Celebrating the Summer Solstice on the Eastern Shore

As you move into the first day of summer, take a moment to celebrate with an unforgettable solstice celebration on Maryland's Eastern Shore! With the sun at its highest point in the sky and nature at its peak abundance, now is the perfect time to pause and appreciate your local environment. From pristine white-sand beaches and picturesque patios to vibrant lighthouses beaming out across miles of rolling waters, it’s easy to find moments that will fill you with delight when exploring this stunning region. Plan a special gathering filled with memories you’ll never forget as you explore all that this incredible corner of Maryland has to offer.

Rituals for Summer Solstice: A Day of Traditions

Traditions from different parts of the world seem to center on the common threads of solstice celebrations, love and romance, a celebration of the earth ripe with items to harvest, and honoring the power of the sun. June is the most popular month for weddings and from ancient times it was seen as a blessing to get married in June. Interestingly enough, June’s full moon is called the honeymoon. This is because pagan groups made mead for their celebrations during the first month of summer.

Celebrate the Summer Solstice at Home

One of the most known rituals from various cultures is lighting a bonfire and dancing to celebrate summer solstice. The fires were lit to honor the heat and light that the sun provides, coinciding with its longest-lasting appearance in the sky. Invite friends to join in the festivities, making the celebration even more joyous and memorable. Ancient peoples found this time to be rich with energy and full of bountiful crops, so paying homage to the sun was a fitting way to celebrate the start of the season. Juno, a Roman goddess symbolizing love and marriage, lends her name to the month of June; a seemingly perfect name for a month traditionally full of weddings!

Our Sunflower Honey is a great way to celebrate summer! 

Set aside some time for yourself today 

Practice yoga out in the open air, allow the sunshine warm you as you do so (wear plenty of sunscreen!). Or, go for a quiet walk through your local park or trail, enjoying the humming of insects and wildflowers that are popping into full bloom. A favorite way of ours to celebrate is with a bonfire - there’s almost nothing more perfect than enjoying a cocktail like our amazing Summertime Sangria and the smell of woodsmoke with great company! While we don’t suggest jumping through a bonfire as the Ancient Greeks did, you can toss some fresh lavender into the fire pit and make a wish.

As you reach this time to pause and recognize the beauty of the summer season, take some time to explore the outdoors. Set a few intentions for personal growth and positive changes by writing them down and stating them daily. Whether you’re camping in the wild or sitting in a park, take in the warmth of the sun and marvel at the vibrant colors around you. Enjoy the summer breeze and use it as a reminder that every moment spent appreciating nature is a blessing. Invite family members or friends to join you in your outdoor journey - alone or together, revel in all that this special season offers! And don’t forget to shop for everything you need for some stellar summers solstice experiences; it’s never too late to get prepared and have an awesomely unforgettable time.

Here are some ideas to celebrate Summer Solstice in your own way!

The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year and the official start of summer. It's a time to bask in the sun's warm glow, revel in nature's beauty, and celebrate the abundance of the earth. Here’s how to make the most of this joyous occasion:

1. Host a Sun-Kissed Picnic

Gather your friends and loved ones for a delightful picnic. Choose an eco-friendly location—perhaps a local park or a scenic beach. Pack a basket filled with fresh, organic treats, and don't forget a cozy blanket for lounging.

What to Bring:

• Local honey, of course!

• Fresh fruits and homemade lemonade (We recommend our Blue Butterfly Pea Tea Lemonade!)

• A selection of artisanal cheeses and crackers

• Eco-friendly utensils and plates

• A portable speaker for some light, summery tunes

2. Create Flower Crowns

Celebrate the beauty of nature by making flower crowns with fresh flowers. This romantic and playful activity allows you to connect with nature and each other. Use wildflowers, herbs, and ribbons to craft your unique headpieces.

