Bucket List items that come to mind, with all the info you need to cross them off your own list, if you so desire.

…And, by all means, please feel free to add more!

"Bird Ball" at Norman Bird Sanctuary (Sat. Aug. 21): People have been talking about this event for months. What's not to love about this year's "Free Bird" theme? The 7th Annual Bird Ball takes place at the Norman Bird Sanctuary Saturday, Aug. 21. If you didn't get your $125 reduced price by Friday, tickets are $150 the day of the event. All proceeds benefit the non-profit Norman Bird Sanctuary, our 325-acre wildlife refuge that's home to countless local and migrating birds, plus keeps educational and environmental programs running for people of all ages, from kids to adults.

Run a 5K Under Coastal Breezes (Sat. Aug. 21): Hey, how about that! There happens to be such an event that also helps benefit about a half-dozen Aquidneck Island Charities. After a successful inaugural event last year, the "St. Columba's Run/Walk for the Island" sets off this Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010 at 9 am from St. Columba's Chapel on Vaucluse Avenue. Organizers describe the 3.1 mile course as "very fast," having little or no significant incline and few turns to slow runners down. Middletown beneficiaries include Lucy's Hearth, Child and Family Services, and Star Kids, along with numerous other charities from throughout Newport County. Race Day Registration costs $20.00 and opens at 7:30 am. The address is 55 Vaucluse Avenue, Middletown, RI 02842. T-Shirts will be given out to the first 200 registrants. Awards will go to the top three men and women and the first man and woman in each age division. Divisions are as follows: 18 & under, 19-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. For more information: Scott Nicholson, scottnicholson@cox.net, 401-864-5740.

Sachuest Beaches: Second Beach was recently rated among the top five New England beaches and we all know why—beautiful preserved dunes, sandy warm beaches, perfect waves, surfing, body-surfing, town bonfires, and a well-groomed beach that Middletown's Parks & Recreation Department keeps pristine…

Third Beach / Town Beach (FREE for town residents): I can't get enough of this little beach. Charming, less crowded, wonderful for kiting on less busy days, and the lot is free for local residents. This has to be the one thing I am consistently shocked my neighbors don't know about: Local residents can opt for a free summer parking pass that does not include access to Second Beach. You just have to show proof that you live in Middletown year-round. Not a bad deal! For information, visit the Second Beach parking gate to get your pass, call Middletown Town Hall or visit the town website.

Atlantic Beach Club : Sit outside on a spacious patio listening to live local music, all the while enjoying great food and summer cocktails and watching those waves roll in? I'm so in. Located on the eastern end of Easton's Beach and opposite Flo's Clam Shack, the Atlantic Beach Club is a one-stop location for beach activities and relaxation. Popular activities include beach volleyball, swimming in the ocean, enjoying a cocktail or clambake on the patio, and dancing to live music. Check out its website for the live music schedule. Website: http://www.atlanticbeachclub.com/ Phone: 401-847-2750

Sweet Berry Farm Tuesday Night Concerts (Hurry! Ends soon!): Wonderful, live music and great food on the lawn with a westward sunset facing sky? What's not to love? This Tuesday evening enjoy the twangy tunes of A Bluegrass Invitation Band. You can also select to dine at the concert! This week's theme-inspired menu is an Asian Tour, featuring: hot & sour soup, dim sum duo, peanut or ginger garlic noodles, beef teriyaki, sesame chicken, tropical rice pudding.

Simmons Farm Petting Zoo: A quick stop-off here and that child-like joy you get from petting these adorable animals can be just what the doctor ordered. And, oh yeah, kids love the farm animals too. The petting zoo features the farm's dairy goats, fainting goats, sheep, a llama, a pony, a burro, a pot bellied pig and many geese and ducks. Visitors may only feed the animals with farm-provided feed, at 50-cents per cup. Call (401) 848-9910 or click here for more information.

Take Jessica's Food Challenge: Our columnist Jessica Walsh has inspired me to do three things that I have not done in a very, very long time (or never, I'm not saying which is which)—cook, cook for other people, and design entire meals that use only locally grown produce. She's come up with several great challenges that the either adult dinner parties or whole family can enjoy.

Hit the Farmer's Markets: I've actually been going to these weekly, but knowing that the season is finite and winter will be here before you know it, I'm treating every farmer's market visit like it's my last of the season. And did I already mention Jessica's food challenge?

Wine-Tasting at Newport Vineyards Winery: I love conversations with the same people who nurtured those grapes and can tell you stories of ocean breezes, the barrels used, the soil conditions and quirky nature events that made that glass of vino just so. Aquidneck Island has a wonderful climate for local varietals. John and Paul Nunes' great-grandfather purchased the Bailey Farm on Wyatt Road in 1917. The farm dates back to 1701 and the property is in perpetual preservation through a partnership with the Aquidneck Land Trust. The original grapes were planted in 1977, and 11 years later, Newport Vineyards and Winery was built. Since that time, its wines have received many accolades and today is being served around the world. There are public tours daily for groups of 10 or more; be sure to make an appointment. The Winery is part of the Coastal Wine Trail which runs through southeastern New England.

Norman Bird Sanctuary: Besides the Bird Ball, NBS is just a wonderful, peaceful place to visit. With over 300 acres and seven miles of hiking trails, there is plenty to see at all times of the year, but summer is magical just around dusk when the birds are highly active. Bring your binoculars and look for wildlife, especially birds, along well-maintained trails. Trail fees are $3 for kids and $6 for adults, while other attractions on the grounds are free and others have varying fees. Still, there's plenty for kids and families. For more information, call (401) 846-2577 or  click here.

Fishing: I can't remember the last time I went fishing, miss it, and Middletown has some of the best shore fishing around. Our Fresh Angles columnist Ray Dutra tells me that Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge offers some of the most easily accessible spots for day and night fishing. Night fishing permits can be purchased at the visitor's center between 10 am and 4 pm every day but Wednesday, when the center is closed, according to park rangers. Fees are $20 dollars for an annual permit or $5 dollars for one night. There are no access fees for day fishing at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge.  However, a state saltwater fishing license is still required. Enforcement of permits, licenses, size and number of fish are all monitored by the federal park police.  Fishermen are asked to pack out their trash. Camping anywhere in the refuge is prohibited. Call (401) 847-5511 or click here for more information.

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge: Who am I kidding? I go here all the time, but if it's not on your list, I highly recommend visiting "the Point." The peninsula between the Sakonnet River and Rhode Island sound offers 242 acres of nature trails, rocky shore access, a newly renovated visitor center, over 2.5 miles of nature trails, viewing platforms, and a number of Refuge volunteers present to help visitors. Sundays often have extra activities going on.

Middletown Public Library: Yes, the nice, quiet, air-conditioned library… Ahh, peace… If you've got extra time on your hands this summer, treat yourself and rediscover reading. If you're already an avid reader, take advantage of the thousands and thousands of items available for FREE. The library also hosts some great events for kids, such as drop-in story times, kids book clubs, teen events and lectures and seminars for adults.

Newport County YMCA: From kids to seniors, there are so many health, fitness, and wellness programs for everyone with state of the art facilities and swimming pool. Parents might want to check out the parents' social held Fridays, where you can bring the kids too. And one day, I will get over my fear of heights and climb that amazing rock wall gym outside. Now, if you're an out-of-towner, did you know the YMCA now lets you use your membership card originally issued from any other YMCA in the state? True story.

Beach Volleyball: See Atlantic Beach Club. Yes, that was lazy writing. But it's almost the weekend and I have Summer Bucket List items to check off!