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August 2026 AR Challenge: Summer In My Corner of the World

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Education & Training with Although I'm retired, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals.

Summer means something different depending on where you live. Debe Maxwell, CRS, and I invite you to share what summer looks like in your corner of the world.

For some, it's long days at the beach and ocean breezes. For others, it's county fairs, harvest season, mountain adventures, festivals, concerts, farmers markets, or family traditions passed down through generations.

That's what makes this month's challenge so much fun.

Your Challenge

Tell us about summer in your corner of the world.

What makes this season special where you live?

You might write about:

  • Local festivals and community celebrations
  • Agriculture and harvest activities
  • Unique weather patterns
  • Tourism and seasonal visitors
  • Outdoor recreation opportunities
  • Family traditions and summer events
  • Hidden gems that shine during the summer months
  • Seasonal foods, markets, or local specialties
  • Special places that come alive this time of year
  • One thing that surprises visitors about your area
  • Your favorite summertime activity

There is no right or wrong approach. The goal is simply to help us experience summer through your eyes.

Show us the places, traditions, flavors, and experiences that make your community special this time of year.

One of the best things about ActiveRain is that we get to travel across North America without ever leaving home.

A member in Arizona experiences summer very differently than a member in Maine. A REALTOR® in a mountain town sees a different season than someone living near the coast. Even neighboring communities often have traditions and attractions that many of us have never heard about.

This challenge gives us an opportunity to learn more about the places we call home while celebrating the diversity of our communities.

Whether you're writing from home or while traveling this summer, tell us about the place that makes this season memorable for you.

Whether your town is known for peaches, blueberries, rodeos, festivals, hiking trails, waterfront activities, county fairs, or spectacular sunsets, we want to hear about it.

So grab a cold drink, find a shady spot, and share with us what summer is like where you live. 

Challenge Guidelines

  • Write a post of at least 300 words about summer in your area.
  • Include at least one image.
  • Post a link to your entry in the comments below.
  • Deadline: August 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
  • Earn 1,500 ActiveRain points for participating.

We look forward to reading your stories and discovering what makes summer special where you live!

Posted by

Carol Williams

"Information is FREE.
Knowledge, Experience & Integrity Are Priceless."

- Carol Williams

Retired: Real Estate Broker/Owner, Property Manager 
Coaching, goal setting, and marketing consultant

Active: Golf & Travel Blogger
"Golf isn't a sport. It's a lifestyle."
SeniorWomenGolfers.com
TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
 

Whatever You're Doing, Make It Fun!



Comments(29)

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Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

At this point in the summer we Phoenician's do our best to stay inside where it's cool OR jump into the pool if their is shade! Hot Hot Hot!

Aug 01, 2026 10:43 AM
Carol Williams

Hi Anna "Banana" Kruchten 
That's certainly what I would be doing if I were there! 

Aug 02, 2026 05:06 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

That is exactly what we’ve been doing this summer, Anna "Banana" Kruchten!!

Aug 02, 2026 02:25 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Carol- I can't wait to read the posts!!!  I'm going to have to put my thinking cap on for this one. 

Aug 01, 2026 12:44 PM
Carol Williams

Hi Kathy Streib 
It should be an interesting variety of entries. 

Aug 02, 2026 05:06 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Oh, I think you should compare Del Ray Beach to Houston!! That would be a fun read, Kathy Streib but, I’m sure anything you write will be amazing!

Aug 02, 2026 02:26 PM
Kathy Streib

Debe Maxwell, CRS I just saw this...may hve to do it. 

Aug 07, 2026 12:29 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Carol Williams I will see if I have time to put up a blog.  We are having the wettest Summer I can remember.

Aug 01, 2026 04:13 PM
Carol Williams

We hope you do, George Souto 
We are having a terrible fire season out here. We could use some of that water. 

Aug 02, 2026 05:07 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

We have too but, we had little rain during the spring so, it’s a nice relief. Hopefully they’ll remove our water restrictions SOON, George Souto

 

Aug 02, 2026 02:27 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Carol:

This sounds like a fun, and different, challenge. I hope I can find some time to write about summer life in Carlsbad which I certainly enjoy. We'll see.