Materials Needed:

• Fresh flowers (daisies, lavender, roses)

• Floral wire and tape

• Ribbon for tying

3. Dance Around a Bonfire

As the sun sets, light a bonfire, invite friends and dance under the twilight sky. The flickering flames symbolize the sun’s energy, and dancing around it is a tradition that dates back centuries. It's a moment to feel connected to the earth and those around you.

Tips for a Safe Bonfire:

• Keep a safe distance from the fire

• Have water or a fire extinguisher nearby

• Ensure the fire is completely out before leaving

4. Indulge in a Farm-to-Table Feast

Celebrate the earth's bounty with a farm-to-table dinner. Source ingredients from local farmers’ markets and prepare a sumptuous meal that honors the season's freshest produce. Enjoy a summer solstice feast filled with some of our very own recipes that would be great for your solstice gathering! If you want to surprise your guests and their taste buds, try a charcuterie board with honey as an appetizer! Raw honeycomb straight from the hive really makes this dish special. 

Menu Ideas:

•  Bee Inspired Summer Tomato Salad

• Grilled vegetables with honey balsamic vinegar

• Homemade bumbleberry pies or a fresh apple tart with honey

5. Meditate at Sunrise

Start the day with a serene sunrise meditation. Find a quiet spot where you can watch the sun rise. This practice helps center your mind and spirit, preparing you to fully enjoy the solstice's offerings.

Meditation Steps:

• Sit comfortably and close your eyes

• Focus on your breath, inhaling positivity and exhaling negativity

• Open your eyes and take in the first light of dawn

The summer solstice is a magical time to celebrate life, nature, and the warmth of human connection. Whatever your rituals for summer solstice are, we hope that you make this beautiful holiday truly yours and these activities will help you create unforgettable memories.

The Eastern Shore Summer Solstice

On the shore, the sun rises early and sets late during the height of the Summer. Thanks to the vast open waterways, we often have an unobstructed view of the sunrises and sunsets in the northern hemisphere. When the solstice occurs, it marks the astronomical end of one season and the beginning of another. On the Summer Solstice, the day gets longer the further north you venture-somewhere in Alaska would have a 21+ hour day, while here in Maryland the sun hangs around for 15 (ish) hours). We can’t really complain though…we have less than 9 hours of daylight during the dark of Winter.

During these warm months and long days, the fields at Chesterhaven Beach Farm come alive.

Near the house, huge swaths of yarrow, mints, salivas and coneflowers start blooming in May and June. Rituals for summer solstice often include outdoor feasts, singing, dancing, and lighting bonfires to release old, dark energy, which can be beautifully complemented by the blooming flowers. This gives the bees a huge source of food, especially when combined with the acres of meadows and wooded areas all around the property. Other native flowers, like butterfly weed and coneflowers, start blooming very close to the Solstice itself. We like to think that their fiery, vibrant colors have a bit of connection to the white-hot heat of the sun.

Treat yourself to your own Summer Solstice traditions

I’m lucky enough to have a birthday that falls on the Solstice - it’s always a treat to enjoy a slice of cake and the start of my favorite season at the same time! I love how the farm really comes alive at this time - it always gives me a great feeling of renewal and adventure. Summer is a period of intense growth and change, so it’s right back to work in the apiary when the cake is all gone ;) 

As the days become longer and the sun shines brighter, take advantage of this beautiful summer season and soak in all of its beauty. Enjoy nature’s wonders, treat yourself to yummy treats, have fun with your loved ones while celebrating in whatever way feels best for you, perhaps by creating your own solstice ritual. Consider hosting a summer solstice feast to celebrate the abundant Midsummer harvest with fresh, seasonal foods. Summer solstice is a time for us to reflect on the promise of new beginnings, so find something that speaks to you and embrace it fully. Whether you venture outdoors or stay put inside — either way make sure that you are gifting yourself with moments to enjoy some much-deserved peace and respite. So what are you waiting for? Shop now, get ready for summer and bask in its amazing sunshine!