Discover new places and products while supporting American manufacturing.
Summer is the perfect time to get out of the house, hit the road, and discover something new. If you’re looking for experiences that are fun and educational, why not make this the summer you explore the people, products and places behind the items made right here in the USA? Here are a few ideas to add to your summer bucket list, along with related articles filled with inspiration, products, and destinations to help you check each one off.
✅ Take a factory tour.
There’s nothing like watching American manufacturing in action. From baseball bats and motorcycles to cheese and wool blankets, factory tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the products we use every day.
>>We’ve got your roadmap ready to go: 44 Manufacturing Destinations Worth the Detour
✅ Hit the ballpark.
Nothing says summer quite like a night at the ballpark. Cheer on your hometown team, grab a hot dog, and enjoy one of America’s favorite traditions. Whether you’re watching the majors or your local minor league team, it’s time well spent with family and friends.
>>Swing, batter, batter! Take Me Out to the Ballgame with American-Made Game-Day Must Haves
✅ Soak up the sun at the beach or pool.
Pack the cooler, grab your beach towel, and soak up some sunshine. Bonus points if you’re using gear that’s made right here in the USA.
>>We’ve got your packing list: The 27 Best Made in America Finds for Your Next Beach (or Pool) Day
>> Don’t forget your sandals: Four Great Made-in-America Sandal Companies for All Your Summer Plans
✅ Snag the best produce at your farmers market.
Support local growers and makers while enjoying fresh seasonal produce. It’s one of the easiest ways to shop close to home and strengthen your local economy. Bring along a sturdy canvas tote bag from Maptote, and you’ll be ready for whatever catches your eye.
✅ Go fishing.
A quiet morning out on the water is hard to beat. If you’re heading out to fish, bring along American-made gear like Eagle Claw hooks and a Humminbird fish finder.
✅ Peep some birds.
Visit a local nature preserve, hike a trail, or simply spend an evening watching birds in your own backyard. Slow down for a few minutes and see what shows up. You might be surprised how much wildlife is right outside your door.
>>Bring the wildlife to you: For our Fine Feathered Friends, American-made Gathering Spots to Hang Outside Your Home
✅ Get your hands in some good old dirt.
Plant flowers, herbs, tomatoes, or even just a few pots on the patio. Watching something grow all summer long is rewarding no matter the size of your garden. Consider a new watering can from Root & Vessel and cedar planters from Timberlane Gardens.
✅ Plan a road trip. We call shotgun!
Instead of only stopping at scenic overlooks, add a few manufacturing destinations to your route. You’ll discover factories, company stores, and iconic American brands all across the country.
>>You NEED these: 5 Made in USA Essentials for the Great American Road Trip
✅ Explore on two wheels.
Hop on your bike, and discover a new trail, ride through your community, or explore a nearby town. Sometimes the best summer adventures happen at a slower pace. If you’re in the market for a new bike, check out Guardian or Wyatt bikes. If electric is more your style, Small Town Bike Co. has what you’re looking for.
✅ Host a backyard barbecue to remember.
Fire up the grill, play some yard games, and gather friends and family.
>> Backyard bests: Spice Up Your Summer BBQ with These American-Made Backyard Games
>>Kiss the chef: It’s Barbecue Season. So Where’s Your Grill Made?
>> Keep your cool: Beat the Heat with Made in USA Coolers
✅ Spruce up your backyard or patio.
A few updates can make your backyard the place everyone wants to be this summer. Add comfortable seating, refresh your patio, or create a play area for the kids. Before long, you’ll have an outdoor space that’s just as inviting as the inside of your home.
>> Linger longer: A Guide to American-Made Patio Furniture
>> Boredom banished: Tell Your Kids to Get Their Zoomies Out on These American-Made Playsets
✅ Support an American manufacturer.
When you have the choice, look for products made in the USA. It’s an easy way to support the companies and people who continue to make things here at home.
>>More than 1,000 American makers! https://www.americanmanufacturing.org/made-in-america/
✅ Meet the people behind new-to-you and iconic American brands.
Behind every American-made product is a company with its own story. Some have been around for more than a century! Take a few minutes to learn how your favorite products are made and who’s making them.
>>Catch up on the latest episodes of The Manufacturing Report podcast. (We recommend our conversation with Opie Way if you’re looking for a place to start.)
✅ Meet the people behind new-to-you and iconic American brands.
Did you visit a factory? Discover a new American-made product? Find an incredible roadside stop? We’d love to see it! Share your favorite summer adventures with us and inspire someone else’s next trip.
>>Follow along: @americanmanufacturing on Instagram.
However you spend the rest of your summer, we hope this bucket list inspires you to try something new, support American manufacturing, and make a few memories along the way.