Jeff

Aug 01, 2026 05:18 PM
Carol Williams

Hi Jeff Dowler, CRS 
I'm sure there is never any shortage of things to do in the summer in Carlsbad. I hope you and your wife are doing well. 

Aug 02, 2026 05:08 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Oh, there is SO much to do in your gorgeous neck of the woods, Jeff Dowler, CRS. I do hope you have time for an entry this month! 😘

Aug 02, 2026 02:28 PM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Douglas Elliman Las Olas - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector
Aug 02, 2026 07:57 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Loved your entry, Eileen Burns 954.483.3912!

Aug 02, 2026 02:28 PM
Carol Williams

Thanks for your entry, Eileen Burns 954.483.3912 
There's no lack of fun in southern Florida.

Aug 03, 2026 04:31 AM
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

Carol and Debe, This will be a fun challenge, I was already thinking of the wonderful programs and cool temps of so many of the Phoenix's metro Museums. The newsletter of the Arizona Science Center made me clear my calendar. Maybe one of the visits will be my challenge post.

Aug 02, 2026 02:05 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Looking forward to reading your entry, Steffy Hristova. I’m off to read the science newsletter now!

Aug 02, 2026 02:28 PM
Carol Williams

Hi Steffy Hristova 
I checked out that science museum schedule. It does look intriguing. Anna and I have been to the Art Museum. That was fun. 

Aug 03, 2026 04:35 AM
Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD
http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com - Vail, CO
Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D

here is my entry for the August chllenge...a really fun challenge!!

August Challenge

Aug 02, 2026 02:26 PM
Carol Williams

Thanks for your entry, Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD 
I'll pop over and read it.

Aug 03, 2026 04:35 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Thank you for your entry, Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD! I’m off to read it now...

Aug 04, 2026 07:25 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Real Estate Svcs.
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Hello Carol and Debe - my challenge entry:  

Summer in San Jose: It's Not Just About Surviving the Heat

Thank you both for hosting! 

Aug 02, 2026 02:54 PM
Carol Williams

Hi Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Real Estate Svcs. 
I enjoyed your entry, especially after our conversation yesterday.  I hope you're feeling better. 

Aug 03, 2026 04:49 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Sad to read above that you were under the weather, Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Real Estate Svcs. Like Carol, I hope you’re feeling better! I’m off to read your post!

Aug 04, 2026 07:32 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Well, I thought I had already read one from you but, thought I was losing my mind!! LOL Great entry, Kathleen!

Aug 04, 2026 07:33 AM
Jacob Maslow
Torsx - Brooklyn, NY
Your Brooklyn Connection

Greagt idea. Here is my entry.

https://activerain.com/blogsview/5942962/summer-in-my-corner-of-the-world--brooklyn-s-moving-season

Aug 02, 2026 09:47 PM
Carol Williams

Thanks for your entry, Jacob Maslow 
You're the first one to focus on a real estate theme. 😊

Aug 03, 2026 04:53 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Interesting that summer is moving season there. Spring is our biggest moving season, Jacob Maslow

Aug 04, 2026 07:40 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Count me in Carol Williams 😀

Aug 04, 2026 08:00 AM
Carol Williams

Excellent, we're looking forward to your entry, Bob "RealMan" Timm 

Aug 04, 2026 08:04 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

YAY! Can’t wait to hear all about Minot in the summertime, Bob "RealMan" Timm!

Aug 04, 2026 01:48 PM
Patricia Feager
Appraisal Review Board, Denton County, TX - Flower Mound, TX
Licensed to April 2027

Carol Williams and Debe Maxwell, CRS - Welcome to my corner of the World in Summer in Flower Mound. Be sure to let me know if you like my three photos, using AI of course!

Summer in My Corner of the World in Flower Mound, TX

Aug 04, 2026 01:42 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

LOVED your entry, Patricia Feager! What a super fun place Flower Mound is. I knew your summers there would not disappoint!!

Aug 04, 2026 01:48 PM
Carol Williams

Hi Patricia Feager 
Thanks for your entry. Flower Mound sounds like a fun place to spend the summer. 

