There’s something special about the sunshine in August.

After the syrupy, sweltering days of July and the thick rains of June, the last full month of summer rolls in as a welcome relief. I’ve always found that the rich, autumnal sun gives me a boost of Vitamin D and serotonin, making me feel stronger and happier when outdoors. (Is this based on science or a kind of placebo effect? I don’t know, and I don’t want to know.) Sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, and cantaloupe are in high season, ready to be picked and gorged on at outdoor cookouts. The coastline waters become less frigid, ideal conditions for dips at the beach.

Some would have you believe that August is actually the worst month of the year. They’re wrong, but what’s undeniable is that the perks of the month are too often missed because Americans are stuck working. August is the ideal month to forget about work, get outside, and take a vacation.