The idea of spending a summer in Kingston is often met with dread. Surely, when students clear out the city we call home during the school year is a ghost town, right? Whether this is your first summer in the city or your fourth, the Journal’s here to prove that a quieter Kingston doesn’t have to mean a more boring one.

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• The club scene is a little different over the summer months, but Stages’ Beach Slam on Monday nights and the occasional summer Alfie’s are some of the most popular nights of the season.

• Just because its summer doesn’t mean classics such as Karaoke at Tir Nan Og aren’t a regular occurrence. Vocalize your chops as you get a chance to mingle with the locals and students in Kingston for summer.

• If you’re a sports fan, enjoy playoffs at bars around town such as The Ale House Canteen, The Brass, Fanatics, The Pilot House and many others.

• Kingston’s annual Buskers Festival attracts tourists from all across the province. Don’t miss it this year – it’s happening from July 12-15.

• Wolfe Island has a beach! Big Sandy Bay is just a 30-minute bike ride or a short drive away once you get off the ferry.

• Also on Wolfe Island is the annual music festival. This year it’s Aug. 10-11. Check out wolfeislandmusicfestival.com for the lineup.

• Drive-in theatres are not only things you see in movies. Impress your date or plan a night out with your friends at Kingston’s very own Family Funworld. Check out: funworldpark.com/drive-in.php for movie times.

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• Enjoy the sun as you indulge in summer treats in downtown’s many restaurant patios and rooftops. Whether its season favourites such as Lonestars’ Margaritaville or the new Jack Astor’s (which opens in July), this summer essential is a can’t-miss.

• Kingston’s recently seen an infiltration of frozen yogurt and ice-cream shops. Many of them lace around the lake, so stop by when you need to cool down. Some popular options are Menchies, Spin Desert Cafe, White Mountain, Mio Gelato, or the ever-convenient Metro gelateria.

• During the summer months many popular restaurants take a hiatus. If one of your regulars have closed shop for the student drought, you can take on the art of cooking up a classic summer barbeque. Add in a couple of close friends and a dash of summer tunes and you’ve got a recipe for success.

• If you’re low on cash, pack a picnic basket and head to the lake for some old-fashioned delicious fun. Don’t forget the apple pie!

If you want to know more about Kingston in the summer, stay tuned for the next blog post on ‘Summer In Kingston’ featuring the sections of Learn and Breathe.

We’re off to grab some Menchies. See you next week!