Aug 05, 2026 05:08 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Thanks Debe Maxwell, CRS and Carol Williams 

summer-in-my-corner-of-the-world

Aug 04, 2026 07:53 PM
Carol Williams

Thanks for your entry, Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 
I want to try one of those snowballs next time I'm in Baltimore. Maybe after a crab feed. 😊

Aug 05, 2026 05:08 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

OMG, you had me laughing and realizing that this is but ONE MORE THING we have in common, Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400!! ❤️

Aug 07, 2026 08:36 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Carol Williams Debe Maxwell, CRS here is my submission to the August Challenge: Summer In My Corner Of The World: 

Summer Fun at Charlotte's U.S. National Whitewater Centers

 

 

Aug 05, 2026 04:53 AM
Carol Williams

Thanks for your entry, Nina Hollander, Broker 
I had no clue there was a Whitewater Center in Charlotte... or anywhere for that matter. 

Aug 05, 2026 05:10 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Carol Williams hi Carol... you're not alone in not having a clue... which is why I decided to focus on one venue instead of a whole bunch of activities all over Charlotte.

Aug 05, 2026 05:11 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Thank you for your entry, Nina Hollander, Broker! I'm playing catch-up tonight and am headed over now to read your entry!

Aug 07, 2026 08:37 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Author, Golfer, Traveler, Retired, Wenatchee, WA

Debe Maxwell, CRS 
Here is my entry into the Challenge:
Summer in Wenatchee 

Aug 05, 2026 06:35 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

I'm on it! Heading over to read it now! 😘 Carol Williams 

Aug 07, 2026 08:37 PM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

This will be a fun challenge, and you gave some great suggestions to get us started!

Aug 06, 2026 02:38 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Can't WAIT to see what you write about, Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty! Hey, we need to catch-up SOON! I hope you're doing well, gf.

Aug 07, 2026 08:38 PM
Carol Williams

We'll look forward to your entry, Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty

Aug 08, 2026 01:46 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign
Aug 07, 2026 12:33 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Thank you so much for always being such a big cheerleader for our challenges, Kathy Streib! I'm off to read your post now. 😘

Aug 07, 2026 08:39 PM
Carol Williams

Thanks you, Kathy Streib 
I'm not sure I'd survive the heat and humidity of a Houston summer, but I remember Fall being a nice time to visit. 

Aug 08, 2026 01:47 AM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Hi Carol Williams and Debe Maxwell, CRS, hot summers in my corner of the world for sure. The cure? Right here with my entry: It's HOT! Try Tubing on Salt River in Phoenix Metro

Salt River Tubing Arizona

Aug 07, 2026 01:06 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Hi Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI! Can't wait to read your entry, my friend!

Aug 07, 2026 08:39 PM
Carol Williams

Hi Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI 
I spent an August in Sun City West a few years back, helping my sister-in-law after surgery. I wish I'd known to call you to take me tubing! 

Aug 08, 2026 01:48 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Retired Real Estate Broker

I have a lot of stuff going on and haven't gotten over to see what the August Challenge looks like.  Saw a few entries that I will also read as well.

Aug 08, 2026 04:11 PM
Carol Williams

Hi Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 
We hope you can find the time to share your favorite summer activities in Waterbury and the surrounding area.  

Aug 09, 2026 05:22 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - crrli.com. We are Lic. Assoc. Broker/Lic. RE Salesperson - Plainview, NY
We List/Sell Long Island Real Estate Successfully!
Aug 09, 2026 05:14 AM
Carol Williams

Good morning, Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400 
Thanks so much for your entry. Long Island sounds like a great place to spend the summer. 

Aug 09, 2026 05:40 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Apex Realtors, LLC ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
Educating. Encouraging. Serving.

Thank you and Debe Maxwell, CRS for hosting the August challenge. It was fun but hard for me to narrow down the summer activities in Austin but I finally did! Here is my entry! 

Aug 09, 2026 08:39 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Fantastic entry, Dorie Dillard Austin TX! You covered a LOT of Austin 'real estate' with that piece! LOL

Aug 09, 2026 09:49 PM
Carol Williams

Hi Dorie Dillard Austin TX 
Thanks for your entry into the challenge. There is definitely no lack of entertainment in Austin! 

Aug 12, 2026 06:45 AM