What Americans Love About Summer

What’s the best part about summer to you? That’s what a new survey asks 2-thousand American adults. And it finds that for 36%, summer is actually their favorite time of year.

When it comes to the most iconic summer feelings, grilling scents tops the list (87%), followed by time near the water (68%) and pool hangs (68%).

  • Cooking outside is another top joy of the season for 80%.
  • People have been looking forward to the best parts of summer for four months on average.
  • Spending as much time as possible outside (66%) and hosting backyard parties and cookouts are the activities they’ve been anticipating most.
  • More than half (53%) are hoping to level up as grill masters this summer and 61% plan to grill meals at least once a week.
  • So, what’s everyone grilling? Hamburgers (82%), steaks (74%), and hot dogs (73%) are the most popular, but some go for seafood (36%), and a third (33%) admit they’ll toss anything that’s “grillable” on there.
  • Some consider the Fourth of July to be the biggest grilling event of the year, with more than half (56%) of Americans planning to grill on the holiday.
  • Independence Day menus will include classics like hamburgers (68%), hot dogs (60%), grilled chicken (45%), ribs (45%) and sausages (30%).
  • The most popular sides are potato salad (56%), chips (51%), and baked beans (50%).
  • Respondents admit they’ll be bummed if their Fourth of July party doesn’t include fireworks (42%), great music (34%) or outdoor games (21%).

The Most Iconic Summer Sensations

  1. The smell of a grill (87%)
  2. Spending time at the beach or lake (68%)
  3. Swimming in a pool (68%)
  4. Driving with the windows open or the top down on a car (58%)
  5. Going to fairs or festivals (52%)
  6. Staying up late at night (49%)
  7. The smell of sunscreen (45%)
  8. Chasing fireflies (24%)

Source: NY Post