The sun is shining, the snow is melting, the air is getting warmer, and the world is transitioning from a dull place to one filled with happiness and sunshine. That can only mean one thing; spring is here! For most people spring means a fresh start, a chance to get outdoors, and a chance to rejuvenate. In order for everyone in Long Valley to get the most out of spring this year, here is the ultimate countdown to some must-do spring activities in LV.
Top Five Activities To Do This Spring:
5.Spring Cleaning
Throughout most of the year, cleaning isn’t everyone’s favorite activity to partake in. However, the sense of rejuvenation that comes with spring makes even those who despise dusting, vacuuming, and polishing want to freshen up their home.
According to Cleveland Clinics, spring cleaning can leave you feeling destressed, at peace, focused, accomplished, and it gives you a chance to get some exercise in. So not only will you have a sparkling clean home to enjoy, but you will also feel like the best version of yourself.
The Cleveland Clinic has some suggestions that will make spring cleaning feel a lot less daunting:
- Do the biggest task first. This way you will be able to see some evident progress.
- Don’t compare your house to others. Not everyone’s house will reach the same state of cleanliness.
- Don’t try to get everything done at once. If you try to get everything done in one day, spring cleaning will feel a lot more daunting and a lot less enjoyable.
I suggest starting with the task you are dreading the most. That way you can get it out of the way and the rest is easy.
4.Go on a walk or bike ride
This one’s simple but a must. After staring at the lifeless trees and dreary sky, you can’t pass up walking around on a nice sunny day especially after spending all of winter outdoors.
If you spent most of your winter outdoors, that also probably means you weren’t getting much exercise. According to NIFS for Fitness, going on a walk is a great way to burn off some of those winter calories.
For those who did try to keep on exercising indoors by going on the treadmill or going to the gym, staying indoors most likely got pretty boring after a while. However, the thought of going out in the cold kept people eager to stay warm indoors. Now that the weather is warmer, it’s a great idea to take your exercise outside.
Going on a walk or bike ride will also mean less time staring at a screen and more time enjoying the sunny sky, green grass, blooming flowers, and refreshing wind on your face.
“I like taking walks, for sure. It’s nice to take a walk because it’s nice weather, it’s good physical activity, and it’s just a nice way to enjoy nature,” said WMC freshman Brenna Hussion.
You don’t have to walk alone either. Taking a walk with your family or friends is a great way to connect and get your steps in.
You can either enjoy the scenery in your neighborhood or if you’re looking for somewhere new, you can go on the Columbia Trail and stop for a snack at the Coffee Potter afterwards.
3.Go to the Coffee Potter
It can be argued that the Coffee Potter is perfect for anytime of year. In the winter it’s nice to bundle up inside and in the summer, fall, and spring it’s the perfect place to grab a snack and then sit out by the river.
It’s a calm and peaceful place to chat with friends and catch up on life.
An added bonus is that the food is great. “The Coffee Potter is just great, the food and everything,” said freshman Isabella Cryan.
If you’re looking for a cooling drink as the weather gets warmer I highly recommend a mango peach smoothie with whip cream.
2.Spend time outside
Spending time outside doesn’t have to mean taking a walk or driving to the Coffee Potter. Long Valley is such a beautiful place and most people have backyards bursting with spring, nice weather, and fun activities.
Hushion said that she enjoys a variety of springtime activities that take place in her own backyard, “Probably going on my trampoline, walking with my brother, hanging outside with my friends and playing sports with my friends,” said Hushion.
Among all these activities, there’s still more to be added! You can plant a garden, do some spring landscaping, play with a pet, or just sit outside with a book and enjoy the nice weather.
If you want to venture outside your backyard, join a sports team. Cryan plans on trying something new and joining Unified flag football. “I played basketball so I know all the people and the environment’s just really nice, and like hanging out with friends that I made last season,” said Cryan.
According to Serene Health, spending time outdoors will increase your Vitamin D intake, reduce stress, and help you sleep better. Not only will you be having fun and making memories, but you will also be living a more healthy lifestyle.
1.Drive down Schooleys Mountain
This probably isn’t what you were expecting as the number one must thing to do in Long Valley during the spring. However, there’s nothing like driving down Schooleys Mountain when the flowers are blooming and the trees are turning green.
It’s like being transported to a magical place bursting with life. Over the past few years this is the activity that I look forward to the most. Looking at all the trees exploding with life and color, something that there isn’t much of in the winter is an experience like no other.
I highly recommend paying attention to the change in nature as spring goes on. Before you know it the trees will be green and you’ll experience the magic for yourself.
Spring is magical. There’s no other way to put it. The people of Long Valley are all so fortunate to live in such a beautiful place where they can make the most of spring and all it has to offer. It may take a while for the snow to melt and the trees to turn green, but it’s worth the wait, and the activities above will help to make sure that the people in LV will get the most out of spring.
