Don’t you love this time of year? Everything is that perfect shade of green and it’s still possible to spend time outdoors without getting too hot. The weather and scenery feels just right. To make the most of this time of year, we’ve put together a list of the 7 things you must do this spring.
Take a walk.
Before we know it, it will be hot and humid well into the night, so take advantage of the beautiful weather we have in the evenings. Take a stroll through your neighborhood and soak in the new leaves on the trees, chirping birds and fresh, green grass. Invite a friend. You’ll both get some exercise and a little fresh air.
Have a picnic dinner.
Who said picnics were only for lunch? Change it up and have a picnic for dinner! Have fun with it and include all your favorite picnic staples. Pack sandwiches, fresh fruit, cheese and crackers and fresh veggies with hummus. Not only will get to enjoy the nice weather, dinner will be a breeze!
Go to a Farmers Market.
A Farmers Market is a great place to spend the afternoon in spring and there are several in the area. One of the more popular markets is the Union Street Farmers Market. It takes place every Wednesday in downtown Gainesville. Filled with homegrown veggies, organic products, live entertainment and a play area for children, this is one stop you won’t want to miss.
Start an herb garden.
With all the fresh, delicious produce you got from the Farmer’s Market, you’re going to need some herbs to season them with. Why not grow your own? Start slow and just pick 2 or 3 of your favorite herbs. Need some inspiration? Try basil. It goes great with tomato dishes and in salad dressings. Also consider growing mint. You can add it to carbonated water for a little zing.
Freshen up the patio.
Since you’ll be spending more time outside, take a moment to do some spring cleaning for your patio. In addition to a little “dusting off”, freshen up the space for the new season. Paint a garden pot and plant your favorite flower in it. Pick out a pretty, new watering can to display on your patio table or simply add a couple of bright pillows to your patio chairs. Just a few simple touches and your patio will be bar-b-que ready.
Go berry pickin.
There are several u-pick farms around Gainesville and this time of year they are bursting with delicious sweet berries that need to be picked. Both strawberries and blueberries are plentiful this time of year and kids love to pick them! Grab your pails and head to one of these u-pick farms. When you get home, make smoothies with your fresh fruit.
Plan your summer activities.
No offense spring, but summer is right around the corner. Summer camps and other activities will fill up quickly and now is the time to do some planning. Check out a fun summer camp like Gainesville Sports Camp so your kids can stay active while having fun. Also keep in mind places like Ginnie Springs and Weeki Wachee get busy fast, so start looking at the calendar now. Planning ahead will make sure you go on a weekend that is *less* busy or that you get there early enough that you don’t get stuck in traffic or lines for entry.
