It's Summer. We've faced the bitter cold of winter, passed through that awkward and wet transition called spring, and now we've finally arrived: summer has officially returned to us. It didn't take long to get here either, it doesn't seem like we should be so far into this year already, but lo and behold, here we are. With summer now officially upon us, and the natural energy of the season working itself up to high gear, now is the best time to consider one of the many excellent and exciting business opportunities perfectly suited to this time of year, the season of fun, sun, and travel.

Even before we've left the house for some summer goodness, there are great things that people like to do right in their own homes. Model trains, remote controlled cars, ships in bottles: you name it, someone likes to do it, and on a summer afternoon, there are those people who would love nothing more than to sit in the shade with a bottle of glue and a spectrum of little paints, perfecting a project. In service to these people, Hobbytown USA is the perfect retail franchise. Starting a small business by this name is the perfect way to kick of a summer of relaxation and childlike joy.

If your idea of summer fun looks less like crafts and more like a tasty treat, however, don't pass up the chance to start up your own Smoothie Factory. Still on its way up the smoothie-shop ladder, this budding franchise is the perfect way to escape the heat and make a bundle doing it. Joining good health with sweet, fruity goodness, Smoothie Factory provides a combination of low-cost, high-quality health products and tasty smoothies that are sure to draw people in and keep them coming back.

If you're craving some of that summer sun, step out of the cool shade of retail and try on a franchise business called Wheel Fun Rentals. One of the top ten hottest franchises and the perfect business for a tourist town—or anywhere that people visit to enjoy the sun and the warm summer air—this rental franchise provides virtually every kind of wheeled toy you can think of. From bikes and surreys to California chariots and electric scooters, if you can think of it, they can rent it. When the sun is out, there is nowhere people want to be more than outside, going as fast as they can.

Granted, though, not everyone wants to be out in the sun, or at least not until they've gotten rid of that pasty, white glow their skin has taken on over the winter. So what business addresses this group of people? You guessed it: the tanning industry. And there is no name in tanning that's as hot as Hollywood Tans. Built on a business model of complete simplicity for owner, employee, and client alike, Hollywood Tans is one of the widest known and most trusted tanning salons in existence, making people feel like they're right there in the California sun, regardless of where they really are.

Summer is the perfect time to do at least a little traveling, and with it also being one of the most popular times of year for people to get married, some summer travels (i.e. honeymoons) have an added emotional investment that require absolute perfection. This is right where the work-at-home franchise work from home and love travel and romance with equal intensity, this home business opportunity, specializing in finding and securing spots in the most beautiful and exotic places in the world for honeymoons and destination weddings, was made for you.

When families go on vacation however, not everyone always gets to go. Generally, Fido has to stay home all by himself, and with society's treatment of our pets constantly getting better, home is often an unsatisfactory choice. As the owner of your own franchise is for the unapologetic dog-lover who doesn't mind some rough-and-tumble play under the summer sun.

The beauty of summer is that there's something for everyone, so everyone's happy. And as long as people are out and about and happy, good business follows for the smart business owner. Try one of these great franchise opportunities, and you just might be that lucky, smart business owner yourself this summer.