As much as I love living in the city, there are certain things I really miss about the rural area where I grew up. At the top of that list is probably driving with the windows down… especially on the first sunny warm day of spring. There’s something that just feels SO good about the fresh air and the thrill of cranking up the radio as you drive along (especially on the winding country back roads).

Now that I’ve fully embraced the urban lifestyle and no longer have a car, I’ve really been longing for that feeling as the weather has been warming up. I’m finding myself craving the freedom that comes with a solo drive with the windows down and music loud – it’s mind-clearing and therapeutic. You’re able to choose just the right music for your mood and there’s no one there to judge if you feel like singing at the top of your lungs or just getting in the zone in your own head.

To try and ease my longing for that feeling, I’ve been celebrating the warm weather with the songs I’d have on my ideal “Windows Down” playlist. It’s a mix of old favorites full of memories and the latest songs that I’ve been listening to on repeat and can’t get enough of. They’re meant to be played LOUD and paired with a sunny, warm day with your hair flying around in the wind and sunglasses on. They’re meant to elicit that freedom feeling; that escape. They’re meant to be shared – whether it be on a mix CD, with your best friend in the car alongside you or virtually through Spotify.

I’m heading back to New Jersey this weekend for a quick trip to see my family before spending a few days in NYC for work and driving with the windows down is right up there on my to do list with pizza & bagels. Windows down, music up… here I come.


Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Spotify via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Spotify.