There’s something magical about cottage life. Maybe it’s the way time slows down, the way your to-do list shrinks to whatever feels good in the moment, or the way the Wi-Fi mysteriously stops working when your boss tries to call (weird how that happens, right?).

If you’re lucky enough to be at the cottage, you know that life operates on a completely different set of rules. Some things that would seem odd anywhere else just make sense at the lake. Let’s break down five of the most cottage-core hobbies that are absolutely worth your time—because the whole point of being here is to enjoy the simple things.

1. Dangling Your Feet in the Water for Hours While You Daydream

Not every hobby requires skill, people. Sometimes, the best way to pass the time is by plopping yourself on the dock, dipping your feet into the water, and watching the minnows do their thing. This is where the best life decisions are made. Should you have a second coffee? (Yes.) Should you make another batch of homemade s’mores bars? (Absolutely.) Should you go for a swim? (Meh, maybe later.)

This is deep thinking at its finest. And by deep, I mean as deep as the water under your dock.

2. Sitting with a Peanut in Your Hand Until a Chipmunk Eats from It

This is the closest most of us will ever get to being a Disney princess. Cottage life turns even the least patient among us into dedicated wildlife whisperers. And while feeding wildlife is usually frowned upon, one peanut in the palm of your hand while sitting perfectly still on the porch doesn’t count, right?

Chipmunks, blue jays, and maybe even that squirrel with an attitude problem will soon learn that you’re the ultimate snack dealer. Just don’t get too cocky—these little guys will absolutely scam you out of your entire stash if you let them.

3. Floating in the Lake with a Pool Noodle and an Ice-Cold Beverage

There is an art to this. You need just the right pool noodle positioning—one looped under your arms and another under your knees is chef’s kiss perfection. Bonus points if you’ve mastered the one-hand beverage hold, keeping your drink perfectly upright no matter how much the lake sways.

Pair this with a spicy Caesar, a cold beer, or a homemade lemonade (find a killer recipe in my Cottage Essentials Cookbook, coming this April!), and congratulations—you’ve just unlocked peak relaxation mode.

4. Watching the Hummingbirds Come to the Feeder for Hours

If you’ve never become deeply emotionally invested in the hummingbird hierarchy at the feeder, are you even at the cottage? These tiny birds are ruthless. You think you’re just putting out some sugar water to help them out? Nope. You’ve just created an aerial battlefield where territorial disputes play out at lightning speed.

Honestly, watching hummingbirds beef is more entertaining than half the shows on Netflix.

5. Playing 30-Year-Old Board Games for Nostalgia’s Sake

Nothing hits harder than pulling out an old Monopoly, Scrabble, or Trivial Pursuit set that’s older than you. Sure, some of the pop culture references are from the 80s, and yes, the rulebook is long gone (house rules, baby!), but that’s part of the charm.

Just remember:

• Monopoly always ends in a family feud.
• Someone will insist they “don’t need a dictionary” for Scrabble (spoiler: they do).
• Trivial Pursuit is 75% arguing about whether or not the answers are outdated.

And yet, every time you go to the cottage, these games come out anyway. Because nostalgia, my friends. It’s a powerful thing.

Cottage Life is About the Simple Things

At the end of the day, cottage life is all about slowing down, making memories, and soaking up the moments that make it all worthwhile—whether that’s floating in the lake with a drink in hand, watching a chipmunk snatch a peanut from your palm, or laughing until you cry over a heated board game debate.

And hey, if all that relaxing has you feeling peckish, I’ve got you covered. My Cottage Essentials Cookbook (coming this April!) is packed with easy, delicious recipes made for lake life—because good food and great vibes belong at the cottage.

Now, go grab a drink, dip your toes in the water, and enjoy the magic of cottage life. You’ve earned it.