With Memorial Day marking the unofficial start of the summer season, the time is upon us (weather permitting) to begin enjoying the bounties of the great outdoors.

This past weekend, the Washington Daily News published its annual Summer Fun Guide, a special section brimming with local businesses that can help weekend warriors find great adventures right here in our back yard.

Whether your idea of fun is lazing by a pool with a good book or trying to land a big catch on the Pamlico, the outdoor opportunities to be found here in Beaufort County are plentiful and varied.

Go rent a kayak or a paddleboard. If you’ve never done it before, this is a great time to try something new, and there are plenty of people who can help you learn.

Take a charter trip with one of Beaufort County’s experienced captains. Enjoy the tranquility of the Pamlico and Pungo rivers, or the thrill of the fight as you land a monster fish.

Take your kids camping at one of our local campgrounds. Expose them to the outdoors. Show them what it is like to cook over an open flame and sleep in a tent. Let them catch lightning bugs in a jar.

Take a walk around Goose Creek State Park, learning about the flora and fauna that make that place special. See how many kinds of birds you can identify. Take a camera and snap some pictures.

Let 2018 be your summer of golfing, swimming, hiking, biking and boating. Make this a summer of adventure. Instead of shying away from the crowds, try checking out some of the area’s local events and festivals. You might just make some memories in the process.

Whatever you do, get out there and do it. Step out of your comfort zone. Get hot, get sweaty and maybe even a little dirty. No one ever tells awesome stories about sitting on their couch and watching television. Rather, try something new. It will only make the story of your life all the richer.